GIFT OF Professor A, J« Cook Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/dictionaryofenglOOkwanrich Ci^. c/. . / S^-f^ / / • ^'i% Ml ^^u/^£id^ ^1?^ d-Mu/ M T / '//''^r-U^d -/^/^M-; L: DICTIONARY O F ENGLISH PHEASES >*^ OP THE X 'UlTIVBRSIT ILLUSTRATIVE S E IsT T EN C E S WITH TO WHICH ARE ADDED SO^ME ENGLISH PROVERBS, AND A SELECTION OF CHINESE PROVERBS AND MAXIMS; A FEW QUOTATIONS, WORDS, AND PHRASES, FROM THE LATIN AND FRENCH LANGUAGES; A CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF THE CHINESE DY- NASTIES, HARMONIZED WITH THE CHRONOLOGY OF WESTERN NATIONS AND ACCOMPANIED WITH AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE RISE AND [E DIFFERENT DYNASTIES; AND SHORT B] SKETCHES OF CONFUCIUS AND OF JESUS. BY KWONG KI CHIU. LATE A MEMBER OF THE CHINESE EDUCATIONAL MISSION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND COMPILER OF AN ENGLISH AND CHINESE DICTIONARY. A. S. BARl^ES & CO., , NEW YORK; CHICAGO; SAN FRANCISCO. ! SAMPSON LOW, MAESTON & CO., London. LANE, CRAWFORD i^^<^^oC^ Cet^^i^A^ ^^^Ay>..st.^^^^^ oi^la^cC^ TESTIMONIALS. Ki C^ ^f-c^Jt^^ £jCX'vL\ ^ Vhiversity)) z;;^ a/ a $> • ^2^^ ^ /CcAj-xTLAjcp^ /Cx^ CypCi^ VI TESTIMONIALS. FBOU: HON". HENEY BABNARD, L L. I>^ FORMERLY STIPERrSTENDENT OP COMMON SCHOOLS m COITNIBC- XIOUT, CHANCELLOR OP THE UNIVERSITY OP .WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OP Jj EDUCATION AND EDITOR OP THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OP EDUCATION. ^ youuiu^ a/yicC cU^l^iyrtyrru/yutJ^^ OAe yZt/t^^ ^^^PtoLC^ oft/^&y€'4^ :6 ^^ocoy^ TESTIMONIALS. ix )M D. C. GUZMAN, LL.D., PRESIDENT OF JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, BALTIMORE, MD. X TESTIMONIALS. TKOM ALBERT S. COOK, ASSOCIATE PKOrESSOR OF ENGLISH, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVEBSITT, BALTIMORE, MD. JOHNS HOPKINIS UmVEKSITY, BALTIMORE, MD. TESTIMONIALS. XI y4/yi^ ^yC^^:p->^ yi^ '^r'lycocj ^ Xll TESTIMONIALS. FROM THOS. R. PYNCHON, D. D., L L, D., PRESIDENT OF TRINITY COLLEGE, HARTFORD, CONN. Trinity College, December 13, 1880. My dear Sir ; Your compendium of English Phrases seems to me to be very complete and to be deserving of the highest praise. It can not fail to be a very useful work, and I hope it will meet with the success which it so richly merits. With respect, I am very truly yours, Thos. R. Pynchox. Mr. Kwong Ki Chiu, Sumner Street. FROM HON. J. HAMMOND TRUMBULL, L L. T>. Hartford, Dec. 20, 1880. My dear Sir ; Having known something of the plan and purpose of your work, I have looked with interest to its completion. The task you had undertaken was no easy one, even for an English or American scholar. I am not less surprised than pleased to see how successfully it has been accomplished by one of foreign birth and language. Your book can not fail to be very useful to Europeans, as well as to those of your own nation, who are studying English : and hardly less useful to American students, by directing attention to peculiarities of speech which our grammars and dictionaries leave unexplained. With congratulations on your success. Yours truly, J. Hammond Trumbull. Mr. Kwong Ki Chiu. FROM CHARLES DUDLEY WARNER, OF THE "HARTFORD COURANT," AUTHOR OF " MY WINTER ON THE NILE," "my SUMMER IN A GARDEN," AND OTHER WORKS. Hartford, Dec. 23, 1880. Dear Mr. Kwong ; The plan of your collection and explanation of English Phrases is novel and ingenious, and the more I examine the book, the better I am pleased with its execution. You have not only hit upon one of the chief obstacles to a foreigner in learning English, and smoothed the path somewhat for your successors; but you have done not a little to reveal to us the character of our language. For un- til one's attention is specially drawn to it, he has little idea how far our common speech has become figurative and metaphorical. This result of your patient schol- arship must be a great service to foreigners learning our language, and you may also be sure that while serving your own countrymen, you have made us your debtors. Yours sincerely, Chas. Dudley Warner. Mr. Kwong Ki Chiu. TESTIMONIALS. XIU FROM THOS. R. LOUNSBURY, PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH IN THE SHEFFIELD SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL, YALE COLLEGE. New Haven, Dec. 27, 1880. Dear Sir; I have looked over with great interest the proof-sheets of the collection you have made of the idiomatic and colloquial phrases of the English language ; and have been particularly impressed, not only with the fullness of the collection^ but so far as I have had leisure to examine, with the perfect accuracy of the defi- nitions. It will be an invaluable acquisition to those who are seeking to master our speech ; it will likewise pretty certainly give a good deal of needed informa- tion to those of us who fancy that they have already mastered it. The only ad- verse criticism I could make, is one that does not touch at all the essential merits or the execution of the work. The division between idiomatic phrases, on the one hand, and colloquiaUsms, including slang and cant phrases, on the other, seems to me too vague and uncertain for any man to make to the satisfaction of all, or perhaps to the thorough satisfaction of any one besides himself. A part, for in- stance, of what is here included under colloquialisms or slang, I should class under idiomatic phrases, to be used without hesitation in the best writing. Still, so long as the phrases are there and are correctly explained, it matters little under what heading they are placed ; and the work is creditable, in the fullest sense, to the industry, the accuracy, and the learning of the compiler. Very truly yours, T. R. Lounsbury. Mr. Kwong Ki Chiu. FROM HON. B. G. NORTHROP, L L. D., SECRETARY OF BOARD OF EDUCATION, CONN. Hartford, Jan. 5, 1881. The plan of Mr. Kwong's work on English idioms, phrases, and proverbs is I unique. The work is the more practical and valuable because it grew out of his I own experience. It evinces much research and genuine Chinese perseverance. By mastering the idioms and other difficulties of our language, without such aid, he has learned well how to facilitate the kindred work, not only of other Chinese I students, but of all foreigners who are learning this tongue, which is at once the richest, most copious, most widely spoken and now by far the most generally stud- ied of all European languages. This work will prove useful to English-speaking students in mastering the difficulties of their own language. It is a remarkable fact that this valuable service should be rendered by a foreigner. B. G. Northrop. Xiv TESTIMONIALS. FROM W. D. WHITNEY, PH. D., L L. D., PROFESSOR OF SANSKRIT AND COMPARATIVE PHILOLOGY, AND INSTRUCTOR IN MODERN LANGUAGES, YALE COLLEGE. New Haven, Jan. 10, 1881. Dear Sir; As requested by you, I have made a brief examination of your " Dic- tionary of Phrases," and find it an interesting collection of English idioms, with serviceable explanations. It will doubtless be found valuable by many, and enter- taining by all who shall read it. With good wishes for the commercial success also of your undertaking, I am Yours respectfully, W. D, Whitney. Mr. Kwong Ki Chiu. FROM DR. WM. H. BROWNE, ASSOCIATE AND LIBRARIAN, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, BALTIMORE, MD. I have glanced only very hastily through a part of Mr. Kwong Ki Chin's book, but even that slight examination showed that it is a work of great care and dili- gence, and brings together a surprising collection of English idioms and colloquial- isms, as well as phrases which we do not look upon as idioms, though they may very well seem idiomatic to a foreigner. i I have no doubt that it will be a useful manual, especially for foreign students ; while to us English speakers it presents an outside view of the language at once interesting and instructive. Wm. Hand Browne. Jan. 12, 1881. FROM HON. J. W. DICKINSON, SECRETARY OF BOARD OF EDUCATION, MASS. State House, Boston, Jan. 15, 1881. My dear Sir ; I have given some attention, to your collection of English idioms and Slang phrases, and to your explanation of them. These forms are allowed to en- ter so largely into the language employed in expressing our ideas of common things and common aflfairs of life, that your explanation of their meaning will be of great service to all who wish to use good English. I am truly yours, J. W. Dickinson. Mr. Kwong Ki Chiu. In presenting this book to the English-speaking public, it seems desirable to explain how the author has been led to offer to people of another race and lan- guage a work whose aim is to illustrate the use of the phrases of their language. In 1868 he compiled an English and Chinese Lexicon, which was revised in 1875, with the addition of a few hundred English phrases. These phrases were not de- fined, nor was their use illustrated to any considerable extent. The author found in his own study of the English language the need of such help as would be fur- nished by a work which should give the English phrases, with definitions and illus- trative sentences. The dictionaries, Webster's Unabridged, Worcester's, and La- tham's edition of Johnson's, furnish some aid in this department, but they make no special treatment of it, and their illustrations are necessarily brief, and compar- atively few in number. Feeling this need and finding no work that met it, the author decided to make a separate work on English phrases for the use of the Chi- nese student. He has accordingly prepared a book containing about 6,000 phrases, with definitions and illustrations in appropriate sentences. In the preface to it the character of the work is explained. And although that work is not yet published, yet as it preceded this in the original plan and in the composition, it will not be altogether inappropriate to re- peat here some statements which are made in the preface to that book. "The author was commissioned in 1875 as a member of the Chinese Educa- tional Commission, in Hartford, Connecticut. During his residence of five years in the United States he spent much time in the preparation of this work. In the collection and illustration of the phrases by appropriate sentences, he had the as- sistance of Moses C. Welcli, A. m., and the Rev. C. S. Sylvester. The plan adopted, because it seemed most likely to be of service to the student, has been to define each phrase, and also to show how the phrase is used by giving one or more sentences containing it. In these sentences the aim has been to give exam- ples of the way in which the phrase is commonly used. Another sentence follows substantially equivalent to this, in which the definition of the phrase is used. The phrase is defined as in Webster or other standard authority. And in the absence of such authority, such definition is given as seems most accurately to describe its use. These phrases are not in equally familiar use. Their comparative frequency is indicated by letters in marks of parenthesis. Those that are most familiar are XVI PKEFACE. 4 marked ( a- ) ; those less commonly used ( l> ) ; and those that are more or less rare ( c ). This classification must however be regarded as only an approxima- tion to the absolute fact, since different judges might differ about the comparative frequency of the use of some, or perhaps many of the phrases. It should also be said with regard to the classification into idioms, Colloqui- alisms, and siangr, that good judges differ as to the class to which some of the expressions should be assigned. Thus for example, Tit for tat, Bore, (a trouble- some friend or acquaintance). Cut capers, Cut a dash or fig^ure. Cut under, (un- dersell,) and Cut out, (supersede,) are given in Webster as expressions in good standing, without any mark of depreciation ; but they are all to be found in the Dictionary of Modern Slang. Webster also marks as colloquial. Half seas over. Up to snuff. Carry on. Post up, and the words Crack, Cram, Crony, which the same authority tells us are slang expressions. This list might be greatly extended. This difterence is partly owing to the greater indulgence which is given to questionable expressions in some quarters than in others, and partly to the tendency of the lower class of expressions to crowd themselves up into the next higher set of phrases. This book contains also a list of Proverbs and proverbial expressions in use amono- English-speaking people. A few Chinese Proverbs and Maxims are added. They are inserted in this volume as interesting specimens of Chinese literature and wisdom. The Chinese distinguish between proverbs and maxims thus : the pro- verb is colloquial, and the maxim is literary. The ground of this distinction is that the "literary [written] language" and the colloquial language are different. The maxim is found in the " literary language" and is quoted by the Chinese in their writings. The proverb is in the colloquial language and is quoted in con- versation. In addition the author gives a chronological list of Chinese dynasties from the beginning, harmonized with the chronology of Christian nations, with some ac- count of the rise and fall of the successive dynasties down to the present time. Many of the phrases with their definitions have been taken from Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, (the leading American dictionary) published by Messrs. G. & C. Merriam of Springfield, Mass., by arrangement between the publishers and author. Use has also been made of Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases ; The Slang Dictionary, London, 1873 ; Bartlett's Americanisms; Dr. Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ; and the Handbook of Proverbs in Bohn's Antiquarian Library. Many phrases have been taken from English and American newspapers and other publications. In preparing the supplement, phrases and a few definitions have been taken from Worcester's Dictionary, a standard work, and from Latham's edition of John- son's Dictionary, also noted, and many other sources. Frequent reference has been made to Bouvier's Law Dictionary (standard), and some definitions and illus- trations of law phrases are in the exact words of this author. Medbery's Men and Mysteries of Wall Street, (1870), has been used in the preparation of the list of Stocik Exchange Phrases. For this use of these various works, the author is in- debted to the ready and courteous consent of their authors and publishers. The book closes with sketches of the lives of Confucius, the Chinese moralist. PREFACE. XVll and Jesus5, the founder of Christianity. The paramount influence of Confucius on the literary and moral culture of China is a sufficient reason for introducing into this book a brief sketch of this philosopher. And it is well for the Chinese stu- dent of the English language to learn something about the author of that religion, whose sacred scriptures, found in the Bible, are a chief source of what is strong and beautiful and good in the English language and literature." There is no work in English which treats phrases in the way they are treated in this book. The dictionaries illustrate the use of some phrases by adding a sen- tence or part of a sentence concerning the phrase. But the dictionaries necessarily give such illustrations as briefly as possible. In this book the illustrations are full, and in addition the illustration itself is explained, so that the student has a double interpretation of the phrase. The phrases are gathered from all sources, and cover a wider range of intel- lectual and social life than any individual experience embraces. But students and all who read are constantly meeting with them, and all hear many of them in con- versation. And there is no so easy way to learn the peculiar meaning of them as the use of such a book as this. This English work has been printed without change from the plates prepared for the English and Chinese Dictionary of Phrases. This will account for some peculiarities of the work, which were esteemed suitable to the original aim of the book, and which will not, it is hoped, be regarded as blemishes in a work which is put forth for the use of English-speaking youth in the study of their own language. For the very young student, the introduction of the most common phrases, the repetitiousness of much that is written, and the taking of so many illustrations from the most familiar spheres of life and thought, may be as appropriate, as these features were conceived to be in the work which was designed for the Chinese stu- dent. The author trusts he will not be accused of presumption in presenting this work to those whose language he still professes himself to be a student of, in its very threshold. For he had no thought, in the beginning, of any thing more than helping his countrymen, who now and hereafter may wish to become acquainted with a language confessedly difficult to acquire. But having compiled a work which may be serviceable to English students, he will take pleasure in considering any such possible service as a small but grateful tribute to a people who offer to the Chinese student such a valuable acquisition as their language. Hartford, Conn., December 24, 1880. INTRODUCTION TO IDIOMATIC PHRASES. It is mainly "with one particular department of idiom, that this list of phrases has to do. It is not .with idiom, in the sense of dialect or language, or with idiom as denoting the particular cast of a language, its general rules of construction, that we are now concerned, but with "that class of linguistic anomalies" (to use the words of G. P. Marsh) " which teachers and dictionaries call phrases, those verb- al combinations, the purport of which is wholly conventional, and can not be gathered from the meaning of the several members that compose them." These phrases are not the production of a single writer, or of a whole school of writers. They are the product of the English-speaking race, and have been coined by the genius of the people. They have been formed to express new relations or new ideas; and this has been done with the existing vocabulary and sometimes with existing phrases, by stamping a new meaning on them, to make thera meet the new necessity. As new relations have arisen, and new thoughts have come into being, the necessit)'' has led somebody, sometimes the learned man, sometimes the unlearned, to give expression to these new requirements, not by originating new words, but by taking the words at hand, and so combining them as to make them express the new idea. And as a result we have a set of expres- sions which show the imagination and the native power of the mind, reveal the character of the people, and give the language its peculiar force and beauty. Neither are they the product of any one time or period. Naturally many date back to the early periods of the growth of the language, because these early peri- ods are the creative periods in the history of a people. But the process of form- ing these phrases is continually going on, in proportion to the formation of new ideas, or the occurrence of new relations. Most of these phrases are figurative. They express a thought or an act by words which, taken in their literal sense, denote some physical action. Or they sometimes express one physical action by a word or phrase which, in the primary meaning, signifies another physical action. In both of these cases, the language of the idio- matic phrase is pictorial. It represents one thing by the picture or image of another. This may be illustrated by one or two phrases. The meaning of the idiomatic (xviii) INTRODUCTION TO IDIOMATIC PHRASES. XIX [ phrase, to kill time, can not be learned from the literal meaning of the words. ' We can not speak of putting to death the impersonal and incorporeal thing, which ' we call time. But the mind of the English-speaking race has taken these words, and by its imagination and its moral power combined, has expressed its sense of ! the faultiness of certain ways of spending time, by saying that they serve to kill ^time. And in this way a certain mental conception is represented under the im- age or picture of the physical act of killing. In like manner, to give ear, in the literal sense, would mean something which requires no expression, since no such thing ever takes place. But the ear has been made to stand for the office or use r which the ear was organized to serve, and the phrase, to give ear, has been coined to express the idea of listening or giving one's attention. Now in writing, it is no merit to multiply and heap up these phrases. One's style may be injured either by an excessive, or by an unnatural use of them. There is no literary merit at all in using them, except as they come in, in suitable con- I nection, as the mind's natural and easy way of giving expression to its thoughts and feehngs. And this is the case, only where the mind, acquainted with the best literature of the language, and fully inforaied about a particular subject, knows . what to say, and how to say it. The mind must be full, in order to say any thing to the purpose. And it must be familiar with the best authors, to be able to say it with good effect. ABBREVIATIONS AND SIGNS USED IN THIS WORK. A. D. stands for Am. u ii Amer. Hist. ii Anat. u a Arch. u a Ass. ii a Astron ii ii B.C. a ii Bro. a a Carp. Chem. a ii Colloq. Co. ii a a a Com. a a Conn. ii ii Dr. ii a Eng. ii a Fr. ii ii Gen. a a Gram. a ii It. ii a Lat. a a Leg. « Lt., Lieut. a a Lon. and China Tel. a ii Man. a ii Matt, stands for Mech. " " Med. " " Metaph. " " Mil. " " Mos. " " Anno Domini. American. American History Anatomy. Architecture. Association. Astronomy. Before Christ. Brother. Carpentry. Chemistry. Colloquial. Company. Commerce. Connecticut. Doctor. England. French. General. Grammar. Italian. Latin. Legislation. Lieutenant. London and China Telegraph. Manege (Horse- manship). Matthew (Bihle).^ Mechanics. Medicine. Metaphysics. Military. Months. Nat. Hist. st's. for]S"atural History. ISTaut. " " Nautical. Pet. " " VQiQY {Bible). Ps. " " V^2lm?> {Bible). Print. " " Printing. Rom. Cath. " Roman Catholic. Scrip. " " Scripture. Stock Ex." " Stock Exchange. Surg. " " Surgery. Tenn. " " Tennessee. Theol. " " Theology. Tim. " " Timothy {Bibk). U. S. " " United States. Ys. " " Versus. Western coun- European and tries American coun tries. Western nations European and American na- tions. Yrs. stands for years. The sign = after a phrase, indi cates that the definition follows and after an illustrative sentence indicates that the following sen tence is explanatory, and substan tially equivalent. The dash — after a phrase, indi cates its explanation or applica tion, rather than a strict defini tion of it. (XX) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. A. • A bone of contention = A subject of contention or dispute, (b) The boundary line between those two neighbors has been a bone of contention for some time = The boundary line between those two neighbors has been a subject of dispute for some time. About to, to be=:To be on the point of; to be rea- dy to ; to be in act of. (a) As the merchant was about to go to New York, to. purchase goods, he received a telegram announcing the deatli of his mother = As the merchant was on the point of going to New York to purchase goods, he received a telegram announcing the death of his mother. The grocer's son is about to be married = The mar- riage of the grocer's son is near. Above-board = Fairly ; honorably; without trick or concealment, {b) He did not act above-board— lie did not act fairly and openly. In carrying on business the two< men were fair and above-board =ln carrying on busi- ness, the two men acted fairly and honorably. Above par = Above the nominal value, (a) ^tna stock is above par to-day =r^tna stock is above the nominal value to-day. Exchange on Lon- don was above par in New York, yesterday = Ex- change was in favor of New York, yesterday. Above work, to be, or to feel = To be uuAvilling to work, because of pride or false delicacy, (a) He who feels above work, has a mistaken idea of true nobility = He, who is unwilling to work because of pride, has a mistaken idea of true nobility. Ab§ent-minded=: Inattentive to what is passing; having the thoughts away from the present subject or scenes, (a) 2 IDIOMATIC PHKASES. One of the students was very absent-minded^ dur- ing the historical lecture =: During the historical lec- ture, one of the students had his thoughts far away from the subject, and from what was passing. According^ to = In accordance with; in a manner according with, (a) Make it according to the pattern = Make it like the pattern. A woman should dress according to her position = A woman should dress in a way fit for her position. Live according to your income = Live as your income enables you to. Accord with, to = To agree with ; to suit, (a) The miser's style of living does not accord ivith his means = The miser's style of living does not agree with his means. Acquiesced in (in a passive sense) = Complied with ; submitted to without opposition, (a) The proposition of the surgeon to establish a spe- cial ward for the small-pox cases, was acquiesced in^ by the trustees of the hospital = The proposition of the surgeon to establish a special ward for the small- pox cases, was complied with by the trustees of the hospital. Act up to, to = To equal in action; to fulfill, (a) Is Turkey acting up to the engagements which she made in the treaty of Berlin ? = Is Turkey fulfilling the engagements which she made in the treaty of Berlin ? Add fuel to the flame, to=rTo increase the exist- ing excitement or interest, (b) The shooting of the working-men's candidate for mayor, only added fuel to the flame = Th.e shooting of the working-men's candidate for mayor, only served to increase the political excitement. Addicted to == Devoted, habituated, or given, to. (a) Although so young, he is already addicted to evil courses = Although he is so young, he has already become habituated to vicious practices. A dead lock = A stoppage ; a hindering of further progress, (a) The House of Representatives has come to a dead lock on the army bill = The House of Representa- tives has come to a point, where further progress with the army bill is hindered. Admit of exception§, to = Not to be inflexibly uni- form or binding, (a) The rule of the City hotel that boarders must pay in advance, admits of exceptions — The rule of the City hotel that boarders must pay in advance, is not inflexibly binding. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 3 A draiirn battle = A battle in which neither party gains the victory, (b) The battle of Edgehill between the royalists and the parliamentary forces, is said by some writers, to have been a draivn haitk—ln the battle at Edgehill, neither party, according to some, gained the victory. Afford it, to=:To expend with profit, or without loss, (a) I can not afford to buy a carriage = I am too poor to buy a carriage. I will buy it when I can afford it=:l will buy it when I have money enough. Afore the mast = A phrase applied to a common sailor, who holds no office on the ship, (h) The widow's only son has gone to sea afore the mast— The. widow's only son has gone to sea as a common sailor. After one'§ heart, to be = To be just what the per- son desires or appreciates, (a) " The Crown Princess is, in respect to economy, a child after her mother^ s own Aear^" = The Crown Princess, in economy, does precisely what her mother wishes to see done. Age of man =z The period beginning with man's ap- pearance on the earth ; . the era of the human race. {a) Geology shows that fishes and reptiles existed be- fore the age of man = Geology shows the existence of fishes and reptiles on the earth, before the era of the human race. A good turner An occasional or incidental act of kindness ; an opportune favor, (c) My friend did me a good turn, in recommending my son for the position of clerk in the wholesale store := My friend conferred an opportune favor on me, by recommending my son for the position of clerk in the wholesale store. Agree to, to = To yield assent, (a) I offered him $1,000 a year to do the work, and he agreed to the ofier=I offered him $1,000 a year, and- he yielded assent to the offer. Agree -with, to=:l.To suit, or be adapted in its effects, (a) 2. To come to terms ; to make a stipu- lation, by way of settling differences, or determin- ing a price, (a) 3. To resemble, (b) 1. Cofiee does not agree with some persons = Cof- fee is not adapted to some persons. 1. The same food does not agree luith eveiy constitution = The same food does not suit every constitution. 3. Di you not agree with me, to work for $1.00 a day?=. Did you not make a stipulation with me, to work :(,qJs ^y m t^' 4 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. $1.00 a day? 3. The picture does not agree wiili tlie originals The picture does not resemble the original. A kind of = Something belonging to the class of; Something like to ; (said loosely or slightingly), (a) He is ambitious of literary distinction, but his writings are a hind of school-girl performance = He is ambitious of literary distinction, but his writings belong to the class of school-girl compositions. Alive to, to toe = To have susceptibility ; or, to be easily impressed, (a) He is thoroughly alive to your wants == He is much interested in attending to your wants. I am keenly alive to your sufferings = I am much impressed and sympathize witli your sufferings. Every citizen ought to be alive to the importance of having good public schools = Every citizen ought to feel the im- portance of having good schools. All agog = Highly excited by eagerness after an ob- ject, (c) The j)eople were all agog to hear the news about the riot = The people were all excited to hear the news about the riot. The school-children were all agog to have a sleigh-ride = The school-children were very eager and anxious to have a sleigh-ride. All along = The whole way, distance, or length, (a) As we rode up the mountain we saw beautiful flowers all along — A.^ we rode up the mountain we saw beautiful flowers throughout the whole way. All at once = Abruptly ; suddenly, (a) I was reading, when all at once there came a loud knock = I was reading, when suddenly there came a loud knock. All at once the ship gave a lurch = Sud- denly the ship lurched. All at once he threw up his arms and fell = Suddenly he threw up his arms and fell. All in all, to toe = To be everything ; to be mutually devoted, (c) That husband and wife are all in all to each other * =:That husband and wife are everything to one another; they are devoted to each other. These two school girls are* all in all to each others These two school girls are everything to one another ; or are devotedly attached to one another. All in tlie world = All that exists ; all that is possi- ble, (a) He is so penurious, that all the entreaty in the ivorld will not get any money out of him = He is so penurious that all possible entreaty, will not obtain money from him. All the skill in the world could not devise a safe and expeditious method of naviga- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 5 ting the air = All possible skill could not devise a safe and expeditious method of navigating the air. All manner of ways =1. In every direction, (c) 2. All means, (c) 1. The tornado blew the trees in the forest all manner of ways = ll\\Q tornado blew the trees in the forest in every direction. 2. The lawyer tried all manner ofhuays to clear his client of the charge of murder = The lawyer tried all means to acquit his client of the charge of murder. AU tlie rage, to be=:To be the subject of eager de- sire ; to be sought after or prosecuted with unrea- sonable or excessive passion, (a) "Pinafore" has been all the rage for months = The performance of "Pinafore" on the stage has been attended by throngs for months, with unreasonable and excessive passion. All tlie same ; all one = A matter of indifference ; the same in result ; to amount to the same thing, (a) It is aU'one,,SiS to time, whether you go by boat, or by wagon = It amounts to -the same thing, as to the time it takes to go, whether you go by boat, or by wagon. It is all one to my boy, whether he studies grammar or aritlimetic = It is matter of in- difference to my boy whether he studies grammar or arithmetic. It is all the same to me, whether you buy my house or not=:I am indifferent whether or not you buy my house. All told = All counted; in all; including the whole number as actually counted, (a) There were forty-nine persons in tlie audience, all told=zThere were forty-nine in the audience, all counted. A man of letters =: An educated and literary man; one who makes literature his pursuit, (a) Being a man of letters, he was introduced into ^ood society 3= Being an educated and literary man, he was introduced into good society. A matter of life and deaths Involving the ques- tion of living or dying, (c) When the hunter fired at the lion, which was about to spring on him, it was a matter of Ife and death vdth the hunter = When the hunter fired at the lion, which was about to spring on him, the question of the hunter's living or dying was in- volved. Amende honorable = A public recantation or repa- ration to an injured party, for improper language, or treatment, (c) A man may, through misapprehension of the 6 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. facts, be led to accuse, or ill-treat, another person wrongfully ; but if lie is a gentleman, lie will make the amende honorable — A. man may, through misap- prehension of the facts, be led to accuse or ill-treat another person wrongfully ; but when he discovers the mistake, he will make a public reparation for his improper language, or treatment. And so forth, (etc., &c.)= And more of«the same or similar kind, (a) I own horses, cattle, etc.=\ own horses, cattle, and other animals. The grocer deals in tea, coffee, spices, '&C. — The grocer deals in tea, coffee, spices, and other articles of the same kind. The speaker appealed to our honor, sense of justice, love of country, and so forth=The speaker applied to our honor, sense of justice, love of country, and other similar motives. Answer the hell, or door, to =: To go and open the door, when a knock or ring has been given, (a) One of the new maid's duties is, to answer the bell rr One of the new maid's duties is, to go and open the door when the bell has been rung. Answer the purpose, or demand, to — To be or act in compliance with the purpose, or in fulfill- ment of the demand, (a) The new feeder in the sewing machine will an- swer the purpose^The new feeder in the sewing machine will act in fulfillment of the purpose. Apiece = Piece by piece ; one by one; singly, (a) I paid five cents apiece for these oranges = I paid five cents for each one of these oranges. Apple of discords A subject of contention, and envy, (c) Afghanistan seems to be an apple of discord be- tween England and Russia = Afghanistan seems to be a subject of contention, and envy, between Eng- land and Russia. An apple of discord has been thrown among the king's ministers = A subject of contention, and envy, has been presented to the king's ministers. Armed to the teethe Fully armed, (c) The highway robbers were armed to the teeth = The highway robbers were completely armed. We met a soldier, on the street, armed to the teeth =We met a soldier, on the street, wearing all the arms he could. As far as^To that extent or degree or distance, (a) I will walk with you as far as the church = I will accompany you the distance to the church. As far as I know, there are no peaches in market = To the extent of my knowledge, there are no peaches in market. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 7 A§ gfood as = Iii effect ; virtually ; not less than, (a) The merchant as good as promised the oi'phan boy, that he would adopt him = The merchant virtually promised the orphan boy that he would adopt him. He is as good as a thief = He is the same as a thief. A§ good as one's -word = Fulfilling one's promise, (a) The butcher was as good as his word — he sent the meat in season for dinner=:The butcher fulfilled his promise to send the meat in time for dinner. You will find him as good as his word=You will find that he will do as he says. A sliort cut=:A cross route which shortens the way, and cuts off a circuitous passage, (a) Instead of going to town by the road, the boy took a short cut across the fields = Instead of going to town by the road, the boy went by a cross route through the fields. He entered the profession of law by a short cut^He omitted some of the usual preparation in becoming a lawyer. As if=Of the same kind, or in the same manner, that it would be if. (a) Yonder mountain appears, as if it was covered with snow = Yonder mountain appears the same as it would, if it was covered with snow. As it were = A qualifying phrase used to apologize for, or to relieve, some expression which might be regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; so to speak, (a) This book gives, as it were, a picture of the coun- try = This book gives something, almost the same as a picture of the country. He rose, at one leap, as it luere, to the highest officer He rose, by a sudden leap, so to speak, to the highest office. As mucli as to say = Equivalent to saying; just the same as saying, (a) You said, " all right," which was as much as to say that you was satisfied = You said, "all right," which was just the same as saying that you was satisfied. As such = In intrinsic character; strictly defined, (b) 1 have nothing to say in extenuation of murder, as such; but there is such a thing, you know, as justifiable homicide = I have nothing to say in ex- tenuation of murder, strictly defined ; but there is such a thing, you know, as justifiable homicide. As the crow flies = In a straight line, (c) It is ten miles from Hartford to Manchester, as the crow flies =li is ten miles from Hartford to Man- chester, by a straight line through the air. As the crow flies, it is not more than 50 miles to Pekin=In 8 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. a straight line it is only 50 miles to Pekin, (altliough further by the road.) As well as = And also; not less than; one as much as the other, (a) The fever will attack you, as ivell as me = The fever has attacked me, and it will attack you also. London is the largest city in England, as well as the .capital = London is the largest city in England, and also the capital. At a blow = Suddenly ; at one effort; by one ac- tion, (a) The Persian army was once annihilated, at a hlow = The Persian army was once annihilated, by one action. ^^t a dead set, to l>e = To be prevented from pro- ceeding in any enterprise, (c) I am at a dead set in building my house, for lack of funds which I expected = I am prevented from proceeding with building my house, for lack of funds which I expected. At a disadvantage, to toe = To be in an unfavorable condition, or in one which prevents success, (a) Lie is at a disadvantage for success in business, be- cause he has so little capitals He is in an unfavora- ble condition for success in business, because he has so little capital. At all- events =: Certainly ; without fail, (a) At all events I will visit you during the summer = I will certainly visit you during the summer. At a loss, to toe — To be puzzled ; to be unable to determine ; to be in a state of uncertainty, (a) I am at a loss for a word = I can not think what word to use. The tardy scholar was at a loss for an excuses The tardy scholar could not think of an excuse. I missed my train, and was at a loss to know what to do = I failed to meet my train, and was perplexed to know what to do. At a low etoto, to toe = To be in a state of decline or decay, (a) Manufacturing business is at a low e&5= Manufac- turing is in a state of depression. At anchor = Piding by her anchor; anchored, (a) As we sailed out of the harbor we passed a ship at anchor =z As we sailed out of the harbor we passed a ship riding by her anchor (anchored.) At any rate = If what has been said is not correct, this is, at all events ; certainly, (a) The man seems to have forgotten his wife, at any rate he has not written to her since leaving home =:The man seems to have forgotten his wife, or if he has not forgotten her, he has not written to her IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 9 since he left home. We at any rate are safe, for we are in the life-boat— We at all events are safe, for we are in the life-boat. This, at any rate, is true = This is certainly true. At a stand, to toe = To stop on account of some doubt or difficulty ; hence to be perplexed, (c) When the bills were presented, the bank was closed, and I was very much at a stand ~1 was quite perplexed ; I did not know what to do, when the bills were presented, for the bank was closed. At a stretcli — At one effort ; consecutively ; unin- terruptedly, {a) The pedestrian walked twenty miles at a stretch = The pedestrian walked twenty miles at one effort. He studied ten hours at a stretch =zlle studied ten hours at one sitting, or consecutively. At a Teiiture=: At hazard; without seeing the end or mark ; without foreseeing the issue, (c) I invested a thousand dollars, in the rail-i*oad, at a venture =1 invested in the rail-road a thousand dol- lars, without foreseeing the issue. I will write a letter to my nephew, advising him to attend school longer, at a venture — \ will write a letter to my nephew, advising him to attend school longer, not knowing whether the advice will be favorably re- ceived, or not. At toay=:A state of being kept off*, or of detention and expectancy, {h) The inhabitants of Charleston kept the yellow fever at hay^ by quarantine and other sanitary meas- ures = The inhabitants of Charleston defended them- selves against the yellow fever, by quarantine and other sanitary measures. At toe8t=:In the utmost degree or extent applicable to the case, (a) Life is very short, at hest^ln its utmost extent, life is very short. At cro§8 purposes, to toe = To act counter to one another without intending it ; (said of persons), (a) The father and the mother were grieved to find that they had been at cross purposes in the training of their child = The father and the mother found to their sorrow, that they had been acting counter to one another, in the training of their child, without intending it. At death's door=iYery near death, (h) He lies at death'' s door— He is past recovery and very near death. At discretion = Without conditions or stipulations, (a) The defeated general surrendered at discretion = The JO IDIOMATIC PHRASES. defeated general surrendered without conditions. The city was without food and ammunition, and surrendered at discretion =ThG city was without food and ammunition, and surrendered without conditions. At ease = In a condition of ease; free from pain, trouble, or constraint, (c) The governor's affability puts every one at ease, in his presence = The governor's affability causes every one to be free from constraint, and in a condition of ease, in his presence. At every turn = At every change (of direction or effort;) in every new aspect of affairs; in every new position, (a) I went down town, and met my friend at every turn=l went down town, and met my friend every time I changed my course.* The man who was try- ing to get into business was frustrated, at every turn = The man who was trying to find business was frustrated, in every effort. At every turn he met difficulties = He found difficulties in every new po- sition of affairs. He was disappointed at every turn in his attempt to raise moneys He was disappointed in every direction, in his attempt to raise money. At fault, to toe = To be in trouble or embarrassment, and unable to proceed ; to be puzzled ; thrown off the track, (a) I am wholly at fault here, for I see no path = I am wholly unable to find my way here, for I see no path. You are entirely at fault in your understand- ing of the matter = You are puzzled, and mistaken, in your understanding of the matter. At grade =: On the same level,-said of the crossing of a rail-road with another rail-road or higliway, when they are on the same level at the point of crossing. Kailroad crossings at grade are often guarded by gates = Rail-road crossings of highways or other rail-roads on the same level, are often guarded by gates. At hand, near at hand^lSTear in time or place, (a) The close of the month is at hand=The close of the month is near. The hour of my departure for "New York is near at ha7id=:Th.Q hour of my de- parture for E'ew York is near. At heart = In the true character or disposition; really, (a) His manners are cold, but he is at heart a kind man = His manners are cold, but he is really a kind man. IDIOMATIC phrases: 11 At his best = In his best style, or workmanship, or the like. (6) In the style of the book, the author is at his best = The author's best style appears in the book. At liome on or in any subject, to l>c = To be con- versant or familiar with it ; to be skilled in it. (a) Whatever subject is introduced in conversation, my cousin shows himself at home on it=My cousin shows that he is familiar with every subject that comes up in conversation. The teacher is at home in history = The teacher thoroughly understands history. At issuer In controversy; disputed; at variance; disagreeing ; inconsistent, (b) His practice, as physician, is at issue with correct therapeutic principles = His practice, as physician, is inconsistent with correct therapeutic principles. In the revolutionary war, England and America were at issue concerning American independence = In the revolutionary war, England and America disagreed in regard to American independence. At larg^e = 1. Without restraint or confinement, (a) 2. Diffusely ; fully ; in the full extent, (a) 1. At the west in many places, swine are suffered to go at large=Jn many places at the west, swine are suffered to run without restraint. 2. In his re- cent work he has treated of international law at large =ln his recent work he has treated of interna- tional law in its full extent. At last = At the end; in the conclusion ; (referring not to lapse of time, but to obstacles overcome.) (a) 1 had many obstacles in obtaining an interview with the prime minister, but at last 1 succeeded = I had many obstacles in obtaining an interview with the prime minister, but in the conclusion I succeeded. At least, at the least = At the lowest estimate ; at the smallest concession or claim ; to say, ask, or expect no more, (a) If you can not spare a hundred, at the least, let me have twenty dollars = If you can not spare a hundred, at the lowest estimate let me have twenty dollars. The friend whom I expected to visit me, will spend three weeks with me, at the /eas^= The friend wliom I expected to visit me, will spend three weeks with me, at the lowest estimate. At lengths Finally ; after so long time, (a) A t length the plumber has discovered what is the matter with the water-pipe = The plumber has finally discovered the trouble with the water-pipe. At leisure =1. Free from occupation; not busy, (a) 12 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 2. In a leisurely manner ; at a convenient time, (a) 1. I am at leisure now = I am not busy now. 2. You may do -it at your /e^s^^re = You may do it in a leisurely manner, or at a time convenient to you. At liberty = Free ; without restraint; unconiined. (a) You ask for the use of my horse, and you are at liberty to use him =: You ask for my horse, and you are free to use him. He has been engaged, but he is at liberty now to go, if he chooses = He has been engaged, but he is now free to go, if he chooses. At most ; at the most = At the utmost ; at the furthest possible amount or degree, (a) At most, the judge could only sentence the crimi- nal to five years imprisonments At the furthest possible amount, the judge could only sentence the criminal to five years imprisonment. At odds = In dispute, (c) He saw two men at odds about a bill of goods = He saw two men in dispute concerning a bill of goods. At one's best, to be=:To be in the best possible con- dition, (a) The singer at the opera was at her best, last night r=The singer at the opera last night, w^as in the best possible condition of voice and spirits. At one's feet = In the relation of subjection, or sub- mission, (c) The work-women in the factory struck for higher wages, but the owners refused firmly to raise the wages, and soon they had the work-women at their feet z^The factory owners refused to raise the wages of the women who demanded it, and before long the w^ants of the women obliged them to return to work on the old wages. At one's peril == With risk or danger to one ; in jeop- ardy, (a) If a soldier showed his head above the breast- works, he did it at his peril, or at the peril of his life = If a soldier put his head above the breastworks, he did it with the risk of losing his life. At one's post, to be = To be at an appointed place of service, or of trust, (a) The clerk is always at his post— The clerk is al- ways where his duty is. The druggists are at their post, day and night = The druggists are at their place of duty, day and night. The sentinel died at his 2^05^;= The sentinel died in his place of duty. At one's service, to be = To be ready to assist one ; willing to do a kind or courteous deed for one. (a) If you wish to ride this afternoon, both myself and my carriage will be at your service =:lf you wish IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 13 to ride this afternoon, I shall be happy to afford you the use of my carriage, and I myself shall be at liberty to accompany you. For this work I am at your service =1 am ready to serve you in this work. At peace = In a state of peace ; not engaged in war, controversy or the like, (a) The United States is at peace with other nations — The United States is not engaged in w^ar with any nation. At random = Without settled aim or purpose ; vague- ly ; without definiteness. (a) A shot, iired at random^ struck the soldier = A ball fired without aim struck the soldier. I spoke at random^ in saying that not one half the children attend school = I spoke vaguely in saying that not one half the children attend school. At §ca = On the ocean, (a) Wliile the sailor was at sea, he received only two letters from home = While the sailor was on the ocean, he received only two letters from home. At §]iort notice = In a brief time; promptly, (a) This work was done at short notice =T\ih work was done very quickly, after being ordered. Please be ready to come at short notice ^Tlease be ready to come soon, when you are notified. . At §BgIit, after sight, (bills and notes) = On or after presentment, (a) The bill is -made payable at sight =Th.e bill is made payably on presentment. At §take = In danger; hazarded; pledged, (a) He has put all his property at stake in tliis one investments He has hazarded all his property in this one investment. He is charged with fraud, and his reputation is at stake =}Ig is charged with fraud, and his reputation is put to the hazard, or is in danger. At stated periods = At regularly recurring intervals of time ; at fixed times. New moons occur at stated periods z^'New moons occur at regularly recurring intervals of time. At swords' points, to be = To be on the point of fighting ; to be enemies, (a) The colonel and the surgeon are at swords'* points = The colonel and the surgeon are bitter enemies. At the bottom = At the foundation, base, (a) I must get at the bottom of the case = I must learn the whole of the case, even its first beginnings. Who is at the bottom of this disturbance ? = Who is causing this disturbance ? Rum is at the bottom of half the misery in the world =: Strong drink causes one-half of the misery in the world. He w^as, at 14 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. the bottom^ honest and sincere = He was, at the foun- dation, or 'at heart, honest and sincere. The mer- chant's energy and perseverance are at the bottom of his success = The merchant's energy and persever- ance are at the foundation of his success. At the elbo\v, to be = To be very near ; to be by the side ; to be at hand, (c) Didn't you see him ? He was at your elbow dur- ing the entire performance = Did you not see him? I am surprised, for he was very near you during the whole performance. The boy wishes to be at his father^ s elbow constantly = The boy wishes to be very near his father constantly. At the eleventh hour = I^ear the close of any period or opportunity ; very late, (a) The spinners who struck for higher wages, acceded to the proposition of the mill owners at the eleventh hour = The spinners who struck for higher wages, acceded to the proposal of the mill owners just at the close of the opportunity given them. At the first blush = At the sudden appearance ; at the first glance or view, {b) At the first blush it seems to me a bold project, to risk so much money upon an uncertainty = At the first glance, or at the first sudden mention of the matter, it seems a bold project, to risk so much money upon an uncertainty. At the fk*ont, to be = To occupy a prominent place in public thought and speech, (a) The question, "Who will be the next president?" is at the front again = The question, " Who will be the next president?" again occupies a prominent place in public thought. At the heels of, to be = To pursue closely, (c) The thief ran around the corner, with the police- man at his heels = The thief ran around the corner, closely pursued by the policeman. At the last gasp = When life appears to be nearly gone. He can not survive, he is at the last gasp now = He is at the point of death now. At the mercy of, to be = To be wholly in the power of; to have no defense but the compassion of. (a) The shipwrecked sailors were at the mercy of the winds and waves = The shipwrecked sailors were wholly in the power of the winds and waves. The ship was at the mercy of the waves = The ship was unable to resist the waves. You have captured me, and I am at your mercy = Yoxi have captured me, and I have no defense but your mercy. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 15 At tlie point of the §'word = By military force ; by compulsion, (a) The Spaniards entered Mexico, at the point of the sword = T}ie Spaniards entered Mexico, by military force. At the tail of = Far behind ; in the lowest position, (c) The scholar from the country, is at the tail of his class = The scliolar from the country, is in the lowest position in his class. At tiine§=:At distinct intervals of duration; now and then, (a) He is studious at times = He is studious now and then. At times he is hot and feverish, and at other times he is chilly = He is feverish and he is chilly at distinct intervals of duration. Through the day, the sun was obscured at times = Through the day, the sun was occasionally obscured. At unawares = Unexpectedly, (h) He was walking dowTi Fifth Avenue, when two fellows set upon him, at unawares, from behind = He was walking down Fifth Avenue, when two men attacked him, unexpectedly. At variance = In disagreement ; in a state of dissen- sion or controversy ; at enmity, (c) It is unnatural for brothers to be at variance = It is unnatural for brothers to be at enmity. At will (Zat^)-l. At pleasure, (a) 2.{3fiL) = At discretion or convenience, (a) 1. He holds the estate in Yorkshire at the will of his grandfather = He enjoys the estate at the pleasure of his grandfather, and may be ousted at any time. 2. After we had gone through the town, the colonel gave orders to march at will = When we had gone through the town, the colonel gave orders to march at our convenience, without special regard to order and uniformity, in step and in carrying our guns. At work = Engaged in work ; working, (a) You will find him in the garden ; he is at work there = You will find him in the garden; he is en- gaged in work there. B. Babies in the eyes = The minute reflection which one sees of himself, in the eyes of another, (c) The lovers looked babies in one another's eyes — The lovers looked at the minute reflection, which they saw of themselves in the eyes of each other. 16 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Backbone = Firmness ; moral principle, (a) The use of backbone in this sense is sanctioned by Charles Sumner, (U. S. Senate, 1874), him- self a fine example of backbone = The use of back- bone in this sense is sanctioned by Charles Sum- ner, himself a fine example of firmness and moral principle. Back to back = With the backs touching one another, (c) The men stood in long rows back to back = The men stood in long rows with their backs touching one another. Bad blood = A vicious temper of mind ; animosity ; active enmity, (c) There is bad blood between them, on account of the lawsuit = There is active enmity on account of the lawsuit. Don't stir up bad blood between us, for we are now on good terms = Don't bring us into a state of animosity, for we are now on good terms. Bad odor, to be in = To be out of favor, (a) lie is 171 bad odor on account of his dishonesty = He is out of favor in the community on account of his dishonesty. The friends of the old dynasty are in bad odor with the new = The friends of the old dynasty are out of favor with the new. Balance = Excess on one side, (a) I have a balance at the bankers = There is some- thing on my side of the account at the bankers. Base on, to = To make the foundation ; to use as a support, (a) The speaker based his remarks, on the editorial in the morning paper = The speaker made the editorial in the morning paper, the foundation of his re- marks. Bear a band, to {Naut.) = To go to work; to give help quickly, {a) Bear a hand here at the capstan ! = Be quick and help at the capstan. Bear a hand at the pumps = Go to work at the pumps. Be (all) the better for, to = To be improved ; to be benefited, (a) The doctor was asked if the invalid might ride to- day. He replied, "Yes, he will be the better for it" = The doctor was asked if the invalid might ride to-day. He replied, "Yes, he will be benefited by it." Bear a resemblance to, to = To be somewhat like, (a) The cat bears a resemblance to the tiger = The cat is somewhat like the tiger. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 17 Bear arms ag^ainst, to = To figlit against, (a) The king lias constrained our fellow-citizens to hear arms against their country = The king has con- strained our fellow-citizens to fight against their country. Bear away tlie bell, to = To excel ; to surpass ; to be pre-eminent, (c) In mathematics, Mr. B's son hears away the hell = In mathematics, Mr. B's son is pre-eminent. Bear date, to = To have the date named on it. («) The deed of the farm hears date March 10, 1879 = The deed of the farm has the date March 10, 1879 named on it. Bear ft-uit, to = To produce l*esults, advantageous and desirable, or the opposite, (c) His father's careful training and judicious counsel are hearing fruit, in the son's uprightness and re- spectability = His father's training and counsel are producing advantageous results, in the son's up- rightness and respectability. Bear in mind, to = To remember; to retain in memory, (a) This is my advice to you, my boy, and I wish you to hear it in mind= I wish you to remember my ad- vice. On entering the horse-car, the stranger re- quested the driver to hear in mind, that he wished to get out at Sumner street = On entering the horse- car, the stranger requested the driver not to forget that he wished to get out at Sumner street. Bear the brunt of, to = To undergo, suffer, or en- dure the heat or violence of any contention, (a) The tenth regiment hore the hrunt of the battle = The tenth regiment endured the heat or violence of the battle. Bear up, to = To endure trial with patience, (a) A good conscience helped him to hear up under his trials = He was supported by his good conscience in his afflictions. Bear upon, to = To act upon ; to affect ; to relate to. (a) The prosperity of Europe hears upon that of America = The prosperity of Europe affects that of America. Bear with, to = To endure ; to be indulgent to ; to forbear to resent, oppose, or punish, (a) I could not hear with him, on account of his high temper. = I could not endure him, on account of his high temper. Be associated -with, to = To be joined with in thought, or in company, or in action, (a) 3 18 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Yorktown is associated, in tlie American mind, with the surrender of Cornwallis and his army=: Yorktown is connected in American thought, with the surrender of Cornwallis and his army. Beat a charge, to {Mil.) = To sound a charge on the enemy by beat of drum. The general gave command -to beat a charge = The general ordered tliat the drums sound a charge (give the signal for an attack) upon the enemy. Beat an alarm, to (Mil) = To give signal of danger by beat of drum. The soldiers were startled from sleep by the drums beating an alarm = The soldiers were roused by the drums giving tlie signal of danger. Beat a parley, to (Mil.) = To call for a parley by beat of drum. We heard the drums beat a parley = We heard the drums give the signal for holding a conference with the enemy. Beat a retreat, to = 1. To retreat ; to withdraw, (a) 2. To retire from the face of the enemy, or from an advanced position, (a) 1. He beat a retreat, when he saw me=:He went away, when he saw me. 2. The enemy beat a retreat, when they found the place occupied = The enemy retired from the face of our army, when they found the position occupied. Beat black and blue, to = To badly bruise by blows, (a) The butcher had a fight with his neighbor, and beat him black and blue^The butcher had a fight with his neighbor, and badly bruised him by blows. Beat dourn, to = 1. To make one reduce his price, (a) 2. To overcome, (b) 1. In making the bargain for a house, I did not try to beat him down = In making a bargain for a house, I did not try to make him lower his price. 2. All opposition to the advance of the army, was beaten down by the soldiers = All opposition to the advance of the army, was overcome by the soldiers. Beat into, to = To make one learn ; to urge an idea persistently, (a) I can not beat it into him that he must talk less = I can not make him learn that he must talk less. Beat one out of a things, to = To cause to re- linquish it, or give it up. (a) . I endeavored to beat him out of that habit = I en- deavored to cause him to give up that habit. Beat out, to be = To be very tired ; exceedingly weary ; utterly exhausted, (c) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 19 I was thoroughly heat out by the walk = I was ex- tremely fatigued by the walk. Beat out of one's head, to = To convince or per- suade one to the contrary, (c) The man who is troubled with indigestion, thinks his health would be better in California, and the doctor can not heat it out of his head^Uhe, man who is troubled with indigestion, thinks his health would be better in California, and the doctor can not con- vince him to the contrary. Beat the tat-too, to {Mil.) = To sound the signal for retiring by beating the drum, (a) At nine o'clock at night the tat-too is heaien = The drums give the signal for retiring at nine o'clock at night. Beat time, to = To keep the musical measure, visibly or audibly ; to regulate the time in music by motion of hand or foot, (a) At the opera, the musical conductor heat the time with his baton = At the opera, the conductor regu- lated the time by the motions of liis baton. Beat to arms, to (Mil.) = To give signal by drum for soldiers to repair to their arms, (a) Early in the morning the drums heat to arms = Early in the morning the drums give the signal to the soldiers to repair to their arms. Be buoyed up, to = 1. To be kept afloat (a) 2. To be kept from sinking into despondency, (a) 1. The leaky ship was in danger of sinking ; but by vigorous and constant work at the pumps, she was huoyed up = The leaky ship was in danger of sinking ; but by vigorous and continued work at the pumps, she was kept afloat. 2. The hopes of the shipwrecked sailors, were huoyed up by the faith and courage of the captain = The hopes of the ship- wrecked sailors, were kept from sinking into de- spondency by the faith and courage of the captain. Beeau§e of = On account of; by reason of. (a) I could not go on the excursion to Boston, hecause of a severe headache = I could not go on the excur- sion to Boston, on account of a severe headache. Become of, to = To be the fate of; to be the end of; to be the final or subsequent condition, (a) What will hecome of this disabled ship 1 — What will be the fate of, or what will be the end of this disabled ship % As for that man, I know not what has hecome of him. ; do you? Yes, he has died = As for that man, I know not what is the fate of him ; do you ? Yes, he has died. What has hecome of my 20 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. book? It is worn out. = What has happened to my hook ? It is worn out. Be eomposed of, to = To have for component parts. (a) The rock known as granite, is composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica = The rock known as granite, has for its component parts, quartz, feldspar, and mica. Before the wind, {Nciut.) = lii the direction of the wind, and by its impulse, (a) Our ship was sailing before the wind, ten knots an hour = The wind was driving our ship ten knots an hour. For some days before entering port, the ship sailed before the wind — Yov some days before entering port, the ship sailed in the direction of the wind. Beg^gar deseription, to = To exhaust the power of description, (c) The scene at the great fire in Chicago beggared de- scription — The scene at the great fire in Chicago can not be adequately described. His joy at the birth of a son, beggared description = H\s> joy at the birth of a son, was beyond the power of words to describe. Beg the question, to = To take for granted ; to as- sume in an argument as proved what the disputant set out to prove, (a) He begged the question = He took the question for granted. JS^ow you are not attempting to prove the point which is in dispute, but are begging the question =:Now you are not trying to prove the real ques- tion, but you are assuming it as proved. Behindhand in one'§ eireuni§tanee§, to he = To be in a state where expenditures are inadequate to tlie supply of wants, (c) Mr. A's business faculty is small, and he is hehind- ha7id in his circumstances — Mr. A's business faculty is small, and his expenditures are inadequate to the supply of his wants. Behind one's hack = In the absence of a person ; stealthily, (a) We ought not to speak evil of others, behind their backs — We ought not to speak evil of others, in their absence. He slandered me behind my back—l^Q spoke evil of me in my absence. Better say it to his face, not behind his back = Better say it to him- self, not to others when he is away. He said it be- hind my back, but durst not say it to my face = He said it when I was not present, but was afraid to say it to my face. Behind the scenes == In a position to learn what is not revealed to the public, (a) The managers of a political caucus, or convention, IDIOMATIC PHKASES. 21 are behind the scenes = The managers of a political caucus or convention, are in a position to know Avliat is not revealed to the public. Be in at tlie death, to = To be present at the death of the fox ; (used in fox-hunting.) (a) Only a part of the hunters were in at the death = Only a part of the hunters were present at the death of the fox. Belong to, to = To be the property of. {a) Cuba belongs to Spain = Cuba is the property of Spain. Be made of, or formed of, to = To have for the material of which it is made, (a) Statues resembling those of Parian marble, are made o/* gypsum = Statues resembling those of Parian marble, have for their mat-erial, plaster of Paris. Be made up of, to = To be composed of. (a) This cloth IS made up of linen, wool, and silk = This cloth is composed of linen, wool, and silk = This cloth has for its materials linen, wool, and silk. Bend one's steps, to = To direct or incline one's steps, or coui*se. (6) I bent my steps homeward = I turned towards home. Bend your steps this way = Turn tliis way, as you are walking. The widow bent her steps to the cemetery where her husband was buried = The widow walked toward the cemetery where her husband was buried. Bend or apply tlie mind to, to = To exercise the mind closely, (a) Sir Isaac Newton bent his mind to discovering the laws of the universe = Sir Isaac Newton exercised his mind closely to discover the laws of the universe. Bent on or upon, to be = To be incHned with in- terest, or closely ; to purpose, (a) He is bent upon doing me some mischiefs He is intending to do me some mischief. I am bent upon finishing this coat to-day = I am purposing to finish this coat to-day. This little boy is bent on mischief = This little boy is very much inclined to be mis- chievous. Be, or beeome, in order, to = To be according to an established arrangement ; to be in proper state or condition, (a) The books in the library are in order =The books in the library are rightly arranged. The report of the committee on the judiciary is now in order =lt is now a proper time to hear the report of the com- mittee on the judiciary ; (Parliamentary). Be off = Go away, (a) 22 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The man said to the boys whom he found in his orchard, " Be offP^ = The man said to the boys whom he found in his orchard, " Go away!" Be on the fence, to = To be undecided in respect to two opposing parties ; to occupy a position of non- committal, (a) He was on the fence, so long as it was doubtful whether the government party would triumph = He was uncommitted in respect to the two parties, or, did not take sides, so long as it was doubtful whether the government party would triumph. Be re§olved into, to = To be separated into the ele- ments which compose it. (a) The blood can be .resolved into albumen, serum, fibrin, and iron = The blood can be separated into the elements which compose it, which are albumen, serum, fibrin, and iron. Be§ide one's self, to be = To be out of the wits or ^ senses ; out of the order of reason, or of rational beings, (a) He is beside himself=I{.e is out of his senses (at least for the moment.) Are you beside yourself f = Are you out of your wits ? He was beside himself with grief, at the loss of his wife = He was almost crazy with grief, at the loss of his wife. Best man = The only or principal groomsman in a wedding ceremony. At the wedding last week the bridegroom's brother was his best man = At the wedding the only grooms- man was the brother of the bridegroom. Be that as it may = However that may be. (a) The weather bids fair to be pleasant this week, but be that as it may, the agricultural fair will be held = The weather bids fair to be pleasant this week, but however that may be, the agricultural fair will be held. I think my friend left the city yester- day, but be that as it may, I shall call at his house to- night = I think my friend left the city yesterday, but however that may be (whether it is so or not), I shall call at his house to-night. Be the worse for, to = To be injured, or harmed, or made worse, (a) The consumptive was the worse for his visit to the sea-side = The consumptive person was injured by his visit to the sea-side. Betray the cloven foot, to = To reveal a treacher- ous, diabolical spirit, (c) Floyd, United States secretary of war, betrayed the cloven foot, some time before the rebellion broke out, (1861) = Secretary Floyd, by sending the govern- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 23 ment arms and ammunitioii into the Southern States, revealed his treacherous disposition some time before the rebellion broke out. Better off, to be = To be in better state, circum- stances, or. condition, (a) How much betUr off are you in this new house ? = In how much better condition are you in this new house ? Between our§eIve§, or us = Belonging to ourselves alone ; confidential, (a) Let this matter which we have been conversing about he between ourselves = ljet this subject of conver- sation not be mentioned to any one. Bet\reen Seylla and Cliarytodis = Between two dangers or difficulties, (c) The man whose boat was on fire, and who could not swim was between Scylla and Charybdis= The man whose boat was on fire, and who could not swim was between two dangers. Between two fires, to be = To be threatened from two quarters, (b) With increasing debts and diminishing business, they are between two fires = They are tln-eatened from both sides, because of increasing debts and dimin- ishing business. Beyond one's depth = Deeper than one can walk in ; beyond one's knowledge or ability, (a) He who can not swim, will drown in water beyond his depth = lie who can not swim, will drown if the water is deeper than he can walk in. In teaching geometry, the teacher got beyond his depth = In teach- ing geometry, the teacher got beyond his knowledge of the subject. Now you are talking about what I am ignorant of, and you go beyond my depth = l^ ow you are talking of that which I am ignorant of, and I can not understand you. Beyond, or without dispute = Indisputably ; incon- trovertibly. (a) The age of man upon the earth has not been es- tablished beyond dispute = The age of man upon the earth has not been indisputably established. Bid adieu, or fare-well to, to = To give salutations at parting ; to leave, (a) The family of the man who was going abroad, went to the wharf to bid him adieu = The family of the man who was going abroad, went to the wharf to give him parting salutations. We have been in Florence a month, but must bid farewell to the city to-morrow = We have been in Florence a month, but must leave the city to-morrow. 24 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Bide one's time, to = To wait for the fit or suitable time, (b) Having been wronged, he said he would hide his time to right himself = Having been w^ronged, he said he would wait for the suitable tii^ie to relieve himself from wrong. The painter is very anxious to visit the art galleries of Europe, but sajs that he must bide his time — The painter is very anxious to visit the art galleries of Europe, but says that he must await the suitable and convenient time. Bid fair, to = To be likely, or to have a fair pros- pect; to promise, (a) The undertaking of a new line of steamers bids fair to succeed = The undertaking of a new line of steamers is likely to succeed. Bid welcome, to — To receive a guest with profes- sions of kindness, (a) When I visited him he bid me welcome^HQ re- ceived me with professions, of kindness when I visited him. Bird's-eye view=: 1. Seen from above, as by a flying bird, (a) 2. General ; not entering into details, (c) 1. From the balloon we obtained a bird's-eye view of the city. From the balloon we obtained a view of the city from above, which took in all at a glance. 2. The writer gave a birdh-eye view of the journey = The writer gave a general view, not entering into the details of the journey. Bite the dust, to=To be killed in combat; to be disgracefully beaten, (c) In the combat between him and his enemy, he made his enemy bite the dust—^Q killed his enemy in combat. Blackball, to = To reject or exclude by putting black balls into a ballot-box. (a) He wished to join the club, but he was blackballed — He wished to join the club, but he was rejected by the usual method of voting with black balls. Black-mail = Extortion of money from a person by threats of exposure or of prosecution, {a) The letter which Senator A. received was an at- tempt at blach-mail— The letter sent to Senator A. was an attempt to extort money from him by threat- ening, if it was not paid, to publicly accuse him of some wrong or disgraceful act. Blank verse = Poetry in which the lines do not end in rhyme, (a) " I could a tale unfold whose lightest word Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood." \Shak^^ IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 25 This is a specimen of hlanh verse = This is a specimen of a kind of poetry, in which the lines do not end in rhyme. Block tlie ii^heels, to = To prevent progress; to hinder, (a) The enterprise of building a new hospital was proceeding finely, when dissensions among the trus- tees blocked the wheels = The enterprise of building a new hospital was proceeding finely, when dissensions among the trustees prevented progress. Blow liot and c^old, to = To favor a thing at one time, and to treat it coldly at another ; to appear to both favor and oppose, {h) The king blew hot and cold on the project to create new earls and dukes = The king at one time favored, and at another treated coldly, the project to create new earls and dukes. This newspaper blows hot and cold, on the question of building a horse-railroad = Tliis newspaper sometimes favors the building of a horse-railroad, and sometimes opposes it. Blow over, to = To pass away without effect ; to cease or be dissipated, (a) The storm which threatened has blown over = The storm which threatened has passed away without effect. Blow up, to = To raise in the air, or to scatter by explosion of gunpowder or the like, (a) By timely discovery, Guy Fawkes was once pre- vented from blowing up the British Parliament-House = Guy Fawkes was once prevented, by timely dis- covery, from destroying the British Parliament- House by explosion of powder in the cellar. Blunt the edg^e of, to = To impair the force of ; to weaken, (c) Opiates blunt the edge of pain = Opiates impair the force of pain. Bound for ; bound to = Destined for ; going or in- tending to go. (a) This ship is bound to Canton = This ship is going to Canton. I am bound for home = I am on the way home. Where are you bound ? = y^\\QYQ are you going ? Bound up in, to be — To be extremely attached to, or absorbed in. (a) You give a great deal of time to the study of law ; you seem to be bound up in your profession — You give a good deal of time to the study of law ; you seem to be absorbed in your profession. The man is bound up in his family = The man is extremely attached to his family. 26 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Box tlie compas§, to = 1. To name the points of the compass in their order. 2. To hold all the differ- ent beliefs or theories, in succession, (a) 1. He can not box the compass =ILe can not say the names of the points of the compass in their order. 2. He has boxed the professional compass — He has successively tried all the professions. Box up, to = To box ; to inclose in a box. (a) On leaving America, the student boxed up his books = On leaving America, the student inclosed his books in a box. Brace about, to (Naut.) = To turn the yards around. In returning, the yards were braced about = In re- turning, the yards were turned around for the con- trary tack. Brace in, to (Naut.) = To haul in the weather braces. The yards were braced in = The yards were brought athwart ships, i. e., so as to stretch from side to side. Brace sharp, to (Naut.) = To make the yards have the smallest possible angle with the keel. The yards were braced sharp— The yards were brought as nearly as possible in line with the keel. Brace up, to (Naut.) = To haul in the lee braces. The yards were braced tip = ThG yards were brought nearer in direction with the keel. Branch off, to = To form a separate part ; to di- verge, (a) The road leading to the depot branches off from the main road, a mile south of this street = The road leading to the depot diverges from the main road, a mile south of this street. Break, to= l.To communicate cautiously, so as to avoid shocking one. (a) 2. To destroy the credit of. (a) 1. Go, and break the intelligence of his son's death to him = Go, and gently inform him of his son's death. 2. He paid me in bills of a broken bank = He gave me in payment, bills of a bank whose financial credit is gone. Break down, to = 1. To fail in anything, (a) 2. To come down by breaking, (a) 1. The student broke down in his recitation in mathematics to-day = The student failed in his reci- tation in mathematics to-day. 1. His health has broken down = His health has failed. 2. Kear the end of our drive, we broke down^l^ear the end of the drive, we came down to the ground by the breaking of the axletree. Break g^round, to = 1. To commence digging, (a) 2. To open a subject ; to begin to execute a plan, (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 27 1. Have they hrohen ground for the new railroad ? rr Have they begun to dig for the new raiboad ? 2. The senate hreaks ground to-day, in investigating the charges of fraud against the Indian commissioner =: The senate begins to investigate the charges of fraud against the Indian commissioner, to-day. Break in, to = To train ; to disciphne. (a) A horse well broken in^ is more valuable than one partially broken = A horse well trained, is more valuable than one imperfectly subdued. Break in upon, to = To enter violently, or unex- pectedly, (a) A drunken man hrdke in upon the schools A drunken man violently entered the school room. Break loose, to = To escape, suddenly, from con- finement, (a) The prisoner has broken loose from jail = The pris- oner has forcibly escaped from jail. Break of, to = To cause to reform a habit ; to rid of (a) I attempted to break him of the bad habit of smoking opium = I attempted to induce him to aban- don the bad habit of smoking opium. Break of day = The dawn, (a) The clouds which filled the sky at break of day have disappeared = The clouds which filled the sky at dawn have disappeared. Break off, to = To separate by breaking, (a) To discontinue ; to desist, (a) The gardener broke off a branch laden with cherries = The gardener separated from the tree, by breaking, a branch laden with cherries. The man broke off the habit of using tobacco = The man discontinued the habit of using tobacco. His friends urge him to break off from drinking = His friends urge him to desist from drinking. Break out, to= l.To appear suddenly, (a) 2. To become covered with cutaneous eruption, (a) 1. As the fire has broken out on the north roof of his house, he has run home = As the fire has appeared through the north roof of his house, he has run home. 2. His son has broken out with small-pox = The skin of his son is covered with the eruption peculiar to small-pox. Break over, to = To transgress limits ; to disregard. (a) The teacher cautioned the scholars, not to break over the rule which forbade them to go out of the yard at recess = The teacher cautioned the scholars, 28 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. not to transgress the rule whicli forbade tliem to leave the school grounds at recess. Break short off, to = To break off abruptly; to stop at once, (b) An alarm of fire in the adjoining building caused the play at the theatre to be broken short off^ An alarm of fire in the adjoining building caused the play at the theatre to be abruptly and suddenly dis- continued. Break silenee, to = To interrupt or put an end to silence, (a) The pleasure party had ridden some distance with- out speaking, when the driver broke the silence, by calling attention to a waterfall of great beauty, in the rocky dell = The pleasure party had ridden some distance without speaking, when the driver put an end to the silence, by calling attention to a beauti- ful waterfall. Break tlie ice, to = To get through first diflaculties ; to overcome obstacles and make a beginning, (a) We all want to talk on this subject, but no one is willing to break the ice — We all want to talk on this subject, but no one is willing to be the first to speak. The ice being broken, we were all talka- tive = When the talk had begun, we were all ready to talk. Break the ranks, to = To disarrange and confuse the ranks, (a) The fierce onset of the enemy broke the ranks of the army = The fierce onset of the enemy disarranged and confused the ranks of the army. Break the thread, to = To sever the continuity ; to interrupt, (a) While I was writing my composition, the little boy came in and broke the thread of my thoughts = While I was writing my composition, the little boy entered the room, and interrupted my thinking. Break throug^h the clouds, to = To begin to shine through broken clouds, (a) The shower is over, and the sun is breaking through the clouds = The shower is over, and the sun is begin- ning to shine through the broken clouds. Break up, to = 1. To become separated into parts or . fragments, (a) 2. To be dissolved ; to disperse, (a) 1. The ice of the river Pecho of Tientsin breaks up in the first part of the Chinese second month, every year = The ice of the river Pecho of Tientsin becomes separated into fragments, in the first part of the Chinese second month of every year. 2. The company at Mr. A's broke up at 10 o'clock last even- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 29 mg = The company at Mr. A's dispersed at 10 o'clock last evening. Break up house-keeping, to = To cease to manage one's household affairs, (a) After the merchant's wife died, he broke up house- keeping, and boarded = After the merchant's wife died, lie ceased to manage his household affairs, and boarded. Break witli, to = To fall out ; to part friendship, (a) It caused me much grief, that the two friends should Ireak with one another = It grieved me much, that the two friends should sunder their friendship. Breath of air = Air in gentle motion, (a) Before this thunder-shower, the heat was oppres- sive, the atmosphere was sultry, and there was not a breath of air = Before this thunder-shower, the heat was oppressive, the atmosphere sultry, and there was no motion of the air. Breath of life = Sign of life given by breathing, (c) There does not seem to be a breath of life in the man taken from the water = The man taken from the water does not show any sign of life. Bred in the bone = Innate, (c) His meanness is bred in the bone^YLi^ meanness was born in him. My love of study is bred in the bone — I inherited a love for study from my parents. Breed in and in, to = To breed from animals of the same stock, that are closely related. (/>) Some farmers breed their stock in and in, but I do not approve of it = Some farmers breed their stock by the use of animals closely related, but I do not tliink it is a good plan. Bridg^e over, to = To provide for an emergency ; to make a passage when the way is obstructed, {a) If the president can bridge over this disagreement between the two houses of Congress, all will go well = If the president can remove this obstacle — the disa- greement of the two houses of Congress, all will go well. Bridie up, to - To express scorn or resentment by holding up the head, and drawing in the chin, (c) He bridled up> when his enemy spoke to him = He drew in his chin and held up his head in scorn, when his enemy spoke to him. Bring about, to = To effect ; to accomplish, (a) What has brought about this change of his be- havior ? ^What has caused this change of his conduct ? I will bring about your release from the engagement, if I caii = I will get you released from the engage- ment, if I can. One of the directors in the horse- 30 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. railroad company lias hrought about a reduction of the fare = One of the directors of the horse-railroad has effected a reduction of the fare. Brings do\rn the whole hou§e, to = To draw out general and noisy applause from the entire audi- ence, (a) The first appearance of the European violinist, "Wilhelmj, brought down the whole house— T\\q first playing of the European violinist, Wilhelmj, drew forth applause from the entire audience. Bring forth, to = To produce, (a) The earth brings forth large crops, every year, for the sustenance of man and beast = The earth pro- duces large crops every year, for the sustenance of man and beast. Brings home, to = To apply ; to make personal ; to cause to feel the force of. (a) Tlie death of my friend brings home to me the sorrow of losing friends = The death of my friend makes personal to me the sorrow of losing friends, and causes me to feel the force of it. Bring in, to — To produce as income, (a) His law practice brings him in a large sum every year = His practice as a lawyer yields him a large in- come yearly. Bring into court, to = To seek to adjust by law. (a) The matter in dispute between the landlord and his tenant was too trifling to be brought into court = The matter in dispute between the landlord and his tenant was too insignificant to be adjusted by law. Bring into order, to — To make orderly ; to ar- range, (a) The book-keeper brought into order the complicated accounts of the merchant = The book-keeper made orderly the complicated accounts of the merchant. Bring on, to = To originate, or cause to exist, (a) His exposure to the storm brought on sickness = His exposure to the storm caused him to be ill. Bring one's self to, to = To get the courage, energy, decision, or whatever may be necessary to a certain act. (a) The farmer could not bring himself to part with his farm, which had been the home of his ancestors for many generations, though he was ofiered a large sum for it = The farmer could not decide to part with his farm, which had been the home of his ancestors for many generations, though he was offered a large sum for it. Bring over, to = 1. To convey across, (a) 2. To cause one to change sides or opinions, (a) ■ IDIOMATIC PHRAS 1. The ambassador hrought over America to China = The ambassador conveyed dis- patches from America to China. 2, Mr. A. hrought over his friend to favor his apphcation for office = Mr. A. caused his friend to change his opinion, so that he favored his apphcation for office. Bring suit, to {Law) — To institute an action, (a) The express company has hrought suit against the R. R. Co. for alleged violation of contract = The ex- press company has instituted an action against the R.R. Co. foran asserted violation of their contract. Brings to, to=i 1. To restore consciousness ; to resus- citate, {a) 2. To check the course by arrange- ment of the sails; to keep nearly stationary. {Naut.) (a) 1. The fainting person was hrought to by being carried into the open air = The person who fainted was restored to consciousness by being carried out of doors. 2. Pirate ships fire a shot across the bow of vessels they fall in with, in order to hring them ^0 = Pirate ships fire a shot across the bow of vessels which they meet, to cause them to stop. Brings to an end, or close, to = To cause to cease ; to finish, (a) The professor has hrought his literary labors to a close^ and has become a farmer = The professor has finished his literary labors, and has become a farmer. When the commissioner saw that the Indians were determined upon war, he hrought his negotiations to an end = When the commissioner saw that the Indians were determined upon war, he ceased his negotiations. Bring to bear, to = To apply ; to use with, (a) The men hrought all their strength to hear in get- ting the log upon the wagon = The men applied all their strength to putting the log upon the wagon. I hrought all my influence to hear on the governor, to induce him to give you the appointments I used all my influence with the governor, to induce him to give you the appointment. Bring together, to = To cause to come together ; to collect, (a) The agricultural fair hrought together the farmers of the county, with specimens of their animals and crops = The agricultural fair caused the farmers of the county to come together, with specimens of their animals and crops. Bring to light, to = To discover ; to make public ; to expose to view, (a) Mr. Layard hrought to light many monuments and 32 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. sculptures of ancient E'ineveli, which had been buried for centuries = Mr. Layard exposed to view many monuments and sculptures of ancient Mneveh, which had been buried for centuries. Brings to notice, to = To make known, (a) The condition of the reservoir was brought to the notice of the common council, by a message from the mayor = The condition of the reservoir was made known to the common council, by a message from the mayor. Bring to pa§§, to = To cause to happen ; to bring about ; to effect ; to accomplish, (a) I promised to go to the city, and I hope to bring it to pass to-morrow = I promised to go to the city, and I hope to bring it about, or to effect it to-mor- row. The people intend to have a new bell for the church, if they can briiig it to pass = The people in- tend to have a new bell for the church, if they can accomplish it. Bring to terms, to == To cause to surrender, or sub- mit, or agree to something, {a) A siege often brings an army to terms = A. siege often causes an army to surrender. Bring to the hammer, to = To sell at auction. These goods will be brought to the hammer — These goods will be sold at auction. All his furniture was brought under the hammer^ in conse- quence of his bankruptcy = All his furniture was sold at auction, in consequence of his bankruptcy. Bring up, to=: l.To bring to notice; to present, (a) 2. To train ; to rear, (a) 1, The lecturer brought up many arguments against the use of tobacco = The lecturer presented many arguments against the use of tobacco. 2. If the child had been well brought up^ he would respect his superiors = If the child had been properly trained, he would respect his superiors. 2. Much patience and wisdom are requisite to bring up children aright = Much patience and wisdom are needed, to rear children rightly. Bring word, to = To convey a message, or tidings. («) The boy promised to bring his father luord^ as soon as he learned on what street Mr. E. lived = The boy promised to convey the information to his father, as soon as he learned on what street Mr. E. lived. Bristle up, to = To show anger or defiance, (c) The cat bristled up when the dog came into the yard = The cat showed defiance when the dog en- tered the yard. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 66 Broad i|iirth = Coarse mirth, (c) Tliej met at the tavern, and diverted themselves with broad -niirth — They met at the tavern, and diverted themselves with unrefined jovial conduct. Broad non§en§e = Obviously without sense ; gross nonsense, {b) This talk of yours is broad 7i072se7ise=This> talk of yours is gross nonsense. Broken reed = An untrustworthy support, (c) In her intemperate husband, Mrs. A. has a brohen re.e.d:=zln having an intemperate husband, Mrs. A. has an untrustworthy support. Brought do^vn into the du§t, to be = To be brought into a low condition. (6) Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, was brought down into the o??<5^ = Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, w^as brought into a low condition. Brought to bed, to be = To be delivered of a child. His wife was brought to bed yesterday = His wife was delivered of a child yesterday. Buckle on one'§ armor, to = To prepare for con- flict, (c) Tlie senator buckled on his cwrmor, and went to the senate-chamber to advocate the land bill = The sen- ator went to the senate-chamber, prepared to con- tend in argument for the land bill. Build up, to = To increase and strengthen ; to settle, or establish, and preserve, (a) Regular hours of retiring, regular exercise, and a nourishing temperate diet help much in building up the constitution = Regular hours of retiring, regular exercise, and a nourishing temperate diet help much to strengthen the constitution. France has succeeded well in building up her credit, since the peace with Germany = Since the peace with Gei-many, France has succeeded well in increasing and strengthening her credit. Burden of proof {Law) = Th.Q necessity or duty of proving something bearing on the question at issue, (a) The burden of proof that the man w^as of unsound mind rests upon those who contest his will = Itis^ necessary for those who contest the man's will, to prove that he was unsound in mind when he made it. Burn daylight, to — To light candles before dark ; to waste time, {b) It is not good economy to burn daylight = lt is wasteful to light candles before dark. 4 34 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Burn one's fing^ers, to = To get one's self into un- expected trouble ; to suffer damage, by taking part in other people's affairs, (b) He burned his fingers, by interfering in their quarrel =:He got himself into unexpected trouble, by inter- fering in their quarrel. Bur§t out, to = To break forth suddenly, (a) When the news of her sister's death was received, the young lady burst out crying = When the news of her sister's death was received, the young lady sud- denly broke forth into tears. Bury the hatcliet, to = To make peace, ih) It is to be hoped that the IS'orth and the South have buried the hatchet iovQ\QY— It is to be hoped that the Korth and the South have made a peace which will never be broken. Bu§ines§-\iralk§ = The sphere of business, (c) In the business walks of life, a book of this kind is very much needed = In the sphere of business, a book of this kind is much needed. Buy a pig in a poke, to = To buy a thing without seeing it, or knowing definitely its quality or value. («) . . He bought a pig in a poke when he purchased his farm at the West = He purchased his farm at the West without seeing it. By and toy = Pretty soon ; before long, (a) By and by the streams will be frozen over = Before lono: the streams will be frozen over. By dint of = By the force of ; by means of (a) By dint of great exertion, the mason put the stone on the wall = By means of great exertion, the mason put the stone on the wall. If you get the scholar- ship, it will be by dint of hard work = If you get the scholarship, it will be by working hard. By far = In a great degree ; very much, (a) This is, by far, the better newspaper of the two = This is, very much, the better newspaper of the two. By good rigbts = Most reasonably ; properly ; cor- rectly, (a) By good rights, the daughters should have had more of their father's property = Properly, or in justice, the daughters should have received more of their father's estate. By liand =: With the hand, in distinction from in- strumentality of tools, animals, &c. (a) This knitting was done by hand-l^\m knitting was done with the hands, instead of by machinery. By heart = In the closest, or most thorough manner, {a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 85 You must learn this lesson hy heart =Yon must learn it in the most thorough manner. By hook or by crook = One way or other ; by any means, direct or indirect, (c) He is bent on getting rich by hook or hy crook = He is bent on getting rich by any means, direct or indirect. The farmer said he meant to get the farm adjoining his, hy hook or hy crook — The farmer said he meant to get possession of the adjoin- ing farm, by any means, direct or indirect. By inches = By slow degrees ; gradually, (b) He has a cancer, and is dying hy inches — He has a cancer, and is dying gradually. By main force = By great strength ; by strong ex- ertion, {a) The lunatic who attacked his keeper was subdued hy main force — The lunatic who attacked his keeper was subdued by strong exertion. By might and main = With the utmost exertion of strength, (a) The people removed the rock out of the highway, hy might and main = The people removed the rock out of the highway, with great exertion. By no means ; by no manner of means = Not in any degree ; certain tly not. (a) The wine in this country is hy no means as good as that in Frances The wine in this country is in no degree as good as that in France. Shall you walk home to-day? By no means: I could not endure the fatigue = Shall you walk home to-day ? Certainly not ; I could not endure the fatigue. By one's self, to be = To be with only one's self near; alone; solitary, (a) I was not with them there, but hy myself =1 was not with them there, but was alone. He studies hy himself =Jle studies alone. By profession = By occupation; (not applied to mechanical, agricultural, or the like pursuits.) (a) Gov. Andrews of Conn, is a lawyer by profession = The occupation of Gov. Andrews is that of a lawyer. By rule = According to rule ; by direction, or au- thority of rule, (a) He is very methodical in his work, doing every- thing by rule = He is very methodical in his work, doing everything according to rule or regulation. By the bye ; by the way = In passing ; by way of digression ; apropos to the matter in hand ; (phrases introducing a remark related to the subject.) (a) By the bye, let me say this = By way of digression 36 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. from tlie subject, let me say this ; or apropos to the subject of onr conversation, let me say this. By the way^ there is a curious story about the family = Let me say, in passing, that there is a curious story about the family we are speaking of. In his dis- course the preacher remarked, hy the hye^ that he had visited every country in Europe = The preacher re- marked, as he proceeded with his discourse, that he had visited every country in Europe. By the ear§ = In close personal contest, (c) A disputed boundary has, sometimes, set two neighbors hy the ears = A disputed boundary has, sometimes, brought two neighbors into close personal contest. By tlii§ = After such an interval ; by this time, (c) Please look in the box at the door ; the mail-car- rier must have been round by this = ~P]esLse look in the box, for the mail-carrier must have been round by this time. He should have returned by this = He should have returned by this time. By trade = By occupation, or employment; (espe- cially mechanical employment.) (a) My friend is a carpenter by trade = My .friend's trade or employment is that of carpenter. By turns = 1. At intervals. 2. One after another ; alternately, (a) 1. In his sickness, he was very chilly by turns = In his sickness, he was at intervals very chilly. 2. You two will watch with the sick person by turns = Y on two will alternately watch. Day and night come by turns =J)aj and night come alternately. By virtue of = Through the force of; by authority of; by reason of. (a) I have a right to the property, by virtue of my position in the family = I have a right to the proper- ty, on account of my position in the family. By virtue of my office, I declare you man and wife = Ex- ercising the authority of my office, as a magistrate, I declare you married. This medicine cures fevers, by virtue of its cooling qualities = This medicine cures fevers, through the force of its cooling qualities. The governor is a meniber of the Board of Educa- tion, by virtue of his office = The governor is a mem- ber of the Board of Education, by reason of being governor. By way of = For the purpose of; in the character of. (a) By way of warning, the father pointed his son to to a staggering drunkard = For the purpose of warn- ing, the father pointed his son to a staggering IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 87 drunkard. He visited the museum hy way of curi- osity = He visited the museum as a matter of curi- osity. By wholesale = 1. In the mass, (a) 2. Without distinction or discrimination, {h) 1. He sells wheat hy wholesale and by retail = He sells wheat in the mass and by the bushel. 2. Some critics of men or books, who are wanting in acuteness, bestow their praise or their censure hy wholesale — ^oxne persons who criticise men or books, praise or censure them without discrimination. By ivord of mouth = By actual speaking ; orally, (a) Tlie message of the general to the colonel was de- livered hy word of mouth — The message of the general to the colonel was delivered by actual speaking. o. Call for, to = To demand ; to require, {a) Pleurisy is such a violent disease, as to call for prompt medical treatment = The disease named pleu- risy is so violent, that it requires prompt medical treatment. Call in, to = To summon outlying papers or interests ; to collect. 2. To invite to come together, {a) The U. S. treasurer has called in the five-twenty bonds now due = The U. S. treasurer has advertised that the government is ready to redeem the bonds, . which were to run twenty years, and which the gov- ernment has the privilege of paying after five years. 2. The Jewish Rabbi called in some of his friends on the occasion of the circumcision of his son = The Jewish Rabbi invited some of his friends to come together at the circumcision of his son. Call in question, torrTo express doubt or dissent; to treat as not entitled to confidence, (a) I will not call in question the views on the subject of taxation which you have so ably expressed = I will not treat the views which you have expressed regarding taxation as not entitled to confidence. He called in question Mr. E's statement that the city is as healthy as the country = He expressed doubt of Mr. E's statement that the city is as healthy as the country. Call names, to = To apply opprobrious epithets to ; to call by reproachful appellations, (a) His father punished him for calling names = His father punished him for applying opprobious epithets. 38 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Call off, to =: To summon away ; to divert, (a) Do not suffer any thing to call off your attention from your teacher = Do not suffer any thing to divert your attention from your teacher. The servant was called off from her ironing this morning, four times, by a ring at the door = The servant was four times sum- moned away from her ironing, this morning, by the ringing of the door-bell. Call of the bouse (Legislative bodies) = A calling over of the names of the members, to discover who is absent, or for other purpose, (a) A call of the house was ordered, to ascertain whether a quorum was presents It was ordered, that the names of the members should be called, to ascertain whether a quorum was present. Call on, or upon, to — To make a short visit to. (a) Social courtesy requires us to call on the family which has just moved into this street = Social courtesy requires us to make a short visit to the family which has just moved into this street. Call out, to= l.To summon to fight; to challenge. (6) 2. To summon into service, (a) 1. Mr. A. has called out Mr. B., for his abusive words =: Mr. A. has challenged Mr. B., for his abu- sive words. 2. The State troops have been called out^ to quell the insurrection = The State troops have been summoned into service, to quell the insur- rection. Call over, to = To read or repeat in order, {a) The sergeant called over the names of the men in his company every mornings The sergeant read aloud, every morning, the names of the men com- posing his company, in their order. Call tlie roll, to = To call over the list of names of persons belonging to an organization, in order to ascertain who are present and who are absent, {a) In the army, the roll is called at reveille = At the beat of drum, at day-break, the company list of soldiers' names is called, and those present answer to their names. Call to account, to = To require one to give a state- ment; to call for explanation or vindication of conduct, (a) The assistant postmaster-general has been called to account for expending more money than Congress appropriated. = The assistant postmaster-general has been required to vindicate his conduct, in exceeding the appropriation. The scholar who was absent from school for three days was called to account for his absences The scholar who was absent from IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 39 school for three days was required to explain his absence. Call to order, to = 1. (Legislative and other as- semblies.) To call attention of the presiding officer to a violation of parliamentary rules. 2. To make a formal opening of a public meeting. 1. Mr. A. was called to order for using unparHa- mentary language, in saying that Mr. C. was a dem- agogue = Mr. A. was stopped by Mr. B's calling the attention of the presiding officer to Mr. A's use of unparliamentary language, in styling Mr. C. a dem- agogue. 2, The temperance meeting was called to order by Mr. Jones = The meeting was formally opened by Mr. Jones' calling the assembly to organ- ize for business, by electing a presiding officer, &q. Call up, to = 1. To bring into view or recollection, (a) 2. To bring into action or discussion, (a) 1. Your letter calls up many delightful memories of my visit at your house = The receipt of a letter from you brings to my recollection tlie delightful visit I had at your house. 1. The sound of that bell calls up my school days = Hearing that bell brings to my mind the scenes of my school days. 1. The photograph of my friend calls up his fea- tures = The photograph of my friend brings his fea- tures to mind. 2. The bill concerning the currency was called up in Congress yesterday = The bill con- cerning the currency was brought into discussion in Congress yesterday. Can tout = Can only ; can barely ; (denoting that this is all, or the worst, that can happen), {a) I can hut lose a hundred dollars, if I buy the horse and he proves to be worthless = I can only lose a hundred dollars, if the horse I buy at that price proves worthless. Can not tout = Can not avoid, or forbear ; must (de- noting a constraint or necessity of some kind.) (a) From the evidence, I can not hut think the man is guilty of murder = From the evidence, I can not avoid thinking (am compelled to think) that the man is guilty of murder. You can not hut be glad that your son is so successful in business = It must be a source of pleasure to you that your son suc- ceeds so well in business. Capital crime = A crime punishable with death, {a) Murder in the first degree is a capital mme = Mur- der in the first degree is punishable with death. Care nothing atoout, to = To be indifferent to. (a) The lawyer's youngest son cares nothing about his 40 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. books = The lawyer's youngest son is indifferent to study. Carry all before one, to = To be eminently suc- cessful, or popular, (c) Mr. M., from Boston, has opened a dry goods store in the city, and carries all before him='Mr. M., from Boston, has opened a dry goods store in the city, and is remarkably successful (or popular). Carry eoals to Newcastle, to = To do something superfluous or unnecessary ; to lose one's labor. (6) To send tea to China would be carrying coals to Neivcastle=i To send tea to China would be a super- fluous enterprise ; (Newcastle being a city in Eng- land from which much coal comes). Carry into execution, to = To perform ; to execute. («) The merchant had long planned to visit Europe, but was not able to carry his plan into execution, till last summer = The merchant had long planned to visit Europe, but w^as never able to execute his plan, till last summer. Carry matters with a liig^h hand, to = To be arro- gant, domineering, tyrannical and the like, (c) Barbarian conquerors have been apt to cairy mat- ters with a high Aa/2^=i Barbarian conque^i'ors have been apt to be tyrannical. Carry over, to = To carry across ; to transport from one place to another, (a) Tea is carried over from China to America in vessels = Tea is transported from China to America in vessels. Carry sail, to = To have more or less sail unfurled, (a) It is not safe to carry too much sail in a storm = It is not safe to have too much sail unfurled in a storm. Carry the day, to = To succeed in a struggle or con- test, (a) The republicans carried the day in the presidential election - The republicans were successful in the election for president. Carry too far, to = To exceed the proper bounds ; to persist in too long, {a) The Englishman carries his love of hunting and racing too far — The Englishman exceeds the proper bounds, in his love of hunting and racing. The man has carried the practice of using opium too far^ and has ruined his healths The man has been ex- cessive in the use of opium, and has ruined his health. Cast about for, to — To seek for. (c) The porter who was dismissed from the store has IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 41 been casting about for a situation ever since = The porter who was dismissed from the store has been seeking employment ever since. Cast a sheep's eye, to =: To give a modest, diffident look, or a loving glance, (c) As they rode in the car, the young man cast sheep's eyes on the young lady by his side = As they rode in the car, the young man glanced bashfully and lov- ingly at the young lady seated beside him. Cast aside, to = To dismiss or reject as useless or in- convenient, (a) The boy who corsts aside the instructions of his teacher will never become learned = The boy who rejects as useless the instructions of his teacher will never become learned. Cast forth, to = To throw out or reject, as from an inclosed space ; to emit, or send abroad, (c) The volcano cast forth lava and ashes = The volcano emitted lava and ashes. Cast in a different mold, to be = To be made after a different pattern ; to be quite unlike. (5) He is so unlike his brother in form and features and temperament, that he seems to have been cast in a different mold -He, is so unlike his brother in form and features and temperament, that he seems to have been made after a different pattern. Cast in one's lot with, to = To join; to share in common w4th. ip) We are forming a mining company ; you would better cast in your lot with us = We are forming a mining company ; you would better join us. Cast into the shade, to=:To throw into compara- tive obscurity, (a) General Grant's success in the war cast the other generals somewhat into the 5/iac?e= General Grant's success threw the other generals into comparative obscurity. Cast in the teeth, to -To retort reproachfully; to upbraid ; to twit. ilS) I cast his falsehood concerning my age in his teeth = I upbraided him with his falsehood respecting my age. Castles in the air = Yisionary projects ; schemes that have no solid foundation, [a) Instead of plodding hard, he spends his da^^s in building castles in the azV = He spends his time in forming visionary projects, instead of hard work. It is the habit of some young persons to build castles in the air = Some young persons are much given to letting their minds run on visionary projects. 42 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Ca§t off trammel§, to = To free one's self from re- traint. (c) At the last election Mr. B. cast off party trammels^ and voted tlie independent ticket = At the- last election Mr. B freed himself from party restraints, and voted the independent ticket. Cast up, to = To compute ; to reckon, (a) When the man cast up his family expenses for the year, he was much surprised at the amount = When the man computed his family expenses for the year, he was surprised at the amount. Catcb a glimpse of, to = To get a hurried view of. (a) I can not describe the bird, for I only caught a glimpse of it as it flew among the trees = I can not describe the bird, for I only had a hurried view of it as it flew by among the trees. Catcli one napping, to = To gain an advantage over one, through his inattention, {b) The tradesman who does not read the newspaper will be caught napping by people who do = People who read the papers will gain an advantage over the tradesman who, through inattention, does not. The broker who sold fifty shares of rail-road stock for less than its market value was caught napping ■= The broker who sold fifty shares of rail-road stock for less than its market value was taken advantage of through ignorance or inattention. Catch sight of, to = To gain a view of. (a) After being out twenty days, we caught sight of land = After being out twenty days, we first gained a view of land. Catch the ear, to = To engage and attach. (6) His homely, unpretending style, and his pleasing address catch the ear of the people = His homely un- pretending phraseology, and pleasing manner of speaking engage and attach the people. Catch the eye, to = To gain the notice ; to attract the attention, ih) As I was passing by the market, this fine fowl caught my eye — A& I was passing by the market, this fine fowl attracted my attention. Catch the point, to — To apprehend the meaning, (c) I did not catch the point of the newspaper article on party leaders — I did not apprehend the meaning of the newspaper article on party leaders. Chalk out, to = To lay out ; to draft ; to describe, (a) Mr. H. has chalked out a plan for bridging the rail-road crossing =r Mr. H. has drafted a plan for making a bridge at the rail-road crossing. Before IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 43 he went to Europe, he chalked out the plan of his journeys Before visiting Europe, he laid out a plan for his journey through the various countries. I have cAaZZ:ec? ow^ my work for the coming week = I have laid out my work for the next week. Cbang^e bands, to = To change owners, (a) The house on the corner has changed hands again =:The house on the corner has changed owners again (has been sold again). Cbeek by joivl = In familiar proximity ; close, (c) I saw the senator and the postmaster cheek hy jowl with each other at the capitol=I saw the senator and the postmaster in close proximity and confabu- lation at the eapitol. Cbime in witb, to = To agree with ; to harmonize with, (c) At the marriage-feast, the gaiety of the guests chimed in with the happiness of the bride - At the marriage-feast, the gaiety of the guests harmonized with the bride's happiness. €boo§e §lde§, to = To select parties for competition in any exercise, (a) The lads in the school chose sides for a game of ball = The lads in the school selected two parties of players, for competition in a game of ball. €bri§tian name = The name given in baptism, as distinguished from the family name, (a) In the name George Washington, George is the Christian name = In George Washington, George is tlie name conferred in baptism. Claim relation§bip witb, to = To assert family con- nection, (a) A man spoke to me on the street, and claimed re- lationship luith me=:A man addressed me, and as- serted family connection with me. Clean bands = Freedom from guilt, {h) In the investigations into the alleged dishonesty of some of the merchant's clerks, Mr. F. will come out with clean hands = In the investigations into the alleged dishonesty of some of the merchant's clerks, Mr. F. will be shown to be free from any guilt. Clear as crystal = Yery clear ; perspicuous ; (said of a writer's style), (a) In the expression of his thoughts, Macaulay is as char as cr?/stoi = Macaulay is very clear and per- spicuous in the expression of his thoughts. Clear a sbip at tbe custom-bouse, to = To exhibit the required papers, give bonds, and get permission to sail, (a) He has cleared his ship at the custom-house — He has 44 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. exhibited the required papers and obtained permis- sion to sail. Clear a ship for action, to =: To remove all incum- brances from the decks, and prepare for an engage- ment, (a) The ship was cleared for action at the battle of the Nile = Preparation was made for fight at the battle of the Nile, by removing incumbrances from the decks. Clear the land, to {Naut.):^To gain such a distance from shore as to have open sea-room, and be out of danger from the land, (a) The ship has cleaned the land and there is no dan- ger now = The ship is well out at sea, and there is now no danger. Clear up, to = To become fair, {a) We can not take the drive till the weather . clears up — We can not take our drive till it becomes fair weather. Clip the \ringr§ of, to = To invalidate ; to cripple, (c) The merchant made large plans for business, but the want of capital clipped the wings of his attempt = The merchant made large plans for business, but the want of capital crippled his efforts. Clo§e in upon, to = To inclose ; to confine by sur- rounding, (a) Darkness closed in upon the party, wliile they were on the lake = Darkness surrounded the party, while tliey were on the lake. Clo§e quarters = Nearness ; near together ; a crowd- ed condition, (a) In some parts of the city, people live in very close quarters — In some parts of the city, the people live in a very crowded condition. Close to the \irind (Naut.) = Directed as nearly as possible to the point from which the wind blows. The ship sailed close to the wind = The ship sailed as nearly as possible against the wind. Close with, to = 1. To accede to; to consent or agree to. (a) 2. To grapple with, (a) 1. The Spaniard closed with the terms on which the new house was offered to him = The Spaniard accepted the terms on which the new house was offered to him. 2. His assailant was heavier than he, but he closed with him courageously = His assailant was heavier than he, but he grappled with him courageously. Cock and bull story = An unlikely story ; a tedious, trifling story, (c) That narrative of his fight with two lions is a IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 45 coch and hull story = That is an unlikely, or a trifling story about liis fighting with two lions. He told a cock and bull story about being attacked by robbers = He told an exciting but exaggerated story, about being attacked by robbers. Collect one's thoughts, to = To reflect, (a) Give me time to collect my thoughts, and I will tell you in what play of Shakspeare the quotation is found = Give me time to reflect, and I will tell you in what play of Shakspeare the quotation is found. Come about, to = To occur in the order of things ; to take place, (a) How did the fighting between these two boys come about? = How did the fighting between these boys happen, or take place ? Come across, to = To meet with ; to fall in with, {a) I came across this quotation from St. Augustine, in my reading yesterdays I met with this quotation, in my reading yesterday. Come betireen, to= 1. To occur between, (a) 2. To separate ; to estrange, (a) 1. The school vacation comes between June and September = The school vacation occurs between June and September. 2. Something, I do not know what, came between the two friends = Some- thing, I do not know what, estranged the two friends. Come by, to = To obtain ; to gain ; to acquire, (a) How did you come by this book ? = How did you acquire this book ? He came by his wealth honestly = He acquired his wealth by honest methods. Come home, to=: 1. To come close; to touch the feelings, interest or reason ; to affect deeply, (a) 2, To be loosened from the ground ; {Naut.) (a) 1. The horrors of war came home to Americans in the time of the rebellion = The horrors of w^ar came close to the experience and feeling of Americans in the time of the rebellion. 2. The anchor comes home = The anchor is loosened from the ground. Come in its turn, to = To come in its due order of succession, (a) In a large class at school, each pupil's recitation comes in its turn = ln a large class at school, each pupil's recitation comes in its proper order of suc- cession. Come into play, or operation, to = To come into use ; to be used or employed, (a) In time of war, the muskets which had been stored in the arsenals come into- play = In time of war, the muskets which have been stored in the arsenals are used. 46 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Come of, to = 1. To be related to, or descended from. {b) 2. To result from, (a) 1, He comes of gentle bloods He is well born. 2. He would go on tliin ice, and this wetting in the cold water comes of his folly = This cold bath is the result of his folly, in going on the thin ice. Come off, to = To be performed, (a) Did the play which was advertised come off at the theatre last night ? = Was the advertised play acted at the theatre last night ? Come on, to = To approach ; to advance ; to progress. (a) The summer comes on apace = The summer ap- proaches rapidly. How do you come on in your new business ? = What progress do you make in your new business ? Come round, to = To recur regularly, (a) In the paper mill, in the adjoining town, pay-day comes round monthly = In the paper mill, in the ad- joining town, pay-day recurs regularly once a month. Come short, to = To be deficient ; to fail, (a) I fear I shall come sliort in my cash receipts this month = I fear that my receipts of money this month will be deficient in amount. The congress- man who was elected last week came sliort of the majority he expected = The congressman who was elected last week failed of obtaining the majority he expected. Come to, to = l. To recover consciousness, (a) 2. To amount to. (a) 1. Yesterday she fainted, but soon came to =r Yes- terday she fainted, but soon revived. 2. The yearly taxes on my property come to a large sum = The yearly taxes on my property amount to a large sum. What will three days' work come to ? — What must I pay for three days' work ? Come to a cri§is, to = To arrive at the point of nec- essary termination or change, the decisive or turn- ing point, (a) Political affairs in America came to a crisis^ at the breaking out of the civil war = Political affairs in America reached a decisive point, at the breaking out of the rebellion. Come to a head, to = l. To suppurate, as a boil, {a) 2. To develop to a culminating point ; to mature, (c) -1. The boil has come to a head— The boil is ready to discharge matter. 2. After weeks of secret prep- aration, the plot to kill the Tsar came to a head—Ki- ter weeks of hidden preparation, the stratagem to destroy the Tsar broke out. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 47 Come to an end, to = To cease ; to stop, (a) Tlie wicked career of the thief came to an end at his arrest = The wicked career of the thief was stopped by his arrest. Come to an untimely end, to = To die prematurely, (a) He was the hope of the family, a young man of fine promise, but he came to an untimely end by the accidental discharge of a fowling-piece = He was the hope of his family, &c., but he died prematurely by the accidental discharge of a fowling-piece. Come to a stand-still, to = To be stopped ; to cease. («) Work on the track of the new rail-road has come to a stand-still for lack of funds = Work on the track of the new rail-road has ceased, for want of funds. Come to blows, to = To quarrel to the extent of violence ; to engage in combat, (a) The two boys disputed about the ownership of the book, and at last came to hlow^=T\\Q, two boys dis- puted about the ownership of the book, and finally engiaored in combat. Come to hand, to = To be received; to be taken into possession, (a) Your letter came to hand yesterday = Your letter was received yesterday. Come to life, to = To revive ; to come to. (a) After being in the water a long time, he was in a state of suspended animation, but finally came to life = After being in the water a long time, he was in a state of suspended animation, but finally revived. Come to naught, to = To fail ; not to succeed. (/>) The project of a horse rail-road from the depot to the adjoining town carne to naught= The project of a horse rail-road from the depot to the adjoining town failed of success. The search for the pirate's buried treasure came to naught = The search for the pirate's buried treasure utterly failed. Come to pass, to = To occur ; to take place, (a) We can not foretell what will come to pass in the next century = We can not foretell what will occur in the next century. Come to terms, to = To make terms ; to make an agreement ; to agree, (b) In the matter of house-rent I have com.e to terms with him=:I have made an agreement with him in the matter of house-rent. Come to the front, to = To come forward promi- nently ; to become the subject of public discussion. 48 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The question of the currency seems likely to come again to the front in the U. S. Congress = The ques- tion of the currency seems likely to become again the subject of discussion in Congress. Come to the point, to = To speak on a subject without superfluous words, (a) I will come to the point — can you loan me five hundred dollars ? = I will speak as briefly and di- rectly as possible — can you loan me five hundred dollars ? Come to the same thing, to = To be the same ; to give the same result, {a) It comes to the same thing ^ whether a column of fig- ures is added from the bottom upward, or from tlie top downward = The result is the same, whether a column of figures is added from the bottom upward, or from the top downward. Come under the head of, to==To be reckoned among ; to be classed with, (a) Tea and sugar come under the head of groceries = Tea and sugar are classed with groceries. Come upon the parish, town, &c., to = To be- come so poor as to be supported at public expense. Ko one wishes to come upon the parish = 'No one wishes to be supported at public expense. Come upon the stag^e, to = To appear upon the scene of action ; to figure in public life, {b) The men who came on the stage^ in the time of Queen Elizabeth, (Eng.), w^ere bold, original, and many of them, great men = The men who figured in public life, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, were bold, original, and many of them, great men. Come up to, to = To rise to. (c) Tlie writer of the poem did not come up to the dignity of the subjects The writer of the poem did not rise to the dignity of the subject, in his treat- ment of it. This package of silk does not come up to our standard = This r»ackage of silk does not rise to our standard. Come up with, to=:To overtake, (a) I came up with him at his own door = I overtook him at his own door. Commanding view - A view that has much within the sphere of vision, {b) The tower on the mountain, eight miles west of Hartford, affords a commanding view of the valley of Farmington river = The tower on the mountain, eight miles west of Hartford, affords a view which takes in much of the Farmington valley IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 49 Commune \rUli one'§ own heart, to = To reflect ; to meditate bj one's self; to busy one's self with one's thoughts, (c) In time of affliction, it is well to commune ivith one's own heart, and be still = In time of aliiiction, it is well to meditate by one's self, and be still. Compare notes, to = To exchange opinions, &c., in order to learn one another's views, (a) After visiting Europe, Mr. A. and Mr. B. were accustomed to compare notes whenever they met=: After visiting Europe, Mr. A. and Mr. B. were in the habit of conversation and interchange of opin- ions concernino^ foreign travel and countries. Connive at, to = To fail or forbear, by intention, to see a fault, (a) It is feared that a policeman connived at the fight = It is feared that a policeman intentionally failed to see the fight. Conseiou§ of, to be = To know and recognize the acts and aftections of one's own mind, (a) The man said that he was conscious of a desire and intention to treat his adopted son as well as he treated the one bom to liim = The man said that he knew that he desired and purposed to treat his adopted son as kindly as he treated his own son. Con§i§t in, to = To be constituted by ; to have foun- dation, or substance in ; to lie in. (a) Lying consists in uttering what is false, with the intent to deceive = The essence of lying is uttering what is false, with the intent to deceive. Con§i§t of, to = To be composed, or made up of. (a) This book consists of phrases, which have their own peculiar meanings This book is made up of phrases, which have their own peculiar meaning. Bread consists of several ingredients = Bread is made of several ingredients. Cope with, to = To strive or contend on equal terms, or with success ; to match, (c) The Hindoo coolie is not able to cope with the far superior Chinaman of the Straits settlements = The Hindo coolie can not contend, on equal terms, with the far superior Chinaman of the Straits settlements. The rebels, having few troops, could, not cope with the government = The rebels, having few troops, could not successfully contend with the government. Count for anything, to = To increase or add to the strength or influence, {b) Local service in a subordinate position seldom counts for anything, in securing promotion to the highest office; (Lon. and China Telegraph) = Local 5 50 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. service seldom adds anything to the influence or prospects of subordinates in the civil service. Count in, to = l. To declare elected, by a fraudulent counting of the votes; (U. S.) (a) 2. To reckon among the number, (h) 1. It is believed by many, that the sheriJBP was counted in, at the late election = It is believed by many, that the sheriff did not receive a majority of votes, but was falsely declared by the counters to have received the largest number, and accordingly was declared elected. 2. If you are making up a party for a sleigh-ride, you may count me in — If you are making up a party for a sleigh-ride, you may reckon me among the number. Count out, to = 1. To declare not elected, by a fraudulent counting of the votes, (U. S.) (a) 2. To reject, or fail to reckon in an enumeration. Q)) 1. Mr. T. and his friends think that he was un- justly cowTz^ec? out in the last election = Mr. T. and his friends think that he was unjustly declared not chosen to office at the last election, by means of a fraudulent counting of the votes. 2. Count me out from the fishing party for to-morrow = Do not reckon me as one of the party who intend to go a-fishing to-morrow. Count upon, or on^ to = To rely upon, {a) The friends of the pension bill counted on Senator C. to advocate the bill = The friends of the pension bill relied on Senator C. to advocate the bill. Cover into, to = To transfer to. (a) Secretary Sherman has covered into the treasury the money received on account of the Alabama claims = Secretary Sherman has transferred to the treasury the money received on account of the Ala- bama claims. Cream of the joke, the - The best part of the joke, {h) You lost the cream of the johe by going out of the room = You missed hearing the best part of the joke by going out of the room. Crocodile tear§ = Pretended grief; false or affected tears, (c) Those were crocodile tears which the man shed over the result of the election = The man's grief at the result of the election was hypocritical (not sincere). Crop out, to=l. To appear above the surface, (a) 2. To come to light ; to be manifest. (5) 1. Strata of limestone crop out, on some Western prairies = Strata of limestone incline upward and appear above the surface, on some Western prairies. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 51 2. The traveler's love of children cropped out, in his taking a little girl who was in the car, on his knee, and talking and playing with her = The traveler's love of children showed itself, in his taking on his knee a little girl who was in the car, and talking and playing with her. Cro§s examination (Zai^.) = The examination of a witness which is made by the opposing counsel, or the counsel opposing the side which called the w^it- ness. {a) A cross examination is usually severe and trying = The examination of a witness which is made by the counsel opposed to the side which called him, is usually severe and trying. Crowd §ail, to = To carry an extraordinary force of sail, in order to hasten the progress of the ship, (a) The captain saw a pirate ship in the distance, and crowded sail to escape her if possible = The captain saw a pirate ship in the distance, and hastened the progress of the sliip by increasing the quantity of sail, in order to escape her if possible. €ru§h out, to = l. To force or separate by pressure. (a) 2. To completely overcome or destroy, (a) 1. We crush out the juice of the grapes in a wine- prpss=iWe separate tlie juice from the grape by pressure in a wine-press. 2. Cromwell crushed out the rebellion in Ireland in 1649 = Cromwell com- pletely overcame the rebellion in Ireland in 1649. Cry at the top of the voice, to=:To cry in the higliest pitch of the voice ; to cry as loud as possi- ble. When the fire broke out, the boy cried at the top of his voice— Hhe. boy cried as loud as possible, when the fire broke out. Crying §hanie ; burning §hame = A notorious shame ; a vehement shame, (a) The dishonesty of some Indian traders and agents in the United States is a crying shame = The dishon- esty of some Indian traders and agents in the United States is notorious, and shameful. Curry favor, to := To seek to gain favor by flattery, caresses, kindness, or officious civilities. He is trying to curry favor with the governor = He is trying to get the favor of the governor by officious civilities. Cursive hand = A running hand, (c) Manuscripts of the Greek Testament, in the cursive hand, are less than a thousand years old = The manu- scripts of the Greek Testament, written in the run- ning hand, are less than a thousand years old. 52 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Cut a figure, or a dasli, to = To make a display ; to be conspicuous, {b) Captain E. cut a figure at the ball, dressed in the costume of his grandfather's day == Captain E. was conspicuous at the ball, for wearing tlie style of dress which was in fashion in the time of his grandfather. Cut caper§, to =: To play pranks ; to frolic, (b) The children are cutting capers in the nursery = The children are frolicking in the nursery. Cut do^vn, to = To reduce ; to diminisli ; to lessen. («) We must cut down our expenses, because our rail- road stock pays no dividend this year = We must lessen our expenses, because our rail-road stock pays no dividend this year. The salary of the clerk has been cut down fifty dollars = The salary of the clerk has been made fifty dollars less. Cut ofi', to = To deprive of life ; to destroy ; to sever ; to separate, (o) Many people have been cut off by the yellow fever in Memphis, Tenn.; (U. S.), this year and last = Many people have been deprived of life by the yel- low fever in Memphis, this year and last ; (1878 and 1879). That crooked branch should be cut off from the young tree = That crooked branch ought to be severed from the 3'oung tree. Cut one'§ acquaintance, to = To drop intercourse with one ; to intentionally avoid recognizing one. (a) Because of his misconduct, very many people cut his acquaintance = Yery many people avoided recog- nizing him, because of his misconduct. Cut out, to = 1. To shape or form by cutting ; to contrive ; to adapt, (a) 2. To remove and take the place of; to frustrate ; to supersede ; to out-do. (a) 3. To seize and carry ofiT, as a vessel from a harbor. («) 1. I went to the tailor to get him to cut out a coat for me = I w6nt to the tailor to get him to form or shape a coat for me by cutting. 1, Pie is cut out for mechanical work = He is adapted to the doing of mechanical work. 2. He has cut you out as assistant secretary of legation = He has outdone you and taken your place as assistant secretary of legation. 3. . Smalls, a slave, cut out a steamboat from Charleston harbor = Smalls, a slave, seized and carried oif a steamboat from Charleston harbor. Cut short, to=:To arrest or check abruptly; to bring to a sudden termination ; to abridge ; to di- minish, (c) The burglar's career of crime was cut sJwrt, by his IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 53 arrest and imprisonment = The burglar's career of crime was abruptly checked, by his arrest and im- prisonment. The time for a day's work in the facto- ry has been cut short— The time for a day's work in the factory has been abridged. I was telling what I knew about the affair, when my companion cut me shorty and said; "I know all about it" = I was telling what I knew about the affair, when my companion interrupted me, and said ; " I know all about it." Cut the teeth, to = To have the teeth pierce the gum and appear, (a) The baby is cutting his first teeth = The baby is hav- ing his first teeth come. Cut under, to = To undersell, (c) He cut under all his competitors in the shoe trade = He undersold all his competitors in the shoe trade. He is trying to cut under me in order to get my custom away from me = He is trying to sell goods cheaper than I do, in order to get my custom away from me. Cut up, to = l. To cut in pieces. 2. To injure; to wound ; to hurt, (a) 1. The butcher cut up the beef before selling it= The butcher cut the beef in pieces before selling it. 2. The author was much cut up, by the criticism of his book = The author was* much hurt in his feel- ings, by the criticism of his book. The doctrine of Yang Che and Mak Tic, so opposite to the teachings of Confucius, cuts tip all government by the roots = The doctrine of Yang Che and Mak Tic, so oppo- site to the teachings of Confucius, destroys the foun- dations of all family and civil government. D. Danee attendance, torrTo stand and wait obsequi- ously ; to be in waiting, with a view to please or gain favor, (b) The court were obliged to dance attendance on Louis XI Y., of France = The court were obliged to stand, and wait obsequiously on Louis XI Y., of France. She kept him dancing attendance on her for one year, before revealing her own inclinations = She kept him in waiting upon her one year with a view to gain her favor, before revealing her own inclina- tions. Dash forward, to=:To rush on rapidly, (a) The commander dashed forward, and by a sudden onset threw the ranks of the enemy into disorder =i 54 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The commander rushed on rapidly, and by a sudden movement threw the ranks of the enemy in disorder. I>ay§ of grace {Mercantile Zat^) = Days, usually three, allowed by law or custom, for the payment of a note or bill of exchange, after the specified time of payment. Taking advantage of the days of grace, I paid, on the tenth, my note which was due on the seventh instants Taking advantage of the days allowed for the payment of a note after the specified time, I paid, on the tenth, my note which was due on the seventh instant. Dead language = A language which is no longer spoken or in common use by a people, and is known only in writings. Tlie dead languages are taught in English and American schools, in order to discipline the mind and give facility in the use of language = The lan- guages no longer spoken, and known only in writings — as Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, — are taught in En- glish and American schools in order to discipline the mind, and give command of language in speaking and writing. Bead letter =1. A letter, which after lying for a certain time uncalled for at a post-ofiice, is then sent to the general post-ofiice to be opened. 2. That which has fallen into disuse or become obso- lete, (a) 1. The number of dead letters in the United States every year is larger The number is large, in the United States every year, of letters, which after lying for a certain time uncalled for at a post-office, are then sent to the general post-office at Washington to be opened. 2. The prohibitory law in Connecticut was a dead letter, some time before its repeal = Some time before its repeal, the prohibitory law in Connecticut had fallen into disuse. ' I>eal by, to = To treat, either well or ill. (a) Mrs. F. always deals well by her servants = Mrs. F. always treats her servants well. Deal in, to = To sell or traffic in; to have to do with, {a) Mr. E. deals in grains Mr. E. buys and sells grain. Judge C. does not deal in political matters = Judge C. has nothing to do with politics. Deal ont, to = To distribute; to dispense, (a) Rice was dealt out to the needy by the missiona- ries, during the late famine in China = Rice was dis- tributed to the needy by the missionaries, during the late famine in China. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 65 I>eal "With = 1. To treat in any manner; to use, whether well or ill. (a) 2. To trade with, (a) 3. To have transactions of any kind with, (a) 1. The teacher should not deal severely with the mis- takes of his pupils, but he should deal severely with their disobedience = The teacher should not punish his pupils severely for their mistakes, but he should punish their disobedience. 2. I am in the habit of dealing ivitli Mr. X. in buying hardware =r I am in the habit of buying hardware of Mr. X. 3. He is a hard man to deal with = lt is very difficult to have transactions of any kind with him. Dear iiie = An exclamation expressive of some emo- tion, as surprise, fear, grief, pain and the like, (c) e. g. Is Mr. A's house burned ? Yes. Dear me ! what will he do ? Death-blow = A blow causing death; total extinc- tion, (a) His only son's death was a death-blow to all his ambition = His only son's death proved to be the total extinction of all his ambition. He received his death-blow^ at the hands of an intoxicated com- panion =r He received the blow that caused his death, at the hand of an intoxicated companion. Death §taring one in the face = In constant ex- pectation of dying, (b) When he had dysentery, he was given over by the physician, and lay many days with death staring him in the ^acerr When he had dysentery, &c., he lay many days in constant expectation of dying. Depend upon, to=:l. To rely upon for support, (a) 2. To trust ; to believe, (a) 1. The child depends upon his parents == The child relies upon his parents for support. 1. She has nothing to c?ej9enc? on = She has nothing to rely on, for support. -2. You can always depend upon Mr. G. =:You can always trust (or believe) Mr. G. Deprive of, to = To bereave of; to take away, (a) He was deprived of the privilege of attending the lecture, by illness = He did not have the privilege of attending the lecture, on account of illness. Die a natural death, to = To die a death not ex- ceptional nor violent, but in the ordinary course of nature, (a) If a man is drowned, we do not say he died a nat- ural death = If a man meets death by drowning, he dies an exceptional and violent death, not in the ordinary course of nature. Die out, or away, to = To recede and grow fainter ; 56 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. to become imperceptible ; to vanisb ; to disappear. («) The glow of the setting sun gradually died avjay— The glow of the setting sun gradually became im- perceptible. The custom of traveling by stage was once common, but it has died out=ThG custom of traveling by stage was once common, but it has dis- appeared. Dig up the hatchet, to = To make war, or engage in strife, (c) The Indians in Colorado have dug up the hatchet= The Indians in Colorado have engaged in strife (with the United Stares). Discharge an office, to=iTo perform a duty or a service, (a) Mr. C. discharges his office as conductor of the train very satisfactorily = Mr. C. performs his duty as con- ductor of the train very satisfactorily. Dispose of, to = i. To determine the fate of; to ex- ercise the power of control over, (a) 2. To pass over into the control of some one else ; to alienate ; to part with ; to get rid of. (a) 1. In China, it has been considered the parents' prerogative, to dispose of a daughter's hand in mar- riage = In China, it has been considered the parents' peculiar privilege, to exercise the power of control over . a daughter's hand. 2. I have disposed of my farm in the country = I have parted with, or sold, my farm in the country. Do, sometimes means to accomplish a purpose, to answer an end. (a) If this will not do^ try something else = If this will not answer the end in view, try something else. If you can not pay the bill to-day, to-morrow will do = If you can not pay the bill to-day, to-morrow will answer the purpose. This dress will do to wear to the party = This dress will answer the purpose for wearing at the party. Can you make these shoes do? — Csin you use these shoes? This paper will do for the presents This paper will suffice for now. Do away with, to =r To put away ; to discontinue, (a) The custom of wearing wigs is done aivay with in America = The custom of wearing wigs is discon- tinued in America. We must do away with this needless expense = We must stop this needless ex- pense. The new college president did away with many old rules = The new college president abolished many old rules. Do by, to = To treat, (h) If you will do hy me as well as you do hy my IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 67 neighbor, I will buy my groceries of you = If you will treat me, as a customer, as well as you treat my neighbor, I will purchase my groceries at your store. Dog in tlie manger = One who can not use or enjoy something, and yet will not allow others to do so. The man who cut down all the grape-vines in his garden, because he was not fond of grapes was like the dog in the manger — T\\q man who cut down all the grape-vines in his garden, because he did not like grapes was not willing others should enjoy that which he himself could not use. Do justice to, to=:To give credit for one's deserts. You do not do him justice, in what you say about himr^In what you say about him, you do not give him credit for his deserts =z The historian has not done justice to the general = The historian has not treated the general as he deserves; (justly). Do no good, to = To be useless; not to profit or avail, (a) It will do no good to send for the doctor to visit the sick m?jn, for he is dying now = It will be useless to send for the doctor to visit the sick man, for he is now dying. Do one a good turn, to = To perform an act of kindness to a person, (a) Mr. F. is always ready to do one a good turn^Mw F. is always ready to perform an act of kindness. Do one, or one'§ §elf, credit, to = To bring honor or repute upon one ; to raise the estimation of one. (a) The Indian commissioner has done himself credit, in arranging matters with the Indians = The Indian commissioner has brought honor upon himself, by his methods of arranging matters with the Indians. Do tlie honors, to=:To take the position of a host in showing civility to guests ; to show civility or at- tention, (rt) "While I am absent on business, my son is doing the honors to my guests = While I am absent on busi- ness, my son is showing proper attention to my guests. Do up, to = l. To pack together and envelope; to pack up. (a) 2. To iron and starch, {a) 1. I wish you to do up these books for me, or I shall be too late for the train = I wish you to pack up these books for me, or I shall be too late for the train. 2. They do up linen very well at that laundry =They starch and iron linen very well at that laun- dry. 68 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Bo well, to = To prosper ; to succeed, (a) The young man who went to California to engage in manufacturing has done well —The, young man who went to California to engage in manufacturing has prospered. How is the sick man ? He is doing well=YLow is the sick man ? He is improving. I>o well, to, followed by an infinitive = To be for one's interest, advantage, and the like, (a) There are indications of a decline in the stock market ; you would do well to sell some of your stocks = There are indications of a decline in the stock market ; it w^ould be for your interest to sell some of your stocks. Down grades A descent, as on a graded rail-way. The speed of a rail-way train is often much faster on a down grade=Tl\ie speed of a rail- way train is often much faster, when the road descends. Boivn the wind = In the direction of, and moving with, the wind, {a) Yesterday we were running down the wind at the speed of twelve knots an hour =: Yesterday we were sailing with the wind at a speed of twelve knots an hour. Draw a bill upon one, to = To request one to pay to a third party a certain sum designated in the bill, (a) The merchant in Kew York drew a hill upon his hanker in London, in favor of Mr. H., for five hundred dollars = The merchant in New York re- quested his banker in London, to pay Mr. H. five hundred dollars. Draiv, or shoot, a long-bo\ir, to = To tell large stories; to exaggerate, (c) He was notorious for shooting a long-how =Ile was notorious for telling large stories. Draw^ an inference, or a conclusion, to = To in- fer ; to conclude, (a) Because the temperature increases as we descend into the earth, we draw the conclicsion (or inference) that the center of the earth is very hot = Because the temperature of the earth increases as we descend into it, we infer that the center is very hot. Braur a parallel, to = To compare ; to trace a re- semblance or similarity, (c) The historian drew a parallel between Washing- ton and Lincoln = The historian compared Washing- ton and Lincoln. Draw attention, to=:To invite, or lead to, the act of attending or heeding, (a) Your incidental remark has drawn my attention to IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 59 the advantage of investing in the new fonr and a half per cents = Your casual remark has led to iny attending to the advantage of investing in the new four and a half per cent, bonds. Draw back, to = To* retreat, (a) When the naturalist saw a rattlesnake, he drew hack^ and proceeded to arm himself with stones = When the naturalist saw a rattlesnake, he retreated, and proceeded to arm himself with stones. I>raw cut§, to = To draw lots, as of paper, &c., cut of unequal lengths, (a) The three men drew cuts to decide which should have the best lot of land = The three men drew lots ^. e. drew papers cut of unequal length, to decide who should take the best field. Dran^ in one'§ horn§, to = To repress one's ardor ; to withdraw from pretensions ; to take back boast- ful words, (c) The man who boasted that he could accurately predict the weather for every day in the year was obliged to draw in his horns =The man who boasted that he could accurately predict the weather for every day in the year was forced to abandon his pre- tensions. Draiv intere§t, to = To receive money in payment for the use of money, (a) My money in the Savings Bank draws six per cent, interest =T\ie Savings Bank pays me six per cent, interest, for the money which I deposited in it. Draw near, to = To approach ; to be near, (a) The time of harvest draws wear = The harvest- time approaches. Drawn game or battles One in which neither party wins. The boys played a drawn game of chess = The boys played a game of chess in which neither won the game. It was a drawn battle between the French and Indians = In the battle between the French and Indians, neither side was victorious. Draw out, to = To induce to relate ; to render com- municative, (a) The editor drew out the representative on the sub- ject of the currency = The editor induced the rep- resentative to state his opinions on the subject of the currency. If you can draw out the old traveler, you will find him very interesting = If you can induce a person who has traveled much to relate his ad- ventures, you will be greatly interested. Draw np, to=l. To arrange in order, (a) 2. To 60 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. compose in due form ; to draft ; to form in writing. (a) 1. The troops were drawn itp^ that the governor might review them = The trgops were arranged in proper order, that the governor might review them. 1. The army was drawn up in order of battle on the hills about Gettysburg, Penn., in 1863 = The army was arranged to give battle on the hills about Gettys- burg, Penn., in 1863. 2. The architect drew vp a plan of the court-house = The architect drafted a plan of the court-house. 2. The Secretary of State drew up the treaty betwen the two nations = The Secretary of State composed and wrote the treaty between the two nations. Dregs of tBie population = The vilest and lowest part of the people. The crowd which assembled to hear the dema- gogue speak was made uj) of the dregs of the popula- iion = T\\Q crowd which assembled to hear tlie dema- gogue speak was made up of the vilest and lowest order in society. Drink in, to=:To receive through the senses, (c) The assembly drank in delicious music at the con- cert last evening = The assembly heard and enjoyed delightful music at the concert last evening. Drink (to) tlie Iiealth of, tozz:To salute by drink- ing ; to drink with the expression of a wish for the health and happiness of another, (a) He said to his host, " Allow me to drink to your health ^^ zzzlle said to his host. Allow me to wish you health and happiness, in this act of drinking. Drink up, to = To drink completely ; to exhaust, (a) At dinner, we drank vp the wine which was in the bottle = At dinner, we drank all the wine which the bottle contained. Drive at, to = To aim or tend to a point ; to make an effort, (a) At last I saw what he was driving at in his talk = At last I saw what point he was aiming at, or tend- ing to, in his talk. Drive out, to=:l. To expel, (a) 2, To ride in a carriage, (a) 1. The IS'orth American Indians have been driven out from their former haunts, by advancing civiliza- tion = The E'orth American Indians have been ex- pelled from their former haunts, by advancing civil- ization. 2. If the weather is fair, we propose to drive out this afternoon = If the weather is fair, we purpose to ride in a carriage this afternoon. Drive to the wall, to = To drive where it is impos- • IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 61 sible to escape; to push to extremes; to get the advantage or mastery over, (a) In the civil war in the United States, the southern army was driven to the wall = In the civil war in the United States, the southern army was reduced to extremities. He is driven to the wall in consequence of the failure of the bank =: He is brought to extrem- ities, financially, by the failure of the bank. In the discussion of the school question in the legislature, Mr. E. was driven to the wall=ln the discussion of the school question in the legislature, Mr. E. was defeated in the argument. Drop a hint, to = To intimate ; to suggest ; to make an allusion, (a) My friend dropped a hint which led me to think that he has lost some of his property = My friend . intimated that he had lost some of his property. Brop astern, to (Naut.) = To fall into the rear ; to move back, (a) The ship dropped astern of the boat = The ship slackened speed to let the boat pass her. Drop dovrn, to (N^aid.) = To sail, row, or move down a river, or towards the sea. (a) The vessel dropped down the harbor just at noon = The vessel sailed down the harbor precisely at noon. Drop in the bucket, a = A small quantity ; only a small part, (a) Much money was contributed last year in England and America for the relief of the starving peo])le of India, but it was only a drop in the bucket — Much money was contributed last year in England and America for the relief of the starving people of India, but it was only a small part of the amount which was necessary, or desirable. Drop the curtain, to = To let the curtain fall, at the close of a theatrical performance; hence, to close the performance ; to close the tale, (c) It will soon be time to drop the curtain upon this performance = It will soon be time to close this per- formance. Drug in the market = An article of slow sale, or in no demand, (a) In 1873 woolen goods were a drug in the market of the United States = In 1873 woolen goods were not wanted by purchasers in the United States. Dry good§, (Com.) =: Cloths, stuffs, silks, &c., in dis- tinction from groceries, (a) They keep a dry goods store in this city = They keep a store in this city for the sale of cloths, stuffs, silks, and similar articles. 62 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. * Dry up, to = To become dry. (a) The ground has dried up quick, after such a slight rain = The ground has become dry very quickly, after such a slight rain. Due to = l. Owing to ; occasioned by. (a) 2. Proper to* be paid or done to another, (a) 1. The sun's appearing to rise in the east, is d?2e to the revolution of the earth on its axis from west to east = The sun's appearing to rise in the east, is occasioned by the earth's revolution on its axis. 1. His delay in going to his office to-day is due to his friend's coming = His delay in going to his office to- day is caused by his friend's coming. 2. It is due to you that an apology should be made by him = It is proper that an apology should be made to you by him. During g^ood behavior = During the fidelity and integrity of official conduct, or so long as the official conduct is good, (a) United States judges hold office for life, or during good behavior =TJmted States judges hold office for life or so long as their official conduct is good. Dur- ing good behavior is the established phrase of the constitution of the United States, in affixing a limit to the tenure of office of the judges, both of the supreme and of the inferior courts. During^ pleasure = So long as pleases, (c) Tlie governor chose Mr. A. to be his private secre- tary during pleasure = The governor chose Mr. A. as his private secretary, so long as might please him. Dwell upon, to = l. To continue on; to occupy a long time with. 2. To be absorbed with. 1. The writer of the book of travels dvoells upon the political institutions of the difierent countries which he visited = The writer of the book of travels occupies much space w^ith describing and discussing the political institutions of the various countries visited by him. 2. The widow dwells on the sudden- ness of her husband's death, and her lonely con- dition := The widow is absorbed in thinking about her husband's death, and her own lonely condition. E. Easy of beliefs IN'ot difficult to believe ; credible, {a) It is easy of belief that there will some time be a canal across the isthmus of Panamas It is not diffi- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 63 cult to believe, that some time a canal will be con- structed across the isthmus of Panama. Eat humble pie, to = To endure mortification; to submit tamely to insult or injury, (a) Those who live meanly dependent on others, often have to eat humble pie— Those who live meanly de- pendent on others, are often obliged to endure mor- tification, and sometimes to submit tamely to insult. Eat one's words, to = To take back what one has said ; to retract one's assertions, (c) I made him eat his words, concerning my receiv- ing a bribe while I was in ofiice = I forced him to retract his assertion that I took a bribe while I held ofiice. Edg^e along, to = l. To move by little and little, (a) 2. To move sideways ; to move gradually, (a) 1. He edged his chair along, towards the lecturer on the sixteen instructions or precepts of Emperor K'ang Hi to the people = He moved his chair by little and little, towards the lecturer on the sixteen instructions or precepts of Emperor K'ang Hi (1662 -1723) to the people. 2. The child edged along on the bench, towards the door = The child moved side- ways on the bench, towards the door. Eke out, to = To add or supply what is deficient or scanty ; to prolong, (a) He eJces out his salary with the income received from literary work = He supplies the deficiency of his salary with the wages of literary work. In making the wrapper, she eked out the cloth with some pieces which were in the house = In making the wrapper she addeii some pieces which were in the house to make the cloth sufiicient. Elbow out, to = To push aside in passing, (c) Mr. A. will elboiv out his rivals, and obtain the public office = Mr. A. will push aside his rivals, and obtain the public office. End for end = One end for the other ; in a reversed order or position, (a) In laying out a new street, the building has been turned end for end— In opening "a new street, the building has been turned, so as to stand in a reversed position. Ends of the earths Remotest regions of the earth, (b) Efforts are making to carry the gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth = 'Efforts are making to carry the knowledge of Christ, and of his salvation, to the remotest regions of the earth. End to end = Having the ends contiguous, or in the same line, (a) 64 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The rails on the rail-road track are placed end to end—l^\\e rails on the rail-road track are laid with the ends in the same line. Entangled witli, to toe = To be so involved as to render extrication difficult, {a) The private business of the cashier is sadly en- tangled with tho, business of the bank = The private busine^ of the cashier is so involved with the busi- ness of the bank, that it is difficult to separate them. Enter a profession, to = To engage in a profession; to become a member of it. (a) The young man who has just been graduated from college, intends to enter the legal profession =:ThQ young man who has just been graduated from college, intends to become a lawyer. Enter into, to=:l. To form or constitute a part of; to partake of; to share, (a) 2. To penetrate deeply ; to sympathize, (ci) 1. Lime enters into the composition of mortar = Lime is a constituent part of mortar. 1, He heartily entered into the festivities of the evenings He heartily shared the festivities of the evening. 2. I enter into your feelings at the loss of your father, for my father has just died = I thoroughly understand, and sympathize with, your feelings at the loss of your father, for my father has just died. Enter into one's views, to = To be favorably dis- posed to one's ideas and opinions; to adopt ,them. The lecturer stated what he thought the best method of suppressing opium smoking, and the people heartily entered into his views =11\iq lecturer stated what he thought the best method of suppress- ing opium smoking, and the people heartily adopted his opinions. Enter on or upon , to = To begin ; to undertake, (a) The governor enters upon the duties of his office to-day = The governor begins the performance of his official duties to-day. The young man has entered on a course of study which will occupy him four years = The young man has undertaken, and has already commenced, a course of study which will occupy him four years. Enter the lists, to — To accept a challenge or engage in contest, (h) The Yale boat-club entered the lists at IvTew Lon- don, and were beaten =: The Yale boat-club accepted the challenge to row at IsTew London, and were beaten. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 65 ETer and anon = At one time and anotlier ; now and then, (c) Ever and anon we heard the same cry from the other house = At one time and another Ave heard the same cry from the other house. Ever and anon there is a new revolution in Mexico =:Kevolutions occur in Mexico now and then. Every other = 1. Everyone except the one referred to. (a) 2. Every second one, or alternate one. (a) 1. Mr. A. was sick, but every other man in the regi- ment was present, and answered to his name = Mr. A. was sick, but every man in the regiment except him, was present, and answered to his name. 2. In experimenting with the new fertilizer, the farmer applied it to every other row of corn = In experiment- ing with the new fertilizer, the farmer applied it to every second row (every alternate row) of corn. 2. The physician comes to see Imwevery other day = The doctor comes to see him every alternate day. liead every other page of this book = Read one page and skip the next, of this book, and go on so. Excepting^ ; ivitli the exception of = Leaving out ; besides, (a) These are all the books I own, excepting a diction- ary = These are all the books I own, besides a diction- ary. With the exception of Napoleon, France has produced no great conqueror = Leaving Napoleon out, France has produced no great conqueror. Exclu§ive of = Not including; not taking into ac- count, (a) Tlie excursion train numbered twenty cars, exclu- sive of the baggage and mail cars = The excursion train numbered twenty cars, not including the bag- gage and mail cars. I own two houses, exclusive of my cottage in the country = I own two houses, not taking into account my cottage in the country. Exhibit a foundation or prize, to (Eng, schools) = To hold it forth, as a bounty to candidates, (h) He promoted scholarship in his college by exhibit- ing prizes =^q promoted scholarship in his college by establishing, and holding forth, prizes for the maintenance of scliolars. Ex parte = On one side of a case; from one side only, (a) The hearings before a grand jury are ex parte hearings = The complaints against public offenders, before a grand jury, are the statements of one side only of the case, and not of the parties accused. An ex parte council w^as called, to give advice about a case of discipline, in that church = A council of 6 66 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. neighboring cliurches was called, by the man who had been disciplined for misconduct, which was a council summoned by only one of the parties. An affidavit differs from a deposition in this that an affidavit is always taken ex partem An affidavit dif- fers from a deposition in this, that it is always taken without the presence of the opposite party. Expectation of life = The mean or average duration of the life of individuals after any specified age. Life insurance companies base their premium rates upon tables giving the expectation of life = Life insur- ance companies base their rates of insurance upon tables which give the average duration of life after any specified age. i:xpo§ed to view — Laid open to public inspection ; plainly visible, (a) In the light of the congressional report, the hid- den peculations were exposed k> view — \w. the light of the congressional report, the hidden peculations were laid open to public inspection. By the wash- ing away of the sand on the beach, a large rock is exposed to view = By the removal of the sand on the beach by the action of the waves, a large rock is made plainly visible. F. Fair name, = Good reputation, (a) A fair name is better than wealth = A good repu- tation is better than wealth. Do nothing to injure your fair name — J)o nothing which shall lessen your good reputation. I inquired of the merchant con- cerning the clerk who had formerly been in his em- ploy, and he gave him a fair name — 1 inquired of the merchant concerning the clerk who had formerly been in his employ, and he spoke favorably of him. Fair play = Equitable treatment, (a) He does not give his work-women fair play = He does not give his work-women equitable treatment. Fall a§tern, to (iVaw^.) = To move or be driven back- ward ; to be outsailed, (a) The Silver Star fell astern of the Granite State, soon after they had left the dock = The Silver Star was outsailed by the Granite State, soon after they had left the dock. Fall away, to = l. To renounce the faith; to apos- tatize, (b) 2. To renounce allegiance ; to revolt, (b) 1. Julian, the Koman Emperor, fell away from the IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 67 Christian faith to paganism = Julian apostatized to paganism. 2. The Southern U. States fell away from the government in 1861 = The Southern U. States revolted from the government in 1861. Fall back on, to=:To have recourse to for help, (a) If I fail in collecting money I will fall hack on you = If I fail in collecting money I will come to you to help me. Not being trained, he fell hack on his natural skill in mechanics = Not being trained, he depended on his natural mechanical skill. I have money in the bank to fall hack on^ if my mon- ey from the store comes short = I have money in the bank to avail myself of, if my money from the store comes short. Fall back, to = To recede ; to give way. (c) When the soldiers saw that the enemy was too strong for them, they fell hack^ and retreated in good orders When the soldiers saw that the enemy was too strong for them, they receded, and retreated in an orderly manner. Fall in, to = l. To join ; to enter, (a) 2. To concur ; to agree, (a) 1. At the battle of Gettysburgh, in 1863, the twelfth cor}:>s fell in on the right = At the battle of Gettysburgh, in 1863, the twelfth corps joined the line of battle on the right side. 2. The citizens fell in Tvdth the plan of purchasing land for a park = The citizens agreed to the plan of purchasing land for a park. Fall in love, to = To have the affections deeply en- listed for one of the opposite sex. (a) He has fallen in love with her for her beauty and goodness = His affections have become deeply enlisted for her, because of her beauty and goodness. Fall into the ranks, to = To come into ; to join the line or row, as of soldiers, (a) At the beat of drum, the soldiers fell into the ranks = At the beat of drum, the soldiers came into line, and formed ranks. Fall in with, to = l. To meet, as a ship, (a) 2. To discover or come near, as land, (h) 3. To agree to. (a) 1. On our way to Yokohama, we fell in with a steamer bound for San Francisco = We met a steamer bound for San Francisco, on our way to Yokohama. 2. After much stormy weather and contrary winds, we fell in with land, which proved to be Cape Cod = After much bad weather, we came near land, which proved to be Cape Cod. 3. They all fell in with the proposal of sailing round the island = 68 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Thej all agreed to tlie proposal to sail around the island. Fall off, to = 1. To diminisli ; to grow less. (a). 2. To withdraw; to abandon, (a) 1. When the measles broke out, the school at- tendance fell off— When the measles appeared among the children, the attendance at school diminished. 2. Many subscribers fell off^ when the newspaper changed editors = Many subscribers withdrew, when the newspaper took another editor. Fall on, to = 1. To happen on ; to come to pass, (a) 2, To pass or be transported by chance, lot, distri- bution, or otherwise, (a) 1. If the date assigned for examination falls on Sunday, it must be held the day before or the day after = If the date assigned for examination happens on Sunday, the examination must be on Saturday or Monday. 2. The others contributed nothing, and all the expenses of the trip fell on me = The others contributed nothing, and all the expenses passed, by their failure, to me. Fall out, to = To quarrel; to begin to contend, (a) They have fallen out with one another about the division of the estate of their father = They have quarreled about the division of the estate of their father. Fall short, to — To be deficient, (a) The number c/f pages of tliat book falls shorty by fourteen, of what was advertised = The number of pages of that book is fourteen less than was adver- tised. This package of sugar falls short of a pound = This package of sugar does not weigh a pound. I am sorry to say that he falls short of his duty to his parents = It grieves me to say that he does not fully perform his duty to his parents. Fall still-born, to = To fail at the beginning, (c) The project of .2:iving the war department control of the Indians/'/^ still-born in Congress = The pro- ject of giving the war department control of the Indians failed at the outset in Congress. Fall through, to = To fail of accomplishment ; to be given up, as a project or plan, before being brought to an issue ; to be abandoned. («) The sclieme, formerly entertained by a few, to an- nex Cuba to the United States fell through =zThe scheme, formerly entertained by a few, to annex Cuba to the United States failed of accomplishment. The project of building a bridge over- this canal fell through, for the want of means = The project of build- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 69 ing a bridge over this canal was abandoned, for the want of means. Fall to, to = l. To apply one's self to. (a) 2. To begin eagerly to eat. (c) 1. They fell to raising money, in order to pay for the temple = They applied themselves to raising money, in order to pay for the temple. 2. The hungry boys fell to, as soon as food was set before them = The hungry boys began eagerly to eat, so soon as the. food was set before them. Fall to one'§ lot, to = To happen to one without his planning; to be one's appointed duty or lot. (a) It fell to the lot of the color-bearer^ to carry the flag to a distant part of the field during the battle = It chanced to be the duty of the color-bearer, to carry the flag to a distant part of the field during the battle. Fall to the ground, to = To fail ; to come to noth- ing, (a) The scheme to have a railroad in Formosa fell to the ground = The scheme to have a railroad in For- mosa came to nothing. Fall under, to = To be ranged or reckoned with; to be included in ; to become the subject of. (a) The sponge falls under the animal kingdom, in classification = In classification, the sponge is reckoned witli the animals. His crime does not fall under the juiisdiction of this courts His crime is not included in the limits of this court's authority. The man injured by tlie cars fell under Dr. B's care. The man who was injured by the cars became the sub- ject of Dr. B's care. Fall under one'§ notiee, to = To be observed or noticed by one. (c) An account of the cultivation of tea in China fell under the notice of an American editor, and he copied it into his paper = An account of the cultivation of tea in China was observed by an American editor, and he inserted a copy of it in his paper. Fall upon, to = To attack, (h) In the early days of Massachusetts, a party of In- dians fell upon some young men who were gathering grapes by the roadside, and slew them =: In the early days of Massachusetts, a party of Indians attacked some young men as they were gathering grapes by tlie side of the road, and slew them. Fall within, to = To happen to be within, (a) No candidate for a cadetship in the United States military academy will be examined, whose age does not fall within the prescribed limits = No candi- 70 IDIOMATIC PHKASES. date for a cadetsliip in the United States military academy will be examined, whose age does not happen to be within the prescribed limits. False light = A light, or point of view, which is not true, and which is fitted to deceive, (a) The senator's speech at the republican convention represented the democratic party in a fake light = The senator's speech at the republican convention misrepresented the democratic party. False preten§e§ = False representations made with a view to obtain money, or goods, with intent to cheat, (a) A man has been in town getting goods from Mr. A's store under false pretenses = A man has been in town, representing himself falsely as the agent of Mr. B., and getting goods from Mr. A's store with intent to cheat. Far and wide = Everywhere ; in all directions, (a) Tell this good news far and wide when you return to your country = Tell this good news everywhere when you return to your country. This medicine is known far and wide = This medicine is known everywhere. The newspapers are sent, far and wide, over the country = The newspapers are sent through the country, in all directions. Far-fetched = Studiously sought ; not easily or nat- urally introduced ; forced, {a) He paid her a farfetched compliment when he praised her singing = He paid her a forced compli- ment when he praised her singing. His writings abound in far-fetched illustrations = His writings abound in illustrations which are studiously sought, and are not naturally introduced. Fasten itself on the mind, to = To be remembered. (c) The account of the terrific fight between the fleets of Peru and Chili fastened itself on the mind of the lad who read it = The account of the terrific fight between the fleets of Peru and Chili was vividly remembered by the lad who read it. Fat of the land = The best or richest products of the land, (a) He is a gentleman of leisure, and lives on the fat of the land='Ke is a gentleman of leisure, and lives on the best food and plenty of it. If you are rich the fat of the land is at your service = If you are rich you may have the best the land can furnish. Father upon, to = To ascribe to as one's production ; to make responsible for. (a) The new novel, published anonymously, is fathered IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 71 wpon Mr. C. = Tlie new novel, published anony- mously, is ascribed to Mr. C. as the author. Feather in one's cap = An honor, or mark of dis- tinction. (6) He did not enter college till the second year, and his taking the first prize at the Junior exhibition was quite a feather in his cap = His taking the first prize at the Junior exhibition was quite an honor, for he did not enter college till the second year. Featlier one'§ ne§t, to = To provide for one's self, especially from property which passes through the hands, (a) The public officer feathered his nest, from the spoils of his office = The public officer enriched himself, from the spoils of his office. By embezzlement he has feathered his 7iest='Bj embezzlement he has pro- vided well for himself. Feel or grope, one'§ way, to = To move about in darkness or obscurity, in order to find one's way, or to ascertain something, (c) The outlawed regicides often had to feel their way among strangers, to find out whether they were among friends or foes = The outlawed regicides often had to move cautiously and uncertainly, in order to find out whether they were among friends or foes. Ferret out, to = To discover by patient and saga- cious search, (a) One of the school boys cut the bell rope, and the teacher is trying to ferret out the perpetrator of the mischief = One of the school boys cut the bell rope, and the teacher is trying by patient search to dis- cover the perpetrator of the mischief. Ferry over, to = To transport over a river or other water, in a boat, (a) The suspension bridge between 'New York and Brooklyn will lessen the business of ferrying people over, as at present = The suspension bridge between Kew York and Brooklyn will lessen the business of transporting the people across the river in a boat, as at present. Fetch one's breath, to=:To recover breathing, (b) I strangled in drinking, and it was a long time be- fore I could fetch my breath = In drinking I strangled, and it was a long time before I was able to recover breathing. Field of view — Field of vision = The whole space seen or looked at ; especially the whole field or area seen through an instrument, as a microscope or telescope, (c) The moon and Mars are in the same field of view 72 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. at the present time, Nov. 25, 1879=: At the pres- ent time, 'Nov. 25, 1879 the moon and Mars are in the area visible when the telescope is in one position. Figlit it out, to = To carry on a controversy, per- sistently, till one succeeds, or wins, (a) I met with opposition in the council, but I fought it out, and won the majority over to my views = I met with opposition in the council, but I argued the matter strongly, till I won the majority over to my views. Fig^ht one'§ battles over again, to = To recount one's personal liistory or deeds, (c) The pioneer told of the hardships attending the settlement of the country, and so fought his battles over- again = Th.e pioneer told of the hardships at- tending the settlement of the country, and so re- counted his own personal history and deeds. Figrtit one'§ way, to = To advance by struggles, or conflicts ; to overcome difficulties, (a) Abraham Lincoln was a poor boy with few ad- vantages for education, and was obliged to fight his was in life = Abraham Lincoln was a poor boy with few advantages for education, and was obliged to advance in life by strenuous effort. Judge W. fought his way to eminence in his profession = Judge W. was obliged to overcome many obstacles in be- coming eminent in his profession. Fill out, to = To write in the blank spaces of a deed, check, or other instrument, {a) Fill out^si check for $25, payable to Mr. A. or orders Fill the blank spaces of a check for $25, payable to Mr. A., or order. He went to a lawyer to have the deed of a house filled out = Lie went to a lawyer to get him to fill the blank spaces of the deed of a house with the customary words. Fill up, to = 1. To render full. 2. To become full ; to choke, (a) 1. The president filled up the ranks of the army by conscription = The president made the ranks of the army full by conscription. 2. The mouth of the river fills up with sand =: The sand accumulates at the mouth of the river and chokes it. Fill up time, to = To employ time, (c) The old lady filled up the time between supper and retiring, with knitting = The old lady employed the time between supper and retiring, in knitting. Find fault with, to = To find reason for blaming or complaining ; to censure, or blame, (a) Tlie teacher found much faidt with him for idle- ness = The teacher found much reason for blaming IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 73 him because of idleness. The mistress found fault with the servant for not washing thti linen thoroughly = The mistress censured the servant for not washing the linen thoroughly. The man found fault with the painting of his new house = The man complained of (expressed dissatisfaction with) the manner in which his new Irouse was painted. Find favor in the eyes, to = To be graciously re- ceived or treated ; to please, (c) The new teacher finds favor in the eyes of the pa- rents — The new teacher is kindly received and treated by the parents. The new steamboat line finds favor in the eyes of the traveling public = The new steamboat line pleases the people who travel. Find it in one'§ heart, toi=To w^ish or long; to desire, (c) The Scotchman who had been in America twenty years found it in his heart to visit his native country = The Scotchman who had been in America twenty years desired to visit his native country. Find one's self, to = l. To be with respect to one's state of health, (a) 2. To perceive one's self to be. (a) 1. How do you firid yourself this morning ? = How is your health this morning? 2. On awaking this morning, I found myself ill of quinsy = On awaking this morning, I discovered that I was ill of quinsy. In the smoking car, hQ found himself m the company of gamblers = On entering the smoking car, he per- ceived himself to be among some gamblers. Find one's vray, to — To trace one's path ; to suc- ceed in reaching, (a) How did you find your way home that dark night ? = How did you trace the path to your home that dark night ? Much of the people's money in that village finds its way into the pockets of tlie saloon- keeper = Much of the money belonging to the people of that village reaches the pockets of the saloon- keeper. Fire up, to = To light the fires of, as of an engine, (a) The QYigmQQv fired up at 6 o'clock this mornings The engineer lighted the fires of his engine at 6 o'clock this morning. The steam fire-engine is al- ways in readiness to hQ fired up - The materials for a fire in the steam fire-engine are kept in a condition of readiness for lighting. Firm as a roeii^Not easily moved; unchanging. (6) The bar-tender endeavored to persuade the lad to drink some whisky, but he was^rm as a rock against the temptation = The bar-tender endeavored to per- 74 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. suade the lad to drink some whisky, but he was not to be moved bj the temptation. Fir§t or last = At one time or another ; at the begin- ning or end. (a) You may as well do this now, for you will have to do it, first or last = You may as well do this now, for you will have to do it, at one time or another. Fit out, to = To supply with necessaries or means ; to furnish ; to equip, (a) The boy was fitted out for college by his uncle = The boy was supplied with the necessary clothing and books for college, by his uncle. Several vessels have been fitted out, at different times, in search of Sir John Franklin, an Arctic explorer who never re- turned = Several vessels have, at diiferent times, been equipped with men and supplies to search for Sir John Franklin, who went to explore the Arctic re- gion, and did not return. Fit up, to = To furnish with things suitable ; to make proper for the reception or use of any person, (a) A sunny room was fitted up for his invalid daugh- ter = A sunny room was furnished with things suit- able for his invalid daughter. Fla§li on tlie mind, to=:To occur as a sudden thought, (a) Many of the most important discoveries in science and art have flashed on the minds of the discoverers =:Many of the most important discoveries in science and art have occurred as sudden thoughts to the dis- coverer. Flatter one'§ self, to = To feel assured ; to presume to thinki (a) I flatter myself 1 can do it = I think I am able to do it. Don't flatter yourself that you can do it so easily = Do not be too sure of your ability to do it. He flatters himself ever yhod J admires him = He thinks everybody admires him. I hardly dare flatter iny- self that the editor will insert the poem I have writ- ten for his magazine = I hardly dare presume to think, that the editor will publish in his magazine the poem I have written for it. Flea in tlie ear = An unwelcome hint or unexpected reply, annoying like a flea ; an irritating repulse. (*) The student went to the professor to get excused for his absence, but came away with a flea in his ear = The student went to the professor to get excused for absence, but the professor had found his absence was wholly unnecessary, and gave him an irritating repulse. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 75 Fleece, to = To cheat ; to strip of money or prop- erty, (a) By misrepresenting the farm he sold me, he fleeced me out of several hundred dollars = By false repre- sentations concerning the farm he sold me, he cheated me out of several hundred dollars. He ivas fleeced out of a large sum by the stock gamblers = He was stripped of much money by the dealers in fancy stocks. In the exchange of houses with Mr. A., Mr. B. was hadlj fleeced =^ In exchanging houses with Mr. A., Mr. B. was badly cheated. Flesh and 1>lood = Man in his physical personality. The labors and punishments of slaves are often more thsm fl£sh and blood can en dure = The labors and punishments of slaves are often so severe, that the pliysical system sinks under them. Fliglit of fancy = The exercise of the fancy, (c) The poet indulges \i\ flights of fancy — The poet freely exercises his fancy. Fling In, to = To throw in ; not to charge in an ac- count, ip) The grocer often flings in a small sum in settling accounts = The grocer often makes a small deduction or throws in something, in settling accounts. Flings up, to = To abandon a project ; to relinquish. He talks to me of flinging up the design of build- ing a house = He talks to me of abandoning the de- sign of building a house. It is to be hoped that the clerk will not fling wp his situation = It is to be hoped that the clerk will not relinquish his situation. Flood of light = 1. A great body or stream of light. 2. A great deal of enhghtenment or information, (a) 1. The new electric light promises to illuminate buildings and cities with a flood of light — The new electrical light promises to illuminate buildings with a great body of light. 2. The speaker's address poured a flood of light on the subject = The speaker's address made the subject very clear and intelligible. Flourish of trumpets = Ostentatious and noisy dis- play of one's importance, (b) Barnum's circus makes its entry into a city with a flourish of trumpets — Barnum's circus makes its entry into a city with an ostentatious and noisy display of its " unequaled attractions." There was a great flourish of trumpets at the wedding of the million- aire's daughter = The wedding' of the millionaire's daughter was celebrated with much magnificence and great show. 76 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Fly in tlic face of, to = To act in direct opposition to ; to set at defiance. (6) If yon should jump from a house-top, presuming you would not be hurt, you would fly in the fitce of all experience = If you should jump from a house- top, thinking you would not be hurt, you would act in direct opposition to all experience. There is little hope of a son who flies in the face o/liis father's ad- vice = There is little hope of a son who sets his father's advice at defiance. Fly into a pa§sion, to=:To become suddenly an- The laborer flew into a passion when he was told that his work was not properly done = The laborer became suddenly angry when he was told that his work was not properly done. Fly out, to = To rush out. (a) As the carriage drove up to the door, the wife fleiv out to meet her husband on his return = As the car- riage drove up to the door, the wife rushed out to meet her husband on his return. Flying color§, to come off with = To conclude an undertaking in triumph, (a) The Harvard Boat Club, rowing with the Yale Boat Club this year, has come off ivilh flying colors = The Harvard Boat Club has triumphed over the Yale Boat Club in a rowing match. Foi§t upon, to = To cause something of poor quality or not genuine, to be received, (c) Tlie peddler foisted this glass pin upon the servant girl, as a valuable diamond = The peddler induced the servant girl to buy this glass pin, as a genuine and valuable diamond. Follow suit, to = To imitate ; to do as some one else does, {h) These customs have been observed in our family for many generations, and when I am of age and come in possession I shall follow suit =: These cus- toms have been observed in our family for many gen- erations, and when I come in possession I shall do as my ancestors have done. If I join this society will you follow suzV .^ = "Will you do as I do, if I join this society ? Fool away, to = To get rid of foolishly ; to spend in trifles, idleness, or folly, (a) He fooled aivay his time in youth, and lived with- out respect in his manhood = He spent his youth in idleness, and lived without respect in manhood. He fooled aioay his property = He got rid of his property by foolish expenditures. IDIOMATIC PHRASES 77 Follow in the footsteps, to=iTo imitate, copy after ; to take as an example, {a) He is following in the footstej^s of liis father in re- spect to industry and lionesty = He is imitating liis father in industry and honesty. President Y., on entering office, said that he should follow in the foot- skps of his illustrious predecessor = On entering of- fice. President Y. said that he should copy after his distinguished predecessor, in the administration of national aifairs. For all that — I^^otwithstanding ; in spite of. {a) The murderer denied the commission of the crime, but for all that, every one believed him guilty = The murderer denied the commission of the crime, nev- ertheless, every one believed him guilty. He was sick, but he went out for all ihat=^e was sick, but he went out notwithstanding his sickness. It is strange, but it is true, for all that — It is true, notwith- standing it is strange. For all the worlds For any consideration, or any inducement, or reason, (a) I said to him, when he offered $100 for my vote, I would not trade my vote for all the world =When he ofiered me $100 for my vote, I said I would not sell my vote for any consideration. I would not do this for all the world =1 would not do this for any consid- eration. For a§ much a§ = Because, (c) For as much as the senator is seventy years old, he oucrht not to seek a re-election = Because the senator is seventy years old, he ought not to seek a re-elec- tion. For aught (or any thing) one knoix^s = In spite of any thing one knows ; one does not know to the contrary, (a) For aught we know, the winter may be very long and severe = We do not know but that the winter will be very long and severe. For aye = Always ; eternally. (Poet.) (a) I w411 be your friend for aye = I will always be your friend. For good, for good and all = As a finality ; per- manently, (a) Mr. B. informs me that he has come to the city for good— Islw B. informs me that he has come to the city to reside permanently. I am coming back next week for good — I am coming back next week to stay. He gave up using opium for good and a/Z=:He gave up using opium, and did not begin again. Form an estimate, to = To estimate, (a) 78 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. In the last issue of his paper, the editor attempted to form an estimate of the amount of corn that is raised yearly in the county = In his last paper, the editor attempted to estimate the amount of corn that is raised yearly in the county. Form an opinion, to = To frame a belief or judg- ment concerning, (a) He was rejected as juror, because he had formed an opinion of the case from newspaper reports - He was rejected as juror, because he had imbibed a be- lief respecting the case, from the statements of the newspapers. For my part=l. So far as concerns me ; (a) 2. For my share, (a) 1. I do not know how the rest of you feel, but for my part I have had enough of this unscientific musical do not know how the rest of you feel, but so far as it concerns me, I have had enough of this poor music. 2. This orange is enough for my part = This orange is enough for my share. Fresli breeze = A cool, brisk wind, tending to renew in vigor, (a) I feel better for the drive in such a fresh breeze as there is to-day = I feel renewed in vigor, after driving out in the cool, brisk wind. ^ Fritter away, to = To reduce to nothing gradually ; to waste, (a) He was heir to much property, but he has frittered it away = He inherited much property, but has grad- ually reduced it to nothing. ' You have frittered away the whole day = You have wasted the whole day, by spending it in trifling employments. From head to foot = All over ; completely, (a) The man who was thrown from the wagon was bruised from head to foot— The man who was thrown from the wagon was bruised all over (in every part of the body). From toed and board, {Law) A phrase applied to a partial divorce, by judicial decree, of man and wife, without dissolving the bonds of matrimony. In this case the wife has a suitable maintenance out of her husband's estate, called alimony. The par- ties are not at liberty to marry any other person. The divorce from her husband, which the court granted on account of his ill-treatment of her, was a divorce /rom bed and hoard ^The divorce from her husband, which the court granted on account of his ill-treatment of her, was only a partial divorce, which did not dissolve the bond of matrimony or allow the parties to marry another person. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 79 Fugitive compo§itions = Sncli as are short and oc- casional, and so published that they quickly escape notice, as in a newspaper. Some distinguished writers have first become known and popular, through their fugitive composi- tions = Some superior writers have first acquired popularity, through occasional articles in newspa- pers and other periodicals. Full many a time = Yery often ; very many times. Full many a tiTne do we regret having neglected past opportunities = Very often do we regret having neglected past opportunities. G. « Gain a footing, to = To get a firm position ; to be- come established, (c) The young physician has gained a footing in the city = The young physician has become established in practice in the city. Gain ground, to = To advance ; to have some suc- cess ; to obtain advantage, (a) The work of reconciliation between the Northern and Southern States (U. S.) gains ground -The work of reconciliation between the Northern and Southern States is gradually becoming successful. The governor gains ground in the affections of the people = The goveraor advances in the affections of the people ; or he is getting to be more and more beloved. Gain the day, to = To be successful in a contest ; to win. (a) Mr. P. gained the day, in his suit against the rail- road for injuries received at the crossings Mr. P. was successful in his suit against the rail-road, for injuries received at the crossing. Gain upon, to = To encroach upon ; to have increas- ing advantage over, (a) The weeds gain upon the corn in the field = The weeds encroach upon the corn in the field. Gain, or grow, upon one, to = To increase as a habit, (a) The habit of using opium grows upon Mr. O. = The habitual use of opium by Mr. O. increases. Gatliered to hi§ people, to be = To join the com- pany of deceased ancestors, (c) "Abraham died in a good old age and was 80 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. ered unto his people " = Abraham died at a great age, and joined the company of his deceased ancestors. General, to l>e = To be common to many; to be prevalent, (a) The feehng is general^ that a president should not be elected to a third term of office = The feeling is prevalent, that it is not well to elect a person to the presidency three times. Oet ahead, to =: To advance ; to prosper, (a) He gets ahead fast in his studies = He advances fast in his studies. He has got ahead of his brother in his business = He has advanced or prospered more than his brother in business. Oet along^, to = To proceed ; to advance ; to make progress, {a) How far along in Greek have you ^o^.^=:How far have you advanced in Greek? How do you get along, in your work on the dictionary ? = What pro- gress liave you made, in your work on the dictionary ? Oet among, to = To arrive in the midst of; to be- come one of a number, {b) The dogs got among the sheep, and killed many = The dogs came into the midst of the sheep, and killed many. Oet a §ig^lit of, to = To obtain a view of. (a) The crowd was so great, that I could not get a sight of the governor and his carriage = The crowd was so dense, that I could not obtain a view of the governor and his carriage. Oet asleep, to = To pass into a state of sleep ; to fall asleep, (a) The musquitoes bite, and I can not get asleep = 1 can not pass from wakefulness into sleep, because of the musquitoes. Oet at, to = To reach ; to arrive at ; to make way to. (a) I could not get at him, on account of the crowd = I could not reach him, on account of the crowd. I can not get at this author's meanings I can not arrive at the understanding of this author. Oet or arrive at the truth, to = To ascertain what is true in relation to a particular matter, (a) The reporter was sent to the scene of the murder to get at the truih = The reporter was sent to the scene of the murder to learn w4iat was true in relation to the murder. Oethaek, to = l. To return, (a) 2, To receive again. (a) 1. The sportsman has got bach from his hunt, tired and hungry = The sportsman has returned from his IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 81 hunt, tired and hungry. He will never get bach the money which he loaned the bankrupt trader = He will never receive again the money which he loaned the bankrupt trader. Oet behind, to = To fall behind or in the rear ; to lag. {a) The sick soldier got behind in the marcher The sick soldier fell in the rear, in the march. Oet better, to = To improve in health, {a) How is the man who is ill of fever ? He is getting better =:Jiow is the man who is ill of fever? He is improving in health. Oet clear, to = To become free from entanglements ; to disengage one's self; to be freed from danger, or embarrassment, (a) When you get clear of your pecuniary embarrass- ments, you will rejoice = When you free yourself from your pecuniary embarrassments, you will re- joice. Oet dowTi, to = To descend, (a) The boy who climbed the tree was not able to get down = The boy who climbed the tree was not able to descend. Oet for one'§ pain§, to = To receive in return, as reward or compensation, (a) After the apples had been picked, the boy shook the trees, and got two barrels of apples for his pains = After the apples had been picked, the boy shook the trees, and received in return two barrels of apples. Oet home, to = To arrive at one's dwelling after absence, (a) I got home last night, just after you left my house = 1 arrived at home last night, just after you left my house. The professor got home from Europe yesterday = The professor arrived home from Europe yesterday. Can you get home in one day after leav- ing here ? = Can you reach your home in one day after leaving this place ? Oet in the harvest, to = To harvest the grain, or put it in the bam. (a) The farmer hired several laborers, to help him get in the harvest = The farmer hired several laborers, to help him harvest the grain. Oet loose, to = To escape from confinement ; to dis- engage one's self, (a) The horse was tied, but he has now got loose = The horse was tied, but he has now become untied ; he has now escaped from confinement. Oet low, to-Get sometimes means to fall or bring one's self into a state or condition ; to come to be,, 7 82 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. with a following adjective belonging to the subject of the verb, (a) The price of tea is getting low; do not buy it now = The price of tea is falling ; do not buy it now. Get off, to = l. To come from upon any thing; to dismount, (a) 2. To escape ; to come off clear, (a) 1. Get off the rail-road track, or you may be hurt = Come from standing on the rail-road track, or you may be hurt. 1. Get off the horse at the gate = Dis- mount at the gate. 2. Did not the master punish you for your playing truant ? You got off well = If the master did not punish you for your truancy, you escaped well. 2. Two prisoners have got off from the prison this morning = Two prisoners have es- caped from the prison this morning. Oet on, to = To make progress ; to proceed ; to ad- vance. The sick man is getting on well = The sick man is recovering. How are you getting on in study ? = "What progress are you making in study? I told my friend all about my hard studies ; and now, every day, he asks me, "How are you getting onP^ = I told my friend all about my hard studies, and now he asks me, every day, " What progress are you making in your studies ? " Oet over tlie ground, to = To pass over the ground ; to travel, (a) A horse which takes long steps gets over the ground rapidly = A horse which takes long steps passes over the ground rapidly. Oet quit of, to = To get rid of ; to disengage one's self from, (c) He tried to get quit of the chores at the barn, but he could find no one to do them for him = He tried to disengage himself from doing the chores at the barn, but he could find no one to take his place. When I got quit of the care of those boys, who are in school in America, I was very much relieved = When I got rid of, or disengaged myself from the care of, those boys Who are in school in America, I was greatly relieved. Oet ready, to = To prepare, (a) City people get ready for winter, by purchasing thick clothing, and putting coal in the cellar^City people prepare for winter, by purchasing thick clothing, and putting coal in the cellar. Oet rid of, to=:To free one's self from ; to shift off; to remove, (a) When you get rid of this habit of using opium, I will recommend you to the Collector of the port= IDIOMATIC PHKASES. 83 When you free yourself from the habit of using opium, I will recommend you to the Collector of the port. I have an old horse on my hands, and I would like to get rid of him = I have an old horse on my hands, and I would like to shift him off or sell him. Oct tlie better of, to = To get advantage, supe- riority, or victory, (a) In the foot-race, he got the better of his opponent = He gained a victory over his opponent, in the walking-match. Get the §tart, to = To begin before another ; to gain or have the advantage in a similar undertaking, {a) He got the start of us in trade = He began to trade here before we did. Germany got the start of France in the late war = Germany had the advantage of France in a better preparation for the late war. Get the ivorst of it, to = To be beaten ; to suffer defeat, (a) He provoked his companion to fight, and then got the worst of it — He provoked his companion to fight, and then was beaten. Get through, to = To traverse ; also to finish, to be done, (a) I will go with you if I shall have got through my dinner = I will go with you if I shall have finished my dinner. When will you get through with that work ? = When will you finish that work 1 when will you be done with it ? Get to, to = To arrive at ; to reach, (a) Before the emigrants got to their new home, their funds were exhausted = Before the emigrants arrived at their new home, their money was spent. Get together, to = To assemble ; to come together, (a) The working men got together, to discuss the matter of their wages = The working men assembled, to discuss the matter of their wages. Get up, to = l. To rise, (a) 2. To make ready; to prepare ; to write, print or publish, (a) 1. He gets up at 5 o'clock, every morning, in sum- mer = He rises at 5 o'clock, every morning, in the summer. 2. He is trying to get up an excitement about foreign immigration — He is trying to make an excitement about the arrival of foreigners. 2. This is the best coat I can get up so quickly = This is the best coat I can make so quickly. 2. He is getting up a book of travels = He is writing a book of travels. 2. In the hundredth anniversary, 1875, they got up a good celebration of the battle of Bunker Hill = In 84 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. the hundredth anniversary, 1875, they prepared a good programme of speeches and entertainment, to celebrate the battle of Bunker Hill. 2. He has got up a city-directory for the year 1880 = He has pub- lished a city-directory for the year 1880. Oet u^ind, to = To become public ; to be divulged, (h) When the story of the barber's ill-treatment of his wife got wind, he left town = When the story of the barber's ill-treatment of his wife became public, he left town. Oet you gone! Oet ai^ay ! = Depart ; (with em- phasis), (c) The man said to the indolent beggar who asked alms, " Get you ^one" = Theman said to the indolent beggar who asked alms, "Depart;" (spoken with emphasis). *Oive or make a call, to = To make a short visit, (a) I shall give you a call when I go through New York = I shall make you a short visit when I go through New York. Olve a death-bloiv, to = To cause to die or be de- stroyed, {h) The failure of the largest stockholder gave the project of the new rail-road its death-blow = The fail- ure of the largest stockholder killed the project of the new rail-road. Olve a fal§e colorings, to = To misrepresent; to make to appear different from what it is. (a) The emigration agent gave a false coloring to the advantages and opportunities, which America affords to new settlers = The emigration agent made the ad- vantages and opportunities, which America affords to new settlers, appear different from what they are. Olve a bearing^, to = To afford opportunity to be heard ; to listen to. (a) In the legislature, the committee on agriculture give a hearing to-day, to those who ask an appropria- tion of money for the agricultural college =: The committee of the legislature on agriculture will, to- day, listen to the arguments of those persons who wish money to be appropriated to the agricultural college. Olve a loo§e to the fancy, to = To indulge the fancy ; to be fanciful, (c) In his last poem, the poet has give?! a loose to his fancy— In his last poem, the poet has indulged his fancy freely. Oive or lend an ear, to = To show willingness to listen ; to give attention, (p) Will you give me your ear for a charitable appeal ? V IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 85 = Will you give attention to me while I appeal to your charity ? The emperor of China lent an ear to the complaints of his subjects who were suffering from the late famine = The emperor of China show- ed a wilhngness to listen to the complaints of his subjects, who were suffering from the late famine. Give an entertainment, to = To provide for the pleasure of people in some way. (a) The Glee Club of Trinity College gave a musical entertainment^ at Seminary Hall, the other evening = The Glee Club of Trinity College provided for the pleasure of their friends, by musical exercises at Seminary Hall, the other evening. Oive a thought to, to = To think of hastily and im- perfectly, (a) The physician is so pressed with business that he has hardly time to give a thought to his family affairs = The physician has so many patients, that he has hardly time to think of his family affairs, even has- tily and imperfectly. Oive a\vay, to = To present to another person ; to transfer, (a) I have given away all the photographs of myself, which were taken last = I have presented to other persons all photographs of myself which were taken last. Mr. A. gave away one-tifth of his property to this hospital, by his will = Mr. A. bequeathed one- fifth of his property to this hospital, by his will. Oive birth to, to = To bear ; to bring forth, (a) Mrs. A. has given birth to twins = Mrs. A. has borne twins. Oive chapter and verse, to = To point out the proof of a statement or the accuracy of a quota- tion, (c) He can give you chapter and verse for his statement concerning the date of the battle = He can prove from the book of history his statement concerning the date of the battle. Oive cha§e, to =: To run in pursuit ; to pursue, (b) The policeman gave chase to the thief = The police- man pursued the thief. Oive countenance to, to rr To favor ; to aid ; to support, (a) The judge said that he would give no countenance to lotteries = The judge said that he would not favor lotteries. Oive credit, to = 1. To trust for future payment of a debt; (a) 2. To enter on the credit side of an account, (a) 1. The merchant sometimes gives credit in selling. 86 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. his goods = The merchant sometimes trusts his cus- tomers for the future payment of their bills for goods. 2. The merchant gave his customer credit for ten dollars = The merchant made an entry of ten dollars, on the credit side of his customer's account. Oive credit to, to = To put trust in ; to believe, {a) The hunter did not give credit to the report, that a wild man had been seen in the woods = The hunter did not believe the report, that a wild man had been seen in the woods. Oive ear, to = To listen attentively, {b) I wish you to prosper, and ask you to give ear to my advice = I wish you to prosper, and ask you to listen to my advice. Oive hard measure = To give harsh or oppressive treatment, (c) The landowner on the hill is said to give hard measure to his tenants = The landowner on the hill is said to oppress his tenants. Oive exit to, to = To afford passage ; to furnish a way of escape, (c) The sewers give exit to the waste water and filth of the city = The sewers furnish a way of escape for the waste water and filth of the city. Oive heed to, to = To attend to. (a) , Give heed to what I say, and you will have no dif- ficulty in finding your lodgings, when you arrive in London = Attend to what I say, and you will have no difiiculty in finding your lodgings, when you ar- rive in London. Oive in, to = l. To announce ; to tender, (a) 2. To allow by way of abatement, {b) 1. He gave in his adhesion to the new political party = He tendered his adhesion to the new politi- cal party. 2. I shall give in what is asked for in the settlement of his bill = I shall yield by way of abatement, what is asked for in the settlement of his bill. Oive judgment, for, or ag^ain§t, to {Law) = To pronounce a judicial decision or sentence, {a) The court gave judgment for the defendants The decision of the judge was in favor of the defendant. The court has not yet given judgment in the libel suit between Mr. P. and the editor = The court has not yet rendered a decision in the suit for libel brought by Mr. P. against the editor. In. the phy- sician's suit for professional services judgment was given against the defendant in the sum of one hun- dred dollars — The judicial decision was that the de- fendant should pay the physician a hundred dollars. IDIOMATIC PHKASES. 87 Oiven to, to be = To be devoted to ; to have the habit of. (a) Mr. B. is an excellent mechanic, but he is given to intemperance = Mr. B. is an excellent mechanic, but he has the habit of intemperance. Prof. H's life has been given to the study of astronomy = Prof. H. has devoted himself to the study of astronomy, all his life. Give one a good, or bad, character, to = To speak of one in praise, or in disparagement, (a) Mrs. A. gave the servant who left her a good char- acter ='M.m. A. spoke in praise of the servant who left her. Oive one tbe lie, to = To charge one with falsehood. (a) When the two men we^e discussing the opium traffic, one gave the other the ?ie = When the two men were discussing the opium traffic, one of them charged the other with falsehood. Give one's §eif no concern, to = !N^ot to be inter- ested in or anxious for. (a) The idle son gives himself no concern about his father's business = The idle son takes no interest in his father's business. Give one's self up, to = l. To despair of one's re- covery ; to conclude to be lost ; (a) 2. To addict ; to devote, (a) 1. When he was sick he gave himself w^ = When he was sick he despaired of his recovery. 2. Since he chose such company, he is wholly given up to in- temperance = Since choosing such companions, he is wholly addicted to intemperance. Give one the slip, to = To escape from one ; to de- sert unexpectedly, (a) When the 5th regiment was passing through Washington (1863), the surgeon's colored servant gave him the slip = When the 5th regiment was pass- ing through Washington, the surgeon's colored ser- vant unexpectedly deserted. As they were going around a comer, the thief gave the policeman the slip = As they were going around a corner, the thief slily escaped the policeman. Give out, to = l. To utter publicly ; to announce, (a) 2. To send out ; to emit, (b) 3. To expend all one's strength ; to cease from exertion, {a) 1, It is given out at headquarters, that we shall march at ten o'clock = It is announced at headquar- ters, that we shall march sSt ten o'clock. 2. Boiling water gives out steam = Boiling water emits steam. 2. The rose gives out a fragrance = The rose sends forth 88 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. a pleasing odor. 3. Before the end of the journey, the horse gave out—T\\Q horse had expended all his strength, and stopped, before the end of the journey. Oive over, to = To cease ; to desist ; to abandon, {a) I have given over trying to persuade Mr. E. to re- move to the city = I have ceased endeavoring to per- suade Mr. E. to remove to the city. The policeman followed the thief to the river, and then gave over the pursuits The policeman followed the thief to the river, and then desisted from tlie pursuit. He seems to be given over to gamblings He seems to be abandoned (yielded up or wholly devoted) to gam- bling. Oive plaee, to = To make room ; to yield ; to give way. Let all the rest give place to the bride and bride- groom = Let all the otliers make room for the bride and bridegroom. The stage-coach gives place to the rail-car, in travels In travel, the stage-coach yields to the rail-car. Oive play, to = To allow liberty of acting ; to not restrain. When boys are let out of school they give play to their love of sport and of exercise — When boys are released from school, they do not restrain their fond- ness for exercise and sport (allow it to display itself.) The novel writer gives play to his imagination = The writer of novels allows his imagination free and full range. Oive quarter, to {Mil.) — To spare the life of a con- quered foe ; to admit to surrender ; to treat mer- cifully, (a) Finding themselves victorious in battle, they gave no ^-z^ar^r^: Finding themselves conquerors, they spared none of the enemy. In modern times it is more customary to give quarter than anciently = It is much more customary in these days than it was formerly, to spare the lives of the conquered. Oive ri§e to, to = To originate ; to cause, (a) The failure of the ship to arrive on the appointed day gave rise to the rumor that she was lost = The failure of the ship to arrive on the appointed day originated the report that she was lost. Oive §trengfth, to = To make strong, (a) Exercise gives strength to the muscles = Exercise makes the muscles strong, Oive or turn the cold §lioullace=ll\s manner is un- graceful, and his features plain, but he is kindly dis- posed. Mr. B. gave the poor fiimily, whose liouse was burned, fifty dollars — his heart is always m the right place =Mr. B. gave fifty dollars to the poor fam- ily who lost their house by fire — he is always sympa- thizing and generous. Heave a §hip to, {Naut.) = To bring the ship's head to the wind and stop her motion, (a) On meeting another vessel, the sailors hove the ship io=On meeting another vessel, the sailors brought the ship's head to the wind and stopped her motion. Heave a §hip ahead, to, (Naut.) = To force it ahead when not under sail. The sailors tried to heave the ship ahead=The sail- ors tried to move the ship forward by the cables alone. Heave in §ight, to — To come in sight ; to appear. We were speaking of him, and just then he heaved in sight = We were speaking of him, and just then he appeared, (c) The ship hove in sight=The ship came in sight, (a) Heavy fire = A violent discharge of fire-arms, (a) In the hottest of the battle the troops were ex- posed to a heavy fire = When the battle was the most severe the troops were exposed to a violent discharge of fire-arms. Here and there = In one place and another; in a dispersed manner ; thinly ; irregularly, (a) In that city there are cases of dysentery here and there , it is not epidemic at the present time = In that city there are cases of dysentery in one place and another ; it is not epidemic at the present time. There are not many natives of ISTew England who are unable to read and write, but here and there you will find one = There are not many natives of Kew England who can not read and write, but you will find such persons in one place and . another. The country is barren, with here and there a fertile spot = 106 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The country is barren, with a few scattered fertile spots. Here and there in the desert, are green and watered spots, called oases = At irregular intervals in the desert, are green and watered spots, called oases. High and dry = Out of water ; in a dry place ; out of reach of the current or waves, (p) The boat lies high and dry on the beach = The boat lies on the beach, out of reach of the current or waves. Higli living = A feeding upon rich and costly food, (a) Mr. A. has hurt himself by high Uviny = Mr. A. has impaired his health by feeding upon rich and costly food. High seas = The waters of the ocean beyond the boundary of any country, (a) The man was hanged for robbery on the high seas = Tlie man was hanged for robbery on tlie waters of the ocean, beyond the boundaries of any country. High time = Quite time ; full time, (a) It is high time this work should be done = It is quite time that this work should be done. It is high time' for you to go to school now = It is full time for you to go to school now. It is high time the garden was planted, if we are to have any early vegetables =It is quite time the garden was planted, if we ex- pect to have any early vegetables. Hit on or upon, to = To light upon ; to reach what is aimed at ; to come to by chance, (b) jN'one of the council could hit upon the right de- vice, to accomplish what the king wished = None of the ministers could light upon, or could discover, the right device, to accomplish what the king wished. Hit the marlc, to = To attain one's object ; to suc- ceed, (a) The merchant hit the mark, when he purchased a quantity of cotton cloth, just before the rise in the markets The merchant was fortunate, when he pur- chased a quantity of cotton cloth, immediately before the price rose in the market. Hit the nail on the head, to = To hit or touch the exact point, {b) In his article in the newspaper, he hit the nail on the head =lTi his article in the newspaper, he touched the principal points of the subject. Now you have hit the nail on the Iiead = l^ow you have done just what ought to be done. In speaking, Mr. A. always hits the nail on the head=M.r. A. always says just the right thing. Hold eheap, to = To regard of small value ; to dis- regard, (c) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 107 The dissipated man holds his reputation cheap — The dissipated man disregards his reputation. Hold fortb, to = To harangue ; to address an audi- ence ; to speak in public, {p) The lecturer will hold forth on the life of Confu- cius to-night = The lecturer will speak about the life of Confucius, in public, to-night. He held forth for an hour on politics = He spoke for an hour on po- litical matters. The auctioneer held forth to the crowd on the value of the goods he was sellings: The auctioneer addressed the crowd on the worth of the goods he was selling. Hold good, to = To remain in efiect ; to be in force ; to continue fixed, (a) ■ The rules of society in China do not hold good in America = The rules of Chinese society are not in force in America. Does this passage ticket hold good another year ? = Is this passage ticket good for use another year ? My promise to go with you does not ^oZc? ^ooc/, because yon did not come = As you did not come, my promise to go with you is not binding. The argument against the use of intoxicating liquors holds good in many countries = The argument against the use of intoxicating liquors is .applicable to many countries. Hold In, to = To restrain ; to control, (a) The Chinaman was very much abused by the Irishman, in California, but he held in his temper = The Chinaman was very much abused by the Irish- man, in California, but he controlled his temper. Hold in pledge, to ■= To keep as security, (c) He held the United States government bonds in pledge, for the payment of the loan = He kept the United States government bonds as security for the payment of the loan. Hold one'§ peaee, to = To be silent; to repress one's thoughts ; not to speak, (c) The mother told the child who was incessantly talking, to AoZc? her peace = ThQ mother directed the child who was incessantly talking, to be silent. I can not hold my peace longer = I can no longer keep from speaking. Hold on, to — To keep fast hold ; to continue ; to go on. {h) His trade in silks holds on — His trade in silks con- tinues, or goes on. He held on his journey though it was raining fast = He continued his journey though it was raining fast. The young man holds on to his purpose of getting an education = The young man remains fixed in his purpose of getting an education. 108 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The man whose buggy was overturned held on to the reins till the horse stopped = The man whose buggy was overturned kept fast hold of the reins till the horse stopped. Hold one's self in readiness, to = To be in a state of preparation, (a) The doctor must hold himself in readiness to go and see the sick, at any time = The doctor must be in a state of preparation to visit the sick, at any time. Hold out, to=:To keep one's strength; to retain one's courage ; to last ; to endure, (a) He can not hold out through the night, according to the opinion of the doctor = He can not survive through the night, according to the doctor's opinion. The water in our well holds out in this drought. = The water in our well lasts during this dry season. Hold over, to = To retain office ; to continue in of- fice another session, (c) One-half of the senators hold over to the next ses- sion = One-half of the senators continue in office another session. Hold the tongue, to = To keep silent ; to be silent, (a) Hold your tongue^ or I will chastise you = Be silent, or I will chastise you. Hold your tongue! — Do not talk any more ! If the servant had held his tongue^ no one would have known that our chickens were stolen = If the servant had not told it, no one would have known that our chickens had been stolen. Hold to, to = To remain attached to an opinion ; to adhere to. (a) I hold to this opinion about the tariff= I remain attached to this opinion respecting the tariff. Hold up, to = To cease raining; to become fair weather, (a) Do you think it will hold up soon ? = Do you think the rain will cease soon ? Honor a bill, to = To accept and pay it when due. (a) The London merchant drew a bill at sixty days on a New York banker, and the banker honored it — T\\q London merchant drew a bill at sixty days on a New York banker, and the banker accepted it, and paid it when due. Honors of war (M7,) = Privileges or marks of dis- tinction granted to a vanquished enemy, on capitu- lation. (These privileges vary.) (a) When Gen. Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter (U. S., 1861), he was allowed to march out with the honors of war=W\iQn Gen. Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter (U. S., 1861), he and his garrison were IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 109 allowed to inarch out with colors flying, drums beat- ing, and the flag, as it was lowered, saluted by dis- charge of artillery. Hull down = Having the hull, as of a ship, concealed from sight, on account of distance, {a) After they had chmg to the wreck five days, a vessel hove in sight, hull down = After they had clung to the wreck five days, a vessel hove in sight, with its hull concealed from view, on account of the dis- tance. IIii§band one'§ re§oiirces, to=:To use what one has, economically, (a) The widow who was left with but little property is obliged to husband her 7'esources =The widow who was left with but little property is obliged to use what she has, economically. If the i¥orst comes to the i;ror§t = If the worst or most* undesirable condition of things arises, (a) J/ the worst comes to the worst, the man will sell his house, and go with his family to his father's = If the most unfortunate condition of the man's affairs arises, he will sell his house, and go with his family to his father's. Ill turnrrl. An 'unkind or injurious act. (o) 2, A- slight attack of illness, (a) {Colloq, U. S.) 1. It is a teaching of the Christian religion, not to do an ill turn to our fellow-creatures = It is a teach- ing of the Christian religion, not to do to otliers an unkind or injurious act. 2. His son is just now re- covering from an ill turn = Hi^&on is just now recov- ering from a slight attack of illness. Impregnate virith, to = To infuse particles of another substance into ; to communicate the virtues of an- other to. (a) The water of some springs is strongly im,pregna- ted with iron = The medicinal virtues of iron are com- municated, in a large degree, to some springs. In a blaze = 1. Illuminated with numerous and pow- erful lights, (h) 2. In active display and wide dif- fusion of some quality, {c) 1. The city of Hartford was in a blaze on the night of battle-flag day (Sept. 17, 1879)== The city of Hartford was made excessively light, with the uni- versal illumination of gas and electric light after bat- tle-flag day, Sept. 17, 1879. 2. The city was in a 110 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. hlaze of excitement in consequence of the riot and murder of seven men = There was a very great dis- play and wide diffusion of excitement in the city, on account of the riot and murder of seven men. In advance = 1. In a more forward position or rank. (a) 2. Beforehand, (a) 1, The gray mare was in advance throughout the race =: The gray mare was in the most forward posi- tion throughout the race. 2. The Chinese surgeon required partial pay in advance^ for treating the scrofulous patients The Chinese surgeon required partial pay, before he would treat the patient for scrofula. In a fair way = In a way inspiring hope and confi- dence, (a) The young physician, having obtained a good practice, is in a fair way to succeed — Having obtained a good practice, the physician gives his friends good reason to hope that he will succeed. He is in a fair way to recover^ There is good reason to hope he will recover. In all probability or likelihood = It is verj prob- able, (a) In all probability^ the supply of whales will, ere long, fail = It is very probable, that the supply of whales in the ocean will be exhausted before long. In a marked degree = Very exceedingly; very much, (a) This book is, in a marked degree^ better than the others This book is decidedly better than the other. His demeanor was, in a marked degree^ harsh = His demeanor was very harsh. You liave improved in penmanship in a marked degree— You have improved very much in penmanship. In a small compass =:?Briefly and compactly, {a) The new book presents the subject of grammar in a small compass = T]\q new book presents the subject of grammar briefly and compactly. In a state of nature = Nude, naked, unclothed; in the original condition, (c) The insane man came out of his house in a state of nature =Th.e insane man came out of his house without any clothing on his person. When the set- tlers from England landed at Plymouth, Mass. (1620), the country was in a state of nature =^ hen the English settlers landed at Plymouth, Mass. (1620), the country was in its original wild and uncultivated condition. In a word = Briefly ; to sum up. (a) The horse is beautiful, kind, fleet, young, — in a IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Ill woi{d^ he has every desirable quality = The horse is beautiful, kind, fleet, young ; to speak briefly, he pos- sesses every desirable quality. In ba§s relief, or low relief (/&w?p.) =: Figures which do not stand out far from the surface on which they are formed. In medals and medallions the figures are in low relief =li\ medals and medallions, the figures project but little from the surface on which they are formed. In battle array — In posture for fighting, (a) As the enemy approached, the general drew up his troops in battle array =r As the enemy approached, the general drew up his troops in a posture for fight- ing. In, or on, behalf of=:In the interest or service of; for the benefit or convenience of. (a) The lawyer made a very strong plea in behalf of his client = Tlie lawyer plead very earnestly and ably in the interests of his client. On behalf of the work- men living out of the city, the rail-road company was requested to reduce the fare on the morning and evening trains = For the benefit or convenience of the workmen who lived at a distance from the city, the rail-road company was requested to lessen the fare on the morning and evening trains. In blaek and -whiter In writing or print, (a) I must have that statement of the company's finan- cial condition in black and white — 1 must have that statement of the financial condition of the company in writing. In bold reliefs The degree of boldness or promi- nence which a figure exhibits to the eye at a dis- tance, {a) In Trumbull's historical pictures, the chief figures stand out in bold relief =The chief figures in Trum- bull's historical pictures stand prominently out to view. In ca§e=:If it should so fall out or happen ; if. (a) In case you meet Mr. A., give him, if you please, my regards — If it should so happen that you should meet Mr. A., please give him my regards. In cliief=: At the head, (a) The president of the United States is, by the con- stitution, made commander-m-c/i/e/" of the military and naval forces during his office = The president of the United States is, by the constitution, put at the head of the military and naval forces during his office. In eold blood = Deliberately ; without sudden pas- sion ; without compunction, (a) 112 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. He killed that man in cold blood=.He killed that man deliberately and not in a passion. 'No one could do it in cold blood— ls[o one could do it delib- erately and without compunction. In concert = In agreement or harmony ; unitedly, (a) In building the new town hall, the people of all parts of the town acted in concert=ln building the new town hall, the people in all parts of the town were united in feeling and action. In (all) eon§cience := In reason or right or truth or justice or honesty, (a) I can not, in conscience^ pay you the full amount of your bill = I can not, in justice, or feeling that it is right, pay you all you have charged in the bill. Do stop and rest ; you have worked long enough, in all conscience — Do stop and rest ; you have worked as long as is reasonable or right. In consequence of=:By reason of; as the effect of. (a) He got thoroughly wet, and \n consequence of it, took a violent cold = He got very wet, and as the effect of it, took a very severe cold. In countenance = In an assured condition; free from shame or dismay, (a) The captain was mortified to have to appear at the levee in undress, but he was kept in countenance by his colonel, who also was in undress = The captain was mortified to appear at the levee in undress, but was kept free from shame by his colonel, who also was in undress. In demand = In request ; in a state of being much sought after, (a) Corn is now^ in great demand^ in England = Corn is now much sought after in England. In or on deposit = In trust, or safe keeping, as a de- posit, (a) "When he went to Europe he left his silver-plate on deposit^ with the Security Company = When he went to Europe he left his silver-plate, in safe keeping, with the Security Company. Indian file = Single file ; arrangement of persons in a row, following one after another, (a) When Indians travel across the prairies, they go in Indian file = When Indians travel across the prai- ries, they follow one another, in a single file. The path through the woods was so narrow that the party was obliged to travel in Indian file = The path through the woods was so narrow that the party was compelled to march in single line. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 113 In earnest = Serious and sincere: not triflinir or jesting ; determined and resolute, (a) I am in earnest in my purpose to go to college = I am sincere and determined in my purpose to go to college. He is farming in earnest =IIe is engaged in agriculture earnestly and resolutely. In embryo = In an incipient or undeveloped state ; planned, but not yet executed, (c) That man always liad a good many plans in em- bryo, but never executed any of them = That man always had a good many undeveloped plans, but never put one of them into execution. The author has a ^vork in embryo = The author has a work plan- ned, but not executed. In every quarter, in all quarter§ = Every where ; in all countries, (c) Agriculture is practiced in all quarters = Agricul- ture is practiced in all countries. In existence, to be = To exist ; to actually be ; to continue in being, (a) Very little of the continental money which was used by the United States in the revolutionary war, is in existence = Yer J little of the paper money which was used by the United States in the revolutionary war, has been preserved, and can now be found. Many species of animals which once lived on the earth are no longer in existence = Many species of an- imals which once lived on the earth are extinct — no longer exist. In favor of = Upon the side of; favorable to. (a) In the legislature Mr. B. made a speech in favor of removing the capital = In the legislature Mr. B. supported the project of removing the capital in a speech. Most of the parents are in favor of having music taught in the school = Nearly all the parents are favorable to the teaching of music in the school. In favor with = Favored, encouraged, countenanced by. (a) The new clerk is, already, m hi^h. favor with the su- perintendent of the company = The new clerk is, al- ready, much favored by the superintendent of the company. In fine = In conclusion ; by way of termination or summing up. (a) The trip across the continent to San Francisco by rail is rapid, novel, well-managed, full of variety, — in fine, a most delightful trip = The trip to San Fran- cisco by rail is rapid, novel, well-managed, full of v? riety, and, to sum up in a word, a rnpst dehghtful. trip. The house you propose buying(^& In per8on = By one's self; with bodily presence; not bj representative, (a) You would do well to present your petition to the governor in person — Yow would do well to present your petition to the governor, yourself, and not by representative. I can not go in person to the re- union of our' regiment, but I will send a letter = I can not personally attend the reunion of our regi- ment, but I will send a letter. In po§§e§sion of tlie house, to be ; (Legislative Ass. Eng.) = To have the right to speak, {a) The right honorable gentleman, Mr. Bright, is in possession of the house^ and no member can speak, until he has taken his seat = The right honorable gentleman has the right to speak, and no other member can speak, until he has taken his seat. In process of time = In the progress, or continued movement, of time, (a) In process of time^ Rome became a great empire, ■ by conquest = As time passed, Rome became a great empire, by conquering other nations. If he is stu- dious, he will learn Chinese in process of time = If he is studious, he will acquire the Chinese language after a time. In process of time lie became a general, by promotion = Some time having passed, he became a general, by promotion. In proportion — According as ; to the degree that, (a) Men are happy in proportion as they are virtuous = Men are happy to the degree that they are virtu- ous. In proportion as the country is settled, the forests are removed and the game disappears = Ac- cording as the country is settled, the forests are re- moved and the game disappears. In prospect = Anticipated; in expectation, (h) The tourist to Europe has a very pleasant journey in prospect — Th.Q tourist to Europe anticipates a very pleasant journey. In publico In open view; before the people at large ; not in private or secretly, (a) He is too diffident to speak in public =Ile is too diffident to speak before the people at large. He is so old and hifirm that he is seldom seen in public = He has become so old and infirm that he seldom ap- pears in open view. She has studied for the stage, and her first appearance in public will be in Boston = She has studied for the stage, and her first appear- ance before a public audience will be in Boston. In pursuance of = In accordance with ; in prosecu- tion or fulfillment of. In pursuance of a plan which he has long cher- 118 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. ished, Mr. E. will visit Europe this summer = In ac- cordance with a plan which he has long cherished, Mr. E. will visit Europe this summer. In que§tioii = In debate ; in the course of examina- tion or discussion, (a) The point in question was, whether the Loo Choo islands belong to China or to Japan = The point in debate was, whether the Loo Choo islands belong to China or Japan. In reque§t = Wanted by purchasers, (a) The four and a half per cent, bonds (U. S.) are in request— T]iQ four and a half per cent, bonds (U. S.) are sought after by purchasers. In round nuniber§ = In a sum ending with a cipher ; approximately correct, (a) There were present at the fair, in round numbers^ 3,000 persons = There were present at the fair, stated in general and approximate terms, 3,000 persons. In §ecret = In a private place ; in a state or place not seen; privately, (a) The good which is done in secret^ will be rewarded openly — The good which is done privately, will be rewarded openly. The early Christians were obliged to hold meetings in secret^ for fear of their persecutors = The early Christians were obliged to hold meet- ings secretly, for fear of their persecutors. In §e§§ion = l. Passing the usual time allotted to daily meetings, {a) 2. Actually sitting, or as- sembled for the transaction of business, (a) 1. Congress is now in sesszori = Congress is now passing the usual period allotted to daily meetings. 2. The court was not in session yesterday = The court did not assemble for the transaction of business yes- terday. In shorts In few words ; briefly ; to sum up or close in a few words, (a) His conduct was prudent, energetic, modest, and unassuming — in shorty it was what was to be expected from the son of such a mother = His conduct was prudent, energetic, modest, unassuming — briefly, it was what was to be expected from the son of such a mother. The weather is now hot, now cool ; now wet, now dry ; in shorty changeable = The weather is one while hot, another while cool ; one while wet, another while dry ; — in a word, changeable. In sight of=In view of; near enough to see. (b) We came in sight of land, just as the pilot-boat hailed us=: We came where we could see land, just as the pilot-boat hailed us. In special = Particularly, (c) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 119 I wisli you would remember me to Mary, John, and in special to grandpapa = I wish you would re- member me to Mary, John, and particularly to grandpapa. In §pite of=iIn opposition to all efforts of; in defi- ance of. (a) I shall go in spite of the storm =r I shall go, al- though it is stormy. He did it, m spite of my com- mands = He did it, in disregard of my command. I do not beheve you, in spite of your oath = I do not believe you, although you make oath to it. In §port=:In jest; for play or diversion. The two young men engaged in boxing in sport= The two young men went to boxing for play. In §tore= In accumulation, (a) In readiness; await- ing, (a) The dealer has large quantities of tobacco in store = The dealer has large quantities of tobacco in ac- cumulation. Good news is in store for the. sailor, when he returns = Good news awaits the sailor, on his return. There is a large amount of wheat in store, waiting for transportation = There is a large amount of wheat in a state of accumulation, wait- ing for transportation. In §under = Into parts; in two. (c) There is a snake; cut him in sunder =T}iere is a snake ; cut him in two. The rope, by which the boat was being drawn, broke in sunder =The rope, by which the boat was being drawn, broke into two parts. In the bo§oni of = In the affectionate inclosure of. (a) The sea-captain, having been many years on the ocean, has now returned to spend his old age in the bosom q/* his family = The sea-captain, having been many years on the ocean, has now returned to spend his old age in the affectionate inclosure of his family. In the bud = In the forming stage; early; at the outset, (c) The rebellion in that province was discovered, and nipped in the bud= The rebellion in that prov- ince was discovered, and frustrated in its early stage. In the dark = Uncertain ; uninformed; ignorant, (a) The young man is in the dark regarding his father's plans for educating him m The young man is igno- rant of his father's plans for educating him. With all their efforts, they have discovered nothing to-day about the conspiracy for smuggling goods, and are as much m the dark as ever = With all their efforts to find out the conspirators engaged in smuggling, they are in as great ignorance as ever. 120 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. In the event of = If the specified event should occur. (a) In the event of his partner's death, the grocer would retire from business = If his partner should die, the grocer would retire from business. In tlie extremes As much as possible, (a) The scenery of the Yosemite valley, in California, is wild and romantic in the 'extr erne — T\\q scenery of the Yosemite valley in California, is exceedingly w^ild and romantic. The weatlier of some winters in Canada is cold in the extreme^The weatlier of some winters in Canada is as cold as possible. In the eyes of=In the opinion of; in one's estimate. " If the British interfere in Moar, we shall lose all the respect which remains for us in the eyes of the Malays" [Lon. and China Tel.] = If the British in- terfere in Moar, we shall lose all the respect which remains for us in the opinion or estimation of the Malays. In the eyes of community, gambling is a disreputable way of obtaining moneys It is the opinion or sentiment of community, tliat gambling is a disreputable method of obtaining money. In the face of day = Openly ; publicly ; without concealment, (b) He did it in the face of day = He did it with no concealment. All my official work has been done in the face of day = All my official work has been done openly. In the face of the world = In public ; before the people at large, (a) The southern rebellion (U. S.) was an attempt to uphold the institution of slavery, m the face of the world = The southern rebellion (U. S.) was an at- tempt to uphold the institution of slavery, before the world at large. In the grain = Deep-seated; in the very nature, (c) The young lady has a love for music, in the grain = The young lady has a natural and strong love for music. In the gro§s = In the bulk, or the whole undivided ; all parts taken together, (c) The contents of the store, in the gross, were valued at $2,000 = The whole undivided contents of the store were valued at $2,000. The contributions of the different towns for the sufferers by the famine, were reported in the gross = The contributions of the different towns for the sufferers by the famine, were reported in one sum and not separately. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 121 In the humor ; in the mood = In the state of mind ; in the temper of mind ; in the disposition, (a) Yesterday old Mr. H. was i7i Hie humor for con- versation, and talked long about his early dajs= Yesterday old Mr. H. was disposed to converse, and talked long about the scenes and events of his early days. Are you in the mood for hearing music this evening ? if so, we will go to the concert = Are you in a state of mind for (do you feel like) heariiTg music this evening? if you are, we will go to the concert. In the long run = In the whole course of things taken together ; in the final result ; at the con- clusion or end. (a) Trickery and dishonesty may profit once; but they are unprofitable, in Hie long run — Trickery and dishonesty may profit once ; but they are unprofita- ble, in the final result. High-priced articles are the cheapest in the hng run - High-priced articles are the cheapest in the end, or all things considered. Hon- esty is profitable in the long run = Honesty is profita- ble, taking into account the whole course of things. In the long run, the best work pays best = Taking it all together, the best work brings the greatest re- ward. In the lump = The whole taken together ; in gross. («) The merchant bought the peddler's goods in the lump = The merchant bought all the peddler's goods. The value of his assets, in the lump, is estimated at ten thousand dollars = The whole of his assets to- gether are worth, probably, ten thousand dollars. In (the) plaee of = Instead of; in the room of; as a substitute for. (a) The waiter brought me tea in the place of coffee = The waiter brought me tea instead of coffee. Some physicians prescribe other stimulants in place of brandy = Some physicians are accustomed to pre- scribe other stimulants as a substitute for brandy. In the teeth of = Directly against ; in direct oppo- sition to ; in front of. (a) We have driven ten miles in the teeth of this dread- ful snow-storm — We have driven ten miles directly against this dreadful snow-stortn. The lad became a sailor in the teeth of his father's prohibition — The lad became a sailor in direct opposition to his father's prohibition. In the thiek of=:In the thickest part; in the time when any thing is thickest, (a) In the thick of the fight, the general was seen en- 122 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. couraging his men = In tlie thickest part of the fight the general was seen encouraging his men. In the vein = Inclined ; disposed, (c) The boy is not m the vein for study to-day = The boy is not inclined to study to-day. In the way = So situated as to obstruct, hinder, or the like, (a) Will you move? you are very much in the ivay = "Will you move? you obstruct my passage, and I can not pass. The mother told the child to remove his playthings, because they were in the way of her work z= The mother told the child to remove his playthings, because they were so placed as to ob- struct her work. I will visit you next Monday, if there is nothing in the way=l will visit you next Monday, if nothing prevents. In the ivrong, to be — To be greatly mistaken ; to be on the wrong side ; to be in error ; not in the right, (a) . .'. . In forming this injurious habit, you are wholly in the wrong — In forming this bad habit, you are piir- suing a wrong course. In time 1=1. Sufficiently early, (a) 2. After consid- erable time, finally, (a) 1. The traveler did not arrive in time to take the first train = The traveler did not arrive sufficiently early to take the first train of cars. 1. I was just in time for the steamer = I arrived there just early enough to take the steamer. 2. Our business is in a tangle now, but it will all come right in time= Our business is in a tangle, but it will all be right, after a long enough time. 2. The physician said that my friend would, in time, fully regain his healths The physician said that my friend would, after a consid- erable time, regain his health. Into the bargains Over and above; also; besides, (a) He is a thief, and a liar into the bargmn=lle is a thief, and also a liar. I am tired, and very sleepy into the hargain = \ am tired, and also very sleepy. If one goes out without umbrella, or other protection against a violent storm, he will get wet, and will very likely take cold into the bargain ~li one goes out without umbrella, &c., he will get wet, and will besides very likely take cold. I have traded my lot for another, and got a house into the bargain =zl have exchanged my lot for another, and got a house over and above (in addition). In truth = In reality; in fact, (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 123 In truth^ I do not know any thing about this = In reality, I do not know any thing about this. In turn = In due order of succession, (a) If you mil be patient, boys, you will each be waited on in turn — Yom will each be served, in due order of succession, if you will be patient. In «§e=:l. In employment or service, {a) 2. In cus- tomary practice or observance, (a) 1. My piano has been in use ten years = My piano has been in service ten years. 2. Wedding festivi- ties appear to be in use among all nations = Wedding festivities appear to be in customary observance among all peoples. In vain = To no purpose ; without effect ; ineffectual. (a) I besought my younger brother to abandon his purpose of risking so much money in one specula- tion ; but it was all in vain=l besought my younger brother to give up his purpose to risk so much money in one speculation; but it was all without effect. In vain we endeavored to waken the man who had taken an over-dose of opium = We strove, ineffectually, to waken the man who had taken, an over-dose of opium. In view = In purpose; as an object to be aimed at. (a) The lawyer's son has his father's profession in view =The lawyer's son purposes to follow his father's profession. In virtue of = Through the force of; by authority of. (a) The loadstone, in virtue of its properties, attracts iron, and when freely suspended, points to the poles = The loadstone, through the force of its properties, attracts iron, and when freely suspended, points to the poles. In virtue of his office, the vice-president of the United States is the presiding officer of the senate = By authority of his office, the vice-president of the United States presides over the senate. In vog^ue =: In use at present ; popularly adopted. (5) Silk dresses are much in vogues Silk dresses are much in use at present. Iron§ in the fire = Occupations or enterprises re- quiring attention, (a) I have many irons in the Jire = l have many enter- prises requiring attention. He has too many irons in the fire at once = He has too many matters requir- ing his care at once. Is to be — This phrase expresses a purpose or an ob- ligation or an event to be realized in the future. 124 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. It is nearly equivalent to the phrases, will be, must be. (a) The capitol I's to he adorned with the statues of several distinguished men = It is the intention to adorn the capitol with the statues of several dis- tinguished men. This is to be a large city = This will be a large city. This letter is to be copied = This letter must be copied ; this is what must be done with this letter. I tell you what = I tell you what it is, or how it is. I tell you what, I'll have nothing to do w^ith such a mean trick = This is what I tell you, I will have nothing to do with such a mean trick. It i§ not to l>e (imagined, thoug^ht, believed, &c,) = No one can (imagine, think, believe, &c). (c) It is not to be imagined, that the mode of settling national disputes by war will always prevails No one can imagine, that the method of settling national disputes by war will always be customary. It may toe §een — It is evident ; one can understand. From this description of the people, it may be seen that they are hospitable, cultivated, and generous = From this description, it is evident that the people are hospitable cultivated and generous. From his business habits it may be seen that he will succeed = One can understand, after knowing his business hab- its, that he will be likely to succeed, and can dis- cern the reason of his success. It seems = It has the appearance of truth or fact ; it • is understood as true ; it is said, (a) It seems that you are about to be married = It is said that you are about to be married. He had, it seems, executed his high office honorably = He had, so it appears, or is understood, executed his high office honorably. It seems to me that business is reviving throughout the country = It appears to me to be true (I think) that business is reviving from its depressed condition through the country. It seems as if rail-roads had been constructed in greater numbers than was necessary or advisable = Matters appear as if we had constructed rail-roads faster than it was necessary or desirable to do. Is he to marry the music teacher? So it seems = Is, he to marry the music teacher ? Matters look like that — it is so understood or said. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 125 J. Join force§, to = To unite resources and efforts, (a) The Ute Indians and the Arrapahoes joined forces against the whites = Tlie Ute Indians and the Ai'ra- pahoes united their resources and efforts against the whites. Ju§t the thingr = The precise article or implement needed; very suitable, {a) A hoe has been invented, which is jiisi the thing to use in cultivating tobacco = A hoe has been invented, which is extremely well suited to the cultivation of tobacco. A rubber-coat is just the thing for the fish- erman = A rubber-coat is the very garment the fish- erman needs, in order to keep him diy. K Keep a Jealou§ eye on, to = To watch suspiciously ; to be solicitously observant in a matter affecting one's interests, and tlie like, (c) " It is quite certain that China will keep a jealous eye on the movements of the Japanese in Korea ; " [Lon. and Cliina Tel.] = It is quite certain that China will suspiciously w^atch the movements of the Japanese in Korea. Keep aloof, to = To remain at a distance ; to refrain from, (a) The drunkard who was trying to reform was told that he must keep aloof from his former companions = The drunkard who was trying to reform was told that he must refrain from associating with his former companions. Keep an eye upon, to=:To watch, (p) It is well to keep an eye upon the opportunities for business = It is well to watch the opportunities for business. Keep away, to = To remain absent or at a distance, (a) If you do not keep away from the ferocious dog, you may be bitten =f If you do not remain at a dis- tance from the ferocious dog, you may be bitten. Keep t>ook§, to = To record mercantile transactions in a right and systematic manner ; to keep ac- counts, {a) In the business colleges of the United States, young 126 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. men are taught to keep hooks = In the business colleges of the United States, young men are taught to re- cord mercantile transactions in a correct and sys- tematic manner. Keep clear of, to = l. To keep free from, (a) 2. To avoid, (a) *1. The highway surveyor agreed to keep the road dear of stones = The highway surveyor agreed to keep the road free from stones. 2. The merchant would have gained, by keeping clear of speculation in stocks = The merchant would have gained by avoid- ing speculation in stocks. Keep company Trith, to = To associate with ; to frequent the society of. (c) Let youth keep company with the wise and good = Let youth frequent the societ^'^ of the wise and good. Keep going, to = l. To continue going, (a) 2. To maintain in operation (a) 1. I did not know where to look for the banker on the street, but I kept going till I found him = I did not know on what part of the street to search for the banker, but I continued going till I found him. 2. The principal of the school died, but his sons keep the school going as before = The principal of the school died, but his sons maintain the school in operation as formerly Keep good or bad liour§, to = To be in the habit of returning home early or late ; to retire early or late, (a) These students keep good hours this term = These students are always in their rooms in good season this term. Keep in check, to = To exercise continued restraint ; to control, {h) Under proper administration, the prisoners in the State— prison can be Icept in check = If there is proper administration, the prisoners in the State— prison can be controlled. Keep in countenance, to = To keep assured; to make one feel at ease, (a) That young man is bashful : go with him in order to keep him in coimtenance = That young man is shy : you must go with him in order to keep him from being ashamed. I am eating only to keep you mx countenance =zlL am eating only to make you feel at/ ease. Keep in view, to = ]N"ot to lose sight of; to have reference to. (a) The politician keeps the senatorship in view — The politician does not lose sight of the senatorship, that IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 127 is, he is constantly influenced by liis purpose to become a senator. In educating his son, the physician kept in view the purpose to make him his successor = In ed- ucating his son, the physician had reference to the purpose of making him his successor. Keep off, to = 1. JS'ot to go upon ; (a) 2. To pre- vent the approach of '(a) 1. In the park we are cautioned to keep off the grass = In the park we are cautioned not to go upon the grass. 2. Smoke will keep o^mosquitoes= Smoke will prevent the approach of mosquitoes. Keep on, to = To go forward ; to proceed ; to con- tinue to advance, (a) We two began our studies together. He left college at the end of freshman year, I kept on to the end of the course = We two began our studies to- gether. He left college at the end of the first year, but I went forward or proceeded to the end of the course. If he keeps on as he has begun, he will make one of the finest of scholars = If he proceeds in his studies as he has commenced, he will become a su- perior scholar. Keep one'§ toed, to = To remain in bed through ill- ness, (a) Does Mr. K. keep his hed? = la Mr. K. so ill as to remain in bed ? Keep one'§ footings, to=:To maintain one's posi- tion, (h) The ice was so smooth that I could not keep my footing =The ice was so smooth that I could not maintain an upright position. He can not keep his footing at court, because he is not trusty = He can not maintain his position at court, because he can not be trusted. Keep one's own eoun§el, to = To hold one's pur- pose, &G. as a secret, (a) He keeps his own counsel =He does not talk with any one about his plans. Keep your own counsel = Do not let your purposes become known. Keep one's powrder dry, to = To take precautions ; to be in readiness, (c) Oliver Cromwell, the Puritan commander, told his soldiers to trust in God, and keep their poivder dry — Oliver Cromwell, the Puritan commander, told his soldiers to trust in God, and be in readiness for fighting. Keep one straight, to = To cause one to be correct in conduct, (a) Mr. C. is inclined to intemperance, but his wife manages to keep him straight =M.r. C. is inclined to 128 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. intemperance, but his wife aids him to be correct in conduct. Keep open aceount, to ( Com.) = Among merchants, to honor each other's bills of exchange, (a) I keep open account with Bright, Smith, & Co. = We have agreed to honor each other's bills of ex- change. Keep open house, to = To have much company coming and going, (c) My next-door neighbor is very hospitable ; he keeps open house = My nearest neighbor is very hos- pitable ; he has a great deal of company coming and going, all the time. Keep out of the ^ray, to = Not to be in the way ; to remain away, (a) The little child could not keep out of the ivay of the horse = The little child could not avoid the horse, as he was running. Keep paee Avith, to = To keep up with ; to pro- gress equally, (a) That boy's mental improvement keeps pace with the growth of his body = That boy improves mentally as fast as his bodily growth progresses. Keep quiet, to=:To be or remain quiet, (a) The physician ordered the man who had sprained his ankle, to keep quiet a few days = The physician ordered the man who had sprained his ankle, to re- main quiet a few days. Keep the field, to = To continue the campaign, {a) In his advance on Richmond, Gen. Grant kept the field more persistently than his predecessors did=: In his advance on Richmond, Gen. Grant continued the campaign more persistently than his predeces- sors did. Keep the peace, to — To be peaceable ; to refrain from disturbing the order of society. The man who threatened to shoot his neighbor was put under bonds to keep the peace — ^\iQ man who threatened to shoot his neighbor was made to give bonds that he would be peaceable. Keep the wolf from the door, to = To ward off starvation, (a) We succeeded in keeping the wolf from the door by dint of hard labor = We succeeded in saving our- selves from starving, by dint of hard labor. Some persons are so poor that they can hardly keep the luolf from the c?oor=: Some persons are so poor that they can hardly keep from starving. Keep time, to = To correctly mark the progress of time, (a) IDIOMATIC THRASES. 129 My watcli has not kept time since I dropped it = My watcli has not correctly marked the progress of time since I let it fall. Keep to, to = To adhere strictly to ; not to neglect or deviate from, — as, to keep to old customs, or to a rule, or to one's promise, (a) Old people are apt to heep to old customs = Old people are apt to adhere closely to old customs. I must keep strictly to my promise, to give my son a ride — I must not deviate from my promise to give my son a ride. Keep to one'§ §elf, to = To refrain from telling oth- ers ; to keep secret, (a) Keep it to yourself^ please = Keep it secret, please. He knew when Mr. E. was to be married, but he kept it to hiniself- He knew when Mr. E. was to be married, but he refrained from telling others. He is a very learned man, but he keeps his knowledge to himself = He is a very learned man, but he does not communicate his knowledge to others. Keep up, to = l. To maintain ; to prevent from fall- ing or diminution, (a) 2. Not to be confined to one's bed. (a) 1. An irredeemable paper-currency keeps the prices of all things up in any country = In any country an irredeemable paper-currency prevents the prices of all things from decHning. 1. In some towns the old custom of ringing the church bells at 9 o'clock at night is ke2)t up=l\\ some towns the old custom of ringing the church bells at 9 o'clock in the evening is maintained. 2. He is not at all well, but he keeps np = He is not at all well, but he is not confined to his bed. Keep up one'§ spirit§, to = To maintain one's cour- age and cheerfulness, (a) ■ • In trouble, good company helps to keep up one^s spirits — In trouble, good company helps to maintain one's courage and cheerfulness. Keep up with, to = To maintain a similar position to ; to equal, (a) The brown horse could not keep up nntli the black one in the race = The brown horse could not equal the black one in speed. Keep watcli, to = To be attentive or vigilant, {a) The man at the rail-road crossing keeps watch^ and closes the gates when a train is about to cross the road — The man at the rail-road crossing exercises vigilance, and closes the gates whenever a train is about to cross the road. If you keep watch on the night of Kov. 12, you may often see meteors in the 10 180 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. sky = If you are watchful on the night of 'Nov. 12, you may often see meteors in the sky. Kick, or §trike, the beam, to — To rise as the lighter scale of a balance does — hence, to be found want- ing in weight ; to have less comparative importance or value, (c) If riches and virtue are put in opposite scales, riches will kick the beam = li' riches and virtue are weighed against each other (compared), riches will be found the least important or valuable. In the case in court, the scale of the plaintiff's lawyer struck the beam = In the legal trial, the arguments of the plaintiff's lawyer were weaker than those of the opposing counsel. He is a light man ; he kicks the beam at 115 pounds = He is a man of little weight; he does not weigh or he barely weighs 115 pounds. Kill time, to = To busy one's self with something which occupies the attention, so as to make the time pass pleasantly or without tediousness. («) While he was confined to the house by a sprained ankle, he read novels in order to kill time = While he was confined to the house by a sprained ankle, he read novels to pass away the time. The passengers on ship-board kill time in various ways, by reading, sleeping, music and games = The passengers on a ship resort to various methods of causing the time to pass w^ithout tediousness — such as, reading, sleep- ing, practicing music, and playing games. Kill tiro l>ircl§ with one stone, to = To accomplish two objects at the same time or by one effort, (a) When I went to E^ew York I killed two birds luith one stone ; I transacted my business, and visited my friends = When I went to E'ew York I accomplished two objects by one journey ; I transacted my busi- ness, and visited my frfends. Going into the coun- try to collect some bills, I killed two birds with one stone ; I had a delightful ride, and I obtained some moneys: Going into the country to collect some bills, I accomplished two objects at the same time ; I had a delightful ride, and obtained some money. Kltli and kin = Acquaintance and kinsman ; friends and relatives, {b) The Welshman who has just landed says that he has neither kith nor kin in the country == The Welsh- man who has just landed says that he has neither an acquaintance nor a relation in the country. All the man's kith and kin came to his wedding = All the man's friends and relatives came to his wedding. Knock doirn, to {Auctions) = ^o assign to a bidder by a blow on the counter, (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 131 That book was knocked down to me at $5 = That book was sold to me (at auction) for $5. Knock off, to = To stop ; to leave off; to desist. (6) We knock off, wjien the six o'clock whistle blows = We stop working, when the six o'clock whistle blows. The clock strikes six, let's knock off now = The clock strikes six, let us stop working now. Knock off, to {Auctions) = To assign to a bidder by a blow on the counter, (a) I bid one hundred dollars, and the horse was knocked off to me = I bid one hundred dollars, and the auctioneer assigned the horse to me, by closing the bids with a blow on the counter. Knock under, to = To yield ; to submit ; to ac- knowledge to be conquered, (a) A passenger claimed two seats in a crowded car, until the conductor came along, and then he knocked under = A passenger claimed the right to occupy two seats in a crowded car, but when the conductor came along, he yielded the claim. Knock up, to = To awaken by knocking, (a) Go and knock up your grandpa = Go and arouse your grandpa by knocking on the door. Know what to make of, not to = Not to under- stand ; to be unable to explain, (a) An anonymous letter containing money came to me this morning, and I do not know what to make of it = An anonymous letter containing money came to me this morning, and I am unable to explain the matter. Knuckle to, to = l. To yield in a contest; to sub- mit, (a) 2. To apply one's self vigorously, (b) 1. He is wrong in his claim to the land, and I will not knuckle to him = He is wrong in claiming the land, and I will not yield to him. 2. The farmer and his sons knuckled to the harvesting, in order to finish it during the pleasant weather = The farmer and his sons applied themselves vigorously to the harvest, in order to finish it during the pleasant weather. Labor of love = Service performed from affection or fondness, and not for pay or profit, (a) I take the children, whose mother is sick, into my family, as a labor of love=l take into my family, the children whose mother is sick, because I love to do so, and not for pecuniary reward. 132 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Laboring^ oar = The oar (part) which requires the most strength or exertion, or on which most de- pends, (a) The father and son worked together ; but the father always took the laboring oar = The father took the part which required the most strength when the father and son worked together. Liabor under, to = To be oppressed with ; to suffer from, (a) He labors under great difficulties in conversation, because he stutters = He is oppressed with great dif- ficulties in conversation, because he stutters. The physician could not cure the disease under wliicli the man labored = The physician could not cure the dis- ease from which the man suffered. The new pupil in school labored under the disadvantage of an imped- iment in his speech = The new pupil in school is hin- dered, by an impediment in his speech. Laid on the shelf = Put aside ; incapacitated and laid aside, (a) The judge has become so old as to be laid on the shelf— The judge has become so old as to be inca- pacitated and laid aside. Mr. A. has been a very active politician, but is now laid on the shelf— Mr. A. has been a very active politician, but is now put aside by his party. Laid up, to be = l. To be confined to the bed or. the cli amber, (a) 2, To be dismantled and laid away in dock, (a) 1. He is laid up with rheumatism = He is confined to his bed with rheumatism. He was laid up for a month = He was confined by sickness for a month. 2. The ship is laid up in dock = The ship is disman- tled and put in dock. Lash into fury, to — To madden ; to cause to rage, (c) The wind lashed the waves iiito fury = The wind caused the waves to rage violently. Last resort = That which is resorted to or depended on, when all else fails ; ultimate means of relief ; (a) also, final tribunal, (a) His small funds in the bank are the last resort^ in case of sickness = His small funds in the bank are the ultimate means of relief, in case of sickness. The Supreme Court of the United States is the last resort in determining questions of constitutional law and rights = The Supreme Court of the United States is the final tribunal, in determining questions of con- stitutional law. " War is the last resort of kings " — Kings undertake war, only when every other method of obtaining justice and right has failed. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 133 Latin Union = A monetary union between the gov- ernments of France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and Greece ; which provides for an identity in the weight and fineness of the silver and gold coins of those countries, and by an annual conference regu- lates the amounts and proportions of the coinage of those two metals for the succeeding year. The Latin Union was formed in 1865 = The mone- tary union between France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland, which provides, &c., was formed in 1865. L.augh at, to = To ridicule ; to treat with contempt, {a) Mr. A. was laughed at for buying stock in the bankrupt rail-road = Mr. A. was ridiculed for buy- ing stock in the bankrupt rail-road. Laugh in one's sleeve, to = To laugh secretly, or so as not to be observed, especially while appa- rently preserving a grave or serious demeanor towards the one laughed at. (a) He is laughing in his sleeve at the awkward ser- vant = He is laughing at the awkward servant, but concealing his laughter under a grave demeanor. Laugh out of the other corner of the mouth, to = To weep ; to be made to feel vexation or dis- appointment, especially after boasting, ih) When the luck of the game turned, and he began to lose instead of winning, the gambler laughed out of the other corner of his mouth = ^\\Qn the luck of the game turned, and he began to lose instead of winning, the gambler was vexed and disappointed. Laugh to scorn, to = To treat with contempt ; to deride ; to make a mock of. (c) They laughed the traveler to scorn, because they did not believe what he said about the height of the Yosemite Falls, (California) = They derided the traveler for his statements concerning the height of the Yosemite Falls in California ; because they did not believe him. Launched into eternity, to he = To be killed sud- denly, (c) By the sinking of the vessel a hundred souls were hunched into eternity = 'By the sinking of the vessel a hundred persons were killed suddenly. Launch out, to = To expatiate, in language ; to be diffuse, in speaking and writing, {b) When the ex-president first addressed the senate, he launched out into an extended defense of his ad- ministration = When the ex-president first addressed the senate, he was diffuse in defending his adminis- tration. 184 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Laur of the lledes and Persian§ = A law wliicli can not be changed ; irrevocable, (c) The rules of that school are like the laws of the Medes and Persians— The rules of that school are irrevocable. I^ay aside, to = To put off or away ; not to retain ; to discontinue, as a use or habit, (a) Lay aside your book; it is bedtime = Put away your book ; it is time to go to rest. Will you lay aside your overcoat while you stay ? = Will you put off your overcoat during your stay ? Mr. L. has laid aside spectacles, since his eyes became stronger = Mr. L. has discontinued the use of spectacles, since his eyes became stronger. If he would lay aside the habit of smoking opium, his health would improve = If he would discontinue the habit of smoking opi- um, his health would improve. I^ay at the door of, to = To impute to ; to charge with, (a) The article in the morning paper, criticising the mayor, is laid at the door of the chief of police = The article in the morning paper, criticising the mayor, is imputed to the chief of police. I^ay away, to = To deposit in store ; to put aside for preservation, {a) Squirrels lay away nuts for use in winter = Squirrels deposit nuts in their holes, for use in winter. Winter furs are laid away in camphor-trunks, during sum- mer = Furs are put away with camphor-gum, during summer, to preserve them. L.ay bare, to = To expose to view ; to disclose, (a) His skull was laid hare by a stroke of the sword = His skull was exposed to view by a stroke of the sword. The investigations and discussions in par- liament laid hare a scheme to defraud the national treasury = The investigations and discussions in par- liament disclosed a scheme for defrauding the national treasury. Lay toy ; lay up, to = To store ; to deposit for future use ; to treasure up. {a) I have some nice corn laid hy for planting = I have some fine corn stored to use in planting. He has laid up money every year since he began business = He has treasured up money every year since he be- gan business. liay claim to, to = To claim, (a) The switchman laid claim to the purse which was found near the depot = The switchman claimed the purse which was found near the depot. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 135 I,ay damages, to {Law) = To state the amount of damages ; to claim as indemnity, (a) Mr. A. has brought suit against the rail-road com- pany for injuries received in a collision, and lays his da7nages at $2,000 = Mr. A. has brought suit against the rail-road company for injuries which he received in a collision ; and claims $2,000 as compensation or indemnity. Liay down, to = l. To give up; to resign; to re- linquish, (a) 2. To quit; to cease using, (a) 3. To offer or advance, {b) 1. Gen. Washington laid down his office of com- mander-in-chief, (1783), and six years after, was in- augurated president of the United States = Gen. "Washington resigned his office of commander-in- chief, and six years after, was inaugurated president of the United States. 2. At the alarm of fire, the mechanic laid down his tools, and rushed into the streets At the alarm of fire, the mechanic ceased using his tools, and rushed into the street. 3. Lo- gicians lay down these propositions about the mode of arguing = Persons skilled in arguing advance these propositions about the mode of arguing. 3. The author of the Declaration of Independence laid down the proposition, that all men are created free and equals The author of the Declaration of Inde- pendence advanced the statement, that all men are created free and equal. l,ay or put head§ together, to = To consult to- gether ; to compare opinions ; to deliberate, {h) The burglars laid their heads together, and devised a plan for robbing the bank = The burglars con- sulted together, and devised a plan for robbing the bank. Tlie politicians put their heads together, and decided to nominate Mr. C. for governor = The poli- ticians deliberated, and decided to nominate Mr. C. for governor. L.ay hold of, to = To seize ; to grasp ; to catch, (a) Lay hold of him ! he is a thief. = Seize him ! he is a thief. The man who fell overboard was saved by laying hold of a rope which was thrown to him = The man who fell overboard was saved by grasping a rope which was thrown to him. Lay in, to = To store ; to procure beforehand, (a) He laid in a year's supply of sugar at one pur- chase = He procured beforehand, at one time, enough sugar to last a year. "We have laid, in potatoes and apples and coal for the winters "We have stored potatoes and apples and coal for the winter. I^ay one'§ hand upon, to = To find, (c) 186 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The teacher said that he owned a History of Home, but he was not certain that he could lay his hand upon it = The teacher said that he owned a History of Rome, but he was not certain that he could find it. L.ay oiie'§ self open to, to =r To expose one's self to. {a) By associating with men of bad habits, he lays himself open to suspicion = By associating with men of bad habits, he exposes himself to suspicion. Le = l. To be misapprehended or mis- understood, (a) 2, To be taken or led astray ; hence to err, to misapprehend, {a) 1. In wdiat I said yesterday, I was mistaken by you all = In what I said yesterday, I was misunder- stood by you all. 2. I was mistaken in what I said to you yesterday = I erred, I made a mistake, in what I said to you yesterday. Model after, to = To use as a plan or pattern in making something, (a) The new church is modeled after St. Peter's in Rome = St Peter's was used as the pattern in building tlie new church. In general the Liberian government is modeled after the American = The Liberian govern- ment is on the same general plan as the American. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 161 more tliati a match for, to be — To be more than equal to ; to surpass, (a) In contending for the prizes in school, the girls were 7nore than a match for the boys = In contending for the prizes in scliool, the girls surpassed the boys. Move tlie previous question, to — In deliberative or legislative assemblies the previous question is — Shall the main question now be put ? That is, shall debate on the subject cease, and the vote now be taken ? hence, to move the previous question means, to make a motion that the vote be now ta- ken. (This motion is not debatable.) (a) At 6 p. m., Senator D. moved the previous question, on the army bill which was before the senate = At 6 p. m. Senator D. moved that debate cease on the army bill which was under discussion, and that a vote be taken on the bill. Mow down, to = To destroy in great numbers, (c)- The troops were mown down in the battle = The troops were destroyed in great numbers in the bat- tle. K Nail a lie, to = To show it to be a lie, so plainly as to- stop its circulation, (c) By a card published in the morning papers. Dr. A. 7iails the lie, that he refused to attend a sick wo- man because she was too poor to pay him = By a card published in the morning papers. Dr. A. plain- ly shows the falsity of the story current, that he re- fused to attend a sick woman who was unable to pay him. Nail one's colors to the mast, to = To take decided stand in any matter; to express a determined pur- pose, (c) The lawyer has nailed his colors to the mast, and will do battle for the temperance cause = The lawyer has taken a decided stand on the temperance question, and will contend for the cause. Near one's end = Near death, (a) The doctor says that the patient is near his end = The doctor says that the patient can live but a little longer. Neither here nor there = Unimportant ; irrelevant, (a) That remark is neither here nor there = That remark is not appropriate to the subject. The reason why 12 162 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. you went is neither here nor there — H\\q reason of your going is unimportant. What he said about the matter is neither here nor there ; my opinion is not changed = It makes no ditlcrence with my opinion what lie said about the matter. The man's speech on the currency was neither here nor ^/?ere — The man's speech on the currency was irrelevant and without point. Where the man came from is neither here nor there ; I want to know if it is safe to trust him with goods = Where the man came from is un- important ; I wish to know if his credit is good. Bfeitlier rhyme nor reason == N^either sound nor sense ; fit neither for amusement nor instruction, (c) That book is neither rhyme nor reason — ^\i2X book is fit neither for amusement nor instruction. There was no rhyme nor reason in his poem = There was neither sound nor sense in his poem. New birth = Regeneration, or the commencement of a religious life ; a change of heart or will by which a person comes to love and trust God, and to de- sire to please and obey him, Paul, a Jewish persecutor of the early Christians, experienced the new hirth on his way to Damascus (A. D. 3Y)=:Paul, a Jewish persecutor of the early Christians, was changed in heart and purpose while going to Damascus (A. D. 37), so that he became a believer in Christ, and desired to please and obey him. It is a teaching of Christ, Except a man be horn again^ he can not enter into the kingdom of God =: Jesus Christ teaches, that in order to belong to God's kingdom, one must be so changed in heart and purpose as to love God and obey him. Mce or subtle points A distinct portion of a sub- ject or discourse, which requires careful and dis- criminating attention, or which is not easily de- cided, {a) It is a nice point in constitutional law, whether the general government has the right to order the pres- ence of soldiers at the polls, in federal elections = It is a point in constitutional law not easily decided, whether the general government has the right to or- der the presence of soldiers at the polls, in elections for ofiicers of the United States. Mne clays' \ironder = Something that causes great sensation or astonishment for a few days only, (c) The tricks of the magician were a nine days'' won- der —^\\q. tricks of the magician caused great sensa- tion and astonishment for a few days. K^ip in the bud, to = To destroy at the beginning ; to stop before well begun, (a) ■ IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 163 A resistance to the teachers was planned in the school, but the principal nipped it in the bud=A re- sistance to the teachers was planned by the scholars, but the principal stopped it at the beginning. You must nip the practice of opium smoking in the bud = You must stop the habit of smoking opium, before it is established. No more = Kot continuing ; existing no longer ; de- ceased or destroyed, (c) The ancient city Troy is no more = The ancient city Troy no longer exists. Mr. L., who founded a large public library and gallery of paintings in H^ew York, is no more=M^r. L., who was the founder of a large public library and art gallery in New York, is deceased. Not at all = Not in the least; in no wise; in no de- gree, (a) He is not at a?? well = He is not well (not even pretty well). I am not at all satisfied with the book =1 am not satisfied with the book, even in part. It is not at all easy for foreigners to learn Chinese = It is in no wise easy for foreigners to learn Chinese. Were you frightened by the severe thunder-storm ? Not at all = Were you timid in the severe thunder- storm ? Not in the least. Not having a leg to stand on = Destitute of sup- port and resources, (c) Mr. Tichborne the imposter's claim for consid- eration has not a leg to stand on — The imposter Tichborne's claim to be received as the genuine Tichborne is wholly without support. Not to §leep a ^wink = Not to close the eyelids in sleep, (a) I have not slept a wink all night, on account of a severe toothache = I have not closed my eyelids in sleep during the night, by reason of a severe tooth- ache. Now and then = At intervals ; occasionally, (a) During the summer, we have a thunder-storm now and then — During the summer, we have a thunder- storm occasionally. Nour or never = The present is the only time or op- portunity, (a) The banker offers the young man a situation in his office, and he ought to see that it is now or never with him = The banker offers the young man a situ- ation in his office, and he ought to see that this pres- ent opportunity is the only one. Now that = In consideration of the fact that; inas- much as ; since, (a) 164 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. I did not expect to finish the work this year, but now that you have come, I think I shall = I did not expect to finish the work this year, but in considera- tion of the fact that you have come, I think I shall. P- Obtain or gain the ear, to = To induce one to lis- ten ; to get one's attention, (c) He can readily gain the ear of the governor-gene- ral of Canada = He can get the govei*nor-general of Canada to listen to his statements with ease. Occupy one's self with, to = To be busy or em- " ployed with, (a) Since the merchant retired from business, he occu- pies himself with stock-raising at his farm = Since the merchant retired from mercantile life, he is busied in raising stock at his farm. Of age, to toe = To be at the age of maturity ; to have arrived at the age when a person is enabled by law to do certain acts for himself, (a) In the United States, both males and females are of age at twenty-one years old = In the United States, both males and females, when twenty-one years old, have arrived at the age when they may lawfully do certain acts for themselves. Of a piece = Of the same sort, as if taken from the same whole ; like ; — sometimes followed by witli. That egotistical remark h of a piece with the gen- eral style of his conversation =: That egotistical re- mark is of the same sort with his general conversa- tion. This lie h of a piece with the man's former ■character=This lie is consistent with the man's for- mer character. This book is of a piece with the other in style = This book is like the other in style of composition. The two men are of a piece in their character = The two men are alike in character. All the houses in this street are of a piece in con- structions All the houses in this street are alike in construction. Of consequences Possessed of importance, value, or influence, (b) It is of consequence that the young should form good habits sit is important for the young to form good habits. It is of no consequence whether or not tlie gate is shut sit does not matter (is unimportant) whether or not the gate is closed. A liar's word is IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 165 (/small consequence =T'he word of a liar lias little value or influence. Of cour§e=By consequence ; in natural order, with- out special direction or provision, (a) The horse which I rode fell, and of course I fell with him = The horse which I rode fell, and by con- sequence I fell with him. You are now one of the club, and you will of course make use of all its ad- vantages zr You are now a member of our club, and you will make use of its advantages without special invitation. The boy girdled the tree, and of course it died = The boy girdled the tree, and by conse- quence it died. Of deep or dark dye = Enormous ; aggravated (said of crime), (a) Murder is a crime of deepest c??/e= Murder is the greatest of crimes. OflE* and on = At one time applying and engaged, at another time absent or remiss, (a) That merchant pursues his business off and on = That merchant at one time applies himself to his business ; at another time he is absent or remiss. Off duty = Not in customary service ; unemployed, (a) While he was off duty, the soldier cleaned his gun = While he was released from his customary ser- vice, the soldier cleaned his gun. Offer to one'§ view, to = To present to one's eyes. A charming prospect offered itself to our view from the top of the castle = A charming prospect present- ed itself to our eyes from the top of the castle. Off-hand = Without study or preparation, (a) She plays a tune off-hand = She plays a tune with- out preparation (readily). He makes a good off- hand speech = He speaks readily and well, without preparation. Off one'§ guard, to be = To be in a careless state ; inattentive, {a) I was off my guard, and made no suitable reply = I was neglecting to be watchful, and made no suit- able reply. The rail-road engineer must not be off his guard a moment = The engineer on a rail-road must not, for a moment, be careless. Off one'§ mind=: Removed from one's thoughts so as to cause care or trouble no longer, (a) That piece of work is done, and is off my mind= I need think of that piece of work no more, as it is finished. I am glad you have got that business at the bank off your mind=:I am glad you have trans- 166 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. acted that business at the bank, and so relieved your mind. Of long §tanding^ = Having existed long ; not re- cent, (a) His disease is of long standing = He has long been afflicted with this disease. That is a mercantile firm of long standing = That mercantile firm has been en- gaged in business many years. Of necessity = By necessary consequence ; by com- pulsion or irresistible power ; necessarily ; una- voidably, (a) We are of necessity compelled to think that every efifect must have had a cause = Our minds are so constituted, that, by necessary consequence, we think that every effect must have had a cause. She be- came insane, and her intended marriage was of ne- cessity postponed = She became insane, and her in- tended marriage was necessarily postponed. Of no effect = Without results ; not availing ; power- less, {a) Medicines were of no effect in checking the woman's diseases Medicines did not avail to check the woman's disease. Of no use — Useless ; of no advantage, (a) It is of no use to look for that paper ; you can not find it=It is useless to look for that paper, for you can not find it. The best medical advice would be of no use to him ; he can not live = The best medical advice would be of no advantage to him, for he can not recover. Of old = Long ago ; anciently, (c) The man can not deceive me ; I know him of old = The man can not deceive me ; I knew him long ago. Of old, the Egyptians were among the most civilized people = Anciently, the Egyptians were among the most civilized people. Of one's o\i^n = Belonging to one ; owned by one. {a) Mr. P. was out driving this afternoon ; has he a horse of his own f = Mr. P. was out driving this af- ternoon ; does he own a horse ? Of one's ourn accord = Freely ; voluntarily, (a) The apprentice who ran away from his master re- turned o/" A?^ own accord=The apprentice who ran away from his master returned voluntarily. O for — This phrase expresses a wish, or a longing. for a horse-car to take me home ; I am so tired = I wish a horse-car was here to take me home ; I am so tired. for a visit from my brother = How I long to have my brother visit me. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 167 Of passage — Kot permanently fixed ; passing from one place to another ; migratory — as birds, (a) Wild geese are bii'ds of passage — Wild geese are migratory. Of small consequence, to be = To be of little im- portance, value, or influence, (a) Mr. B's opinions on political matters are of small consequence— Mx. B's opinions on political matters have httle weight or influence. * Of the first water = Of the first excellence ; supe- rior ; highly valuable, (a) It is a diamond of Hie first water =lt is a diamond of the first excellence. He is a friend of the first water— Hq is a highly valuable friend. Of the opinion, to be = To hold the opinion ; to think ; to judge, (a) He is of ike opinion that a republican government is not so good as a constitutional monarchy = He holds the opinion (thinks) that a republican govern- ment is not so good as a constitutional monarchy. He is of the opinion that there will not be much fruit this year = He judges that the fruit crop will be small the present year. Of the same mind, to bc = To agree in opinion, (a) Mr. A. and Mr. B. are of the same mind, in re- gard to the proposed widening of the street = Mr. A. and Mr. B. agree in opinion, concerning the propo- sition to widen the street. Old world = 1. The world in past ages, (c) 2. The known world previous to the discovery of America. («) 1. In the old world of geology there are said to be seven ages = The world in past ages is divided by geologists into seven ages. 2. The old world, as dis- tinguished from the new world, comprised Asia, Af- rica, and Europe = The known world previous to the discovery of America comprised Asia, Africa, and Europe. On a large scale = In large degree or measure, com- pared with other like things, (a) Mr. F. owns two paper mills which make several tons of paper daily ; he is doing business on a large scale — Mr. F. is doing an extensive business ; he owns two paper mills which produce several tons of paper daily. The civil war in America was con- ducted on a large scale, there being more than a mil- lion men in the armies = The operations of the civil war in America were very great, compared with other similar ones, there being more than a million men in the armies. The new city is laid out on a 168 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. large scafe = The new city is laid out with large building lots, broad streets, ample parks, and the like. On all liand§ = From those in every direction ; by all parties, {a) We hear, on all hands^ of opposition to the new liquor law = We hear of opposition to the new liquor law by all parties. On all account§ = On all grounds or considerations. On all accounts^ it is desirable to exercise self-con- trol in the indulgence of animal appetites = On all grounds, it is desirable to exercise self-control in the indulgence of the animal appetites. On a par = Equally valuable ; on a level ; in the same condition, circumstances, position, rank, &c. (a) _ _ His visionary projects are on a par with most speculations — His visionary projects are of the same character with most speculations. On any, every, or no account == For any, every, or no reason, ground, or consideration, (a) Do not, on any account^ neglect your health = Do not, for any reason, neglect your health. This house is preferable to the other, on every account^l^im house is to be preferred id the other on every ground, or for every reason. On no account, will he associate with evil persons = He will not be induced by any reason, or consideration, to choose evil per- sons for his associates. On a §mall scale = In small degree or measure com- pared with other similar things, (a) Mr. P. farms on a small scaZe = Mr. P. has a small farm, and raises few crops, keeps but little stock, etc. M. is a city on a small scale =: M. is a place with a small population compared with many cities ;'but has the government, conveniences, and methods of a city. On a sudden = Suddenly ; sooner than was expected ; without the usual preparations, ih) They were in the midst of their preparations for him, when, on a sudden, the king arrived = They were in the midst of their preparations for him, when, sooner than was expected, the king arrived. On call = Subject to call or demand, (a) " Money loaned between 5 and 6 per cent, on call, and closed at 5 per cent.". [Quotations of money market in daily paper] = Money loaned between 5 and 6 per cent., subject to call or demand, and closed at 5 per cent. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 169 Once for all = Once, and once only ; as something not needing to be repeated, (a) The real estate dealer said, " I tell you, once for all, that the house will not be sold for less than tive thousand dollars " = The real estate dealer said, "I tell you once, and once only, that the house will not be sold for less than five thousand dollars." I tell you now, once for all, I will not go to Boston = I tell you now (and you must not ask again), I will not go to Boston. Once upon, or on, a time = At some former time ; formerly, (c) Once upon a time, there dwelt a hermit on the hill-side, far from the haunts of men = At some for- mer time there dwelt a hermit on the hill-side, far from the haunts of men. On demand = Upon presentation, and request of payment, (a) On demand, I promise to pay (a form in promissory notes.) = Upon presentation of the note, and request of payment, I promise to pay. Mr. B. loaned his neighbor a hundred dollars on demand ='M.y. B. loaned his neighbor a hundred dollars, w^ith the agreement that it should be paid whenever he should ask for it. On duty = In customary service ; employed, (a) John R. was on duty as picket guard, the night before the battle = John R. was employed as one of the picket guard, the night before the battle. One day = l. On a certain or particular day, in the past, (a) 2. At some future indefinite time, (c) 1. One day I was walking in the woods, and I saw a brood of young partridges = On a certain day I was w^alking in the woods, and I saw a brood of young partridges. 2. One day, you will repent of this harsh language to your brother = At some future time, you will repent of this abusive language to your brother. On file = Preserved in an orderly collection, (a) Business men keep their letters on j?Ze = Business men keep their letters preserved in an orderly col- lection. Rolls of revolutionary soldiers, of the war of 1776, are on file in the State libraries of their re- spective States = Rolls of revolutionary soldiers, in the war of 1776, are preserved in an orderly collec- tion in the State libraries of their respective States. On foot = On one's feet ; by walking, (a) The physician came to see his patient on foot = The physician walked to see his patient. Did you 170 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. come on foot? l^o Sir, I came by carriage = Did you walk here ? ]S"o Sir, I came by carriage. On foot, to be = To be in motion, action, or process of execution, (h) The scouts have brought in word, that a flank movement of the enemy is on foot=T\\Q scouts have brought in word, that the enemy is executing a flank movement. On good terms = Having friendly relations, (a) I am on good terms with him = He is friendly to me. We are on good terms, though not intimate = We are friendly, though we are not intimate. On hand = In present possession, (a) The merchant has a large supply of cotton goods on hand = The merchant has, in present possession, a large supply of cotton goods. I have $5,000 o?i hand—1 have $5,000 in my possession. I have a large job of copying 07i hand—1 am at present en- gaged with a great job of copying. On high = In an elevated or conspicuous position, (a) The rulers of the people are set on high, and should be examples of honorable living = The rulers of the people are set in a conspicuous position, and should be examples of honorable living. On leave = By permission, (a) The soldier is absent from his regiment, on leave= The soldier is absent from his regiment, by permis- sion. Only ft*om day to day = Without certainty of con- tinuance ; temporarily, (c) The carpenter succeeded in getting work only from day to day — The cai'penter succeeded in getting work temporarily. On one'§ honor = On the pledge of one's honor ; on the stake of one's reputation for integrity, (a) The members of the House of Lords (Eng.) are not under oath, but give their opinions on their honor r=The members of the House of Lords (Eng.) are not under oath, but give their opinions on the pledge of their honor. On one's side = Favorable to one in opinion or act ; helpful to one. (a) Some Indians were on the side of the British, dur- ing the Revolutionary war in American Some Indi- ans helped the British, during the Revolutionary war in America. In the debating club, I argued in favor of free trade, and I had the majority on my side = lT\ the debating club, I argued in favor of free trade, and the majority were with me (agreed with me.) IDIOMATIC PHEASES. 171 On purpose. Of purpose = With previous design ; witii the mind directed to that point, (a) He did it of purpose — Hq did it intentionally, not by accident. You pushed him on purpose =Y on pushed him not accidentally, but intentionally. I came on purpose to see you==I came for nothmg else but to see you. On second tliouglit = As the result of another thought; after further or more deliberate consid- eration, (a) The jeweler was about to send a package of clocks to a customer as freight, but on second thought, de- cided to send them by express == The jeweler was about to send a package of clocks to a customer as freight, but after more deliberate thought, he decided to send them by express. On tap=Ileady to be drawn from the cask, (c) The landlord has no beer on tap to-day ; he has only bottled beer = The landlord has only bottled beer to-day, and not any which is in the cask. The brewer's ale is on tap now = The brewer's ale is ready to be drawn. On that ground = Having that as the foundation or reason, (a) Mr. C's health is failing, and he declines, on that ground, to teach the school any longer = Mr. C's health is failing, and he declines, for that reason, to teach the school any longer. On the alerts Watchful; vigilant, (a) He is on the alert for game = He is watching keenly for game. Be on the alert for chances to do good = AVatch sharply for chances to do good. You can not deceive him in regard to the stock market, for he is on the alert=You can not deceive him in regard to the stock market, for he is vigilant. On the carpet, to be = To be under consideration ; to be the subject of deliberation, (c) The construction of a canal across the isthmus of Panama is on the carpet at Washington = The con- struction of a canal across the isthmus of Panama is the subject of deliberation at Washington. On the condition that = On the stipulation that; provided that ; w^ith the understanding that, (a) A father promised his son $1,000, on the condition that he would stop smoking opium = A father prom- ised his son $1,000, with the understanding that he should stop smoking opium. On the contrary = In opposition ; on the other hand ; on the other side, (a) 172 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The prisoner did not succeed in escaping ; on the contrary he was caught in the endeavor, and put in irons = The prisoner did not succeed in escaping ; on the other hand, he was caught and put in irons. I am not older than my partner, but on the contrary^ my partner is older than 1 = 1 am not older than my partner, but the opposite statement is true, that my partner is older than I. On the defen§ive, to be or §taiicl=:To be or stand in a posture of defense or resistance, (b) In the siege of Paris by the Germans in 1870, the Parisians stood on the defensive — \w the siege of Paris by the Germans in 1870, the Parisians stood in a position of defense. On the edge or brink of a precipice, to be = To be in danger of, or liable to, some evil, (c) The man who habitually drinks intoxicating liquor is on the brink of a precipice=Th.G man who habitu- ally drinks intoxicating liquors is liable to become a drunkard. On the eve of = Just preceding, (a) On the eve of the battle, the general addressed his army = Just preceding the battle, the general ad- dressed his army. On the face of lt=:l. Apparently; seemingly, (a) 2. Clearly ; plainly, (a) 1. The man's statement that he has been a sailor is, 071 the face of it, true = The man's statement that he has been a sailor is, seemingly, true. 2. But his statement that he is a hundred years old is, on the face of it, falser But his statement that he is a hund- red years old, is plainly false. 2. His attempt to obtain possession of the property was, on the face of it, dishonest = His attempt to obtain possession of the property was, clearly, dishonest. On the g^round of (or that) = For the reason of (or that), {b) He refused the consulate, on the ground of ill-health = He declined to accept the consulate, by reason of his ill-health. The greenback party advocated an increase of the paper currency, on the ground that there was an insufficient amount for business pur- poses = The greenback party advocated an increase of the paper currency, giving as a reason, that there was not a sufficient amount for the transaction of business. On the high seas = On the open sea, the common highway of nations, (a) Piracy is robbery on the high seas = Piracy is rob- bery in the open sea, or on the ocean. "We met IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 173 vessels of all nations on the high seas — ^^ met vessels from all countries on the open sea, beyond the boundary of any nation. On tlie line = At the right height ; on a level with the eye of the spectator, (c) At the Art Union exhibition, did you see the por- trait of the Emperor ? It hung opposite the en- trance, on the line — At the Art Union exhibition, did you see the Emperor's portrait ? It hung oppo- site the entrance, and on a level with your eye. On tlie look-out = Observant ; carefully looking for. {a) Mrs. A. is 072 the look-out for a good servant — Mrs. A. is looking carefully for a good servant. On the part of = As regards ; respecting ; with rela- tion to. (a) The school examination was a failure, on the part of the class in aritlimetic^As regards tlie class in arithmetic, the school examination was a failure. On the point of = As near as can be to ; on the verge of. (a) I was on the point of going to my office, when my child was taken suddenlj^ ill = I was just ready to go to my office, when my child was seized with sudden illness. He is on the point of publishing his book = He will publish his book very soon. On the qui vive = Watchful ; on the alert ; excited with curiosity. He is expecting his playmates, and is on the qui vive—He is expecting his playmates, and on the lookout. The fluctuation of the stock market keeps US 072 the qui vzVe^The fluctuation of the stock market keeps us excited and watchful. The whole city was on the qui vive to learn the particulars of the battle = The people of the city were all excited to learn the particulars of the battle. On the road = While traveling; on the highway, (a) On the road^ we talked about this book = As we journeyed, we talked about this book. He sells goods by sample, and spends most of his time on the road^lia spends most of his time traveling, be- cause he is engaged in selling goods by sample. On the sly = In a. sly or secret manner, (a) The carpenter's son was married on the .s??/ = The carpenter's son was married secretly. On or upon the §pot= Without changing place; immediately ; without delay, (a) The horse of the truckman was so badly hurt by falling, that they killed him on the spot—ThQ truck- 174 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. man's horse was so badly injured by his fall, that the people killed him without delay. On the §pur of the moment = On the instigation of the moment ; by momentary impulse ; without previous thought or preparation, (a) When the young man heard that his friend was going to the city, he decided, on the spur of the mo- ment, to accompany him = When the young man heard that his friend was going to the city, he de- cided, on the impulse of the moment, to accompany him. He started for Europe, on the spur of the mo- ment = He started for Europe at once, without pre- meditation. I wrote to you to ship me a cargo of tea, on the spur of the moment— J. wrote to you to ship me a cargo of tea, without stopping to think. On or upon the square = In an open, fair manner ; honestly, (c) AH his business is conducted upon the square = All his business is honestly conducted. The banker is very honorable ; his business is always done on the square = The banker is very honest ; he conducts his business in an open, fair manner. On the stage = In the present period, time, or age. (a) The men who are now on the stage have many comforts and facilities which their fathers did not enjoy = The men who are living in the present age or time have many comforts and facilities which their fathers did not enjoy. On the strength of = In reliance upon, (a) On the strength of his promise, we lay our plans for the tour = We lay our plans for the tour, depend- ing upon his promises. On the stretch = Employed to the full extent of one's powers, (c) The duties of the superintendent of a large rail- road keep his mind on the stretch — The duties of the superintendent of a large rail-road keep his mind employed, to the fuU extent of its powers. On the trails On the track; pursuing; following. («) When the huntsman passed, he said that his dogs were on the trail of a fox = When the hunter passed, he said that his dogs were pursuing a fox. On the wane = Declining; diminishing; waning. (a) After the 15th day of every Chinese month the moon is on the wane— AiiQr the 16th day of every Chinese month the moon is waning (has passed the full). The teacher is so stem that his popularity is on the wane = Th.Q teacher is so stern that he is de- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 175 dining in popnlarity. Life is on the wane with him =rHe is in the decline of life. On tlie whole rr All things considered; in view of all the circumstances, (a) It is best, on the v:hole^ that the graduate from the high school should study medicine = It is best, in view of aU the circumstances, that the graduate from the high school should study medicine. Mr. A. enjoys much in city life, but on the whole^ prefers living in the country = There is much in city life which Mr. A. enjoys, but all things considered, he prefers living in the country. On tlie wing = In rapid motion ; flying, as a bird. («) . . He shot this partridge on the wing = He shot this partridge, while it was flying. On time = Not later than the flxed time ; promptly present, (a) If the train should be on time, I should reach home before dark = If the train should not arrive later than the fixed time, I should reach home be- fore dark. At the wedding, all the guests were on time = At the wedding, all the guests were promptly present. {Colloq.) On tiptoe, to be = To be awake or alive to any thing ; to be excited or expectant, {b) Every body is on tiptoe to learn the result of the presidential election = Every body is interested and anxious to learn the result of the presidential elec- tion. Open a door to, to = To render easy ; to prepare the way for. (p) The man's frequent absence from his business opened the door to many unfavorable remarks and ru- mors = The man's frequent absence from his business prepared the way for many unfavorable remarks and rumors. Open §e8ame = A charm which opens something that is closed ; means of admission ; passport, (c) Wealth is an open sesame to much society = Wealth is a means of admission to much society. My name will be an open sesame for you at my father's house = My name will serve to make you welcome at my father's house. Open tlie budget, to — To lay before the legislative body the financial estimates of the goverment. (a) In England, it is the duty of the chancellor of the exchequer to open the budget at the beginning of the session = It is the duty of the English chancellor of the exchequer to lay before the legislative body the 176 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. financial estimates and plans of the government, at the beginning of the session. Open the eyes of, to = To enlighten ; to make one see, understand, appreciate, &c. (a) His sickness will oj)e7i his eyes to the necessity of taking better care of his health = His sickness will make him appreciate the need of better caring for his health. The merchant did not believe that his clerk was dishonest, but the discovery of some false entries on the books opened his eyes — The merchant did not believe that his clerk was dishonest, but the discovery of some false entries on the books enlight- ened him. Open the question, to = To commence the discus- sion of a subject ; to bring it before the public, (a) The article in the newspaper has opened the qnes-- tion of Sunday rail-way trains = The newspaper arti- cle has introduced, foi- public discussion, the subject of running rail-way trains on Sunday. Mr. Smith opened the question of license, at the temperance con- vention, on the affirmative side = Mr. Smith began the discussion on the subject of license, at the tem- perance convention, speaking on the affirmative side of the question. Open to the view, to = To begin to appear. (5) After a long ride through a defile between moun- tains, we reached the mouth of it, where a broad and beautiful meadow opened to our vi£W = AiiQY a long ride through a defile, we found a broad and beauti- ful meadow stretching out before our eyes. Open up, to = To disclose ; to lay open ; to discover. His essays open up many topics of great interest to us = His essays lay open, or disclose, many topics of great interest to us. The invention of the tele- phone by Mr Bell, (American,) in 1876 opened up a new mode of conversing at a distance = The inven- tion of the telephone in 1876 by Mr. Bell, disclosed a new mode of conversing at a distance. Order of the day (Legislative bodies) = A succession of business appointed for a specified day. (a) At the hour appointed by the vote of yesterday, the assembly took up the order of the day — At the hour appointed by the vote of yesterday, the assem- bly took up the business which had been ordered for this day. Oh that = I wish that, (c) The man whose purse was stolen exclaimed, " Oh that all men were honest" = The man whose purse was stolen, cried out, " I wish that all men were IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 177 honest.'' that it might rain to-day, and make the weather cooler — I wish that it might rain to-day, and make tlie weather cooler. Out = ]N^ot in ; Kot within — used in a variety of spe- cial senses, {a) — as, 1. In a state of disclosure or publication. 2, In a state of exhaustion, destitu- tion or extinction. 3. To the end ; completely. 4. Abroad ; in public. 5. AYithout restraint ; audi- bly ; perceptibly. 6. Not in the right ; in a wrong or incorrect position or opinion. 7. Not within shelter or cover ; uncovered. 1. The secret of the visit of the special envoy to our government is out—T\\Q hidden reason for the visit of the special envoy to our government is dis- closed. 1. A new book on Japan is just out = A new book, which treats of Japan, has just been published. 2. The sugar and flour of the family are out= The supply of sugar and flour for the family is exhausted. 3. The play w^as very long ; but we sat it out=The play was very long; but we remained till the close. 4. The military companies were out^ to-day = The military companies appeared in public to-day. 5. The sun shone out, after the shower = The sun appeared in full view, after the shower. 6. The gardener was out, in his prediction of the weather for to-day = The gardener was incorrect, in his prediction of what the weather was to be to-day. 7, I was out in the rain = I was unsheltered during the rain. 7. The tramp was out at the elbows, and out at the toes = The tramp's coat had holes at the elbow, and his shoes had holes at the toe. Out of indicates origin, source, derivation, and the like ; and is used to express a variety of relations, (a) — as, 1. Origin ; derivation. 2. Result ; conse- quence, — denoting the motive or reason. 3. Copy from an original ; quotation. 4. Rescue ; libera- tion. 5. Exclusion, dismission, departure, or ab- sence. 6. Dereliction ; neglect of proper observ- ance. 7. Deviation from what is common, regular, or proper. 8. The state of being beyond, or not within the limits of. 9, Loss or exhaustion. 1. He paid me out of the funds which he had in in the bank = He derived the money for my pay- ment from the funds which he had in the bank. 2. He adopted the orphan girl out of pure benevolence = He adopted the oi'phan girl solely in consequence of his benevolence. 3. This precept is out of (from) the writings of Confucius = This precept is a quota- tion from the writings of Confucius. 4. He is out (/ prison, his term having expired = He is released 13 178 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. from prison hj the expiration of his sentence. 5. That style of dress is out of fashion = That style of dress is no longer fashionable. 6. He was persuaded out of his duty to his parents = He was persuaded to neglect his duty to his parents. 7. The ship which we met was out of her course = The ship which we met had deviated from her proper course. 8. I called him, but he was out of hearings I called him, but he was beyond hearing (too distant to hear). 9. I ran so rapidly as to be out of breathe I ran so rapidly that I exhausted my breath. Out and out = Completely ; without reservation, (a) That misrepresentation of my motives was, out and out, a disingenuous statements That misrepresenta- tion of my motives was a completely disingenuous statement. He is, out and out, a temperance man= He is openly and thoroughly an advocate of temper- ance. The politician who left the greenback party denounces it, out and ow^r=The politician who left the greenback party denounces it openly and strongly. Out of characters Contrary to good or expected character, (a) It is out of character for the judge to take a bribe = It is contrary to good character (or to the character expected in a judge), to take a bribe. Out of conceit ivith = 'No longer pleased with ; not having a favorable opinion of. (a) I am all out of conceit with that book ; it is so sim- ples I have ceased liking that book, because it is so simple. He is out of conceit with study s He did love study, but he does not now. Out of countenances With the countenance cast down ; abashed ; confounded, (a) I was put out of countenance by the child's be- havior si was abashed (made ashamed) by the child's behavior. Out of date — Obsolete ; out of fashion ; gone by ; antiquated, (a) This kind of clothing is out of date=Th.is kind of clothing is not in use at this time. This carriage is all out of (iafesThis carriage is quite out of the present style. Out of doors s Out of the house, (a) The mother forbade the child to go out of doors during her absences The mother forbade the child to go out of the house during her absence. Out of harm's ways Safe from harm ; removed from danger, (a) Before the enemy reached the town, its women and children were out of harm's way =^efore the IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 179 enemy reached the town, its women and children were safe from harm, by reason of removal. Out of joint, to be = To be out of place;. dis- ordered ; confused, (a) His business affairs are all out of joint— His, busi- ness affairs are all in confusion. Old people are apt to think that the times are out of joint = Old people are disposed to think that the state of things, at the present period, is disordered and confused. Out of keepings Not in harmony ; disproportion- ate, (c) The carpet in the parlor is out of keeping with the wall-paper = The carpet in the parlor does not har- monize with the wall-paper, in color. His style of living is out of keeping with his income = His style of living is disproportionate to his income. Out of kilter = Out of regular order, or condition. My watch is out of kilter ='M.y watch needs repair- ing. His stomach is out of kilter =1H\& stomach is not in good condition. This sewing machine is all out of kilfjer=l!\i\s> sewing machine is much disar- ranged. Out of order =1. Disarranged; not in proper con- dition, (a) 2. Contrary to rule, (a) 1. The children, in their play, have put every thing in the room out of order =The children, in their play, have disarranged every thing in the room. 1. He ate so much watermelon, yesterday, that his bowels are out of orc?er=r Yesterday, he ate so much watermelon that his bowels are not in healthy con- dition. 2. The member from Ohio is out of order ^ in speaking while another member has the floors The member from Ohio is violating a parliamentary rule, in speaking while another member is speaking or has the right to speak. Out of places Not in the proper or usual place, {a) The dictionary is out of place = The dictionary is not in the place where it commonly is or where it should be. Out of pocket = Short of money ; out of cash ; having incurred the loss of. (a) He was out of pocket, considerably, through that speculation in Erie stock = He incurred considerable loss, through speculation in Erie stock. Out of print = No longer for sale by the publisher ; not to be had in the ordinary way of trade, {a) That book is outof print= That book can no longer be had in the ordinary way of trade. Out of reach = Impossible or difficult to be reached or touched, (a) 180 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The man would have heard of his father's death sooner, if he had not been out of reach by telegraph = The man would sooner have heard of his father's death, if he had not been where it was impossible or difficult to reach him by telegraph. Out of seasons Not in the proper season, (a) Grapes in winter are out of season = Grapes in winter are not in their proper season. Out of temper — In bad temper ; irritated ; sullen ; peevish, (b) Don't speak to him now ; he is very much out of temper = 1)0 not speak to him now, because he is very much irritated, and in bad temper. Out of the pale of = Beyond the limits of. (b) The explorer went out of the pale of civilization = The explorer went beyond the limits of civilized society. Out of the question = I^ot to be considered ; quite impossible, {a) Do not urge me to accompany you on a European tour, for it is out of the question = Do not urge me to accompany you on a European tour, for it is quite impossible. It is out of the question for me to build a new house, until my income is greater == My build- ing a new house is not to be considered, until my in- come is greater. Out of the sphere of = Beyond the limit or range of. (a) Many things which we would like to know are out of the sphere of our knowledge = Many things which we would like to know are beyond the range of our knowledge. Out of the way = l. In a position not to obstruct or hinder, or the like, (a) 2. Away from the usual or proper place or course, (a) 1. When the farmer came home, he put the wagon out of the way = When the farmer came home, he placed the wagon where it would not obstruct any thing. 2. In driving to the adjoining town, we went quite out of the way = ln driving to the adjoin- ing town, we went quite aside from the usual or direct course. 2. His conduct was quite out of the way = llh conduct was quite improper or wrong. 2, He lives in an out-of-the-way place = He lives in a place not easily reached. Out of the woods = Freed from dangers or difficul- ties ; in safety ; on sure ground, (h) The sick man is improving, and is out of the wood now = The sick man is improving, and is now past the danger. Don't shout till you are out of the IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 181 woods = Do not rejoice till you are sure you have rea- son to. Out of time = Deviating from the regular time, (c) The ship which sailed from London on the 2d inst., is out of ^me = The ship which sailed from Lon- don on the 2d inst. has not arrived in due time. Out of tune = 1. Kot harmonious ; harsh ; discord- ant, (a) 2. Not in a good state or temper ; ruffled ; irritated, (h) 1. The piano which I bought at auction is out of tune = The piano which I bought at auction is dis- cordant. 2. What makes you out of tune ; has any- thing gone wrong ? = What makes you ruffled, and not in good temper ; has anything gone wrong ? 2. He is very much out of tune this morning = He is not in a good temper this morning: he is very much irritated. Out of use = Not in employment, (a) Tlie method of taking pictures by daguerreotype has gone out of use — The method of taking pictures by daguerreotype is not now employed. Over, to be = To be completed or ended, (a) When the game of ball was over^ the players went to the restaurant and had dinner = When the game of ball was finished, the players went to the restau- rant and ate dinner. Over ag^ain = Once more ; with repetition, (a) Please to read that last sentence over again — Please to read that last sentence once more. Over and above = Besides; beyond what is supposed or limited, (a) It is not over and above warm = It is not very warm. I had so much, over and above what I gave you = I had so much, besides what I gave you. This is not over and above cheap = This is not very cheap. He is not over and above honest = He is not very honest. Oive one a spite, to = To entertain a mean hatred for one. (c) It is ungenerous and degrading to owe one a spites It is ungenerous and degrading to entertain a mean hatred for one. The boy owed the farmer a spite^ for having refused to give him some choice grapes = The boy entertained a mean hatred for the farmer, be- cause he had refused to give him some choice grapes. Owing to = In consequence of ; because of. (a) Owing to the professor's ill health, he will remain in Europe all winter = In consequence of the pro- fessor's ill health, he will remain in Europe all win- ter. The escape of the criminal was owing to the 182 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. carelessness of the policeman = The escape of the criminal was in consequence of the carelessness of the policeman. p. Pack up, to = To put together in close order or nar- row compass, (a) Mr. E. is packing up his goods, preparatory to re- movals Mr. E. is putting his goods together into a small compass, preparatory to removal. Palm off, to = To impose by fraud ; to put off by unfair means, (a) You can not palm off that counterfeit coin on me = You can not make me take that counterfeit coin. He palmed himself off upon us for a scholar = He made us think he was a scholar. Parcel out, to=rTo divide and distribute by parts or portions, (a) The captain of the pirate ship parceled out the spoils of the captured vessels among his crew = The captain of the pirate ship divided and distributed among his crew the spoils from the captured vessels. Par of excliange = The established value of the coin of one country when expressed in the coin of another. By par of exchange between England and the United States, one pound English currency is worth four dollars and eighty-four cents United States mo- ney = By the established value of coin of England when expressed in coin of the United States, one pound is worth four dollars and eighty-four cents. Part and parcel = An essential portion ; a part, (b) This book is part and parcel of my library = This book is an essential part of my library. The army is part and parcel of the people = The army is a real portion of the people. Part company, to = To separate, (a) The travelers parted company at Paris : one going to Italy, the other to Egypt = The travelers sepa- rated at Paris; one going to Italy, the other to Egypt. Pass an opinion or judgement, to = To express an opinion or a judgment, (c) The lawyer was asked to pass an opinion on the best method of enforcing the liquor law = The law- yer was asked to express an opinion on the best method of enforcing the liquor law. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 188 Pass toy, to = To elapse ; to be spent, (a) His time for study was allowed to pass hy without improvements His time for study was allowed to elapse without improvement. We were so engrossed in conversation, that the evening passed hy rapidly and imperceptil3ly=We were so engrossed in con- versation, that the evening was spent rapidly and imperceptibly. Pass current, to = To circulate freely ; to be gene- rally accepted, (a) The report passes current, that Mr. A. is engaged to Miss B. = The report is in circulation, that Mr. A. is betrothed to Miss B. Pass in the mind, to = To be the subject of thought, (c) I can not tell what is passing in tlie mind of my neighbor=Ican not tell what my neighbor is think- ing of. Passive commerce = Exports and imports carried in foreign vessels. The commerce of the United States is partly active, and partly passive = The commerce of the United States is partly carried on in its own vessels, and partly in foreign vessels. Pass over or toy, to=:To overlook ; not to note or answer ; to disregard, (a) I shall pass over that part of his argument which relates to the currency = I shall not answer that part of his argument which relates to the currency. In distributing the papers this morning, the newsboy passed us by =1ji distributing the papers this morn- ing, the newsboy omitted to leave one at (^ur house. In preparing the statistics of the states, the com- piler of the book passed over Ohio = In preparing the statistics of the states, the compiler of the book overlooked Ohio. Patch up, to = To make suddenly or hastily; to compose in an irregular or botching way. (a) A peace was patched up between Russia and Tur- key in the conference at Berlin = A peace was made in a botching way, or unskillfully, between Russia and Turkey, in the conference at Berlin. Pave the way, to=:To prepare the way for ; to ren- der possible or easy, (c) Gen. Grant's success in the war paved the way for his nomination to the presidency = Gen. Grant's suc- cess as a soldier prepared the way for his nomina- tion to the presidency. A's want of occupation paved the way for his dissolute habits = A's want of employment rendered it easy for him to fall into dis- solute habits. 184 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Pay do\irn, to = To pay for an article at the time of purchase or of taking possession, (a) Mr. B. bought a farm, and paid one-half down — Mr. B. bought a farm, and paid one-half the price at the time of the purchase or the time of taking pos- session. Pay no regard to, to = To disregard ; to treat with no respect, (a) The misguided son pays no regard to the wishes of his parents = The misguided son disregards the wishes of his parents. Peck at, to = To belabor with petty and repeated blows ; to attack with petty and repeated criticism. {a) The morning paper is continually pecking at him = The morning paper is attacking him with petty and repeated criticism. Peep of day = The first appearing of day. (c) The hunter nmst be up at peep of day^ if he would surprise the early game = The hunter must be up by the first appearance of day, if he would surprise the early game. Pent lip = Inclosed ; prevented leaving, (a) It is trying to be pent up in a large city, in hot weathers It is trying to be confined to a large city, in hot weather. Pertain to, to = To have relation to. (a) The knowledge of the medicinal qualities of plants pertains to the physician's art = The knowl- edge of the medicinal qualities of plants has rela- tion to the physician's art. PhiIo§opher'8 stone — An imaginary substance hav- ing the property of converting the baser metals to gold ; the way to wealth, (c) Roger Bacon discovered the composition of gun- powder, w^hile searching for the philosopher's stone = Roger Bacon discovered the composition of gun- powder, while searching for a substance that could change other metals to gold. Industry and econo- my are the true philosopher'' s sto7ie =lndustry and economy are the sure way to wealth. PicR a quarrel, to = To get into a quarrel by seek- ing for it. (a) I was attending to my concerns, but he picked a quarrel with me = I was attending to my concerns, but he sought occasion of strife w^ith me. Picked out = Ornamented or relieved with stripes of a different color, (b) On the river Thames, England, one may see white pleasure boats, picked out with gold — On the river IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 185 Thames, England, are seen white pleasure boats, striped with gold. Pick oiie'§ way or steps, to = To go cautiously ; to select one's path, (c) The lady picked her way over the wet pavement and through the muddy streets = The lady w^ent cau- tiously over the wet pavement and through the muddy streets. Pick out, to = To choose ; to select ; to separate as choice or desirable. The indulgent father picked out the most brilliant diamond at the jeweler's, and gave it to his daugh- ter = The indulgent father selected the most brilliant diamond at the jeweler's, and gave it to his daughter. Piece out, to = To extend or enlarge by the addi- tion of one or more pieces, (a) The boy grew so fast, that his mother was obliged to piece out his coat = The boy grew so fast, as to oblige his mother to enlarge his coat, by addition of pieces. Pin one down to, to = In discussion, to force one to keep to the point or to admit something, (b) The senator pinned his opponent down to a state- ment he had made in a speech, at the last session = The senator forced his opponent to admit a state- ment which he had made in a speech, at the last ses- sion. Pin one's faith upon another's sleeve, to = To be slavishly dependent on another for one's opinions ; not to be an independent thinker, (b) You say that the issue of more paper money would benefit the country ; but I shall not pin my faith on your sleeve = You say that the issue of more paper money would benefit the country ; but I am not going to believe it simply because you do. Pit ag^ainst, to = To introduce as antagonist to; to provoke to combat, (a) They pitted two cocks against each others: They provoked two cocks to combat. Webster and Choate, the two most eminent lawyers in Massachusetts, were often pitied against each other in important trials = AVebster and Choate, the two most eminent lawyers in Massachusetts, were often opposing coun- sel in important legal cases. pitch upon or on, to = To choose ; to select, (a) The soldiers pitched upon Mr. D. for captain = The soldiers selected Mr. D. to be their captain. I pitched upon this pattern, as the best=:I chose this pattern, as the best. He pitched upon me to do the work = He selected me to do the work. 186 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Play a double game, to = To act in two characters, one openly and the other secretly ; to be deceitful, (a) The man who solicited contributions, professedly to found an orphan asylum, played a double game; for he spent the money in a gambling saloon at night =: The man who solicited contributions, pro- fessedly to found an orphan asylum, acted in two characters ; for he spent the money in a gambling saloon at night. Play fast and loose, to = To act with reckless in- / constancy ; to be fickle or changeable, (h) The newspaper jt?7ay8yas^ and loose on the question of female suifrage=:The newspaper sometimes advo- cates, and sometimes opposes, giving women the right to vote. The young man plays fast and loose^ in his courtship of the young lady = The young man is fickle in his attentions to the young lady. If the representative plays fast and loose on the question of the tariff, he will lose his election = The represent- ative will lose his election, if he does not stop advo- cating, first one side and then the other, of the tariff question. Play one a triek, to = To deceive or impose on one, by a cunning stratagem, {a) The man played the hoy a trick, in sending him to the shoemaker's to get his horse shod = The man cun- ningly deceived the boy, in sending him to the shoe- maker's to get his horse shod. Play the fool, to = To act like a fool, or foolishly ; to appear as if void of understanding, (c) The young man played the fool, in contracting gambling debts for which he must sacrifice the property which his father left him = The young man acted very foolishly, in contracting gambling debts which must be paid by parting with his patrimony. Play the hypocrite, to = To pretend to be other and better than one really is. (a) Persons sometimes play the hypocrite, in order to gain some advantage = Persons sometimes pretend to be other and better than they are, in order to gain some advantage. Play truant, to = To stay away ; to idle ; to loiter, {a) Two of the scholars in this school played truant yesterday = Two of the scholars in this school were absent without leave yesterday. The clerk is play- ing trtiant to-day =r The clerk is staying away from duty to-day. Pleased to do a thing, to toe = To taike pleasure in doing, (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 187 The mandarin said that he should be pleased to in- troduce the Englishman to his friends = The manda- rin said that it would please him to introduce the Englishman to his friends. Will you be pleased to do me the favor to escort my friend to the station ? Will you have the complaisance to escort my friend to the station ? Pluck out, to = To draw out suddenly, or to tear out. (a) The eagle, enraged by the capture of her young, plucked oat the eyes of her assailant = The eagle, en- raged by the capture of her young, tore out the eyes of her assailant. Pluck up by the root§, to = To destroy from the foundation ; to eradicate, (a) Political dishonesty is an evil which ought to be plucked up by the roofo = Political dishonesty is an evil which ought to be eradicated. plume one'§ §elf, to = To be proud ; to boast ojie's self (a) John B. plumes himself on being the best ball- player in school = John B. is proud of being the best ball-player in school. Miss E. plumes herself on having many suitors = Miss E. boasts that she has many suitors. Point of view = Position from which anything is seen or considered, (a) We should, for the sake of fairness, take into con- sideration other people's point of view, as well as our own = We ought, for fairness sake, to put ourselves into the position from which other people see things, as well as look at them from our own position. From my point of view, the house stands in line with the street = From the position in which I look at the house, it stands in line with the street. Poll a jury, to (£aw) = To examine each member of a jury individually, as to his concurrence in the verdict, (a) The jury was polled in the case of the State ver- sus the Insurance company = In the case of tlie State versus the Insurance Company, each member of the jury was examined individually, as to his concur- rence in the verdict. Pore over, to = To read or study with continued and abstracted application, (a) What is that book you are poring over this after- noon ? = What is that book which you are reading so persistently, and with such an abstracted air ? Pounce upon, to = To seize suddenly or eagerly, (c) The hawk pounced upon the chicken = The hawk 188 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. suddenly descended and seized the chicken with his talons. The policeman pounced upon the thief, just as he was coming out of the store = The policeman suddenly seized the thief, just as he was coming out from the store. Pour oil on tlie troubled craters, to = To quiet a disturbed condition of affairs ; to heal dissensions. (^) . . The political convention was very tumultuous ; but the senator, by his speech, poured oil on the troubled waters = T\iQ political convention was very tumultu- ous; but the senator, by his speech, healed the dis- sensions and produced quiet. Pour out the vials of one'§ ^vrath, to = To ex- press one's anger vehemently, (c) The man who had been deceived in the quality of goods which he bought of the merchant poured out the vials of his wrath upon the merchant's partner = l^he man who had been deceived in the quality of the goods which he bought of the merchant ex- pressed his anger vehemently to the merchant's part- ner. Practice on one'§ credulity, to — To make use of one's credulity as a means of sport or deception, (c) The hunter practiced on Mr. A'^s credulity^ by tell- ing him large and improbable stories = The hunter made use of Mr. A's credulity, to deceive him by large and improbable stories. Preg^nant "with, to be = To be full of ; to contain. The discovery of the gold mines of California (1848) was pregnant with results to the nation and to the world — The discovery of the gold mines of Cali- fornia (1848) was full of results to the nation and the world. Prepare the g^round or ivay, to ^ To make prepa- ration, (a) Learning to read prepares the way for all knowl- edge = Learning to read makes preparation for all knowedge. Presence of mind = A calm and undisturbed state of the mind, which enables one to speak or act ju- diciously, and without embarrassment, in unexpect- ed difficulties or dangers, (a) When the house took fire, Mr. C. exhibited great presence of mind, and removed his family and valua- bles safely = When the house took fire, Mr. C. was very calm and judicious, so that he safely removed his family and valuable goods. One very important witness in the murder trial lost his presence of mind, IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 189 wlien he was put on the stand = One very important witness in the trial for murder was embarrassed and confused, when he was put upon the stand. Present in a new lig^ht, to = To present in such a manner that something can be seen in a new posi- tion ; or so that new information may be derived. His attractiveness as a speaker arises from his power of presenting an old subject m a new light= His attractiveness as a speaker arises from his pre- senting his subject in such a manner that one may derive new information from it. Press forward, to = To move forward urgently ; to hasten, (a) The man who entered the crowd from behind pressed forward^ that he might hear the speaker = The man who entered the crowd from behind urged him- self to the front, that he might hear the speaker. Prick up the ears, to=To attend closely ; to listen sliarply. (c) In passing through the woods, I heard a strange sound, which caused me to prick up my ears = In passing through the woods, I heard a strange sound, which caused me to listen sharply. Prime mover, the = The person originating or most prominently carrying on, an enterprise, (a) The merchant was the prime mover in the matter of establishing a telegraph office in our town = The merchant originated the idea of establishing a tele- graph office in our town. Process, train, or chain of reasoning = Connect- ed argument. By a long and tedious process of reasoning^ the lawyer endeavored to prove that his client was not guilty of murder = The lawyer endeavored to prove that his client was not guilty of murder, by a long and tedious argument. Profit by, to = To make improvement by ; to gain advantage by. (a) The young man has profited hy your advice = The young man has gained advantage by your advice. Pros and cons = The reasons for and against any- thing; advantages and disadvantages, {b) The governor heard the arguments, 'pro and con^ in reference to pardoning the man who was in prison for forgery = The governor heard the reasons, both for and against pardoning the man who was confined in prison for forgery. The city council considered the pros and cons, before selecting the site for the new school-house = Before selecting the site for the new 190 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. school-house, the city council considered the advan- tages and disadvantages of the site. Provide for, to = To furnish with supplies ; to fur- nish with resources, or income, (a) She is provided for, by the will of her father = She is furnished, by the will of her father, with an in- come that supports her. The father of the family provides for his household = The father of the family furnishes supplies for his household. public credit = The reputation of, or general confi- dence in, the ability or readiness of a government to fulfill its pecuniary engagements. The public credit of the United States of North America has been firmly established, by the resump- tion of specie payments = The general confidence in the ability of the United States to fulfill its pecuni- ary engagements has been firmly established, by the resumption of specie payments. Pull about one'§ ears, to = To bring overthow and destruction on one's self, (a) The man who goes about to destroy another's home and happiness will, very likely, end by pulling his own house down about his ean9 = The man who labors to destroy another's domestic peace will, very likely, end by causing the destruction of his own. Pull out, to = To draw out ; to extract, (a) In making the box, the boy drove the nails wrong, and was obliged to pull them out = In making the box, the boy drove the nails wrong, and was obliged to extract them. Push or elbow one's \Fay, to = To advance by eifort, and by pushing others aside, (a) The boy pushed his way through the crowd to his father, who sat on the platform = By pushing others aside, the boy advanced in the crowd to his father, who sat on the platform. Push on, to = To proceed with haste, (a) The general pushed on, that he might overtake the retreating army = The general proceeded with haste, that he might overtake the retreating army. Put about, to = To tack ; to reverse direction, {a) As soon as the captain knew that a man had fallen overboard, he ordered the ship put about = As soon as the captain knew that a man had fallen overboard, he gave orders to reverse the direction of the ship. Put a false construction on, to = To interpret or explain wrongly; to misinterpret; to misunder- stand, (a) The senator says, that the Californians put a false construction on his speech respecting Chinese immi- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 191 gration = The senator sajs, that the Californians misinterpret his speech respecting Chinese immigra- tion. Put an end to, to = To terminate ; to close ; to de- stroy, (a) The new superintendent of the rail-road put an end to the custom of blowing the whistle while passing through the city = The new rail-road super- intendent terminated or abolished the custom of whistling while passing through the city. The distinguished Roman, Cato, put an end to his own life, rather than be captured = The distinguished Roman, Cato, deprived himself of life, to avoid be- ing captured. Put a rod in pickle, to = To get ready a smart punishment, (c) The editor has put a rod in pickle, for the politi- cian who spoke slightingly of his paper in a speech = The editor has prepared something to say about the politician who spoke slightingly of his paper, which will punish him smartly. Put a §top or an end to, to = To cause to cease ; to stop, (a) The new teacher has put a stop to ball-playing in the yard = The new teacher has caused ball-playing in the yard to cease. Put away, to = l. To divorce, (c) 2. To renounce ; to discard ; to expel, (a) 1. Whosoever marries her that is put away com- mits adultery = Whosoever marries her that is di- vorced commits adultery. 2. He has put away evil companionship = He has renounced the companion- ship of evil men. Put between, to = To place between, (a) Cork is sometimes put between the soles of shoes, to render them water-tight = Cork is sometimes placed between the soles of shoes, to render them water-tight. Put forth one'§ strengtb, to = To exert one's strength ; to make exertion, (c) By putting forth their strength, the oxen dragged the rock out of the highways By exerting their strength, the oxen dragged the rock out of the high- way. Put in or into, to = l. To insert, {a) 2. To enter a harbor, (a) 1. Did the printer say he would put in a paragraph concerning the accident ? = Did the printer say he would insert a paragrapli concerning the accident ? 2. The vessel put in at Honolulu during the storm = 192 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The vessel entered the harbor of Honolulu during the storm. Put in irons, to = To apply manacles or handcuffs to a person, (a) . The mutineers on the vessel were put in irons, and taken into port to be tried = The mutineers on the vessel were manacled or handcuffed, and taken into port to be tried. Put in pledgee, to — To put in pawn ; to pawn, (c) He was so reduced to poverty, that he put his books in pledge = He was so reduced to poverty, that he pawned his books. Put into the way of, to = To render possible ; to aid one in doing, (a) The senator could not give a government clerk- ship to his young friend, but he put him into the way of obtaining one = The senator could not give a gov- ernment clerkship to his young friend, but he did something which rendered it possible for the young man to obtain one. Put off, to=:l. To turn aside; to baffle, (a) 2. To postpone, (a) 3. To get rid of, especially to pass fraudulently, (c) 4, To move off. (a) 5. To lay aside ; to remove, {b) 1. The king put the ambassadors off with an am- biguous answer = The king baffled the ambassadors with an ambiguous answer. 2. Put not off till to- morrow what should be done to-day = Do not post- pone till to-morrow wliat should be done to-day. 3, It is wrong to put off a counterfeit note knowingly = It is wrong to pass a counterfeit note for a good one, knowing it to be worthless. 4. The ship put off thh mornings The ship moved from the shore this morning. 5. Tell the child to put off his shoes = Tell the child to remove his shoes. Put or tlirow, one off Iiis §fuard, to = To render one neglectful or unwary, (a) The pickpocket engaged the gentleman in conver- sation, and thus threw him off his guard^The pick- pocket engaged the gentleman in conversation, and thus rendered him unwary. Put on, to = 1. To invest one's self with, (a) 2. To assume, (a) 1. He put on his overcoat to go to the office = He invested himself with his overcoat, to go to his of- fice. 2. He put on a haughty air, when the poor person approached him = He assumed a haughty de- meanor, at the approach of the poor person. Put one in possession of, to^To cause one to have, (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 193 The boy put the policeman in possession of knowl- <^dge which led to the arrest of the tliief = The hoy caused the policeman to have knowledge which led to the arrest of the thief, put one on lii§ mettle, to = To arouse one's spirit or courage ; to excite one. (c) Some one sj)oke disparagingly of the senator's native state, and thereby put him on his meitle = Some one spoke disparagingly of the senator's native state, and thereby aroused his spirit. Put one'§ no§e out of joint, to=rTo supplant one in the affections of another, (c) The baby, your younger brother, has put your nose out of joint=The baby, your younger brother, has taken your place in your mother's arms and chief affections. Put out, to = l. To shoot out. (a) 2. To extinguish, (a) 3, To place at interest, (a) 4. To provoke, as by insult ; to displease, (a) 5. To publish ; to make public, (b) 6. To confuse ; to disconcert ; to interrupt, (a) 7, To place out of joint ; to dislo-^ cate. (a) 8. To eject, (a) 1. The trees are putting out their leaves = The trees, are shooting out their leaves, or the trees are leaving out. 2. The fire was put out = The fire was stopped. 2. Put out the candle before you get into bed = Be- fore you get into bed, extinguish the light of your candle. 3. I have put out $1,000, in United States bonds = I have placed $1,000, at interest, in United States bonds. 4, lie was very much put out by^ your not coming to dinner = He was very much dis- pleased by your failure to be present at the dinner. 5. The political pamphlet was put out anonymously =:Tlie political pamphlet was published anony- mously. 6. He is casting up accounts, and your talking puts him out =1Ig is casting up accounts,- and your talking disconcerts him. 7, The hip was put out of joint by a fall = The hip was dislocated by a fall. 8. Put him ow^/=: Send- him out, or if necessary, throw him out ! 8. A man came into the court intoxicated, but he was put oui= A man came into the court in a state of intoxication, but was ejected. Put out of humor, to = To irritate ; to make angry, (c) The depot master was put out of hwnor^ by the noise of the boys in the waiting-room = The depot master was irritated, by the noise of the boys in the waiting-room. Put over, to = l. To place in authority, (a) 2. To defer ; to postpone, (a) 14 194 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 1. In 1863 Gen. Grant was transferred from the West, and put over the army of the Potomac = In 1863 Gen. Grant was transferred from the West, and placed in authority over the army of the Poto- mac. 2. The case has been put over to the next term of court = The case has been postponed to the next term of court. Put tlie case - Suppose the event, or a certain state of things, (h) Put the case any way you please, it is a distressing affair to happen between two friends = Put any con- struction on the affair you please, it is a distressing thing to happen between two friends. Put to fltglit, to = To cause to flee ; to force to es- cape, (a) The arrival of the commander with reinforce- ments put the enemy to flight = The arrival of the commander with reinforcements caused the enemy to flee. Put to it, to toe = To have difiiculty ; to be much perplexed, (a) He was so poor that he was greatly put to it to educate his sons = He was so poor that he had great difiiculty in educating his sons. Put to press, to — To cause to be printed, (h) The author intends to put his history to press this winter = The author intends to have his history printed this winter. Put or set, to rights, to = To put into good order that which is out of order ; to adjust ; to regulate. («) The servant put the room to rights, which the children in their play had disarranged = The servant put into good order the room, which the children in their play had disarranged. Will you please set my affairs to rights — WiiW. you please put my affairs in good order. Put to the tolush, to = To cause to be ashamed or confused, (h) The senator was put to the hlush, by the proof that his election had been procured by fraud = The sena- tor was made ashamed, by the proof that his election had been obtained by fraud. His father's rebuke for discourtesy put him to the blush = His father's re- buke for discourtesy made him confused. Put to the rack, to = To subject to extreme torture ; to torment, (c) Mrs. E. was put to the rack by the bad conduct of her son, who was arrested for forgery = Mrs. E. suf- fered anguish of mind from the bad conduct of her IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 195 son, who was arrested for forgery. Mr. A. was put to the rack for several days, by an attack of inflam- matory rheumatism = Mr. A. suffered torturing pain for several days, from inflammatory rheumatism. Put to tlie §word, to = To slay with the sword ; to kill, {h) Titus, the Roman general, put to the sword some conquered Jews at the siege of Jerusalem, A. D. 70 = Titus, the Roman general, slew some conquered Jews at the siege of Jerusalem, A. D. YO. Put or submit, to tlie test, to = To test ; to de- termine by trial or experiment, (a) When the ring, bought at auction, was submitted to the test, it proved not to be good gold. When the ring, bought at auction, was tested, it proved not to be good gold. Put to the trumps, to = To reduce to the last expe- dient, or to the utmost exertion of power, (c) The housekeeper was put to her trumps to accom- modate all her guests, there were so many of them = The housekeeper was reduced to her last expedi- ent to accommodate all her guests, there were so many of them. Put to vote, to = To submit to expression of will by voting, (a) After long discussion, the question was put to vote = After much discussion, the question was submitted to expression of will or preference by voting. Put up, to=:l. To place in a package, (a) 2. To put in its proper place, (a) 3. To lodge, — followed by at. (a) 4. To incite, — followed by to. (c) 5. To overlook ; to endure, — followed by ^with. (b) 1. Put up a pound of tea for me = Place a pound of tea in a package for me. 2. When you have read the book, put it up — When you have read the book, put it in its proper place. 3, We shall put up at the City Hotel during our stay = We shall take lodgings at the City Hotel during our stay. 4. The boy was put up to steal the melons, by some men = The boy was instigated, by some men, to steal the melons. 5. The boarder said he could no longer put up with such poor fare = The boarder said he could no longer endure such poor fare. 5. We must put up with some inconveniences in our new house— We must endure some inconveniences in our new house without murmuring. Put up the sword, to = To refrain or desist from fighting ; to make peace, {a) Chief Ouray endeavors to persuade the TJte Indi- ans, in Colorado, to put up the sword = Chief Ouray 196 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. endeavors to persuade the Ute Indians, in Colorado, to desist from fighting. Quaker gun = An imitation of a gun, placed in the port-hole of a vessel or the embrasure of a fort, to deceive the enemy ; — so called from its inoffensive character. (U. S.j (b) Being destitute of cannon, they mounted Quaker guns in the fort = Being destitute of cannon, tliey mounted wooden imitations of cannon to deceive the enemy. Quiek parts = Active mental faculties ; sprightly- talents, (c) Lord Byron, the English poet, was a man of quick parts zrzLord Byron, the English poet, was a man of sprightly talents. quit co§t, to — To pay ; to reimburse, (c) The farmer said to his son, that it would not quit cost to cultivate that sandy, barren lot = The farmer said to his son, that the cultivation of that sandy, barren lot would not repay the cost. Quit scores, to=:To make even; to clear mutually from demands, (c) You accommodated me with a house one year ; I have given you the rent of my store one year ; now we have quit scores =:You accommodated me with a house one year, and I have given you the rent of my store one year, so that now we are mutually cleared from demands. The merchant and the far- mer agreed to quit scores every quarter = The mer- chant and the farmer agreed to settle accounts every quarter. R Rake up, to = To cover with ashes, (a) In the days when o])en fire-places were used, it was customary to rake up the fire at night = In the times when open fire-places were used, it was custo- mary to cover the fire with ashes at night. Range with, to = To be in a line with, (a) The trees range with the front of the house = The trees are in a line with the front of the house. Reacli one's ears, to = To be told or communicated to one. (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 197 The news of his election reached the ears of the governor before midnight = The news of his election was communicated to the governor before midnight. Read bet"ween the lines, to = To go behind the text, or to conjecture an implied, but unexpressed meaning, (c) That politician's letter to the convention will be understood, by reading between the Zznesi= That poli- tician's letter to the convention will be understood, by conjecturing an implied, but unexpressed mean- ing. Ready moneys Means of immediate payment ; cash, (a) I can not pay you now, for I have no ready money = I can not pay you now, for I have no means of immediate payment. Receive with open arms, to = To welcome heart- ily. («) When Gen. Lafayette came from France to visit this country (U. S.), (1824) the people received him with open arms = When Gen. Lafayette came from France to visit the United States (1824), the people welcomed him heartily. Reckon without one'§ host, to = To reckon from one's own stand-point ; to err ; to be mistaken, (a) In estimating the cost of building my new house, I found I had reckoned without my host=l found I had not made a right estimate of the cost of build- ing a new house. If you think you can talk Chinese perfectly well, you have reckoned without your host— If you think you can talk Chinese perfectly well, you are mistaken. I expected to go to-day, but I reckoned without my host=l expected to go to-day, but my expectation was not well-founded. England reckoned without her host^ when she thought to prevent the American colonies from becoming independent = England looked at the matter from her own point of view, and was mistaken, in thinking to prevent the American colonies from becoming independent. Red-letter day = A day that is fortunate or auspic- ious, (c) • It was a red-letter day with me when I landed in America, and entered school there = It was a fortu- nate day with me when I landed in America, and entered school there. Red tape =: Official formality, (a) Bed tape interferes with dispatch of business = Of- ficial formality interferes with dispatch of business. Refer to, to = To have reference to ; to apply to. (a) Your remark refers to the opinion I expressed yes- 198 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. terday = Your remark has reference to the opinion I expressed yesterday. Regard to, with or in = With or in respect to ; in relation or reference to ; about, (a) I will write you in regard to my journey = I will write you in respect to my journey. There is a chapter in this book in regard to rail-roads = There is a chapter about rail-roads in this book. Rein in, to = To restrain ; to control, (c) The man who does not rein in his passions will always be weak = The man who does not restrain his passions will always be weak. Relate to, to = To be concerned with, (a) The science of Astronomy relates to the heavenly bodies = The science of Astronomy is concerned with the heavenly bodies. Remain at a di§tance, to = To continue apart or remote from, (a) During the storm the ship remained at a distance from the shores During the storm the ship con- tinued remote from the shore. Render null, to = To cause to be of no efficacy ; to make useless, (c) The boy's idleness renders null all the teacher's efforts = The boy's idleness causes all the teacher's efforts to be of no efficacy. Reported of, to be = To be spoken of, either well or ill ; to be mentioned with respect or reproach. The newly appointed minister from France is well reported of = The newly appointed minister from France is well spoken of (has a good reputation). Report one's §elf, to = To appear at the proper time and place, to receive order or do service, (a) The merchant engaged a new clerk, and told him to report himself at the store, the next Monday morn- ing = The merchant engaged a new *clerk, and told him to appear at the store for service, the next Mon- day morning. Re§t with, to = To be in the power of; to depend on. (a) It rests with me to fix the day for us to go to 'New York = It is my privilege to determine the day for us to go to New York. It rests with the senate to give confirmation to the minister to China = The power of giving confirmation to the minister to China belongs to the United States senate. Return to one's first love, to = To go back from other pursuits to that which first engrossed the at- tention, (c) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 199 He devoted the first years of his student life to mathematics ; tlien he studied the natural sciences ; but finally returned to his first hve — ^Q devoted the first years of his student life to mathematics ; then he studied the natural sciences ; but finally returned to the study which first interested him. In aban- doning his profession to become a farmer, the lawyer only returnes to his first love = In leaving his profes- sion to become a farmer, the lawyer only goes back to a pursuit which formerly interested and engaged him. Revolve in the mind, to = To ponder, (c) The professor is revolving in his mind the subject of geology = The professor is pondering the subject of geology. Rbyme or reason = Sound or sense. (5) '• The professor, though at bottom a kind-hearted man, was very peppery, and sometimes without rhyme or reason flew into a passion " = The professor was very peppery, and sometimes without cause, reasonable or otherwise, flew into a passion. Ride and tie, to = An arrangement by which two travelers, having a single horse in common, alter- nately ride and walk, (c) It was the habit of these two brothers, going five miles to school, to ride and tie=lt was the habit of these two brothers, going five miles to school, alter- nately to ride and walk, one riding in advance, tying the horse for the other to take, and walking on. Ride hard, to = To ride rapidly, (a) The courier rode hard^ to carry the news of the battle to the country around = The courier rode rap- idly, to carry the news of the battle to the country around. Ride one'§ hobby or hobby-hor§e, to=:To be constantly setting off" on one's favorite theme of discourse or efibrt ; to give undue attention to something, (p) This morning Mr. E. was riding his hobby of a flying machine = This morning Mr. E. was talking about his favorite subject of conversation — the con- struction of a flying machine. Ride rough-shod, to — To pursue a course regard- less of the pain or distress it may cause others, (a) The new agent rode rough-shod over the tenants = The new agent performed his duties in such a way as to distress the tenants, but was regardless of their distress. Right of way {Law) - A right of private passage over another's ground, (a) 200 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Bight of way may arise either by grant or prescrip- tion = A right of private passage over another's ground may arise either by grant or prescription. Ring change§ on, to = To repeat often, loudly, or earnestly, (a) He rung the changes on his old story = He told his old story over in many different ways. Don't ring the changes on your wants any longer ! = Don't tell me about your wants any longer ! Roll on, to = To proceed ; to advance. (5) Generations of men come and go ; but time rolls on in its ceaseless course = Generations come and go, but time advances in its ceaseless course. For many months after his arrival, the foreigner was very homesick ; but as years rolled on he grew contented and happy = For many months after his arrival, the foreigner was very homesick ; but as the years pro- ceeded he grew contented and happy. Root and branch = Entirely ; thoroughly ; in every part, (a) This medicine has removed the disease, root and branch — "Yhh medicine has entirely removed the dis- ease. Many tribes of the ISTorth American Indians have disappeared, root and branch — Many tribes of the North American Indians have wholly disap- peared. Root out, to = To eradicate ; to tear out by the roots ; to destroy, (a) The farmer has. great difficulty in rooting out the thistles from his fields = The farmer has great diffi- culty in eradicating the thistles from his fields. The civil war in America rooted out slavery = The civil w^ar in America eradicated slavery. Rope of §and = A feeble union ; a bond easily bro- ken, (a) The bond that binds the smugglers together is a rope of sand= The bond that binds the smugglers to- gether is a feeble tie. The bond between those im- posters proved to be a rope of sand— The agreement which those imposters entered into, about their im- ports, was easily broken. The member from Cork said in debate, that England and Ireland were imited by a rope of sane? = The member from Cork said, that a feeble tie united England and Ireland. Rough draft = A draught not perfected; a sketch, (a) He prepared a rough draft of his book, before writing it = Before writing his book, he prepared an imperfect outline of it. Round number = A whole number approximately IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 201 near the trutli. (a) (Lit. a number that ends with a cipher and may be divided by 10 without a re- mainder.) I can not state the exact population of Hartford, but I should say it is, in round numbers, 40,000 = I can not state the exact population of Hartford, but it is approximately near the truth to say it is 40,000. Round trot = A full, brisk, quick trot. (5) I drove my horse at a round trot to Hartford (12 miles), in an hour = I drove my horse at a brisk, quick trot to Hartford, in an hour. Rout out, to = To dislodge; to turn out; to drive away, {a) The tramps established themselves in a thick grove not far from the town, and went around begging a;nd pilfering ; but the inhabitants routed them oiit = The tramps established themselves in a thick grove near the town, and w^ent about begging and pilfering ; but the inhabitants drove them away. Royal road r= A privileged or easy method, (b) AVhen King Ptolemy asked Euclid, if he could not be taught mathematics by a shorter method, he re- plied : " Sir, there is no royal road to learning " = When King Ptolemy asked Euclid if he could not be taught mathematics in a brief manner, he replied : Sir, there is no privileged or easy way of learning — there is no way of learning but by hard study. Run against, to = To strike against while in motion, (a) As a man was going along the sidewalk, he ran against a lamp post = As a man was going along the sidewalk, he. struck against a lamp post. Run ag^ainst time, to = To run as rapidly as possi- ble, in order to ascertain the greatest distance that can be passed over in a given time, (a) He entered his horse, at the races, to run against fome = He registered his horse, at the races, for the purpose of having him display his greatest speed in a given time. Run amuck, to=:To run madly about, attacking all one meets, (c) The insane man armed himself with a knife, and ran amuck through the streets The insane man armed himself with a knife, and ran through the street, attacking every one he met. Run a ri§k, to=:To incur danger; to encounter hazard, (a) He runs a risk of taking the yellow fever, by act- ing as nurse = He incurs the hazard, or will be in danger, of taking the fever, by acting as nurse. Mr. 202 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. M. runs a risk in buying such large quantities of cot- ton, as the market may decline before he can dis- pose of it = It is pecuniarily hazardous for Mr. M. to buy so much cotton, for there may be a decline in the market before he can sell it. Run away, to = To flee ; to escape, {a) Some of the prisoners broke jail, and ran away — Some of the prisoners broke jail, and escaped. Run counter to, to = To be contrary to ; to be op- posed to. (c) His conduct runs counter to all rules of propriety =iHis conduct is contrary to all rules of propriety. Run liig^li, to = To be great ; to be intense, (a) In the storm the waves ran high = In the storm the waves were large. At the horse race the excitement ran high — At the horse race the excitement was in- tense. The excitement in the stock market runs high to-day — The excitement in the stock market is very great to-day. Run over, to=:To go over in a hasty manner; to* examine cursorily ; to rehearse hastily, (a) I have run over all these books = I have read all these books hastily. Run over these accounts for me = Look over these accounts rapidly for me. Have you read through the morning paper ? No, sir ; I have only run over the headings of the articles = Have you read through the morning paper? No, sir ; I have only cursorily examined the headings of the articles. Run riot, to = To act or move without control or restraint, (c) The miners ran riot in the city, when they were on a strike = The miners were unrestrained in riot- ous acts, when they were on a strike. Run the rig upon, to=:To play a sportive trick upon. (&) The boy ran the rig upon his companion, by put- ting some powder in his pipe = The boy played a sportive trick on his companion by putting some powder in his pipe. The boys ran the rig upon a dull schoolmate, by sending him to the drug-store for some oil of smarts The boys practiced a sportive trick on a dull schoolmate, by sending him to the drug-store for some oil of smart. Run througb, to = l. To pervade, (a) 2. To ex- pend wastefully. (a) 1. A keen humor runs through the writings of Mr. C. = A keen humor pervades the writings of Mr. C. 2. In a few years the fast young man ran through the property left him by his father = In a few years the IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 203 fast young man wastefuUy expended the property left him by his father. Run up, to = To enlarge by additions ; to increase. The lad in college had run up a large bill at the livery stable, before his father was aware of it = The lad who was in college had made, by small additions from time to time, a large account at the livery sta- ble, before his father was aware of it. Ru§h headlong^, to = To move rapidly and rashly ; to enter into, without due care and deliberation, (a) The company rushed headlong into the manufac- ture of watches, and soon failed = The company en- gaged hastily and rashly in the manufacture of watches, and soon failed. s Saddle with, to = To load with ; to fix as a burden upon, (a) The town is saddled with a large debt, by reason of having built costly bridges and school-houses = The town is encumbered with a large debt, through building costly bridges and school-houses. Salted, to be = To be sprinkled (as a field) with pre-' cious metals or stones, that it may be sold as a genuine field of the thing scattered on it. (c) Finding diamonds, he bought the ground, but afterwards discovered that the land had been salted = Finding diamonds, he bought the ground, but dis- covered that diamonds had been scattered, to make the land sell for a genuine diamond field. Sally forth, to — To go out suddenly or hastily, (a) A few troops sallied forth to repel the invaders = A few troops went out hastily to repel the invaders. Sap the foundation§ of, to = To wear away the foundations ; to destroy gradually, (a) Idleness and dissipation sap the foundations of health = Idleness and dissipation gradually destroy health. Save one'§ bacon, to = To preserve one's self from harm, (c) The man's horse was frightened by the cars, and the man saved his bacon, by jumping from the wag- on = The man's horse was frightened by the cars and the man preserved himself from harm by jumping from the wao;on. One of the thieves saved his bacon, by testifying against the others = One of the 204 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. thieves escaped punishment, by testifying against the others. Say good bye, Bid adieu, to = To say farewell; to give the customary parting address, (a) An hour before I embarked, numerous friends came to my house to say good hye to me = An hour before I embarked, numerous friends came to my house to give the customary parting salutations. Seale or scale down a debt, to = To reduce a debt according to a iixed ratio or scale. (U. S.) (c) The Charter Oak Life Insurance Co., under a former management (and also mismanagement), was defrauded of so much of its property that it was obliged to scale doivn its poZ/c2e5=: Through the mis- management of a former set of officers, the Charter Oak Life Insurance Co. was defrauded of so much of its property, that it had to reduce its policies, which it did according to a fixed scale. Instead of repudiating its debts, w^hich were ruinously large, the state scaled them down - Instead of wholly refus- ing to pay its debts, which were ruinously large, the state reduced all claims against it, proportionally. Scrape together, to = To collect in a harsh, labori- ous, or penurious manner, (a) The rag-picker scraped together quite a property, out of the street = The rag-picker, in a coarse labori- ous way, collected quite a fortune, out of the street. Scum of society — The most restless and worthless part of society. (6) The mob which assailed the foreigners was com- posed of the scum of society = The mob which as- sailed the foreigners was composed of the most rest- less and worthless portion of society. Seal the lips, to = To prevent speaking or giving information, (c) The man who was robbed knew who the robbers were, but a promise they had extorted from him sealed his lips = The man who was robbed knew who the robbers were, but a promise which they had ex- torted from him prevented his giving information. Seal up, to = To shut close; to render secure by sealing, (c) The Romans were accustomed to seal up their sep- ulchres = The Romans were accustomed to render their sepulchres secure by sealing. Second cousin = The child of a parent's cousin. She is my second cousin =iShe is the daughter of my father's cousin. See at a glance, torrTo discover by a mere look. (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 205 The sideboard is not solid black walnut, but is veneered ; you can see that at a glance — The side- board is not solid black walnut, but is veneered ; you can discover that with only a rapid view, or by a mere look. Seed down, to = To sow with grass-seed, (a) This field was seeded down yesterday = This field was sown w^ith grass-seed yesterday. See fair play, to=:To secure just and equitable treatment, (a) In rowing matches, umpires are appointed to de- cide the contest ; and also to see fair play = In row- ing matches, umpires are appointed to decide the contest ; and also to secure just and honorable deal- ing on both sides. See one paid, to = To attend to the paying ; to make sure the payment, (a) The parent told the carpenter, that if he would repair the school-house, he would see him paid=T\\Q parent told the carpenter, that if he w^ould repair the school-house, he would attend to paying him. See one to a plaee, to = To attend one to a place, and see that he reaches it. (a) John will see you to the depot = John will accompany you to the depot, and see that you reach it safely. See §erviee, to = To come into actual conflict with the enemy, (b) He has seen service in the army, in India = lie has been in actual conflict with the enemy, in India. See that a thing i§ done, to = To attend to, as to the performance of something, (a) I will see that the wall is built according to vour directions = I will attend to the building of the wall according to your directions. See the light, to = To have publicity ; to be pub- lished, (o) I have a few things in manuscript, but I don't know whether they will ever see the light=l have a few things in manuscript, but I don't know whether they will ever be published. See the point, to = To discern or comprehend the meaning, importance, force, or application, (a) Did you see the point of his argument ?=:Did you discern the force of his argument ? The preacher related an incident to illustrate his subject, but I did not see the point of it = I did not discern the force or application of the incident which the preacher related in order to illustrate his subject. I do not see the point of the jester I do not compre- hend the meaning and fun of the jest. 206 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. See tliroug^h, to = To understand ; to comprehend, (a) I see through his unwonted politeness towards me = I understand what he is aiming at, in his unusual politeness towards me. See to, to = To be attentive ; to take note ; to give heed, (a) I will see to mailing your letter =: I will myself at- tend to mailing your letter. See to that piece of work I gave you = Give heed to that piece of work I gave you. Sell one'§ life dearly, to = To cause great loss to those who take one's life, (a) Admiral Chong Kia Cheung sold his life dearly at IsTankin in the Taiping rebellion = Admiral Chong Kia Cheung caused great loss to those who took his life in the Taiping rebellion. Sell out, to == To dispose of one's stock of goods or other property, for a pecuniary equivalent, (a) The dollar store is selling out at cost = The dollar store is disposing of its stock of goods at cost. Sell short, to ( Stock Exchange) — To sell for future delivery what the party does not own, but hopes to buy at a lower rate. Erie stock was sold short in Wall street to-day = Erie stock was sold to-day by parties who owned no stock, but agreed to deliver at a future day, and trusted that they would be able to buy, when the day came, at a lower rate than the present prices. Send to Coventry, to = To exclude from society ; to shut out from all social intercourse, for conduct re- garded as mean or ungentlemanlike. (c) Lieut. A. was sent to Coventry by his brother offi- cers, because he was proved to have uttered false reports about one of the ladies of the garrison = Lieut. A. was shut out from all social intercourse with his brother officers, because he had been guilty of mean, ungentlemanly condiict in spreading false reports of a lady of the garrison. Sensible of, to toe = To be cognizant of; to be aware of {a) He can not commit such a breach of good man- ners, without being sensible of \i — He can not com- mit such a breach of good manners, without being aware of it. Sequester one's self, to = To choose great retire- ment ; to separate one's self from society, (c) On account of his sorrows, he has lately sequestered himself = On account of his sorrows, he has lately secluded himself from society, for the sake of soli- tude. IDIOMATIC PHKASES. 207 Serve a -writ or a process, to {Law) = 110 read it, or leave an attested copy at his usual alSode. («) The constable served the vjrit upon the debtor = The constable gave the debtor notice of the writ, or left a copy at his usual place of abode. The sheriff went to the man's house to serve a process = The sheriff went to the man's house to give him notice of the writ issued against him. Serve an attachment, or writ of attachment, to {Law) = To levy it on the person or goods by seiz- ure ; to seize, (a) On account of debt, a writ of attachment wa^ served upon his property = His property was seized for debt according to legal methods. Serve a§ a substitute, to = To be employed for the same purpose, (a) In making lemonade, tartaric acid often serves as a substitute for lemons = In making lemonade, tartaric acid is often used for the same purpose as lemons. Serve one's apprenticeship, to = To acquire the knowledge of a trade under the instruction of one skilled in it. (a) Mrs. A's son is serving his apprenticeship as a car- pen ter= Mrs. A's son is acquiring the knowledge of the carpenter's trade under a master. Serve one's time, to = To pass the usual and neces- sary time for learning a trade under a superior or master, (a) The goldsmith who mended my bracelet served his time in London = The goldsmith who mended my bracelet was an apprentice in London. Serve one's turn, to = To be sufficient for ; to meet one's convenience or purpose, (a) I want something to keep the rain off, and this old overcoat will serve my turn=l want something to keep me dry, and this old overcoat will be suffi- cient for the purpose. This is a poor pen, but it will serve my turn = This is a poor pen, but it is con- venient for me to use it. Set a-goingr, to = To cause to begin to move ; to set in motion, (a) The clock has stopped, and the watchmaker must be called to set it a-going — The clock has stopped, and the w^atchmaker must be called to set it in motion. The cotton manufacturer has set his factory a-going = The cotton manufacturer has put his factory in operation. Set at naught, to = To undervalue ; to contemn ; to despise, (c) He set at nauyht all my good advice = He despised 208 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. all my good advice. He was mucli honored before, but now he is set at naught — He was much honored before, but now he is undervalued. Set a value on, to = To appraise ; to estimate the worth of. (a) Persons were appointed, to set a value on the property of the deceased merchant = Persons were appointed, to appraise the property of the deceased mercliant. Set by, to = l. To set apart or on one side ; to reject. (a) 2. To esteem ; to value, (a) 1. The enemies of the general sent him a box filled with explosive material, but he set the suspi- cious box hy= The enemies of the general sent him a box full of explosive material, but he set it one side. 2. You have been a good friend to me, and I set very much by you = You have been a good friend to me, and I esteem you very highly. Set do^vii, to = To enter in writing ; to register, (a) I set down the temperature, at 8 and 12 o'clock every day, in my note-book = Every day, I enter the temperature at 8 and 12 o'^clock, in writing, in my note-book. Set forth, to = l. To show; to manifest, (a) 2. To publish ; to promulgate, (a) 1. He set forth his wants clearly = He stated his wants clearly. 1. The condition of the country is fully set forth in this book = The condition of the country is fully shown in this book. . 2. The king's wishes were set forth in the manifesto =: The king's wishes were published in the manifesto. Set forward, to = l. To start forward, (a) 2. To promote a work, (b) 1. The army has set forward to find and attack the enemy = The army has begun to march, to find and attack the enemy. 2. The enterprise of mining for silver was set forward by the increase of capital = The enterprise of mining for silver was promoted (helped along) by the increase of capital. Set in, to = To begin, (a) People say that winter does not usually set in, till the rain has filled the springs = People say that winter does not usually begin, till the rain has filled the springs. Winter has set in with extreme rigor = Winter has begun with extreme rigor. Set off, to = l. To embellish, {a) 2. To assign a por- tion, {a) 3. To start, {a) 1. The dress is simple, but the trimmings set it off =:The dress is simple, but the trimmings make it more showy. 1. The fur trimmings set off your IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 209 cloak well = The fur trimmings adorn your cloak. 1. The style of the English historian, Macaulaj, sets o^ his history = The style of the English historian, Macaulay, embellishes his history. 2, A part of the estate of his uncle was set off for him = A part of the estate of his uncle was apportioned to him. 3. He set off i'or San Francisco this morning = He started for San Francisco this morning. Set milk, to = To put milk into vessels for the cream to rise, (a) Have you set the milk ? - Have you put the milk in pans, in order that the cream may rise ? Set on, to = To incite ; to instigate, (a) The traitor set on the people to rebel = The traitor incited the people to rebel. Who set him on to do this piece of mischief ? = Who instigated him to do this piece of mischief? Set on lire, to = l. To kindle ; to communicate fire to. (a) 2. To inflame ; to enkindle the passions of. 1. Several houses in different parts of the city were set on fire last night = Several houses in differ- ent parts of the city were fired by incendiaries last night. 2. The political orator denounced the gov- ernment for oppressive taxation, and set the passions, of the people on fire — The political orator denounced the government for oppressive taxation, and in- flamed the passions of the people. Set on foot, to = To put in motion ; to start, {a) Mr. Cyrus W. Field set on foot the enterprise of connecting Europe and America by a submarine telegraph (1854) = Mr. Cyrus W. Field started the enterprise of connecting Europe and America by a submarine telegraph (1854). The Chinese govern- ment set on foot the educational mission in the United States in 1872, and will continue it for about twen- ty years = The Chinese government originated the educational mission in the United States in 1872,. and will continue it for about twenty years. Set onc'§ face against, to = To discountenance ; to oppose strongly, (c) The mayor set his face against the issuing of city bonds, to raise money for the city expenses = The mayor strongly opposed the issuing of city bonds, to raise money to defray the city expenses. Set one's hand to, to = To aflax one's signature ; to sign one's name, (c) He would not set his hand to the contract, till he had consulted his lawyer = He would not sign his name to the contract, till he had consulted his lawyer. 15 210 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Set one's heart on, to = To ^x the desires on ; to be very fond of ; to long for earnestly, (a) I have set my heart on going to Europe next sum- mer vacations I wish very much to go to Europe next summer vacation. He has set his heart on the office of governors He wishes earnestly to get the office of governor. Mr. E. has set his heart on hav- ing the house which is to be sold at auction to-day =Mr. E. ardently desires to have the house which is to be sold to-day at auction. His heart is so set on riches that he is unscrupulous in his methods of ob- taining them = He is so very fond of riches, and so anxious to increase his possessions that he resorts to every method, whether honest or not, of acquiring riches. Set out, to = To start upon a journey ; to begin a course, {a) After the bridal pair had set out for Washington, the guests departed = After the bridal pair had started upon their journey to Washington, the guests departed. The young man set out in life with much property and many friends = The young man began his career in life with much property and many friends. Set right, to = To correct mistakes ; to put in order. The grocer overpaid me in making change yester- day ; I will set the matter right to-morrow = The grocer overpaid me in making change yesterday ; I will rectify the mistake to-morrow. There has been a mistake in the wording of the telegram, but I will set it right ^ThevQ has been a mistake in the tele- gram, but I will correct it. Set §ail, to {Naut.)=\,To spread the sails, (a) 2. To begin a voyage, {a) 1. As the breeze sprang up, the captain gave the order. Set sail = As the breeze arose, the captain gave the order. Spread the sails. 2. My friend set sail for Europe yesterday = My friend began his voy- age to Europe yesterday. Set the fashion, to = To establish a new mode ; to determine what shall be the mode, (a) I am informed that Mr. X's daughters set the fash- ion of ladies' driving, in Hartford = I am informed that Mr. X's daughters introduced the custom of ladies' driving, in Hartford. Set the teeth on edge, to = 1. To cause an unpleas- , ant sensation in the teeth, (a) 2. To affect one very disagreeably, (c) 1. Sharp vinegar sets the teeth on ec?^^^ Sharp vine- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 211 gar causes a disagreeable sensation in the teeth. 2. These discords in their singing set my teeth on edge — These discords in their singing affect me very disa- greeably. Settle, to = l. To establish in the pastoral office, (a) 2. To restore to a dry and passable condition, (a) 3. To free from uncertainty ; to compose ; to quiet, (a) 4. To sink gradually ; to become lowered, (a) 5. To adjust differences or accounts, (a) 1. This church ^-a!^ settled a pastor = This church has established a minister in the pastoral relation.. 2. Clear weather settles the roads in the spring = Clear weather makes the roads dry and passa- ble in the spring. 3. A nice question of law was settled by the court = The court rendered its decision upon a question which required exact discrimina- tion. 3. His agitation about the sickness of his son was settled by the letters His agitation about the sickness of his son was quieted by the letter. 4. The house settles — The house lowers by the gradual sinking of its foundations. 5. He has settled with his grocer = He has adjusted accounts with his grocer. Settle diflferences, to = To adjust differences (of opinion or feeling), (a) The differences between England and America, re- specting the Newfoundland fisheries, were settled by America's paying a sum of money to England = The differences between England and America, re- specting the Newfoundland fisheries, were adjusted by America's paying a sum of money to England. Settle doiivn, to = l. To become quiet after agita- tion, (a) 2. To establish one's self in a locality or a business, {a) 1. The community was very much excited by the murder, but is now settled down to ordinary quiet = The community was very much excited by the mur- der, but is now as quiet as usual. 2. After trying various pursuits, Mr. A. has settled down upon a farm = After trying various pursuits, Mr. A. has estab- lished himself in farming. Set to \irork, to — To direct to employment or -about employment ; to cause to begin laboring, (a) The farmer has set his men to work — The farmer has told his men where to work, and what to do. Set up, to = l. To erect, (a) 2. To establish; to found, (a) 3. To enable to commence a new busi- ness, (a) 4. To put in type, (a) 5. To utter loudly, (c) 6. To raise from depression, (p) 7, To begin business, (a) 1. The English set wp a monument at Quebec jn 212 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. honor of Gen. "Wolfe = Tlie English erected a mon- ument at Quebec in honor of Gen. Wolfe. 2. His son has set up a school in the city = His son has es- tablished a school in the city. 3. The young man's uncle set him up in the crockery business = Tlie young man's uncle furnished capital for him to com- mence the crockery business. 4. The printer told the apprentice to set up a column of the newspaper = The printer told the apprentice to put in type a column of the newspaper. 5. When the dog could not find his master, he set up a pitiful whine = When the dog could not find his master, he uttered a piti- ful whine. 6. The family is quite set up^ by the lottery prize = The family is raised from poverty to a competency, by the lottery prize. 7. When his apprenticeship expired, he set up for himself = When his apprenticeship expired, he began business for himself. Sliake off, to = To remove by shaking ; to discard, (a) The fruit-raiser shooh off the pears which he could not pick = The fruit-raiser, by shaking, removed the pears which he could not pick. Shake off tlie yoke, to = To free one's self from the control of another, (c) In the Revolutionary war, America shook off the yoke of England = In the Revolutionary war, Amer- ica freed herself from the control of England. Shake the head, to = To express dissent, doubt, or refusal, (a) The teacher shook his head, when the pupil asked leave of absence for the rest of the day = When the pupil asked leave of absence for the remainder of the day, the teacher expressed refusal by shaking his head. Shall — \vill ; In the first person, shall expresses sim- ple futurity ; and will expresses a promise or a de- termination, (a) In the second and third persons, shall is used to denote a promise, command, or de- termination ; and luill is used to denote simple futurity, (a) I shall be drowned, nobody will help me = It is certain I shall be drowned, for nobody is likely to help me (simple futurity in both cases). I will be drowned, nobody shall help me=rl am resolved to be drowned, I will permit nobody to help me (deter- mination in both cases). Shape one'§ course, to = To plan and act ; to ad- just one's method of procedure, (a) The representative in congress shaped Ms course so I IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 213 as to be re-elected = The representative in congress planned and acted with reference to a re-election. You must shape your course differently, if you would be respected = You must conduct yourself differ- ently, if you would be respected. The law student shaped his course by the wishes of his friends = The law student did according to his friends' wishes. Shed blood, to — To cause blood to flow ; to destroy life, (c) Napoleon Bonaparte shed much blood in his Euro- pean wars (1T96-1815) = Napoleon Bonaparte caused much blood to flow in his European wars (1796- 1815). Ship off, to = To send off by ship; to send away by water, (a) English convicts were formerly shipped off to Bot- any Bay = English convicts were formerly sent by water to Botany Bay. Slix2)'§ hu§band (iVaw^.)=:The owner of a ship^ who manages its concerns in person. The"Argo" has sailed for Singapore, carrying the ship'^s Aw56ar2o?=:The"Argo"has sailed for Singa- pore, carrying the owner to manage its concerns. Shoot ahead of, to = l. To outstrip in running, fly- ing or sailing, (a) 2. To outstrip in other things, (a) 1. In the recent boat race between the Harvard and Yale students, the Harvard boat shot ahead of the Yale boat, and won the prizes In the recent boat race between the Harvard and Yale students, the Harvard boat outstripped the Yale boat, and won the prize. 2. James and John entered school at the same time ; James was diligent and fond of study, and he soon shot ahead of John, who was dull = James and John entered school at the same time ; James was diligent and fond of study, and he soon outstripped John in his studies. Shoot up, to z= To rise or grow, (a) After the rain the corn shot up as by magic = Af- ter the rain the com grew as by magic. Show a bold ft*ont, to = To be bold, impudent, shameless, or defiant, (a) "When the murderer was arrested and brought be- fore the court, he showed a hoM front ^Wh^n the murderer was arrested and brought before the court, he was bold or shameless in manner. ShoTT his paces, to = To display his gait, speed or the like — especially of a horse, (h) He made his horse show his paces^'Q.Q made his horse exhibit his speed. 214 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Show off, to = To display ostentatiously ; to exhibit in an ostentatious manner, (a) He drove liis horse up and down the street, in order to show him o^=He drove his horse up and down the street, in order to display him ostenta- tiously. He is accustomed to show himself off by using large words in conversation = He is accus- tomed to exhibit himself in an ostentatious manner by using high sounding language in conversation. iShoiir one's colors, to = To make manifest one's principles or party, {a) Don't be afraid to show your colors politically = Don't be afraid to make it plain which party you be- long to. He always shows his colors on temperance = He always shows what his temperance principles are. ISliow one's face, to=:To appear; to be present ; to be seen, ih) If the man who insulted ladies on the street the other night should show Ms face again, the police- man would arrest him = If the man who insulted ladies on the street the other night should be seen again, the policeman would arrest him. Show one's teeth, to = To threaten ; to look angry. (*) Sometimes the newspapers say. The British lion shx)ws his teeth at the Russian bear = Sometimes the newspapers say, England makes threatening demon- strations toward Russia. Shour the white feather, to = To show cowardice ; to exhibit fear. Q)) Lieut. B. showed the white feather in battle, by skulking, in the rear = Lieut. B. showed want of courage in battle, by skulking in the rear. One of the soldiers showed the ivhite feather in battle, by run- ning away = One of the soldiers manifested coward- ice in battle, by running away. Shut in, to = To inclose ; to cover or intercept the view of. The town is shut in by high hills on every side= The town is inclosed by high hills surrounding it. The headland shuts in the harbor from our view= The headland intercepts our view of the harbor. Shut out, to =: To exclude ; to prevent entering, (a) The thick curtains at the window shut out the lights The thick curtains at the window prevent the light from entering. The rain was shut out by a tight roof = The rain was prevented from entering by a tight roof. He is a bad boy ; shut him out:^ He is a bad boy ; exclude him. Shut the door upon, to = To exclude, (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 215 Congress shut the door upon many fraudulent claims = Congress excluded many fraudulent claims. IShut up, to = l. To close, (a) 2. To confine; to imprison, (a) 3. To cause to become silent by au- thority, argument, or force, (a) 1. On Saturdays, the stores are not shut up till nine o'clock at nights On Saturdays, the stores are not closed till nine o'clock at night. 2. The soldiers who were shut up in war prisons tell sad stories of their hardships = The soldiers who were confined in war prisons tell sad stories of their hardships. 2. At night prisoners are shut up in cells = At night prisoners are confined in cells. 3. Our opponents were shut up by our arguments = Our opponents were put to silence by our arguments. Sick of, to be=:To have a strong dislike of; to be tired of ; to be disgusted with, (a) I have read so much that I am sick of reading = I have read so much that I am very tired of it. I am sick of seeing this room dirty = I am disgusted with this dirty room. Side irith, to i= To agree with in opinion ; to es- pouse the cause of. (a) On tlie temperance question, Mr. A. sides with the license party = On the temperance question, Mr. A. espouses the cause of the license party. Sift out, to=iTo make careful selection ; to search, or find out with care, (a) The judge had to sift out the truth from the con- flicting testimony of the two parties = The judge was obHged to find the truth with care, out 'of the conflicting testimony of the two parties. Sinews of war, tlie = Every thing which aids to carry on war. (a) The people were called upon to furnish the gov- ernment the sinews of w;ar=The people were called upon to supply the government with every thing necessary to carry on war. Sink into or penetrate the mind, to — To make a strong and lasting impression, (a) The words of the orator sank into the minds of his hearers = The words of the orator made a strong and lasting impression on the minds of his hearers. Sink or §i¥im=: Whatever happens; under any cir- cumstances, (c) I will undertake it, sink or swim = I will try to do it, whether I shall succeed or fail. Sink or swim, live or die, I will stand by my country ! = Whatever may happen to me, I will bB faithful to my country. JSink or swim, I will not give up the effort to reform 216 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. the civil service = I will not give np the eifort to in- troduce reforms into the governmental offices, what- ever happens. Sit in judgement, to = To assume judicial authority ; to judge censoriously, (a) We ought not to sit in judgment on our fellow- men :=AVe ought not to judge our fellow-men cen- soriously. Sit it out, to = To sit to the end of, during the whole of, &c. (a) This is the last night of the session, and the House will probably sit the night out -This, is the last night of the session of Congress, and the House will probably sit during the whole of the night. Sit on thorns, to = To be uneasy ; to be distressed, (c) While the teacher was questioning the scholars about the broken window, the boy who did the mis- chief sat on thorns = Whi\e the teacheV was ques- tioning the scholars respecting the broken window, the boy who did the mischief was very uneasy. Sit up, to:=l. To rise from a recumbent position. (a) 2. To refrain from retiring, or lying down, (a) 3. To assume or maintain the posture of one w^ho is seated. («) 1. Night before last she heard a noise, and sat up in bed = Night before last she heard a noise, and rose from her reclining position. 2. Sitting up late at night does not agree with me=:It does not agree with me to refrain from retiring till late at night. 3. He is too ill to sit up — ^e, is too ill to maintain the posture of sitting. Skim tlie surface, to = To treat superficially, (c) The treatise on Socialism skims the surface of the subjects The treatise on Socialism deals superfi- cially with the subject. Skin, to = To take off all that can be obtained, (c) " The inhabitants of Egypt were skinned with all sorts of taxation" [Hartford Courant] = The inhab- itants of Egypt were stripped of every thing by heavy taxation. Slip a cable, to {Naut.) = To veer out, and let go the end of it. (a) The sailors slipped the cable = The sailors suffered the cable to run, and let go the end of it. Slip on, to = To put on hastily or loosely. Hearing an alarm of fire, he rose from his bed, and slippiyig on his pantaloons and overcoat, stepped out to the street = Hearing an alarm of fire, he rose from his bed, and hastily putting on his pantaloons and overcoat went out into the street. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 217 Slip the collar, halter, &c., to = To throw off ; to disengage one's self from, (a) I thought I had the dog fast, but he has slipped the collar = 1 thought I had the dog fast, but he lias disengaged himself from the collar. My horse has the trick of slipping his halter — Mj horse has the mischievous habit of throwing off his halter. Slip through the fingers, to = To escape insensibly ; to be lost, (b) The physician said that his patient slipped through his fingers = The physician said that he unexpectedly and strangely lost liis patient. Mr. A. once pos- sessed considerable property, but it all slipped through his fingers — M.Y, A. once possessed considerable pro- perty, but it all escaped from him gradually and insensibly. Slur over, to = To treat lightly, (c) By the petty sentence which the judge passed upon the criminal, he in reality slurred over the crime = By the petty sentence which the judge gave the criminal, he in reality treated the crime lightly. Small talk = Light or trifling conversation ; chit- chat, (a) At Mrs. A's reception, the conversation was chiefly small talk = T\\Q conversation at Mrs. A's reception was, for the most part, light and trifling. The small talk of society was distasteful to her = The trifling conversation of society was distasteful to her. Smell of, to = To have the odor or particular scent of. (a) This handkerchief smells of the roses which have been lying on it = This handkerchief has the fra- grance of the roses which lay upon it. Smell of the shop, to = To indicate too distinctively the profession, or occupation, (c) The school-master smells of the shop = T\\e school- master shows too much, by one way and another, what his occupation is. The doctor of medicine smells of the 5/zop=: The doctor of medicine talks of nothing, scarcely, but his profession. Smooth the way, to = To make easy ; to facilitate. («) The consul's letter of introduction smoothed the merchant's way to acquaintance with the prefect of Kwong Chow = The consul's letter of introduction made easy the merchant's acquaintance with the prefect of Kwong Chow. Snap one up, to = To treat with sharp words ; to interrupt suddenly or snappishly, (a) 218 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. « His employer snapped him up short = His employer interrupted him with a snappish reply. Sober down, to = To become steady and serious in demeanor, (h) When he was young, Mr. B. was wild and ex- travagant, but afterwards, he sobered c?ow;7i = When he was young, Mr. B. was wild and extravagant, but afterwards he became steady and serious in de- meanor. Sore subject = A topic which is painful to the mind. Her daughter's marriage is a sore subject with her = It hurts her to talk about her daughter's marriage. In speaking of my wife's death, you have mentioned a sore subject — In mentioning my wdfe's death, you have spoken of something that is painful to talk about. So to speak = If such language is fitting, and strictly correct ; as it w^ere. (a) Mr. F. is a gentleman farmer, so to speak — Mr. F. is a gentleman farmer, if such an expression cor- rectly describes him. Since the cold weather, the^ street is a lake of ice, 50 to speak — Since the cold weather came, the street is a lake of ice, as it were. Mr. A's house is running over, so to speak ^ with books and pictures = Mr. A's house is full to over- flowing, as it were, (is very full) of books and pic- tures. Sow broadcast, to = To sow by scattering at large from the hand, not in rows ; to spread widely, (a) This grain was sown broadcast — T\ns> grain was sown by scattering at large from the hand. The newspapers of the present day sow information broad- cast among the people = The newspapers of the present day spread information widely among the people. Sow tbe seeds of, to = To cause ; to originate, (c) The laborer sowed the seeds of his rheumatism, by worki*ng in the waters The laborer's rheumatism was caused by working in the water. Speak a ship, to = To hail a ship, and speak to her captain, (a) On the voyage out we spoke two ships = On the voyage from home, the captain of our ship hailed two other ships, and spoke to their captains. Speak for itself, to = To be visible to all ; to pro- claim its own character, (a) One does not need to be told, that this painting is by one of- the old masters ; it speaks for itself = One does not need to be told, that this painting is by IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 219 one of the old masters ; it proclaims its own char- acter. Speak volume§, to=:To convey much information ; to have weight as an argument, (a) The discoveries made by the excavations at Pom- peii speak volumes regarding the life of the people of that buried city = The discoveries made by the excavations at Pompeii convey much information regarding the life of the people of that buried city. Speak well for, to = To be commendatory of; to give a favorable impression of (a) It speaks well for him that he is kind to his mother = It is commendatory of him that he is kind to his mother. The large dividend which the rail-road pays, this year, speaks well far its managements The large dividend paid by the rail-road, this year, indi- cates that its affairs have been well managed. Spent ball = A ball shot from a fire-arm, which reaches an object without having sufficient force to penetrate it. Were you wounded in the battle? No, I was only struck by a spent ball = Were you wounded in the battle ? No, I was only hit by a ball which had lost its power to penetrate, before it reached me. Spick and §pan new = Quite new ; brightly new. (a) Mr. H. has refurnished his house ; and the carpets and most of the furniture are spick and span new — Mr. H. has refurnished his house ; and the carpets and most of the furniture are brightly new. Spike the g^ung, to = To disable ; to render power- less, (a) The senator from Vermont spiked the guns of his opponent, in argument = The senator from Vermont rendered the argument of his opponent powerless. Spin a yarn, to {Naut.) = To tell a long story, (a) The retired sailor used to delight the children of the village by spinning yarns about the whale fish- ery = The retired sailor used to delight the children of the village, by telling them long stories about catching whales. Spring the luff, to {Naut.) = Tlo yield to the helm, and sail nearer to the wind than before, (a) She springs the luff— The vessel yields to the helm, and sails nearer to the wind than before. Spin out, to = To prolong tediously. (&) The story of the shipwreck, told in the new novel, is spun out to a great lengths The story of the ship- wreck, related in the new novel, is tediously pro- longed. Spoiled child a = A child injured by indulgence, (a) 220 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. You can not expect him to be patient and obedi- ent, for .be is a spoiled child = Yon can not expect him to be a patient and obedient child, for he has been injured by indulgence and petting. Spoke in one'§ wlieel, to put a = To say something of one which is calculated to injure him, or pre- vent his success ; to thwart one. (c) His competitors in business endeavored to put a spoke in his wheel =I{\s competitors in business en- deavored, by false representations, to prevent his success. Spread abroad, to = To publish widely ; to make known extensively, (a) The news of the discovery of the gold mines in California was soon spread abroad = The news of the discovery of the gold mines in California was soon made known extensively. Spring a leak, to {Naut) = To commence leaking.; to begin to leak, (a) The ship has sprung a leak = The ship has begun to leak. Spy out, to = To explore ; to view and examine secretly, (c) Twelve men of the ancestors of the Jews went and spied out the land of Canaan (B. C. 1491) = Twelve men of the ancestors of the Jews went to Canaan, and secretly examined the land (B. C. 1491). The government of sent a small party, to spy out an adjacent country which they wished to invade = The government of sent a small party, to examine secretly an adjacent country which they wished to invade. Square by, to = To adjust ; to regulate. I can not square myself hy your notions = I can not regulate my notions by yours. Square with, to = To accord or agree exactly with ; to conform to. (a) His conduct does not square with his words = His conduct does not agree with his w^ords. Staek arm§, to (M7.) = To set np rifles together, with bayonets crossing, (a) "When they went into camp, the soldiers stacked arms =: When the soldiers went into camp, they set up their rifles together, with the bayonets crossing each other. Stand a ehance, to = To have the possibility, likeli- hood, or opportunity, (a) Now that the secretary of the insurance company has died, the assistant secretary will stand a chance of being appointed to the place = Because the secre- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 221 tary of the insurance company lias died, the assistant secretary will possibly or probably be appointed to the office. Stand aloof, to = To keep at a distance ; to refuse to take part in. (a) The boys asked him to join them in their game of ball ; but he stood aloof = The boys asked him to play ball with them, but he kept at a distance, and took no part in the game. Stand at the head, to = To be the leader, (a) England stands at the head of European nations = England is the leader among European nations. Stand by, to = l. To occupy a position on one side ; to be a spectator, (a) 2. To be ready to defend ; ♦ to defend, support, (a) 1. I stood hy while the idolatrous procession passed = 1 was present looking on, while the idolatrous procession went by. 2. I will stand hy my friend, in his trouble in the lawsuits I will not desert my friend in his trouble in the lawsuit. Stand fa§t, to = To remain iirm ; to abide by. {a) The patriots of the American devolution utood fast by the principles of liberty = The patriots of the American Revolution remained firm in the princi- ples of liberty. Stand flr§t, to = To have the pre-eminence, (a) Dr. A. stands first among the city physicians = Dr. A. has the pre-eminence among the city physicians. Stand for, to = To offer one's self as a candidate, (a) There is a rumor that he is anxious to enter Par- liament, and that he is to stand for Cork = There is a rumor that he is anxious to enter Parliament, and that he will offer himself as a candidate at Cork. Stand for, to = To be in the place of; to be the sub- stitute or representative of. (a) What does the word " it " stand for ? It stands for an object = What is the word it the representa- tive of? Jt is the representative of an object. The sign $ stands for dollar = The sign $ represents dollar. M. D. stands for Doctor of Medicine = M. D. means Doctor of Medicine. The sign &c. stands for and so forth = The sign &c. means, and so forth. Stand in fear of, to = To be much afraid of. (a) When tramps abound, the community stands in fear of them = When tramps abound, people are much afraid of them. Stand in hand, to = To be for one's advantage ; to be serviceable, or advantageous, (a) The blacksmith has a good situation in Mr. B's machine shop ; it stands him in hand to be industri- 222 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. ous and obliging = The blacksmith has a good situa- tion in Mr. B's machine shop ; it will be for his ad- vantage to be industrious and obliging. It stands the youth in hand to please his uncle, who intends to leave him his property = It will be advantageous for the youth to please his uncle, who intends to make him his heir. IStand in one'§ o\irii lig^ht, to = To be the means of preventing one's good, or frustrating one's own purposes, {a) By indulging in the use of intoxicating drinks, you stand in your own light— Thi^ conduct of yours in using intoxicants, is the means of preventing your own good. By not being social you stand in your own light =^j not being social, you deprive yourself of much good. I have stood in my own light long enoughs I will no longer hinder my own advancement. The merchant stood in his own light as a business man, when he opposed the construction of the rail-road = The merchant acted disadvant- ageously to himself as a business man, when he opposed the building of the rail-road. Stand in stead, to=:To be of great use, or advant- age, (c) 'Now that the laborer is prevented working, by a broken leg, the money he has deposited in the bank will stand him in stead ^Now that the laborer is pre- vented working, by a broken leg, his money depos- ited in the bank will be of great use to him. The soldier's blanket stood him in great stead through a long campaign = The soldier's blanket was very ser- viceable through a long campaign. Stand in the gap, to = To expose one's self for the protection of something, (c) The patriots stood in the gap, w^hen the liberty of their country was threatened = The patriots exposed themselves for the protection of their country's lib- erty, when it was threatened. In the Sepoy rebel- lion, when English families were in great danger, some native household servants stood in the gap, and saved the lives of many = When many English fami- lies were in great danger in the Sepoy rebellion, some native servants exposed themselves for the protection of their masters' families, and saved many lives. Stand off, to = To remain distant ; not to approach. (a) The policeman told the burglar to stand off, or he would shoot him = The policeman told the burglar not to approach, else he would shoot him. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 223 Stand off and on, to {Naut.) = To remain near a coast, bj sailing toward the land and then from it. Before entering the harbor the vessel stood off and on some hours =: Before entering the harbor the ves- sel sailed toward the coast, and then from it, keep- ing near the land for some hours. IStand one in, to = To cost one ; to be worth to one. I gave a piece of land worth fifteen hundred dol- lars, and a thousand dollars cash, for this house ; so that it stands me in twenty-five hundred dollars = I gave a thousand dollars cash, and a lot of land worth fifteen hundred, for this house ; so that it cost me twenty-five hundred dollars. Stand one'§ ground, to = To keep the ground or station one has taken ; to maintain one's position, (a) The soldiers stood their ground, though the arrows of the savages were flying in all directions = Tlic soldiers kept their position, though the arrows of the savages were flying in all directions. Stand out, to = l. To project; to be prominent, {a) 2. To persist in opposition or resistance, (a) 1. The portico stands out from the house = The portico projects beyond the house. 2. All the peo- ple in the district were anxious for a new school- house, but Mr. A. stood out = AW the people in the district were anxious for a new school-house, but Mr. A. persisted in opposition. 2. He is obstinate ; he stands out against our entreaties = He is obstinate ; he does not yield to our entreaties. Stand over, to = To be steadily present with, in order to secure the doing of something, (a) Domestic servants w^hose mistress has to stand over them all the time, are unsatisfactory = Domes- tic servants whose mistress is obliged to be constant- ly with them and teach them how to work, do not give satisfaction. Stand to reason, to — To be in accordance with rea- son ; to be right ot fitting, (a) It stands to reason, that you should pay this bill = It is right and proper that you should pay this bill. It stands to reason that murder should be punished = Our reason teaches us that murder should be pun- ished. It standi to reason, that a judge should not accept bribes =r It is in harmony with the dignity of the office of judge, that he should not accept bribes. Stand up for, to = To defend ; to justify ; to sup- port, {a) Mr. A. is slandered — will you stand up for him ? = Mr. A. is slandered — wiU you defend him ? I 224 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. am blamed, but I have many friends who will stand up for me = I am blamed, but I have many friends who will take my part. The new members of Par- liament stand up for i\\Q ministry = The new mem- bers support the ministry or executive government. Stand upon, to = l. To value; to pride, (c) 2. To insist, {b) 1, Some families staiid much upon their birth = Some families value their distinguished or noble ex- traction very much. 2. Do not stand upon cere- mony =: Do not insist upon ceremony; do not be formal. Stare one in the face, to = To be imminent ; to be just before one. (c) When the shipwrecked sailors were out at sea, starvation stared them in the face — When the ship- wrecked sailors were out at sea, starvation was im- minent. Start off, to = To depart ; to go forth, (a) The officer started off to find the man who had committed the robbery = The officer went forth to find the man who had committed the robbery. Start up, to = To rise suddenly; to come suddenly into notice or importance, (a) As we passed through the wood, numerous birds started w^=: As we passed through the wood, numer- ous birds suddenly rose on the wing. Stave off, to = To delay forcibly ; to prevent, (a) The influence of the lobby members staved off the passage of the canal bill = Theinfluenceof the lobby members prevented the passage of the canal bill. Stay away, to = To remain absent or at a distance, (a) The incubating bird does not stay away from her nest long enough for the eggs to become cold = The bird, while incubating, does not remain absent from her nest long enough for the eggs to become cold. My son has been ill, and obliged to stay away irom. school for a week = My son has been ill, and necessi- tated to be absent from school for a week. Steal along, to = To proceed quietly and secretly, (a) The cat steals along, under the hedge, till she comes near the bird ; then suddenly springs and seizes it = The cat proceeds quietly and secretly under the hedge, till she comes near the bird, when she sud- denly springs, and seizes it. Steal a march upon, to = To march in a covert way ; to gain an advantage unobserved, (a) He was preparing a similar book, but I stx)le a IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 225 march upon him, and published mj book first = He was preparing a similar book, but I gained an ad- vantage over him, by hastening mj work without his knowledge, and publishing it first. IN'apoleon stole a march on the Austrians, and took them by surprise = Napoleon advanced without the knowl- edge of the Austrians, and took them by surprise. Steer clear of, to = To shun ; to avoid ; to keep at a distance from. (Z/) I steer clear of all such hazardous investments as fancy stocks = I shun such hazardous investments as fancy stocks. Steer clear (/opium smokers = Keep away from opium smokers. Pie could not expect to steer clear of financial embarrassment, so long as he did business so carelessly = He did business so care- lessly, that he could not expert to avoid financial embarrassment. Stem the tide, to = To resist ; to oppose ; to check. (5) Tlie candidate for oflice in America is often oblig- ed to stum the tide of political opposition and abuse = The candidate for oftice in America is often ob- liged to resist or struggle against political opposi- tion and abuse. Stem the torrent, to = To resist ; to check, (c) The Romans could not stem the torrent of barba- rism which flowed down from the northern nations. in the fifth century = The Romans could not check the barbarism which descended from the northern nations in the fifth century. Step by §tep = By degrees ; gradually, (a) He has now come, step by step, to the end of this study = He has now come, by slow and gradual pro- gress, to tlie end of this study. The settlements in the United States advance westward, step by step = The settlements in the United States are gradually extended toward the west. Step into, to = 1. To obtain easily ; to enter upon suddenly, (a) 2. To enter for a short time, (a) 1. He has stepped into sl good estate by inheritance = He has come into the possession of a good estate without trouble, by inheritance. 1. He has steppjed' into a large fortune by marriage = He has easily ob- tained a large fortune by marriage. 1. By the res- ignation of the consul, Mr. E. stepped into sl good' office = By the resignation of the consul, Mr. E. sud- denly obtained a good office without trouble. 2. I am in a hurry, and shall oidy step into this house = I am in a hurry, and shall only make a short call here. Stick at, to = To hesitate, (c) He will not stick at any meanness in making mon- 16 226 . IDIOMATIC PHRASES. ey = He will not hesitate to do any mean act, for the sake of making money. What I stick at is the expense of the journey = I hesitate to make the journey on account of the expense. IStick toy, to:=To remain faithful; to be constant; to be firm in supporting, (c) Mr. M. sticks hy his political party, though many are deserting it = Mr. M. faithfully adheres to his political party, though many are deserting it. Stick in the throat, to — To be spoken unwilling- ly or painfully, {b) The boy confessed his fault, but the confession stuck in his throat = The boy confessed his fault, but the confession was spoken unwillingly. Stick out, to = To project, (a) The man carried his umbrella under his arm, so that it stuck out behind him = The man carried his umbrella under his arm, so that it projected behind him. Stick to, to = To persevere in holding to ; to adhere to. {a) lie sticks to his purpose of obtaining an education = He adheres to his purpose of obtaining an educa- tion. The boy says, and sticks to it, that he saw two foxes in the pasture to-day = The boy asserts that he saw two foxes in the pasture to-day, and he persists in the assertion. Stilf as a poker = Excessively stiff, (a) Our new laundress made my collars as stiff as a poker = Our new laundress made my collars exces- sively stiff. Stir up, to=r:l. To disturb, {a) 2. To excite thor- oughly ; to awaken ; to instigate by inflaming pas- sions (a) 1. The wind stirred up the water of the pond from the bottoms The wind disturbed the water of the pond from the bottom. 2. The speeches of Adams and Otis stirred up the American people to oppose the stamp act (1765) = The speeches of Adams and Otis incited the American people to oppose the stamp act (1765). 2. In 1860 the South was stirred wj> to secede = In the year 1860 the Southern states withdrew from the nation, under the stimulus of heated passions. 2. Do not stir up strife among the neighbors = Do not excite strife among the neigh- bors. iStock doiFn, to = To sow with grass-seed, (a) Farmers sometimes stock down their land in the spring, and sometimes in the fall = Farmers some- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 227 times sow their land with grass-seed in the spring, and sometimes in the autumn. Stop payment, to = To become embarrassed or bankrupt, in business, (a) The large hardware firm, on Front street, has stop- ped payment = The large hardware firm, on Front street, has become embarrassed in business. Strain or §trctcli a point, to = To go beyond the proper limit or extent ; to exceed the bounds of strict propriety or duty, (a) The law was against him, but the judge strained a point in his favor = The law was against him, but the judge made it yield a little in his favor. He stretched a point, to make his story more interesting. = He ex- aggerated a little to make his story more interest- ing. Strategic point (M7.) = A point or region in the theater of warlike operations, which affords its pos- sessor an advantage over his opponent, (c) In the civil war, the region around Washington was a strategic point = In the civil war, Washington and its vicinity was a region that afforded the army which chanced to possess it, much advantage. StraiF bail = Worthless bail, (c) When he was arrested for illicit distilling, straw hail was offered by some friendsr for security = Worthless bail was offered by some friends, when he was arrested for unlawful distilling. Stretch on the bed of Procruste§, to = To judge all cases by the same rule ; to make all conform to the same standard, (c) Some opium reformers in China wish to stretch all opium smokers on the bed of Procrustes— ^ome opium reformers in China wish to force all opium smokers to be conformed to the same rule. Strictly spealcing = In accuracy of language or ex- actness of meaning, {a) Strictly speaking, the North American Indians were not aboriginal inhabitants, for there are proofs of an earlier race in the land = In accuracy of language, the North American Indians were not aboriginal in- habitants, for there are proofs of an earlier race in the country. Strike a balance, to = To equalize ; to average ; to compare ; to take a medial estimate, (c) If we strike a balance between the various pursuits of men, we shall find that they do not differ much in the toil and vexation attending them — If we com- pare the toils and vexations attendant upon the dif- ferent pursuits of men, we shall find that they do 2^8 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. not differ much in this respect. To get the truth in political matters, we must strike a balance between the statements of the partisans of both sides = To ascertain the truth in political matters, we must average the statements of the partisans of both sides. Strike a bargain, tor=To make and ratify a bar- gain, {h) I have struck a bargain with Mr. B. for his fast horse =1 Mr. B. has agreed to sell me his fast horse for a specified sum. IStrike a jury, to=:To constitute a special jury, or-" dered by court, by each party striking out from a prepared list of jurors, till it has been reduced to the required number, (a) In the case between Mr. A. and Mr. B., the court directed to strike a jury— In the case between Mr. A. and Mr. B., the court directed that a special jury should be formed, by each party striking names from a list of jurors, till the list should be reduced to the required number. Strike dumb, to — To confound ; to astonish ; to render silent by astonishment, {b) I was struck dumb by the dreadful news = I was rendered silent by astonishment at the dreadful news. Strike in, to=:To recede from the surface, as an eruption ; to disappear, (a) Small-pox is fatal, if the eruption strikes in= Small-pox is fatal, if the eruption disappears from the skin too soon. Strike off, to = l. To erase, (a) 2. To print, (a) 3. To separate by a blow or any sudden action, (a) 1. The man desired the merchant to strike o/f some items from his account = The man desired the mer- chant to erase some of the items in his account. 2. The printer struck off a thousand extra copies of the paper containing an account of the celebration = The printer printed a thousand extra copies of the paper containing an account of the celebration. 3. In 1536 the executioner struck off Queen Anne's head, of England, on the charge of infidelity to the king =:In 1536 Queen Anne of England was beheaded, on the charge of infidelity to the king. Strike out, to = l. To erase; to efface. 2. To in- vent ; to devise. 1. When the teacher connected the composi- tion of the scholar, he struck out some expressions — In correcting the pupil's composition, his teacher erased some expressions. 2. The secretary of the treasury has struck out a new plan for lessening, the IDIOMATIC PHRASES. national debt = The secretary of the devised a new plan for lessening the debt. Strike the eye, to = To affect the eye in some par- ticular manner ; to impress strongly, (a) Bushnell Park (Hartford) strikes the eye of stran- gers entering the city by rail, as a place 'of exqui- site beauty = Bushnell Park (Hartford) strongly im- presses strangers entering the city by rail, with the taste and beauty with which it has been laid out and ornamented. (Strike or longer the flag, to = To pull it down upon the cap, in token of respect, submission, or, in an engagement, of surrender, (a) After hard but unsuccessful figliting, the captain of the ship struck his Jiag = Ai\er hard fighting, the captain ordered tlie flag to be pulled down, in token of surrender. Strike up, to = To begin to play, as a musician, (a) As we passed, the band struck up = Wlien we were passing, the band began to play. Strike up the national air when I give the signal = Begin to play the national air when I give the signal. Strong point = Special excellence, (a) Mr. E's power of argument is his strong point as a speaker = Mr. E's special excellence, as a speaker, is his skill and power in argument. Book-keeping is your strong point— Yon are better at book-keeping than at any thing else. Stuff the ballot-box, to (U. S.) = To put in many fraudulent votes, (a) It is a criminal offense to stuff the hallot-hox in the election of officers, (U. S.) = It is a criminal offense to fill the ballot-box with fraudulent votes in the election of officers, (U. S.) Stumble upon, to = To find b}^ chance or unex- pectedly, (a) Mr. A. stumbled upon a valuable history, in a second-hand bookstore = Mr. A. unexpectedly found a valuable history, in a second-hand bookstore. Stung to the quiek = Deeply pained or hurt in feel- ing, (a) The clerk was stung to the quick^ by the accusation of dishonesty = The clerk was deeply hurt in feeling, by being accused of dishonesty. Sue out, to {Law) = To petition for, and take out. (a) His attorney sued out a writ of injunction against their cutting down the trees = His attorney applied for, and obtained, an injunction restraining certain parties from cutting down trees. 230 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Suit one'§ fancy, to = To please one ; to accord with one's taste, (a) The carpet which Mr. O. selected for the parlor did not suit his wife's fancy = Th.e carpet which Mr. O. selected for the parlor did not please his w^ife. Suit or fit to a T, to = To suit exactly ; to answer perfectly, (b) The coat fits me to a T= The coat fits me exactly. Mrs. A's new servant suits her to a T= Mrs. A's new servant exactly suits her (wholly pleases her.) Sum and §ub§tance = The principal thoughts, when viewed together ; the amount ; the gist, (a) The sum and substance of the lawyer's argument against the rail-road bill is, that it is unconstitutional = The gist of the lawyer's argument is, that the rail-road bill is unconstitutional. The sum and sub- stance of all his objections to going is this, that he does not wish to go = All his objections to go- ing amount to this, that he does not wish to go. The author of this book of travels endeavors to render himself conspicuous ; this is the sum and substance of the work = The whole import of this book is an attempt, on the part of the author, to render himself conspicuous. Sum up, to = To ascertain the amount of. (b) When the trader summed up his indebtedness, he was surprised to find it so small = When the trader ascertained the amount of his indebtedness, the smallness of it surprised him. Sum up, to = To condense ; to comprise in a few words, (a) The science of things divine and human, with their causes, is all stimmed up in one word, philoso- phy = The science of things divine and human, with their causes, is all expressed in one w^ord, philoso- phy. The lawyer sumnned up the case for the plaint- ifi" in a powerful plea = The lawyer mentioned the principal points in favor of the plaintiff in a powerful plea. The whole of man's duty to God and to his fellow-men is summed up in the word, love = The whole of man's duty to God and to his fellow-men is comprised in the word, love. Surrender at discretion, to=:To surrender with- out stipulations, or unconditionally, (a) The vanquished commander was not willing to surrender at discretion = The vanquished commander was unwilling to surrender unconditionally. Swalloiv up, to = To draw into an abyss or gulf : to absorb, (a) His extravagance in living and his betting habits IDIOMATIC PHKASES. 231 have swallowed up the larger part of his property = His extravagant style of living and his losses by betting have absorbed the larger part of his property. Swear the peace against one, to := To make oath that one is under actual fear of death or bodily harm from one ; in which case he must find sure- ties of peace. She was compelled to swear the peace against her drunken husband=She was under the necessity of making oath, that she was in fear of death or bodily harm from her husband in his intoxication; and he was obliged to find sureties of peace. Sireat coin, toi=To remove portions of the coin by ' shaking it in a bag. The rogues who were known to sweat coin have been arrested = The rogues who were known to shake coin in a bag, and steal the gold thus worn oiF by friction, have been an-ested. Swim with the stream, to = To conform to the popular opinion ; to move with the prevailing cur- rent, (a) Many a man secures office and riches, by swim- ming with the stream ^Maiiy a man secures office and riches, by moving with the prevailing current of opinion and feeling. T. Take a course, to = To go in a direction ; to pursue a path ; to conduct one's self, (a) In crossing the Atlantic ocean, ships aim to take a course by which they shall avoid the icebergs = In crossing the Atlantic ocean, ships aim to pursue a path by which they shall avoid the icebergs. If a man would be respected, he must take a course which shall merit respects If a man would be respected, he must conduct himself in a manner to merit re- spect. Take a cursory view of, to = To see hastily ; to examine superficially, (c) The teacher took a cursory view of the new Ency- clopedia which the agent left at his houses The teacher superficially examined the new Encyclopedia which the agent left at his house. Take atter, to==l. To copy ; to imitate, (a) 2. To resemble, (a) 1. In your deportment, my son, I wish you to take after the best examples = In your deportment, my 232 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. son, I wish jou to imitate the best examples. 2. This lad takes after his father, in his looks and dis- position = This lad resembles his father, in features and disposition. Take amiss, to = To regard as wrong or improper ; to resent ; to feel injm-ed or slighted, {a) Mr. A. spoke to the young man about his habit of using tobacco, but the young man took it amiss = Mr. A. spoke to the young man about his habit of using tolDacco, but the young man resented being spoken to. Do not take amiss my advising you in this matter = Do not regard as improper my advising you in this matter. He took it amiss that he was not invited to the weddings He felt slighted by not receiving an invitation to the wedding. He took it amiss that I should say 80 = He took offense at my saying so. Take an account of, to = To record ; to make a list of. (c) The merchant takes an account of stock, at the end of every year = At the end of every year, the mer- chant makes a list of the stock which he has on hand. Take a paper, to = To receive regularly, on paying the price of subscription, (a) He takes six papers, and pays about $40 a year = He receives regularly, by paying for them, six papers, and pays about $40 a year. Take a risk, to = To assume danger ; to insure, (a) This fire insurance company has take7i many risks in the city of B., the past year = This fire insurance company has insured many buildings in the city of B., the past year. Take arms, to = To go to war. (a) The colonies took arms in defense of their liberties — The colonies began war in defense of their liber- ties. Take at one's word, to = To believe what one says, and to act upon it. (a) The gardener said he would give a basket of grapes to any one if he himself would pick them ; and the lawyer took him at his word, and went after them = The gardener said he would give a basket of grapes to any one if he himself would pick them ; and the lawyer believed what he said, and acted accordingly, by going after them. Do you wish me to take you at your word f = Do you wish me to accept and act on what you have said, as true ? Take a turn, to=:l. To take a brief walk, (a) 2. To change ; to suffer alteration, (a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 233 1. You have company now ; I will take a turn on the avenue, and then come back = Since you have company, I will take a short walk on the avenue, and then come back. 1, We will take a turn in the garden before dinner = We will walk a little in the garden before dinner. 2. His disease has taken a favorable turn — His disease has changed favorably. 2. His sickness has taken a new turn^ and I am ap- prehensive of the result = His sickness has suffered alteration, and I am apprehensive of the result. Take a walk, to — To walk, (a) The botanist took a walk^ and went into the woods to find flowers = The botanist walked out for exer- cise, and went into the woods to find flowers. Take aivay, to = To remove, (a) They have taken aiuay the old house, and built a new one = They have removed the old house, and built a new one. Take breath, to = To pause long enough to breathe freely ; to be recruited ; to be refreshed, (a) Half-way up the hill, he stopped to let his horses take breath — Il2i\i-V7dij \v^ the hill, he stopped to let his horses breathe and rest. After going half-way up the tower, the boys had to stop to take breathe After going half-way up the tower, the boys had to stop and take time to breathe. Take care, to = To be careful ; to be solicitous ; — with of or for. (a) Take care of your health = Be careful of your health. Take coun§el, to = To consult others ; to ask ad- vice, (c) Because the young man did not take counsel of more experienced persons, he made serious mistakes in business = Because the young man did not con- sult persons who were more experienced than him- self, he made serious mistakes in business. Take doivn, to=:l. To remove from a height; to depress, (a) 2. To swallow, (a) 3. To pull down ; to pull to pieces, (a) 4. To record ; to write down. {a) 1. After the celebration, the flag was taken down from the top of the building = After the celebration, the flag was removed from the top of the building. 1, His pride was taken down by the loss of property = His pride was reduced by the loss of property. 1. The author was much taken down by the criticism on his book = The author was much depressed by the criticism on his book. 2. The mother said to the child, '' Take the medicine down^ and do not stop 234 IDIOMATIC PHKASES. to think about it " = The mother said to the child, "Swallow the medicine, and do not stop to think about it." 3. The carpenters took down the old house, in order to build a new one = The carpenters pulled down the old house, in order to build a new one. 4. The reporters took down the testimony, as fast as the witness uttered it = The reporters re- corded the testimony in writing, as fast as the wit- ness uttered it. Take effect, to = 1. To have the intended effect, (a) 2. To go into operation, {a) 1. Did the medicine which he used last night Uike effect f = Did the medicine which he used last night have the intended effect ? 2. This Connecti- cut law about marriage licenses took effect immedi- ately = This Connecticut law about marriage licenses went into operation immediately. Take exception against or to, to = To object to • to find fault with, (a) I could not, in conscience, do otherwise than take exception against using unfair means to win the boat- race = I could not conscientiously do otherwise than object to using unfair means to win the boat-race. The people of W. take exception to some statements about their village, published in yesterday's paper = The people of W. find fault with the publication, in yesterday's paper, of some statements about their village. Take for, to = To suppose to be. {a) The policeman was so dressed in uniform, that the stranger took him for a soldier = The policeman was so dressed in uniform, that the stranger sup- posed him to be a soldier. Take for g^ranted, to = To assume to be true, with- out positively knowing, {a) The man started on his journey to San Francisco, and took for granted that the trains would connects The man commenced his journey to San Francisco, and assumed that the trains would connect. I sent my friend some fine pears, taking for granted that he was fond of them = I sent my friend some nice pears, assuming that he liked pears, though I did not certainly know. I take it for granted^ you wdll come to-night = I suppose it is certain, that you will come to-night. I take his honesty for granted— \ do not doubt he is honest. Take French leave, to — To take an informal de- parture ; to leave without notice. (Z)) At the party, instead of bidding the host good evening, he took French leave— At the party, in- I IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 235 stead of saying good evening to the host, he took an informal departure. Take fright, to=:To become frightened, (a) The governor's horses took fright at the engine, and nearly overturned the carriage = The governor's horses became frightened at the engine, and nearly overturned the carriage. Take beart, to = To be encouraged ; to gain confi- dence, (c) The man who had long been out of employment took heart, when the manufacturer hired him for a year = The man who had long been without employ- ment was encouraged, when the manufacturer hired him for a year. Take heed, to = To be careful or cautious, (h) It is almost dark ; and if you do not takeheed, you will drive into that hole in the readmit is almost dark ; and if you are not cautious, you will drive into that hole in the road. Take heed to, to = To attend to with care ; to. ob- serve ; to regard, (a) If a man does not take heed to his business, he can not prosper = If a man does not carefully attend to his business, he can not prosper. He took heed to the advice of liis father = He regarded the advice of his father. Take hold of, to = 1. To grasp ; to cling to. (a) 2. To affect deeply, (a) 1. As he was about to fall on the sidewalk, he took hold of the fence and thus saved himself = As he was about to fall on the sidewalk, he grasped the fence, and thus prevented himself from falling. 2. Mr. A's troubles take hold of him = Mr. A's troubles affect him deeply. Take in, to = 1. To include ; to comprise, (a) 2. To understand, (a) 3. To draw into a smaller com- pass ; to contract, (a) 4. To admit ; to receive, (a) 5. To cheat ; to deceive. («) 1. The neighbor's farm takes in the wood-lot on the hill = The neighbor's farm includes the wood- land on the hill. 2. The old man's mind is so weak- ened, that he does not take in what is said to him = The old man's mind is so weakened, that he does not understand what is said to him. 3. The coat is too large ; the tailor must take it in — The coat is too large ; the tailor must contract it (make it smaller). 3. "When the storm increased to violence, they took in sail = They drew in the sail close to the mast, when the storm increased to violence. 4. The vessel struck a rock, and began to take in water = The ves- 286 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. sel struck a rock, and began to admit water. 4. The ship took in a cargo of cotton at New Orleans = Tlie ship received a cargo of cotton at New Orleans. 5, Mr. A. was badly taken in by the man with whom he exchanged farms = Mr. A. was badly cheated by the man with whom he exchanged farms. Take in g[oocl part, to = To receive without anger ; not to be offended by. (a) He took my rebuke in good part—HQ was not an- gry at my rebuke. You must take my jokes in good part - You must not be angry with me on account of my jokes. Take in hand, to = 1. To attempt ; to undertake, (a) 2. To seize and deal with. («) 1. He has taken the work of building the house in hand=lle has undertaken to build the house. 1. If you expect to finish that work this year, you must take it in hand now = If you expect to finish that work this year, you must undertake it now. 2, The teacher took the boy m ha7id for his truancy = The •teacher laid hold of the boy to punish him for his truancy. Take into account, to — To consider ; to regard. (a) The men failed to reach the depot in time lor the cars, because they did not take into account the dis- tance, and the bad travelings The men failed to reach the depot in time for the cars, because they did not consider the distance, and the bad condition of the roads. In judging him, you do not take his youth info account— In judging him, you do not con- sider his youthfulness, which is an excuse. Taking into account his little education, he has succeeded well in business =: He has done well in business, for one who had so little education. We must take into account the difficulties of his task = We must not for- get that his task is difficult. Take into con§icleration, to = To investigate or think upon carefully, (a) The teacher said that he would take into considera- tion the request of the boys, for a change of study = The teacher said that he would think carefully upon the request of the boys, for a change of studies. Take into cu§tody, to — To receive for safe keep- ing ; to confine or imprison, {a) The jailer took into custody the man who was ar- rested for stealing a horse = The jailer confined the man who was arrested for stealing a horse. Take in tow, to = To drag through the water by means of a rope, (a) I IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 237 The steam tug takes canal boats and barges in tow = The steam tug drags canal boats and barges through the water by means of a rope. Take it§ ri§e, to = To originate ; to have its source. («) The Tai-Ping rebellion took its rise in the province of Quang Se = The Tai-Ping rebelhon originated in the province of Quang Se. My fear of him takes its rise in my knowledge of his ability to injure me = My fear of him is caused by my knowledge of his ability to injure me. His large fortune took its rise from his early savings = His large fortune was begun by his early savings. The river A. takes its rise in the Po mountains=The river A. has its source in the Po mountains. The term Protestant took its rise from the protest, made by the followers of Luther, against a decree of the Emperor Charles Y.^ The term Protestant originated with the protest which was made by the followers of Luther, against a de- cree of the Emperor Charles Y. Take kindly to, to = To be kindly inclined to ; to be well disposed or friendly to. (a) The school takes kindly to the new principal = The scholars are kindly inclined to the new principal. Take leave, to — To bid farewell ; to leave, {a) The tourists took leave of Rome with regret = The tourists bade farewell to Pome with regret. I have come to take leave of you = I have come to say good- bye. AYhen he took his leave of us, he promised to return = When he bade us farewell, he promised to return. Take mea§ure§, to = To use the proper means ; to provide means, (a) On the breaking out of the rebellion in the United States in 1861, the president took measures to put an army of volunteers into the field = On the breaking out of the rebellion in the United States in 1861, the president used the proper means to put an army of volunteers into the field. Taken aback = Suddenly checked or disappointed ; unexpectedly baffled. («) The truant school-boys were taken ahack^ by meet- ing one of the teachers face to face — The truant school-boys were unexpectedly baffled, by meeting one of the teachers face to face. They were just about to be married, when they were taken aback by the sudden appearance of the father of the young girl = They were just on the point of being married, when they were unexpectedly baffled by the appear- ance of the father of the young girl. 288 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Take notice, to := To observe, (a) The public will take notice^ that walking on the grass in the park is forbidden = The public will ob- serve that walking on the grass in the park is for- bidden Taken ill or sick, to l>e — To be made sick ; to be attacked with illness, (a) In due time after exposure, my child was taken sick with measles = In due time after exposure, my child was made sick with measles. Take oath, to = To be sworn in the judicial form ; to solemnly affirm by appealing to God. (a) You will be called into court, and required to take oath to your statement = You will be called into court, and will have to be sworn in the judicial form, before you give your testimony. The sailor took his oath, tiiat he was not in Shanghai when the murder was committed = The sailor solemnly affirmed with an appeal to God, that he was not in Shanghai when the murder was committed. Take oflf the edge, to = To lessen ; to mitigate, {a) This bad printing takes off the edge of my enjoy- ment of the book — This bad printing lessens my en- joyment of the book. Drink several cups of tea to take off the edge of your appetite = Take several cups of tea to make you a little less hungry. In waiting for him to come, the edge was taken off from my anger = I became less angry while waiting for him to come. To know that others are suffering the same takes off the edge of our sorrows = To know that others are suffering the same mitigates our sorrows. The sympathy of friends takes off the edge of our sor- rows = The sympathy of friends mitigates our sor- rows. Take off, to = l. To remove ; to invalidate, (a) 2. To withdraw ; to call away from, (a) 1. Your reply has taken off the force of his charges against the cashier of the bank = Your reply has in- validated or weakened the force of his charges against the cashier of the bank. - 2. The late comers took off my attention from the speaker = The late comers withdrew my attention from the speaker. 2, Do not let any thing take off your mind from your studies when you are in schools Do not suffer your mind to be withdrawn from your studies, by any thing, when you are in school. Take on, to = 1, To assume, (a) 2. To be violently affected, (a) 1. His disease has taken on a new phases His disease has assumed a new phase. 1. Since his IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 239 becoming rich, he takes on airs = Since he became rich, he assumes haughty manners. 2. When he heard of the death of his father, he took on at a great rate = When he heard of his father's death, he was violently affected, and lamented loudly. 2. That child is taking on greatly, because the nurse has left the room for a time = That child is making a great ado, because the nurse has left the room for a time. Take one'§ chance, to = To try one's luck ; to venture ; to do something without a rational regard for tlie connection between cause and effect, (h) The man pushed his boat toward the falls, and took his chance of escaping with his life = The man piished his boat toward thef falls, without any ra- tional regard to the laws by which life is preserved. He buys a lottery-ticket, and takes his chance of draw- ing a prize — He buys a lottery-ticket, and hopes to draw a rich prize, though he understands there is no rational connection between the small outlay for the ticket and the large returns of a prize. Take one'§ choice, to = To choose ; to select, (a) The merchant laid several pieces of silk on the counter, in order that the lady might take her choice = The merchant laid several pieces of silk on the counter, in order that the lady might select one. Take onc'§ departure, to = To depart, (a) The student has taken his departure for Germany, expecting to be absent two years = The student has departed for Germany, expecting to be absent two years. Take one's flight, to = To flee; to depart hastily. (a) When the enemy appeared in sight of the town, the women and children took their flight — When the enemy appeared in sight of the town, J:he women and children fled. Take one'§ own course, to — To follow one's own will ; to act one's pleasure, (a) He would not hear to my advice, but took his own course- JLq would not follow my advice, but did as he himself chose, or followed his own will. -Take your own course in regard to the method of investing the money which I have intrusted to you = Act your own pleasure or judgment in regard to investing the money which I have intrusted to you. 240 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Take one's -word for, to=:To believe because of one's testimony, (a) We take the word of tourists for it, that Paris is a verj gaj city = We believe that Paris is a very gay city, because of the testimony of tourists. Take on tru§t, to = To trust a person or believe a truth, because of the testimony of another, (a) Mrs. A. recommended the servant to Mrs. B., and Mrs. B. took the servant on trust = M.Y^. A. recom- mended the servant to Mrs. B., and Mrs. B. trusted the servant on account of Mrs. A.'s testiniony. Take out, to — To remove, (a) Bj^ the application of a suitable acid, the lady took out the stain from her sftk dress = By the application of a suitable acid, the lady removed the stain from her silk dress Take pain§, to = To do any thing carefully and la- boriously, (a) The dress-maker took pains to make the wedding dress in style = The dress-maker labored carefully to make the wedding dress in style. Take place, to — To occur ; to happen, (a) In the United States, the election for president takes place once in four years = In the United States, the election for president occurs once in four years. Take precedence, to = To precede in place or order of time ; to go before in rank or importance, (a) The unfinished business of yesterday must take precedence of new business = Tlie unfinished business of yesterday must precede, in order of time and at- tention, any new business. Take rank of, to = To enjoy precedence over ; to have the right of higher place, (a) In the army, the general takes rank of the colonel = In the army, the general has precedence of the colonel. According to English laws a marquis takes rank of an earl = A marquis holds a higher place than an earl, in England. Take root, to==l. To begin to grow; to form a root, {a) 2. To become firmly established, (a) 1. Tliis slip of geranium has taken root in the flower-pot = This slip of geranium, has begun to send out roots in the flower-pot. 2. The principles of honesty have taken root in his mind = The principles of honesty have become firmly established in his mind. 2. The doctrines of socialism have taken root in some countries of Europe = The doctrines of so- cialism have become firmly fixed in some countries of Europe. I IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 241 Take sidc§, to = To join one of two differing par- ties ; to take an interest in one party, (a) Most of the West Point officers took sides witli the government during the civil war = Most of the West Point officers remained in the service of the gov- ernment, during the civil war. The representative from his district takes sides with the hard money men = The representative from his district joins the party which favors hard money. Take §iglit, to ; §iglit, to = To look, for the pur- pose of directing a piece of artillery ; to take aim. (a) In shelling the city, the gunner carefully took sight = In throwing shells into the city, the gunner took careful aim. Take stoek, to = To take an inventory, (a) The store will be shut up three days, in order to take stock = The store will be closed three days, to take an inventory of goods. Take the air, to = To walk or ride out. (a) Every person ought to take the air daily = Every person ought to walk or ride out daily. Take the bull by the horns, to = To take the de- cisive step ; to meet a danger or difficulty manfully. (a) When the emperor saw the first signs of rebellion in his empire, he took the bull by the horns = When the emperor saw the first signs of rebellion in his empire, he took decisive steps to suppress it. Take the car§, (boat, §tage,) to = To enter or use for the purpose of travel, (a) By taking the cars at Hartford, at noon, one may reach New York at 4 o'clock = By entering the cars at Hartford, at noon, one may reach New York at 4 o'clock. Take the field, to = To encamp; to enter active service ; to begin the operations of a campaign, (a) In 1861 the army of the United States govern- ment took the field to subdue the rebellion = The army of the United States government begun the campaign to subdue the rebellion of the Southern States, in 1861. Take the flr§t §tep, to = To make the first move- ment in a given direction ; to begin, (a) The Cliinese government took the first step in estab- lishing the Educational Mission in the United States, by sending thirty young men to Hartford in 1872 = The Chinese government made the first movement in establishing the Educational Mission in the United States, by sending thirty young men to Hartford in 1872. 17 242 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Take the hint, to = To understand the suggestion or allusion, and to act upon it. (a) The physician said to the blacksmith, that some- times diseases like his were caused by over eating ; and the blacksmith took the hint=ThG physician said to the blacksmith, that sometimes diseases like his were caused by over eating ; and the blacksmith understood the suggestion, and acted upon it ; that is, he changed his habits of eating. Take the laboring oar, to = To take the position of chief labor and responsibility, (a) Mr. A. and Mr. B. are partners in publishing the newspaper, but Mr. A. takes the laboring oar==Mr. A. and Mr. B. are partners in publishing the newspaper, but Mr. A. takes the position of chief labor and re- sponsibility. He took the lahoring oar in carrying on the farm = He did the hardest part of the farm work. Take the lead, to = To guide or lead ; to be promi- nent or the iirst. (a) Mr. T. takes the lead among our merchant = Mr. T. is the most prominent of our merchants. A good general is competent to take the lead of his army in every emergency = A good general is competent to lead his army, in every emergency. Take the name of Ood in vain, to = To use the name of God with levity or profaneness. (6) Men are commanded not to take the name of God mvam = Men are commanded not to use the name of , God with levity or profaneness. Take the place of, to = To take the position, and perform the function, of. (a) In the United States, if the president dies, the vice-president takes his place^ilu the United States, if the president dies, the vice-president takes his position, and performs his duties. Take or sign the pledge, to = To make a written promise that one will not drink intoxicating liq- uors, {a) At the close of the temperance lecture, nearly one half the audience signed the pledge — At the close of the temperance lecture, nearly one half the audience signed a written promise, that they would not drink intoxicating liquors. Take the stump, to = To go from place to place making political speeches. Lincoln and Douglass took the stump in Illinois, when they were candidates for the United States Sen ate = Lincoln and Douglass went about making speeches for electioneering purposes, when they were candidates for the United States Senate. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 243 Take the trouble, to = To be at the pains ; to ex- ert one's self; to give one's self inconvenience, (a) Do not take the trouble to write, if you are not quite well = Do not give yourself the inconvenience to write, if you are not quite well. Take or take up time, to = To consume or en- gross time, {a) It tooh all the boy's time^ before school, to do the chores = All the boy's time, before school, was con- sumed in doing the chores. Take time toy the forelock, to = To make prompt use of any thing ; not to let slip an opportunity, (c) The merchant took time by the forelock, and was the first in the market with new goods = The merchant was prompt in making purchases, and was the first in the market with new goods. You must take time by the forelock = You must be prompt and quick in doing what you intend to do. I took time by the fore- lock, starting for China by the next mail steamer =r I let no time be wasted, but started for China by the next mail steamer. Take to, to = l. To be pleased with ; to be fond of; to become attached to. (a) 2. To resort to ; to be- take to. (a) 1. He does not take to hard work .= He dislikes working hard. 1. You seem to take to writing = You appear to enjoy writing. 2. He took to his heels for safety =r He resorted to running for safety. 2. When the labors of the day were over, he took to music as a recreations When the day's work was finished, he betook himself to music as a means of recreation. Take to drinking^, to=:To form the habit of exces- sive and dangerous use of intoxicating liquors, (a) Since losing so much of his property, Mr. B. has taken to drinking — Since losing so much of his prop- erty, Mr. B. has formed the habit of using intoxica- ting liquors in excess and with hazard. Take to heart, to = To feel sensibly; to be sensibly affected by. (a) He took his son's death to heart =I{e felt his son's death very much. They do not take my good ad- vice to heart = They are not sensibly affected by my good advice. The teacher takes it to heart that the pupils do not more respect him = The teacher keenly feels the want of respect on the part of his scholars. Take to task, to=nTo reprove ; to reprimand, (a) His teacher took him to task for his idleness = His teacher reproved him for his idleness. Take to the heel§, to = To flee ; to run. (a) The owner of the orchard appeared, and the boys 244 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. who were helping themselves to fruit took to their heels = Th.Q, owner of the orchard appeared, and the boys who were helping themselves to fruit fled. Take turn§, to = To alternate ; to succeed one another in due order, (a) The father and the mother tooh turns in watching with the sick child = The father and the mother al- ternated in watching with the sick child. Take umbrage, to = To be suspicious, jealous, or offended, (c) Mrs. A. took umbrage^ because Mrs. B's daughter was selected, instead of her own, to play the piano at the school exhibition = Mrs. A. was jealous, because Mrs. B's daughter was selected, instead of her own, to play the piano at the school exhibition. Take up, to = 1. To borrow. (5) 2. To fasten with a ligature, (a) 3. To engross ; to engage the atten- tion with, (a) 4. To seize ; to catch ; to arrest, (a) 5. To occupy ; to fill, (a) 6. To adopt ; to assume, (a) 7. To pay and receive, (a) 8. To collect ; to exact as a tax. (a) 1. One cause of his failure was the large amount of money which he had takeyi up at the bank, and could not pay = One cause of his failure was the large amount of money which he had borrowed at the bank, and could not repay. 2. The surgeon took up my severed artery with great skill = The surgeon skillfully fastened my severed artery with a ligature. 3. His employments take up his time = His employments engross his time. 4. The burglar was taken up — The burglar was arrested. 5. Do not put Webster's Unabridged Dictionary on my table, because it takes up much room = Do not put Web- ster's Unabridged Dictionary on my table, for it occupies much room. 6. His son has taken up the carpenter's trade = His son has adopted tlie carpen- ter's trade. 7. It is necessary to one's credit, that he take up his notes at the bank when due = It is neces- sary to one's credit that he pay and receive his notes at the bank when due. 8. A collection was taken up for the poor = A contribution in money w^as solicited for the poor. Take up arms, to = To go to war ; to begin war ; to begin resistance by force, (a) ' The American colonies took up arms for independ- ence, against the mother-country, in 1775 = The American colonies began a war for independence, against the mother-country, in 1775. The South took up arms against the United States government IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 245 in 1861 = The South began war against the United States government in 1861. Take up one'§ quarters at, to = To stay at ; to take lodgings at. {a) The exploring party taJces up its quarters at the hotel outside the town = The exploring party takes lodgings at the hotel outside the town. Take upon one'§ self, to = l. To assume; to un- dertake, (a) 2. To appropriate to one's self; to al- low to be laid on one's self. («) 1. You take too much upon yourself ; you will break down = You undertake too much ; your strength is not equal to doing so much. 2. A Ro- man father, mentioned in ancient history, took upon himself half of his son's punishment = A Roman father, mentioned in ancient history, allowed half of his son's punishment to be laid upon himself. Take up the gauntlet, to = To accept the challenge or defiance, (c) The Northern States of America were ready to take up the gauntlet^ when the Southern States re- volted in 1861 = The Northern States of America were ready to accept the challenge to fight, when the Southern States revolted in 1861. Senator A. at- tacked the bill on military appropnations, and Sen- tor B. took lip the gauntlet in its behalf = Senator A. attacked the bill on military appropriations, and Senator B. accepted the challenge to a discussion which that attack implied. Taken up with = Occupied with ; engrossed with. ia) For many years Audubon, the naturalist, was taken up with the preparation of his book, — " The Birds of North America " = For many years Audu- bon, the naturalist, was occupied with the prepara- tion of his book, — " The Birds of North America." He is entirely taken up vnth making moneys Pie is w^holly absorbed in making money. I am taken up with the new book which I bought yesterday — My attention is wholly engrossed with the new book which I bought yesterday. Take up \¥ith, to = To be contented to receive ; to receive without opposition, (a) While he was traveling among the Esquimaux, he w^as forced to take up with very inferior fare = While he was traveling among the Esquimaux, he was forced to receive w^ithout opposition very inferior fare. The price for which I sell my grain is less than I had hoped to receive, but I must take up with it = The price for which I sell my grain is less than I 246 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. had hoped to obtain, but I must be contented to re- ceive it. Take ii^ing^, to = To fly away ; to depart quickly. (a) When I opened the door, all the blackbirds on the tree took wing = Wh.en I opened the door, all the blackbirds on the tree flew awaj^ It is tantalizing to the young sportsman to see birds always take wing, when he is about to shoot = It is tantalizing to the young sportsman to see birds always fly away, when he is about to shoot. Talk over, to = To discuss in conversation ; to talk about ; to deliberate upon, (a) Not long since, there was a meeting of the citi- zens, to talk over the project of bridging the rail-road crossing = Not long since, there was a meeting of the citizens, to discuss in conversation the project of building a bridge over the rail-road crossing. Tear out, to=:To pull or draw out by violence, (a) The lazy pupil, being sternly reproved by his teacher, angrily tore out a leaf from his book =: The lazy pupil, being sternly reproved by his teacher, angrily and violently pulled out a leaf from his book. Tear pieeemeal, to=:To tear into fragments, by pieces, (c) The bear tore the hunter piecemeal =The bear tore the hunter into fragments, piece by piece. Tell it§ oivn tale, to = To require no explanation. (b) The dangling coat sleeve of the soldier tells its own tale = The soldier's danghng coat sleeve requires no • explanation, (for it shows that he lost an arm in battle). Tell of, to = l. To relate ; to report ; to mention, (a) 2. To inform against ; to disclose some fault of. (a) 1. His study this winter has been nothing to tell of because it has been so little = His study has been nothing to mention, because there has been so little of it. 2. If you do not behave, I will tell your father of you = If you do not conduct well I will go to your father, and inform against you. Tell off, to = To count ; to divide, (c) Among ball-players, one man is appointed to tell off the number of runs made by each side = Among ball-players, one man is appointed to count and de- clare the number of runs which each side makes. Tender mereie§ = Kindness of heart ; compassion ; readiness to forgive, (c) " The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works " = The Lords bestows good IDIOMATIC PHKASES. 247 gifts upon all, and is very kind of heart toward every creature he has made. " A righteous man re- gardeth the life of his beast ; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel," [Prov. x. 12 = ] . . . but the kindness of heart of the wicked is cruel. Tbat is to say = That is; in other words; other- wise ; I mean, (a) Mr. O. has never traveled in Europe — that is to say — ^he has only been to Paris and immediately re- turned = Mr. O. has never traveled in Europe — to explain — he has only been to Paris and immediately returned. I am sure ; that is to say, I have no doubt = 1 am sure, by which I mean to say, I have no doubt. It looks rainy ; that is to say, it is cloudy and will soon rain = It looks rainy ; in other words, it is cloudy and will soon rain. Tlie clothe A profession, or the members of it — es- pecially the clerical profession, (c) He does not show much respect to the cloth = He does not show much respect for ministers. The coast is clear = The danger is over ; there is nothing in tlie way. (a) When the watchman went off, the coast was clear, and the hidden thieves escaped = When the watch- man went off, there was nothing in the way, and the thieves escaped. Tlie dead of nig^ht = The period of greatest dark- ness and repose in the night, (a) Burglars usually select the dead of night for their operations = Burglars usually select the darkest and most quiet time of the night, for their operations. The die is cast = The decision is made ; the matter is fixed, (c) The young man has decided to go as missionary to Turkey; and now the die is cast for life = The young man has decided to go as missionary to Tur- key ; and now the decision is made for life. The horrors = A madness resulting from habits of inebriation ; delirium tremens, (c) The horrors are occasioned by excess in the use of intoxicating liquors = Delirium tremens is occasioned by the excessive use of intoxicating liquors. The mischief is = The cause of the trouble or vexa- tion is ; the difficulty is. (a) The mischief in that family is, that the husband is extravagant = The cause of the trouble in that fam- ily is that the husband is extravagant. The rather = The more so ; especially, (c) I have decided to send my son to the High School, 248 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. the rather that my friend proposes to send his son there = I have decided to send my son to the High School, especially for the reason that my friend pro- poses to send his son there. Tlie republic of letters == The collective body of literary or learned men. (c) Shakspeare stands unequaled as a dramatist, in the republic of letters — Shakspeare stands unequaled as a dramatist, in the company of the world's liter- ary men. Thereby bang^s a tale = A story or an incident is closely connected with that, (a) You noticed the stone pillar at the corner of the road; thereby hangs a ^a?e = You noticed a stone pil- lar at the corner of the road ; there is a story closely connected with that. The risings generation = The class growing up to maturity and active life, (a) The education of the rising generation is a matter of great importance = The education of the class which is growing up to maturity is a matter of great importance. The sport of, to be=:To be the plaything of; to be subject to ; to be at the mercy of. (c) During the storm the ship was the sport of the waves = In the storm the ship was tossed by the waves, like a plaything. From his boyhood, Mr. C. has been the spor^o/" adversity = From his boyhood, Mr. C. has been subject to disappointment and ill- fortune. The staff of life = Any article much used for food or drink, and thus very serviceable in sustaining the body, (a) Bread is the staff of life for most persons = Bread is much used, and very necessary to most persons as an article of food. The thin end of the wedge — This expression is used when some slight advantage is gained, which will prepare the way for yet more advantage and success, (e) The giving to women the privilege of voting at school-meetings, is said to be the thin end of the ivedge of female suffrage — This voting by women at school- meetings is thought to be but the beginning of wo- man's voting at all elections. Think much of, to = To hold in high estimation ; to esteem, (a) I do not think much of their communistic princi- ples = I do not hold their communistic principles in IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 249 high esteem. He things much of this boy = He has a high opinion of this boy. Think scorn, to = To despise ; to regard as worthy of scorn, (c) ^' He thought scorn to lay hands on Mr. A. alone " = He thought it too small a matter to destroy Mr. A. alone ; he regarded it as worthy of scorn. This day week (or fortnight) = A week (or fort- night) from to-day. (a) This day fortnight^ the merchant will be in Paris = A fortnight from to-day the merchant will be in Paris. Thorn in the §ide= Anything troublesome ; an an- noyance ; a vexation ; a care, (a) He is a thorn in my side, by reason of his gossipy habit == He is an annoyance to me because he is a gossip. The thought of his failure in business will be a thorn in his side = The thought of his failure in business will continually cause him pain. Througrh thick and thin = Through whatever may ^ be in the way ; through all obstacles, {b) He came through thick and thin, in order to reach home in time for the weddings He overcame many hindrances, in reaching home in time for the wed- ding. He went through thick and thin, in obtaining an education = He encountered many obstacles in obtaining an education. Throi»r in, to=To add something to the regular payment; to add without enumeration or valua- tion, (rt) His salary is six hundred dollars a year, with his board thrown in = llis salary is six hundred dollars a year, and to this his board is added. Throvr into the shade, to = To surpass ; to excel ; to be superior to. (a) This book throws the other into the shade = This book is superior to the other. He throws me all into the shade in writings He greatly surpasses me in pen- manship. His former success in business is thrown into the shade by the last — His former success in bus- iness is niade to appear small, by comparison with his last success. Throw off, to = l. To expel; to clear from, (a) 2. •To discard, (a) 1. The sick man has not vigor enough to throw off the disease of his lungs = The sick man has not vigor enough to expel his disease of the lungs. 2. The intemperate man has at last thrown off all sense of shame = The intemperate man has become indif- ferent to shame ; he has discarded the sense of 250 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. shame. 2. Tliat young man throws off responsibil- ity easily = That young man readily discards respon- sibility. Throw off the mask, to = To remove whatever disguises or conceals ; to disclose, (c) Before his election, Mr. B. professed to be in favor of the tariff; but afterward he threw off the mask, and showed himself opposed to the tariffs Before his election, Mr. B. professed to be in favor of the tariff; but after election he removed the disguise, and showed liimself opposed to the tariff. Throw out, to = 1. To reject ; to discard ; to expel. (a) 2, To give utterance to ; to speak, (a) 1. The bill to regulate import duties on tea was thrown out by Congress = The bill to regulate import duties on tea was rejected by Congress. 2. He threw out such insinuations against his neighbor's charac- ter = He gave utterance to such insinuations against his neighbor's character. Throw out a feeler, to=:To say or do something, in order to ascertain the views of others, (c) In his editorial, the editor threw out a feeler con- cerning the renomination of the president — In his editorial the editor said something regarding the re- nomination of the president, in order to ascertain the views of others. Throw overboard, to = To reject ; to dismiss ; to discard, (a) The company has thrown him overboard— 11\\q company has dismissed him (from being an officer). If you are going into business with these men, you must throw overboard your honesty = If you are to engage in business with these men, you must dis- card your honesty. Throw up, tor=l. To resign; to give up. {a) 2. To vomit from the stomach, (a) 1. Colonel Smith has thrown up his commission = Colonel Smith has resigned his office as colonel. 2. When he was seasick, he threw up nothing but bile = "When he was seasick, nothing but bile was dis- charged from his stomach. Thrust one's nose into, to = To intermeddle ; to interfere in a meddlesome manner, (c) He thrust his nose into our affairs, by impertinent inquiries concerning the arrangements for my daugh- ter's marriage = He intermeddled in our affairs, by impertinent inquiries concerning the arrangements for my daughter's wedding. Tickle the palm, to = To put money in the hand as a compensation or bribe. (6) IDIOMATIC PHKASES. 251 The farmer did not wish to sell his fine colt, but when the horse dealer iichled his palm with a few hundred dollars, he consented = The farmer did not wish to sell his fine colt, but when the horse dealer put a few hundred dollars in his hand, he consented. Tie tlie liand§, to = To lay under restraint, (a) My hands are tied by a foolish promise = I can not do any thing because of my foolisli promise. The man has tied his hands, by giving all his property to his children = The man has laid himself under re- straint, by giving all his property to his children. Time is up, tlie = The allotted time has just ex- pired ; the appointed time has come, (a) The time is up, and we must go = The time for our stay is passed, and we must go. The steamer will sail, as soon as the time is up =T\ie steamer will sail as soon as the time comes which was set for her de- parture. I will call you when the time is up = \ will call you when the time comes for you to go. Time of day = Salutation appropriate to the times of day — as, good morning, good evening, and the like ; greeting, (c) I met your brother on the street, but we were both in haste, and we simply passed the time of day = I met your brotlier on the street, but we simply exchanged salutations, being both in haste. Time on one'§ hands = Unemployed time, (a) The carpenter had some time on his hands, and made a house for his fowls = The carpenter had some unemployed time, and built a house for his fowls. Time immemorial = Longer than is remembered. {c) The A. family and their ancestors have owned the house on the corner, time immemorial=ThG A. fam- ily and their ancestors have ovnied the house on the corner, a longer time than is remembered. Time out of mind = Longer than can be remem- bered ; time immemorial ; to which memory does not extend, (a) In some New England towns, the ringing of the church bell at 9 o'clock p. m., has been the custom, tim^ out of Tnind =ln some ISTew England towns the ringing of the bell at 9 p. m., has been customary, longer than can be remembered. Time was =z There was a time, (c) Time was, when it was customary in New Eng- land to have ardent spirits on funeral occasions = There was a time when it was customary in New England to have ardent spirits on funeral occasions. Tit for tat = An equivalent, (a) 252 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. He used my wagon without leave, and I gave him tit for tat by using his horse without leave — He used my wagon without asking permission, and I gave him an equivalent by using his horse without ask- ing permission. To a certain extent = In a limited degree ; in part ; somewhat, [a) By the hard times, his income is reduced, to a cer- tain extent — Hvs, income is reduced by the hard times, in a limited degree. I admit that you are right, to a certain extent = I admit that you are right in part. To a degree = To an extreme ; exceedingly, (c) The school mistress is precise, to a degree, in her manners = The school mistress is exceedingly precise in her manners. Miss B. is serious, to a degrees Miss B. has an exceedingly grave disposition. To a hair = With the nicest discrimination, (c) In the new play, the writer has hit off the charac- ter of a miser, to a hair— In the new play, the writer has set forth the characteristic points of a miser with the nicest discrimination. To a large extents In a great degree; consider- ably, (a) It is to be feared that the reports of the losses by the storm are true, to a large extent =\t is to be feared that the reports of the losses by the storm are, in a great degree, true. To a man = All without exception; every one. (a) The whole regiment, to a man, was engaged in the battle == Every man in the regiment, without ex- ception, was engaged in the battle. The citizens, to a man, were in favor of the new post-route = The citizens were universally in favor of the new post- route. They are good and loyal, to a maw = They are good and loyal, every man of them. When the wages were cut down, we left off work, to a 'man — When the wages were cut down, we all left off work, every man^ of us. I want you to stand by me, to a man — \ want you to support me, every one of you. To and fro == Backward and forward, (a) The pendulum of the clock swings to and fro = The pendulum of the clock swings one way and then the other. The mail wagons carry the mail bags to anc?yro between the depot and the post-office = The mail wagons carry the mail bags back and forth, be- tween the depot and the post-office. " To a nicety = Accurately ; exactly. The dress fitted her to a nicety = The dress fitted her accurately. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 253 To a turn = Exactly ; perfectly, (b) This roast pig is done to a turn = This roast pig is perfectly cooked. To be §ure or Be §ure = Of course ; certainly ; without doubt, (a) Do two and two make four ? To be sure they do = Do two and two make four ? Certainly they do. Shall you go? To be sure I shall = Shall you go? Certainly I shall. To blame = To be blamed ; blamable. (a) He is to bhme, for setting the children such an ex- ample = He is blamable, for setting the children such an example. To boot = Over and above; what is given to make exchange equal, (a) I will give you my horse in exchange for yours, and fifty dollars to boot = I will exchange horses with you, and give you fifty dollars besides my horse. To make a long^ §tory §taort = In a few words ; summarily ; briefly, (b) The girl whose parents died in her infancy was taken to an orphan asylum, then placed in Mr. A's family, left them in a few years, taught school a year, and, to make a long story short, at last married a wealthy man and now lives in one of the finest houses in the city = The girl whose parents died in her in- fancy was taken to an orphan asylum, then placed in Mr. A's family, left them in a few years, taught school a year, and, in a few words, married a wealthy man and now lives in one of the finest houses in the city. Tone do^vwn, to=l. (Paint) To bring the colors of into harmonious relation as to light and shade.(a) 2. To moderate ; to diminish the striking charac- teristics of ; to soften, (b) 1. A certain painter first colors his landscapes with great richness, and subsequently tones them down = A certain painter at first gives to his pictures great richness of color, and subsequently brings the colors into harmonious relation, as to light and shade. 2. The heat and bitterness of political strife have been toned down by the judicious conduct of the President = The heat and bitterness of political strife have been moderated by the judicious conduct of the President. To no purpose = Unsuccessfully ; unavailingly. (b) I advised him, but to no purpose, to leave the city during the hot weather = I advised him to leave the cit}^ during the hot weather, but to no purpose (without avail). The physician administered medi- 254 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. cine to the sick child to no purpose^ The physician gave medicine to the sick child without success. To one'§ face == Directly to one. {a) •I withstood him to his face, for he was to be blamed = I made direct opposition to his opinions, because he was blameworthy. To one's heart's content = To one's entire satis- faction, (a) Eat to your hearfs content = ^a,t as much as you wish. Mrs. O. is very fond of having company ; and in her new house can entertain visitors to her hearfs content = MrQ. O. greatly enjoys company ; and in her new house can entertain visitors to her entire satisfaction. To one'§ knowledge = To the extent of one's knowledge, (used in negative expressions), (a) There has not, to my knowledge, been a case of small-pox in Hartford, for many years = There has not, so far as I know, been a case of small-pox in Hartford, for some years. To one's mind = According to one's satisfaction, or wish, or idea, (a) I will arrange the business to my mind, before I stop = I will arrange the business as I wish to have it, before I stop. Is this work done to your mind? = Are you satisfied with this work ? Please arrange it to your own mind = Please arrange it as you want it. Tooth and nail = Biting and scratching ; with all one's powers ; by every possible means, (c) The newspaper fought the land-bill before con- gress, tooth and nail = The newspaper opposed the land-bill that was before congress, by every possible means. To pieces = Into fragments or parts ; into a ruined condition, (a) A ship was dashed to pieces on the rocks = A ship was broken into fragments on the rocks. The carriage was so old, that one day it fell to pieces in the carriage house = The carriage was so old, that one day it fell apart, into a ruined condition, in the carriage house. Top oflT, to = To complete by putting on or finishing the top ; to finish, (c) Have you topped off the stack of wheat ? = Have you finished the stack of wheat at the top ? Toss up, toz=To throw a coin into the air, and wager on which side it will fall, (a) The two men agreed to decide the matter by toss- ing up = Th.e two men agreed to decide the matter x IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 255 bj throwing a coin up, and seeing on which side it would fall. To §eek= Wanted; needed; lacking; a desideratum (something greatly to be desired), (c) A cheap method of warming buildings is yet to seek = A cheap method of w^arming buildings is yet lacking. The answer to this question is not far to 5ee^=:Tlie answer to this question need not be sought far oif ; ^. e. it is near at hand. A method of apply- ing the electric light to the illumination of houses is yet to seek — A method of using the electric light for lighting houses generally is yet a desideratum, or a thing much desired. To §oine purpose = With effect ; successfully, (h) ^ The new citizen strove, and to some purpose^ to gain the respect and confidence of the community = The new citizen strove, and successfully, to gain the respect and confidence of the community. The politician talked to some purpose ; for he gained fifty votes = The politician talked effectively; for he secured fifty votes. To that effects To that purpose, or general extent ; meaning the same, (a) I am going to New York to-day, and have written him to that effect =\ am going to New York to-day, and have written him so. He said he was very angry, or words to that effect — He said he was very angry, or used words which meant that. When you are ready to come to Hartford, please write me to that e^ec^ = When you are ready to come to Hart- ford please write to me, telling me so. What he said in his conversation with Mr. A. was to that effect = What he said in his conversation with Mr. A. had that meaning. To tlie amount— Denoting the extent, or limit of the given amount, (a) Housekeeping has diminished my expenses, to the amount of three hundred and ten dollars this year=i My expenses are less, by three hundred and ten dol- lars, because I am keeping house instead of board- ing, this year. To the best of one's hnoivledge = Within one's knowledge ; so far as one knows, (a) To the best of my knowledge, there is no cure for this disease = 80 far as I know, there is no cure for this disease. To the contrary = To an opposite purpose or fact ; with an opposite tendency, {b) If the children of that family go astray, it will not be for the want of instruction to the contrary = 256 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. If the children of that family go astray, it will not be for the want of instruction, whose purpose and tendency were quite opposite to such a result. My pupil thought the earth was flat, but I taught him to the contrary =Mjj pupil thought the earth was flat, but I taught him tlie opposite. To the face = In the presence of; not in the absence of. (a) He disobeyed the teacher to his /ace = He was guilty of disobedience in the presence of the teacher. To the life = So as closely to resemble the living person or original, (a) The portrait was drawn to the life=T\\Q portrait was drawn so as closely to resemble the original. Rosa Bonheur paints animals to the Z^^Rosa Bon- heur paints animals with a life-like accuracy. To the full = Wholly ; entirely ; sufficiently, (h) My business is very good, and my time is occupied to the fuU=Mj business is very good and my time is wliolly occupied. At my friend's, where I visited, grapes were abundant ; and I ate to the full = At my friend's, where I visited, grapes were abundant ; and I ate sufficient to satisfy me. To the letter = Strictly ; exactly ; with no variation. («) Military orders must be obeyed to the ?e/^er = Mil- itary orders must be obeyed with exactness. In Hong Kong the law against gambling is enforced to the letter = ln Hong Kong the law against gambling is strictly and vigorously enforced. To the minute = Accurately prompt ; on time pre- cisely. Washington w^as noted for keeping his appoint- ments, to the mmwte = Washington was noted for being accurately prompt in keeping his appoint- ments. I will be there at nine, to the minute — 1 will be there at nine exactly. Call me in a half-hour, to the minute = Q2iM me in a half-hour, and not a minute earlier or later. You are on hand, to the minute = You have come just at the appointed time. To the purpo§e = Pertinent ; appropriate; adapted to the end proposed ; efifectual. (a) In the town meeting Mr. B. spoke to the purpose^ in advocating the raising of more money to support the public schools = In the town meeting Mr. B. spoke appropriately and effectively, in favor of rais- ing a larger sum of money for the support of the public schools. This book is just to the purpose^ This book is exactly what I want. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 257 To the teeth = Directly to one's face ; in open op- position, (c) I will tell him, to the teeth^ that he deceived me in regard to the horse he sold me = I will tell him, directly to his face, that he deceived me in regard to the horse he sold me. Touch and go, to {N'aut.) = To touch bottom, as a ship in sailing, with much decrease of speed. The passengers lost heart, when they saw the ship touch and go = The passengers lost heart when they saw the ship touch bottom and go more slowly. Touch at, to = To stop at while passing by water ; to come or go to without tarrying, (a) The P. M. S. S. Co. steamers, which ply between China and San Francisco, touch at Yokohama = The P. M. S. S. Co. steamers, which ply between China and San Francisco, stop at Yokohama. Touch on or upon, to = To treat any thing slight- ly in discourse, (c) The speaker merely touched on personal matters, but dwelt long upon the principles of his party = The speaker treated personal matters slightly, but spoke at length upon the principles of his party. Tourer of strength, a = A protection ; a defender i a person greatly serviceable, (a) Mr. C. is a tower of strength to his party = Mr. C. is greatly serviceable to his party. To \rit = Namely ; that is to say. (a) Some animals are venomous : to wit, the scorpion and the rattlesnake = Some animals are venomous; to particularize — the scorpion and the rattlesnake. Trace back, to = To follow by backward steps, (a) The man traced back his ancestry by name for several generations = The man followed his ancestry back for several generations by their names. Train up, to=To rear; to bring up; to educate; to teach, (a) " Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it " = Bring up, or teach a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Travel po§t, to = To travel rapidly, by frequent changes of horses, (a) It was formerly common in England to travel post, but now it is rarely practiced = It was formerly com- mon in England to travel by frequent changes of horses, but now it is rarely practiced. Tread clo§e upon, to = To follow closely ; to suc- ceed quickly, {b) The loss of health treads close upon dissipation = 18 268 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The loss of health closely follows dissipation. The death of his wife trod close upon his failure in busi- ness = The death of his wife quickly succeeded his - failure in business. Tread on the heels of, to = To follow close upon. («) In that family one calamity treads on the heeh of another = In that family one calamity follows another very quickly. Famine and pestilence often tread on the heels of war = Famine and pestilence often follow V war closely. NOTread out, to = To press or beat out with •the feet, (c) In some countries they tread out wheat with cattle =:In some countries wheat is threshed by the feet of cattle. Treat with, to = To negotiate with ; to make and receive proposals with, for adjusting differences, (a) Daniel Webster was appointed, about 1840, to treat with the British ambassador about the North- eastern boundary^ Daniel Webster was appointed to act with the British ambassador in adjusting the North-eastern boundary, about 1840. Tremble in the balance, to = To be undecided, uncertain ; to be in a position where a small thing may decide the issue one way or another, (c) During the trial the fate of the murderer trembles ' in the balance = During the trial the fate of the mur- derer is uncertain, and may be decided one way or y the other by a very small matter. X Trench upon, to = To encroach; to enter on, and take possession of, that which belongs to another ; to invade, (a) You trench upon my rights by driving across my field = You invade my rights by driving across my field. TricR <>ut, to = To dress gaily ; to adorn fantasti- cally. (6) The N. A. Indians delight to tncJc themselves out in beads, feathers, brass ornaments and bright cloth- ings The N. A. Indians delight to adorn themselves fantastically with beads, feathers, brass ornaments and gay clothing. Trifle with, to = l. To treat in a trifling manner; to treat without respect or seriousness, (a) 2. To disregard wantonly or neglect. («) 1. The criminal who was hanged trifled with his situation, even on the scaffold = The criminal who was hanged was trifling and gay, even on the scaf- fold. 2. Do not trifle with your health = Do not wantonly neglect your health. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 259 Trouble one's self or one's head about, to = To be solicitous for ; to be annoyed, perplexed, or dis- tressed by. (b) He does not trouble himself about his personal ap- pearance = He is not solicitous as to his dress and the like. He does not trouble his head about politics = He is not specially interested in political matters or anxious concerning them. True to one's self = Acting in accordance with a high character or with one's best interests ; faith- ful to one's self, (b) The scholar who fails to improve his time and his opportunities is not t^^ue to hi7nself =:The scholar who fails to improve his time and opportunities is not acting in accordance with his best interests. Trump up, to =z To devise ; to collect with unfair- ness ; to fabricate, (a) The accusation against him was a trumped-up charge = The accusation against him was falsely de- vised. Trust to, to = To rely upon ; to depend upon, (a) He trusted to his strong constitution for recovery from his illness = In his illness, he relied upon his strong constitution for recovery. The thief trusted to his legs, to escape from the policeman = The thief depended upon his power of running, for escape from the policeman. Trust to a broken reed, to = To expect vainly ; to rely upon that which is weak or deceptive, (c) The farmer trusted to a broken reed^ when he relied on Mr. C. to help him in harvesting = The farmer indulged vain expectation, when he relied on Mr. C. to help him in harvesting. Try on, to = To put on, as a garment, to ascertain whether it fits the person, (a) She has gone to the dress-maker's, to try on her new dress = She has gone to let the dress-maker see whether the new dress fits her. Try one's hand, to = To attempt — usually some- thing unfamiliar, (a) Seeing you can not do it, I will try my hand at it = Seeing you can not do it, I will try if I can do it. He tried his hand at writing poetry = He tried to write poetry. Did you ever try your hand at por- trait painting ? = Did you ever try to paint portraits? Try the eyes, to — To use the eyes in a bad light or on a difficult work ; to over exert them ; to strain. To read at twilight is very trying to the eyes = To read at twilight hurts the eyes by straining them. 260 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Turn, to = l. To become acid; to sour, (a) 2. To change direction, (a) 1. The thunder has turned the milk = The milk has become acid in consequence of the thunder. 2. We can bathe soon, for the tide has turned^ and is coming in = We can bathe soon, for the tide has changed its direction, and is coming m. Turn a cat In the pan, to = To make a sudden change of one's party in politics or religion, for the sake of being in the ascendant, (c) He turned cat-in-the-pan^ for the sake of obtaining an office = He suddenly changed his party, for the sake of obtaining an office. Turn a deaf ear to, to = To refuse to hear ; to be inattentive and indifferent to. (a) The miser turned a deaf ear to the request for money to aid the hospital = The miser rejected the request for money to aid the hospital. Do not turn a deaf ear to the cry of the needy for assistance — Do not be inattentive and indifferent to the cry of the needy for assistance. Turn adrift, to = To set floating at random ; to send away to take one's chances, (a) The pirates sunk the vessel, and turned the sailors adrft in a small boat — The pirates sunk the vessel, and set the sailors floating at random in a small boat. When the hired man's term of service had expired, the farmer turned him adrift— Whan the hired man's term of service had expired, the farmer sent him forth to take his chances. His parents died, and he was ^?/?'nec? ac?n^ = His parents died, and he w^as left to take care of himself. Turn a penny, to = To make a small profit, or a small sum of money, (a) I can turn a penny in my leisure time, raising small fruits = I can make a small amount of money in my leisure, by raising small fruits. Turn away, to = i. To dismiss from service, (a) 2. To avert, (a) 1. His two servants were turned away yesterday = His two servants were dismissed from service yes- terday. 2, The wrath of the king w^as turned aivay ^- by their gifts = The wrath of the king was averted by their gifts. Turning point = The point of change ; the critical point ; the point upon which a question turns, (a) Last night was the turning point with the man who is ill of fever = Last night was the critical time for the man who is ill of fever. His marriage was the turning point in his life = His marriage was the i IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 261 event- upon which the question of his future pros- pects turned, and wliich decided the character of his future life. His appointment to this office was the turning point in his career = When he was appointed to this office, it made him change the whole com-se of his conduct. Turn into, to = To change to ; to transform into, {a) The caterpillar turns into a butterfly = The cater- \ pillar changes to a butterfly. Turned of, to be = To be advanced beyond in years. («) They determined, when they should be turned of sixty, to retire from business = They determined to retire from business, when they should be advanced beyond sixty years of age. The consul from Amer- ica is turned of fifty years = The American consul is more than fifty years old. He is turned of eighty = He is more than eighty years old. I am turned of '^■ forty — I am over forty years old. Turn of mind = Disposition ; propensity, (a) Mr. W. is of a scholarly turn of mind=M^r. W. has a scholarly disposition. Turn off, to=l. To dismiss; to divert, (a) 2. To accomplish, (a) 1. It is better occasionally to mm off your mind from hard study = It is better occasionally to divert your mind to other occupation. 2. He can turn off a great deal of work in a day = He can accomplish a great deal of work in a day. Turn one'§ money, to = To increase or to double in trade ; to keep in lively exchange, {b) He turns his money rapidly = He increases his money rapidly in trade. Turn out, to = l. To expel, (a) 2. To put to pas- ture, (a) 3. To produce as the result of labor, (a) 4. To incline outward. 5. To prove in the result. (a) 6. To yield part of the path on meeting, (a) • 7. To rise from bed. (a) 1. The boy was turned out of school, for insubor- dination = The boy was expelled from school, for in- subordination. 2, Some farmers turn out their stock in the spring, before the grass is sufficiently grown = Some farmers put their stock to pasture in the spring, before the grass is sufficiently grown. 3. The factory turns out a hundred sewing machines weekly = The factory produces a hundred sewing machines weekly. 4. It is proper to turn the feet out a little, in walking = It is proper to bend the feet out a little, in walking. 5. The supposed ghost turned out to be a man, wrapped in a white sheet = 262 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The supposed ghost proved to be a man, wrapped in a white sheet. 6. Because the driver of the hack did not turn out, his wheels hit the passing carriage = Because the driver of the hack did not yield a part of the path, his wheels hit the passing carriage. 7. When a fire alarm sounds in the night, the fire- men must turn out immediately = When a fire alarm sounds in the night, the firemen must rise from bed immediately. Turn over a new leaf, to = To reform an evil habit ; to begin a new course of life, (a) I learned that he was acquiring a fondness for gambling, and I exhorted him to turn over a new leaf Having discovered that he was acquiring a fondness for gambling, I exhorted him to reform his manner of life. He has turned over a new leaf=JLG has changed his conduct for the better. You have gone too far in neglect of study ; now turn over a new leaf = You have gone too far in neglect of study ; now begin to do differently. The man who was dissi- pated, turned over a new leaf at the beginning of the year = The man who was dissipated, reformed his conduct at the beginning of the year. Turn tlie back to = To flee ; to retreat, (a) The raw soldiers turned the back at the first fire of the enemy = The raw soldiers fied at the first fire of the enemy. Turn the back upon, to = To manifest coldness or contempt ; to refuse unceremoniously, {a) He turned his back upon the scoundrels He turned away unceremoniously or contemptuously from the scoundrel. Turn the corner, to = To go round the comer, (a) As the grocer's wagon turned the corner, the wheel struck the curbstone, and the driver was thrown out =As the grocer's wagon went round the corner, the wheel hit the curbstone, and the driver was thrown out. Turn the head, to = To make giddy, wild, insane, and the like ; to infatuate, (a) His head is turned with the idea of constructing an air ship = He is crazy about this idea of building an air ship. He has had success enough in political advancement to turn his head=He has had enough success in political promotion to make him lose his good judgment. Turn the occasion to account, to = To make the occasion profitable, (a) There was a mass meeting in the grove, and the baker turned the occasion to account, by selling bread IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 263 and cakes = There was a mass-meeting in the grove, and the baker made the occasion profitable, by sell- ing bread and cakes. Turn tlie scale, to = To change the preponderance ; to give superiority or success, (a) Your sound health turned the scale in your favor, and gained the appointment for you = Your sound health gave you the superiority, and gained you the appointment. The soldier wavered between fight- ing and running away, but fear turned the scale in fa- vor of running away = The soldier wavered between fighting and running away, but fear caused him to run away. The judge hesitates to decide the case, but a bribe will turn the 5ca7e= The judge hesitates to decide the case, but a bribe will make him decide. Turn the stomach, to=zTo nauseate, (a) This cigar smoke turns my sto7nacA = This cigar smoke nauseates me. Turn the tables, to = To change the condition or fortune of contending parties, (a) At first he made money in gambling, but now the tables are turned = At first he made money in gam- bling, but now he loses and his partner gains. He ' was laughing at my bad writing, when I turned the tables on him by showing him his very bad spelling = He was laughing at my bad writing, when I changed the aspect of afi*airs by pointing out his very bad spelling. You raised a laugh in tlie com- pany at his expense, but he turned the tables upon you, by his sharp wit = You raised a laugh in the company against him, but by his sharp wit he turned the laugh upon you. Turn upside dourn, to = To make confusion ; to put into complete disorder; to reverse, (a) The reign of Communism would turn society up- side down — The reign of Communism would put so- ciety into complete disorder. Turn to account, to = To change from a given use ; to make of use in some way. (a) If I shall not succeed in finding my friend in New York, I shall be able to turyi my time to ac- count—If I shall not find my friend in l^ew York, I shall be able to make good use of my time in some way. Turn upon or on, to = To hinge upon ; to depend upon, (a) The question of his recovery from this sickness turns upon the native strength of his constitution = The question of his recovery hinges upon the nat- ural strength of his constitution. 264 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Turn up, to = To appear after seeming to be lost ; to come to light ; to occur ; to happen, (a) Has the lost thimble turned wpF = Has the lost thimble come to light or been found ? He is look- ing for employment ; hwi j\oi\img turns up yet = He is seeking some employment ; but no business pre- sents itself (appears) yet. If nothing turns up to prevent, I shall make a tour through the West this fall = If nothing occurs to prevent, I shall journey through the Western states, this coming autumn. Under, (in many figurative uses)=:l. In relation to some thing or person that oppresses, governs, di- rects, &c. ; in a relation of subjection, subordina- tion, obligation, liability, or the like, (a) 2. Less than, (a) 3. In relation to something that compre- hends or includes — that furnishes a pretext, pre- tense, or the like, (a) 4. In the relation of being subject, of undergoing treatment and the like, {a) 1, The early christians suffered greatly under the^ persecutions of the Roman government = The early christians suffered greatly from the persecutions of the Roman power, under which they lived. We are forbidden to do certain things, under the pains and penalties of the law = We are warned that we shall make ourselves liable to the pains and penalties of the law, if we do certain things. 2. His salary is under $1,000 a year=r:His salary is less than a $1,000 a year. 3. Under the order of mammals, man and some brute animals are included = Man and some brute animals are included in that class of animals which suckles its young. 4. The bill for military expenses is under discussion = The bill for military expenses is the subject of discussion. Under age = Not yet arrived at the period when one legally ceases to be under parents and guardians (IT. S. under 21 years), (a) The son can not have the control of his property, for he is under a^e=The son can not have the con- trol of his property, for he is not twenty-one years old. He is twenty years old, and is therefore under age — He has not yet arrived at the age of twenty- one, at which period a person is qualified by law to do certain acts for himself. under arm§ (iiil) = Drawn up in readiness to use arms, {a) IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 265 In momentary expectation of attack, the army- was under arms for three hours = The army was drawn up in readiness to use arms, for three hours, in expectation of attack. Under ban = Prevented ; prohibited ; interdicted, (c) In the reign of John (1208), England was under the pope's ha7i = In the reign of John (1208), Eng- land was prohibited by the pope from having divine services and other religious privileges. Under bare poles (^ai^^.) = Having all the sails furled, (a) The ship was going before the wind under hare poles— The ship was going before the wind with all sails furled. Under cover = Sheltered ; protected, (a) It is about to rain ; the carriage must be put under cover =lt is about to rain ; the carriage must be sheltered. Under lire = With exposure to fire ; exposed to an enemy's shot, (a) The colonel said that his regiment was composed, in part, of new troops, who had never been under Jire = The colonel said that his regiment contained some new troops, who had never been exposed to an enemy's shot. In the battle the troops were under fire one hour = In the battle the troops were exposed one hour to the shot of the enemy. . Under lock and key = In an apartment or receptacle closed by a lock and key ; securely kept, (a) The prisoners in jail are under lock and key - The prisoners in jail are in an apartment secured by lock and key. Under pre§s of sail = Carrying as much sail as the state of the wind will possibly permit, (a) The admiral's ship passed us, under press of sail = The admiral's ship passed us, carrying all the sail the wind would allow. Under §all {Naut.) — Having the sails spread ; in motion, (a) A ship under sail is a beautiful objects: A ship with the sails spread, is a beautiful object. The last steamer from San Francisco sighted two whalers un- der sail, going towards the northern Pacific = The last steamer from San Francisco saw two whalers in motion, going towards the northern Pacific. Under sentence = Having sentence pronounced against, (a) He was convicted of murder, and lies in prison, under sentence of death = He was convicted of murder, and awaits, in prison, the execution of the sentence 266 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. of death, which has been pronounced against him. Under the apprehension, to he = To be apprehen- sive ; to be fearful of future evil with uneasiness of mind, (a) * There is a case of scarlet fever in the school, and the teacher is under the apprehension that the disease may spread = One of the scholars in the school has the scarlet fever, and the teacher is fearful that the disease may spread. ^ IJncler the hreath= With low voice; very softly, (a) When I went into my friend's sickroom, the nurse spoke to me under the breath, for fear of dis- turbing him = When I went into my friend's sick room, the nurse spoke to me with low voice, for fear of disturbing him. Under the hand and seal = Authenticated by the signature and seal, (a) The deed of my farm closes with this sentence : Given under my hand and sea? = The deed of my farm contains this concluding sentence : Authenti- cated by my signature and seal. Under the head = In the class that includes or is called, (a) Homer's Iliad comes under the head of heroic, or epic, poetry = The Iliad of Homer belongs to the class of poetry called heroic or epic. Under the rose = In secret ; privately ; confiden- tially, (c) The senator told me, under the rose, that there is to be a change in the cabinet = The senator told me, privately, that there is to be a change of ofiicials in the cabinet. Under the sun = In the world ; on earth, (a) Nothing like this accident ever occurred under the sun = ISTothing like this accident ever occurred in the world. Under the iving^ = Under the care or protection of. (a) It is the dictate of propriety that daughters should be kept under the wing of their mothers = It is the dictate of propriety that daughters should be kept under the care or protection of their mothers. Under -way = Started ; begun ; in progress, (a) The ship A. is under way for London = The ship A. has started on her voyage to London. My works are under way, and will be finished in a few months = My works are begun, and will be finished in a few months. The draining of the marshes is under ivay =The draining of the marshes is in progress. We got / IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 267 under way about noon = We got started about noon. When I get under way^ I can tell better how fast I can do it — After I have gone forward a little with the work, I can tell better how fast I can do it. Unequal to, to be = To be inadequate ; to be in- sufficient ; to be unable, (a) The troops were unequal to the task of subduing the rioters = The troops were inadequate to subdue the rioters. The money contributed to relieve those who suffered by the fire was unequal to their wants =:The money contributed to relieve those who suf- fered by the fire was insufficient to supply their wants. The statesman was unequal to the task of securing a treaty between the two nations == The statesman was not able to secure a treaty between the two nations. Unlicard-of = Never heard of; new ; unprecedented, (a) _ It is an^ unheard-of occurrence, that a ship should be broken by running against a fish = It is an occur- rence never heard of, that a ship should* be broken by running against a fish. Union down = A signal of distress at sea. (a) A vessel was sighted with the glass, drifting with the wind, and showing her flag with the union down = A ship was sighted, drifting with the wind, and making a signal of distress by reversing the flag. Up and do\¥n = From one place, state, or position, to another, (a) Your patient. Doctor, is up and down, fifty times a day = Your patient. Doctor, changes from lying down to sitting up, fifty times a day. How is Mr. B ? Oh, he is up and down = How is Mr. B ? Oh, he is quite variable ; sometimes he is cheerful, and at other times he is greatly depressed. I am very tired ; so many persons have called to see me, that I have been up and down the stairs all day = I am very weary ; so many persons have called to see me, that I have been almost constantly going from the chamber to the "parlor, during the day. Up g^rade = An ascent, as on a graded rail-way. {a) We are going slow now, because it is up grade — We are going slow now, because the road ascends. Up in arms = Excited ; indignant; hostile; opposed.(a) The rail-road company has decided to remove the depot further from the village ; and the people are up in arms about it = The rail-road company has decided to remove the depot further from the vil- lage ; and the people are opposed to the change, and excited over it. 268 IDIOMATIC PHKASES. Upon the alert = Upon the watch ; guarding against surprise or danger, (a) The general of an army should be upon the alert, when in front of the enemy = The general of an army should be upon the watch, when in front of the enemy. Upon or on the §pot = Immediately ; before mov- ing ; without changing place, (a) It was proposed, and decided upon the spot, to join the excursion party = It was proposed, and decided immediately, to join the excursion party. Upon or on the -whole = Considering all things or the whole ; in view of all the circumstances or conditions, (a) Upon the ivhole, my judgment of your official con- duct is favorable = In view of all the circumstances, I approve of your conduct as an official. His con- duct, considered in detail, is capable of different judgments ; but upon the whole, my judgment of it is favorable = His conduct has been, some of it judi- cious, and some injudicious ; but considering it as a whole, my judgment is favorable. Some induce- ments were offered Mr. C. to sell his farm, and go into mercantile business ; but he decided that it was best for him, on the whole, to remain on the farm = Mr. C. had some inducements presented to sell his farm, and engage in mercantile pursuits ; but decided that his best course, in view of all the circumstances, was to remain on the farm. Uppermo§t in the mind = Engaging chief thought or attention, (a) His own popularity is uppermost in the mind of the demagogue = How to be popular engages the chief thought of the demagogue. Up§ide do-wn = In confusion ; in complete disorder. {a) My goods have just been moved into the house, and every thing is upside down—lsLj goods have just been moved into the house, and everything is in confusion. Up stream = From the mouth toward the head of the stream ; against the stream, (a) It is the habit of some fish, as salmon and shad, to go up stream in spring, to spawn = It is the habit of some fish to go from the mouth toward the head of the stream, in spring, to deposit eggs. It is not easy to swim up stream = lt is not easy to swim against the stream. Up to = Until ; previous to. {a) Up to this morning, I had not received the pack- IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 269 age of books which I bought yesterday = Prior to this morning, I had not received the package of books which I bought yesterday. I had not heard of the accident, vp to this moment = I had not been told of the accident, until now. Up to twenty years of age it seemed unlikely he would be a great man =r Until he was twenty, it did not seem likely he would be a great man. Up to the mark = Equal to the standard ; of the quality expected, (c) This piece of work is not up to the mark=T\\h piece of work does not reach the standard. The senator's speech was not up to the mark — The sena- tor's speech was not equal to the occasion, or was not of the quality expected. Upi%'ard§ of = More than ; above, {a) It is upwards of a year since I saw him = It is more than a year since I saw him. The recruiting officer enlisted upwards of 1,000 men = The recruit- ing officer enlisted over 1,000 men. I have learned upward of a hundred lines in that book = I have learned more than a hundred lines in that book. Few live to be upward of one hundreds Few live to be more than one hundred years old. He was upward of ninety when he died = He was above ninety when he died. Up with him, it i§ all = It is all over with him ; he is lost. («) It is all up, I fear, with the patient in the first w^ard of the hospital ; the doctor says he can not live = It is all over, I fear, with the patient in the first ward of the hospital ; the doctor says he can not live. U§e onc'§ di§cretion, to = To act according to one's judgment, or wish, (a) The commander of the army was instructed to use his own discretion, in attacking the enemy = The commander of the army was instructed to act ac- cording to his judgment, in attacking the enemy. Use up, to = To exhaust the supply ; to consume by using, (a) She has used up all the silk thread = She has con- sumed in her sewing all the silk thread. I have u^ed up six reams of paper in revising my dictionary = I have consumed six reams of paper in revising my dictionary. U§her in = To introduce, (a) Independence Day was ushered in by a salute of thirteen guns at sunrise = Independence Day was in- troduced by a salute of thirteen guns at sunrise. 270 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. The holiday was ushered in with the ringing of bells = The beginning of the holiday was marked by the ringing of bells. I was ushered into the great hall where the musical concert was to take place = I was introduced into the great hall where the musical concert was to be. Y. Valuable consideration {Law) = A.T). equivalent for a contract, purchase, or other act. For a valuable consideration^ the Indians transferred their land to the United States government, and re- moved further West = On receiving an equivalent in money and stores, the Indians transferred their land to the United States government, and removed farther West. Vote do"wn, to = To reject ; to throw out by ad- verse vote, (a) The proposition to amend the bill was voted down by a large majority = The proposition to amend the bill was rejected by a large adverse vote. IVait on or upon, to=:l. To perform service for. (a) 2. To visit for business or for ceremony, (a) 3. To follow ; to await, (c) 1. John waits on the governor with great propri- ety = John attends the governor, as his servant, with great propriety. 1. He waits upon the table =116 attends the table as a servant. * 1. The clerk in the dry-goods store -waited upon me very well = The clerk in the dry-goods store gave very good attention to my wants. 2. I waited upon him with a letter of introduction = I went to see him (referring to supe- riors) with a letter of introduction. 2. We are going to wait upon the governor as a mark of respect = We are going to call on the governor, in token of our respect. 2. The Turkish ambassador will ivait on the president, at his earliest convenience = The Turk- ish ambassador will pay a formal visit to the presi- dent, at the earliest convenience of the president. 3. Ruin, both of fortune and character, waits on idle- ness and dissipation = Ruin, both of fortune and character, follows idleness and dissipation. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 271 Wake of, in tlie = In the train of; immediately af- ter, (a) Whatever a party-leader does, some will follow in his wake = Wh.?itever a party-leader may do, some will follow in his train. The boat is coming in the wake of our ship = The boat is following immediately after our ship. IValk by faith, to = To live trusting Jesus Christ as a teacher and Savior, (a) Til e Bible is given to us, tb persuade us to walk hy faith=Th.G Bible is given to us, to persuade us to live trusting Jesus as a teacher and a Savior. l¥ariii reception, to give a = l. To give a cordial welcome, (a) 2, To defend one's self, with a hot fire, from an enemy, (a) 1. If you will visit us, we will give you a warm reception = If you will visit us, we will give you a cordial welcome. 2, They gave the enemy a warm rece2)tion = Thej received the enemy witli a hot fire. IVasli one's liand§ of, to = To withdraw from alto- gether ; to repudiate, (c) He has washed his hands of the liquor business = He has separated himself entirely from the trade in liquors. I wash my hands of the charge of bribery = I repudiate the charge of bribery. l¥atch and Mratcb {Naut.) = ATi arrangement by which the watches are alternated every other four hours, (a) Watch and watch is distinguished from keeping all hands on deck, during one or more watches = An ar- rangement, by which the watches are alternated every other four hours, is distinguished from keep- ing all hands on deck, during one or more watches. The sailors were on duty watch and watch=Th.e sail- ors were on duty in alternate periods of four hours each. HVatch and -ward = The charge or care of certain officers, to keep a watch by night and a guard by day, for the preservation of the public peace, (c) The officers of the border towns were commanded, by the Governor and Council, to keep watch and ward, against Indian attacks = The officers of the border towns were directed, by the Governor and Council, to keep watch by night and guard by day, against apprehended attacks of Indians. IVatch over, to = To be cautiously observant of; to carefully guard, (a) In the East, the shepherd tvatches over his flock = In the East, the shepherd carefully guards his flock from harm. The mother watches over the manners • 272 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. and morals of her children = The mother carefully observes the manners and morals of her children, in order to train them to politeness and goodness. Ways and means = 1. Methods ; resources ; facili- ties, (c) 2. (Legislation) Means for raising money ; resources for revenue, {a) 1. Such an expenditure, for the mere luxury of housekeeping, would not be consistent with their modest ways and means = Such an expenditure, sim- ply for the luxury of housekeeping, would not be consistent with their modest resources. 2, The com- mittee of ways and means is one of the most import- ant, in a legislative assembly = The committee for providing resources of revenue is one of the most important, in a legislative assembly. HVajH of Ood = The methods of God's government, or his works, (a) The ways of God are sometimes mysterious = The government of God over us, and his works are some- times difficult, or impossible, to understand. Way tlie wind blows, tlie = What is popular or ex- pedient, (a) Some persons do not express an opinion on a sub- ject, till tliey learn which way the wind blows = Some persons do not express an opinion on a subject, till they learn w^hat is popular or expedient. W^eak side = The side or aspect of a person's charac- ter or disposition by which he is most easily af- fected or influenced ; weakness ; infirmity, (a) His weak side is vanity = His weakness or infirmity is vanity. Mr. A. obtained a favor of Mr. B., by approaching him on his vjeak side; viz., susceptibility to fiattery = Mr. A. obtained a favor of Mr. B., by making use of that trait in his character by which he is most easily influenced ; viz., susceptibility to flattery. IVear away, to=rTo diminish gradually, (a) The waters wear away the rock = The waters grad- ually diminish the rock. H^ear off, to = i. To diminish or remove by contin- ued use, or by slow decay, (a) 2. To pass away by slow degrees, (a) 1. The nap of your coat is worn off=The nap of your coat has been gradually removed by wear. 2. The follies of youth wear off with age = The follies of youth pass away gradually, as age advances. 2. The homesickness of your son who is at school will wear off= The homesickness of your son who is at school will pass away by slow degrees (gradually). IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 278 l¥ear out, to = l. To render useless by much ser- vice, (a) 2. To waste the strength of. (a) 1. The child has worn out his clothes ; will you get him another suit ?=:The child's clothes have be- come useless by long wear ; will you get him anoth- er suit ? 2. The Soldiers' Home provides for many soldiers worn out in the service of their country = The Soldiers' Home provides for many soldiers who have become disabled by wounds or by disease. 2. He is worn out because he sat by the bed of his sick wife for two full weeks = His strength is wasted be- cause he sat up by the bed of his sick wife for two full weeks. "Wear well, to=l. To be durable, lasting. 2. To endure the test of time and use. (a) 1. The overcoat which John bought four years ago wea7's weU=The overcoat which John bought four years ago is durable. 2. My friend the lawyer wears well = The lawyer endures the test of time and service as a friend. Weather a point, to {Naut.)=l, To gain a point towards the wind, as a ship. 2. To gain any thing against opposition, (c) 1, The ship has weathered a point in her course to- day = The ship has gained a point towards the wind in her course to-day. 2. This party weathered a point in the debate on the currency = This party gained something in spite of the opposition, in the debate on the currency. "Weather the storm, to = To successfully resist and overcome a misfortune ; to bear up against adver- sity, (b) The panic in the money market so affects the merchant, that he finds it difficult to pay his bills ; but he will weather the storm = The panic in the money market so affects the merchant, that he finds it difficult to pay his bills ; but he will overcome the difficulty, and issue from it unharmed. Weed out, to = To remove as useless or hurtful ; to sort out. (c) The police officers are weeding out the unlicensed liquor sellers = The police officers are sorting out and prosecuting the unlicensed liquor sellers. The pa- tent office department is iveeding out some of the clerks, because there are too many = The patent office department is lessening the number of its clerks, by removing some, because there are too many. "Weigh anchor, to = To raise the anchor and de- part, (a) The ship weighed anchor at 8 o'clock = The ship 19 274 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. raised her anchor and departed at 8 o'clock. On the 20th inst. the fleet of men-of-war weighed anchor for Europe = On the 20th inst. the fleet of men-of- war left the place where it was anchored, and de- parted for Europe. "Weigli down, to = l. To overbalance, (a) 2. To burden heavily, (a) 1. A ball of lead will weigh down an equal bulk of feathers = A ball of lead will overbalance an equal bulk of feathers. 2. Abraham Lincoln was weighed down with the cares of government, during the civil war =r Abraham Lincoln was heavily bur- dened with the cares of government, during the civil war. lVei§^hecl in the balance, and found wanting^, to be = To be tried or tested, and found insufii- cient, unsatisfactory, unfit and the like, {b) Benedict Arnold, the traitor, was weighed in the balance^ and found z^anfoV/^ = Benedict Arnold was tested, and found wanting in patriotism. The offi- cial will not be re-appointed ; for he has been weighed in the balance^ and found wanting = The official will not be re-appointed ; for he has been tested as public servant, and proved unsatisfactory. IWeigli on one'§ mind, to = To bear heavily ; to press hard on the mind, (a) His financial troubles iveigh on his mind = His financial troubles bear heavily on his mind. Well enougfh^:!. "Well or good in a moderate de- gree, (b) 2. So as to give satisfaction or so as to require no alteration, (a) 1. How did you like the concert ? Oh ! it was well enough =z}Iow did you like the concert? Oh ! it was tolerably good, or good in a moderate degree. 2. How does his work please you ? It is done ivell enough z= How does the work please you ? It is done satisfactorily and requires no alteration. IVell to do, to be. (c) Well off, to be. (a) = To have a comfortable property ; to be prospered Miss A. has married a man who is well to do = Miss A. has married a man who is prosperous in business. I am told that Mr. E. has become vjell off by the rise in real estate = I am told that Mr. E. has acquired a comfortable property by the rise in real estate. Wet blanket = Something which disappoints and discourages a person in his purpose or pursuit, (b) The refusal of several rich men to give any thing in aid of establishing a free public library, threw a wet blanket on the projects The refusal of several IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 275 rich men to give any thing in aid of establishing a free public library, was a discouragement to the en- terprise. He is a ivet blanket in any com pan 3^, by his imsociableness = He is a restraint upon the enjoy- ment of any assemblage, by reason of his unsocia- bleness. Do not throw a ivet blanket on the enter- prise of a public library = Do not discourage the en- terprise of a public library. The refusal of the banker to contribute any thing to the orphan, asy- lum, w^as a wet blanket to the enterprise = The refusal of the banker to contribute any thing to the orphan asylum, was disappointing and discouraging to the friends of that enterprise. TVe w\\\ give a g^ood account of tliem (a soldiers' phrase) = We will give them a good drubbing, (a) '' If they come, see if we do not give a good ac- count of them " [London Times] = If they come, be on the watch to notice whether or not we give them a good thrashing. l¥hat to do with = "What use to make of ; how to dispose of; how to employ, (a) Since school closed, the child does not know what to do with himself = Since the close of school, the child does not know how to employ himself. He is breaking up housekeeping, and does not know what to do with his furniture = He is abandoning house- keeping, and is perplexed as to how to dispose of his furniture. We have more cherries this year than we know what to do with = We have so many cherries this year that we are unable to use them all or to dispose of them. What — followed by a preposition — as with, by, through, and repeated = In part ; partly. (6) What with the high price of provisions, and what with occasional sickness, the family found it very dif- ficult to live on their income = Partly in consequence of the costliness of provisions, and partly in conse- quence of occasional sickness, the family found it difficult to live on their income. He was at the head of the custom-house, and what by bribes, and tuhat by extortions, he made enormous sums of mon- ey = He was at the head of the custom-house, and partly by extortions and partly by bribes, he made enormous sums of money. What if = What will be the matter if; what will be the result if. (a) I do not like to have you go out on the water. What if a storm should come up ? = I do not like to have you go out on the water. What will be the result if a storm should come up ? 276 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. liniat i§ that to=:How does that concern ? (a) Tlie river was closed by ice yesterday, but what ts that to me 1 = The river was frozen over yesterday, but how does that concern me ? Uliat not = A miscellany; a variety — used indefi- nitely, (a) He sells clothing, boots and shoes, and what not=z He sells boots and shoes and a variety of things. The boy's pocket contained marbles, tw^ine, slate-pen- cils, fishhooks, and what ?2o^=The boy's pocket con- tained marbles, twine, slate-pencils, fishhooks, and a miscellaneous collection of articles. l¥liat-not = A stand of shelves for books, ornaments, and the like. I have a what-not in my room = I have a set of shelves on which to put books, ornaments and the like in my room. "What though = Even granting that ; allowing that ; supposing it true that, (a) What though the climate be delightful ; that can not make it a desirable place to live in, if the inhab- itants are savage = Even granting that the climate is delightful ; that can not make it a desirable place to live in, if the inhabitants are savage. "While a^i^ay time, to = To cause the time to pass without irksomeness or disgust ; to spend the time. The man waiting for the train at the depot whiled away the time^ by reading a novel = The man w^aiting for the train at the depot, caused the time to pass without irksomeness, by reading a novel. White lie, a = An evasion ; a falsehood which seems harmless and pardonable, (c) " Mistress is not at home. Sir," is a white lie seldom told by servants = " Mistress is not at home, Sir," is an evasive answer seldom given by servants, when the lady of the house does not wish to receive visitors. I told the burglar a ivhite lie about my money = I told the burglar that which was not really true, but which seemed justifiable, about my money. Wield the scepter, to = To exercise royal author- ity ; to govern with supreme command, (a) About 300 years ago. Queen Elizabeth, of Eng- land, wielded the scepter forty-five years = About 300 years ago. Queen Elizabeth, of England, exercised royal authority forty-five years. W^ill do = Will answer the purpose ; will suffice, {a) If you can not pay me to-day, next week will do = If you can not pay me to-day, it will be sufficient (or satisfactory), if you pay me next week. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 277 H^ind and weather perinTttmg = If the weather do not prevent, (a) The vessel will sail for San Francisco on Wednes- day, wind and weather permitting = The vessel will sail for San Francisco on Wednesday, if the weather do not prevent. Wind up, to = l. To put in a state of renewed mo- tion, (a) 2. To bring to a close ; to conclude, (a) 1. Some clocks must be wound up daily, and others weekly = Some clocks must be put in a state of re- newed motion daily, and others weekly. 2, The senator wound up his speech by a quotation from one of the poets = The senator closed his speech with a quotation from one of the poets. 2, Mr. B. the merchant is winding up his business, intending to remove West = Mr. B. the merchant is bringing his business to a close, intending to remove to the West. 2. The insurance company became embarrassed, and wound up business = The insurance company became embarrassed, and closed its business. Wind up one's affairs, to = To bring to a conclu- sion or settlement, (a) I will wind up my affairs here, before I return to China =: I will bring my business to a conclusion here, before I return to China. Win one's spurs, to = To obtain position or fame by one's exertions or merits, (c) The young lieutenant has won his spurs early = The young lieutenant has obtained promotion at an early age. Win over, to=:To persuade to change sides or opin- ions, (a) The political speech of the senator won over many to the democratic party = The political speech of the senator persuaded many to change their political opinions, and become democrats. ^Within bounds = Not beyond due limits; not ex- travagantly, {a) The farmer made a very high fence, and thus kept his cattle within hounds — The farmer made a very high fence, and thus his cattle did not get out of the yard. It is speaking within hounds to say that two inches of water fell last night = It is not extravagant to say that two inches of water fell last night. Witliin doors = In the house, (a) The illness of the consul keeps him within doors = The illness of the consul forces him to remain in the house. Within reach = Able to be obtained, (a) The trial of the bank robber was postponed, be- 278 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. cause one of the impcfrtant witnesses was not within reach = The trial of the bank robber was postponed, because one of the important witnesses could not be obtained. IWith might and main = With the utmost strength or exertion, (a) He ran home with all his might and mam = He ran home as fast as he possibly could. "When I work, I work with all my might and main=Wheii I work, I work as hard as I possibly can. IVith one accords: Agreeing in opinion or action; unitedly, (a) I»rews came that the soldiers were returning from the war, and with one accord the citizens welcomed them = News came that the soldiers were returning from the war, and the people were agreed in wel- coming them. l^lth one's eyes open = Knowing all the circum- stances or consequences (generally used in an un- favorable sense) ; observant ; vigilant, (a) He purchased an interest in the manufacturing company which is embarrassed, and did it with his eyes open = He purchased an interest in the manufac- turing company, which is embarrassed, knowing all the circumstances. He traveled through Europe with his eyes open = 'Ke made the tour of Europe, and was an observant traveler. She was fully informed of his habits by her friends, so that she married him with her eyes open = She was fnlly informed of his habits, so that she married him with ample knowl- edge of the risks of such a marriage. H^itb one's eyes shut = Not observing or knowing ; ignorantly. (a) He must have purchased that rail-road stock with his eyes shut ; for it is well-nigh worthless = He must have purchased that rail-road stock ignorantly ; for it is almost worthless. "With or by one's favor = With leave ; by permis- sion, (b) We sometimes see, on the envelope of a letter, ''By favor of Mr. ^.," (that is, of the gentleman who conveys the letter) = We sometimes see, on the envelope of a letter, something which means. By the kind permission of the person, who carries the letter. l¥ithout day {Sine die) = Without the appointment of a day to appear or assemble again ; finally dis- missed, (a) Congress has adjourned toithout day = Congress has adjourned without the appointment of a day to as- semble again. IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 279 "Without fail = Unfailiugly ; positively; absolutely. Come to dine with us, without fail =You. must pos- itively come to dine with us. H^ith the lark = At sunrise ; very early, (c) Hon. John Quincy Adams was accustomed to be up with the lark, and take a bath in the Potomac be- fore breakfasts Hon. John Quincy Adams was ac- customed to rise very early, and take a bath in the Potomac before breakfast. "With thi§ under§taiiding='With this agreement ; provided that, {a) I will come, with this understanding, that I am not to be detained = I will come, if you will agree that I shall not be kept long. I buy it of you with this understanding, that you will take it back if it proves bad = I will buy it of you, provided that you agree to take it back, if it is not good. The boy who was expelled from school is permitted to return, with this understanding, that he is to confess his fault, and be an obedient scholar in futures The boy who was expelled from school is permitted to return, with this agreement or stipulation, that he confess his fault, and be an obedient scholar in future. Work a pa§8age, to = To pay for passage by work instead of money, (a) He worked his passage, by serving as clerk, from New York to Shanghai = He performed the duties of clerk, to pay for his passage from New York to Shanghai. IVork at arms length, to = To work awkwardly or disadvantageously. {a) In picking the apples which grew upon the ends of the branches, he was obliged to luork at arms length = In gathering the apples from the ends of the branches, he was forced to work disadvantageously. l¥ork into, to — To cause to make way, or insinuate into, (a) He worked himself into the favor of the head of his department in the custom houses By taking pains, he insinuated himself into the favor of the head of his department in the custom house. liVork off, to = To remove gradually, (a) Beer works off impurities in fermenting = Impuri- ties iA beer are gradually removed in fermenting. He was very angry ; but instead of replying to the insult, he went into the garden, and worked off his anger = He was very angry ; but instead of replying to the insult, he went into the garden, and by work, his anger was gradually removed. 280 IDIOMATIC PHRASES. Work one's -way, to = To advance or succeed by toilsome efforts, (a) The lawyer worked his way to his profession = The lawyer succeeded by toilsome efforts and against ob- stacles, in entering his profession. YFork out, to = l. To effect by labor, (a) 2. To solve problems, (a) 3. To exhaust by working, (a) 1. That man has worked out the debt he owed me = That man has, by his labor, paid the debt he owed me. 2. Have you worked out those problems in arithmetic ?= Have you solved those problems in arithmetic ? 3. The silver mines of Nevada are not worked out=llh.Q silver mines of Nevada are not ex- hausted by working. l¥ork up, to = 1. To excite, (a) 2. To exhaust mate- rials in manufacture, (a) 1. Their anger was wrought up to a high pitch = Their anger was greatly excited. 2. They have worked up all the wool which you carried to the fac- tory = All the wool which you carried to the factory has been exhausted in the process of manufacture. IfWorld ^urithout end = Eternally, (c) The Christian hopes to praise and serve Jesus in heaven, world without enc?=The Christian hopes to praise and serve Jesus in heaven, eternally. l¥orm one'§ §elf into, to = To enter gradually by arts and insinuations, (a) It is only a person of low mind that will worm himself into the favor of others = It is only a person of low mind that will gain the favor of any one by artifice and insinuation. He wormed himself into the king's favor = He gained the king's favor by low arts and insinuations. Mr. A. wormed himself into the favor of the minister B., to supplant Mr. C.=:Mr. A. used low and unworthy means to gain the favor of the minister B., in order to supplant Mr. C. l¥ortli whiles Worth the time or pains or expense, &c., which it requires, (a) It is worth while to have a good education = It is worth the time and pains which it requires, to have a good education. It is not always worth while for a man to prosecute for small debts = It is not always worth the expense to prosecute for small debts. Is it worth while to read this paper ? = Will it repay me to read this paper % Would rather, (c) Had rather, (a) = Prefer to; chose to. " I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord, than dwell in the tents of wickedness" [Psalms] = I would prefer to be a doorkeeper in the IDIOMATIC PHRASES. 281 house of the Lord, than to dwell with wicked men. Will you go with me to the concert to-night ? I would rather go to the lecture = Will you accompany me to tlie concert to-night ? I should prefer to go to the lecture. I had rather ride in a carriage than on the cars = I prefer travel by carriage to travel by rail. Ifould that ! {Poetical) = I wish that, (c) Would that I were young again = I wish I was young again. Would that he were here = I wish he was here. Would that there were some method of cross- ing the ocean without sea-sickness = I wish there was some way to cross the ocean without being sea-sick. "Wrap up = To cover by folding or winding ; to en- velop, (a) In New England, in the winter, people ride wrapped up in warm garments = In New England, in the winter, people ride enveloped in warm garments. ^IWrapped up in, to be = To be absorbed in ; to be entirely dependent on. All her happiness was wrapped up in her husband = She was wholly dependent on her husband for her happiness. He has a new cabinet organ, and is wrap- ped up in his music = He has a new cabinet organ, and is absorbed in the study and practice of music. Wry face = Distortion of the countenance indicating impatience or discomfort, (a) The grapes at dinner were so sour that they caused him to make a wry face = The grapes at dinner were so sour as to cause him to indicate his discomfort while eating them, by a distortion of countenance. T. Year of graee = The first year of the Christian era ; Anno Domini ; A. D. (c) George Washington was bom in the year of grace, 1732 = George Washington was born Anno Domini, 1732. Year§ of discretion = The age of sound judgment, (a) We must not expect too much of the young, be- fore they arrive at years of discretion = We must not expect too much of the young, before they reach the age of sound judgment. Yield up the ghost or the breath, to = To die ; to expire. (Scrip.) (c) " Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost ^^= Jesus, expired, when he had cried again with a loud voice. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. Ui The following is a collection of colloquial words and phrases. They are Railed colloquial, because they are employed in common conversation, and pertain to this kind of speech, as distinguished from formal or elegant discourse. It is their peculiarity that they are familiar and free modes of expression. It is the natural result of a freer exercise of the mind and feeling in social intercourse, than would be considered appropriate in the book, the sermon, the poem, or the ora- tion. A certain latitude of expression is allowable and legitimate in the family circle, the drawing-room, and in friendly talk. Here it may be permitted to speak of one's "cronies," to "handle" any given subject "without mittens," and to use an almost unlimited number of like expressions, which would not be permissible in more formal speech. Colloquialisms are sometimes formed by giving a new and humorous application to words; — as, when a housekeeper moves about hastily on the occasion of some unexpected call for service, she is said ''to fiy around. '? Sometimes an idea is expressed colloquially, by using an established phrase for some physical action; — as, when we say of some defeated project, that it was "knocked in tlie bead.'' Colloquial expressions are not confined to conversation. Being familiar, and often pat and homely, they are sometimes employed by writers, especially of light literature, to give point, or to be more free and easy in style. There are grades of colloquialisms. Some approach to the standard of good usage in the best writers. Others descend towards the level of slang. On neither side can the line be very sharply drawn. Webster marks a large number of expressions as colloquial, which are found in the Slang Dictionary. (285) COLLOQUIAL PHEASES. A day after the fair = Too late ; after any thing is past ; behindhand, (c) That man is always a day after the fair in paying his bills = That man is always dilatory in paying his bills. A fla§h in the pan=A vain attempt ; a failure, (a) The balloon ascension, which was advertised to take place this noon on the park, was a flash in tfie pan for want of sufficient gas = The balloon ascen- sion, which was advertised to take place this noon on the park, was a failure for want of sufficient gas. Afiraid of one'§ oiw^n shadoiv = Exceedingly timid, (a) Mrs. A. does not dare to go out, even on moon- light evenings; she is afraid of her own shadow = M.rs. A. does not dare to go out, even on moonlight eve- nings ; she is exceedingly timid. A game at nrhich two can play = The power of retaliation ; a method of procedure, in which the party attacked can give tit for tat. (a) . The candidate for town treasurer would do well not to slander his opponent, for he will find that it is a game at which two can play — The candidate for town treasurer would do well not to slander his op- ponent, for he will find that his opponent can retali- ate. A good round §um = A large price ; much money. In 1867, the United States paid Hussia a good round sum for Alaska; viz., $7,200,000 = In 1867, the United States paid Russia much money for Alaska ; viz., $7,200,000. A great catch = Some thing very desirable to be obtained, (c) That young man is considered a great catchy by the young ladies = The young ladies consider that young man a very desirable person to have for a husband. All but=Yery nearly, (a) (287) 288 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. The skaters on the pond all hut broke through the ice = The skaters on the pond very nearly broke through the ice. All liaiid§ = All helpers ; all persons, (a) At midnight the captain of the ship called all hands on deck = At midnight the captain of the ship called all helpers, that is, all the crew, on deck. Let all hands of us take hold, and try to finish the hay- ing to-day = Let all of us begin earnestly, and try to finish the haying to-day. He ordered all hands to go to the field = He ordered all the men to go to the field. All hands were tired out = All of us were tired out. All in a pucker = Confused ; agitated; perplexed. (") . . It is time for school, and the boy is all in a pucker because he can not find his hat = It is time for school, and the boy is agitated because he can not find his hat. All one = Just the same, (a) It is all one to me, whether you stay or not = It is just the same to me whether you stay or not. It is all one to him, whether we like him or not = He does not care whether we like him or not. All over ivitli one, to be = To be dead, (c) It is all over with him, after a long illness = He is dead, after a long illness. All the fat being in the fire = All the planning or labor coming to naught, by reason of some mishap. {0) The congressman who was to recommend the lawyer to ofiice, is not re-elected ; and now the law- yer's fat is all in the fire — The congressman who was to recommend the lawyer for office is not re-elected ; and now the lawyer's plan is overturned and his efforts frustrated. All the §ame = As completely or entirely as if. (a) You do not answer ; but I understand you, all the same=You do not answer me; but I understand you as completely as if you had. A long header An acute and far-seeing mind; a shrewd judgment, (a) It requires a long head to manage successfully the affairs of State = It requires an acute and far-seeing mind to manage successfully the affairs of State. Any thing but = Quite contrary to ; dilFerent from. It is any thing but agreeable, to be sick with mea- sles = It is quite different from agreeable (quite dis- agreeable) to be sick with the measles. Is he an in- COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 289 telligent man ? He is anything hut intelligent = Is he an intelligent man ? He id quite the opposite of intelligent (ignorant). A nut to crack = Something puzzling, to be ex- plained, (c) Sometimes on breaking open a stone, a live toad has been found imbedded. How can he exist in that condition ? There is a nut to crack — Sometimes on breaking open a stone, a live toad has been found imbedded. How can he exist in that condition? There is something puzzling, and requiring explana- tion. Apple-pic order = Perfect order and arrangement, (c) The historical room at the ^thenseum is kept in apple-pie order = Ti\Q order and arrangement of the historical room at the Athenaeum are perfect. She keeps the house in apple-pie orcfer= She keeps the house in perfect order. A pretty kettle of fl8li=A bad state of affairs; a muddle, (c) Here's a pretty Icettle of Jish = HeTe^8 a bad state of affairs. A part of the invitations to the wedding assigned the wrong day for the ceremony — that's a pretty kettle of fish = A part of the invitations to the wedding mentioned the wrong day fov the ceremony — that is a muddle (confused state of things) A rattling pace = A gait so rapid as to produce a rattling sound ; a rapid gait, (c) The gentleman and lady on horseback went by the house at a rattling pace = The gentleman and lady on horseback passed the house at a rapid gait. A rough e§timate = An estimate in general and not very exact, (a) The newspaper correspondent made a rough esti- mate of the number of persons present on the fair grounds The new^spaper correspondent estimated, in a general way, the number of persons present on the fair ground. A rough gue§§ = A judgment or opinion given at random and in general terms, without attempt at precision, (a) The farmer gave a rough guess respecting the weight of the load of hay = The farmer estimated in a general way, the weight of the load of hay. A §ight = A quantity ; a great number ; a large sum. (*) What a sight of dirt in this kitchen ! = What a quantity of dirt in this kitchen ! He is making a sight of money in business = He is making a great sum of money in business. 20 290 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. As ill luck irould have it = Unfortunately, (a) The man was passing down the street, and as ill luck would have it^ a projecting stone on the side-walk threw him down, and his leg was broken = The man was passing down the street, and unfortunately, a projecting stone on the side-walk threw him down ; and his leg was broken. As like as ti¥o peas = So similar as to be distin- guished from each other with great difficulty ; very similar, (c) These twin brother's are as like as two peas = These twin brothers are so similar as to be distinguished from each other with difficulty. As mueh = As much ^s that ; the same, (a) Mr. K. has delayed writing, because he has been ill ; I feared as much = Mr. R. has not written sooner, because he has been ill ; I feared as much as that. As sound as a roacli = Perfectly sound, (c) He is never sick ; he is as sound as a roach =^0.^ is never sick, and is perfectly sound and well. As the story goes or runs = It is said ; the story is thus, (a) The young man first saw the young lady at a wa- tering-place, and proposed to her there, as the story goes = The young man first saw the young lady at a watering-place, and there proposed marriage, it is said. As the world goes = According to customary stand- ards, (a) . Mr. A. is an honest man, as the world goes = Mr. A. is an honest man, as honesty is reckoned in the world. As thick as hops = As thick as hops on the vine ; very numerous ; very plentiful, (a) In the crowd gathered on the park, children were as thick as hops =lii the crowd gathered on the park, children were very numerous. As things go = According to the present circum- stances, market, usage or custom, (a) As things go now, this rent is dear = Since rents have come down, this rent is dear. As things go at the South (U. S.), the colored population feel a strong impulse to migrate to other portions of the country = Business contracts, civil rights, &c., are so little respected in some parts of the South, that the colored people feel a strong impulse to migrate to other portions of the country. At a pinch = In difficulty ; under necessity, (a) That post will serve, at a pinch, to put in the fence COLLOQUIAL PHKASES. 291 which we are building ; but we ought to have a bet- ter one =: That post will serve in the present neces- sity ; but we ought to have a better one. At flr§t band = From original sources ; without in- tervention of agents, (a) I bought these strawberries at first hand =1 bought these strawberries of the producers. I had the ac- count of the great fire in Jeddo at first hand=l had a statement about the great fire in Jeddo from the original source, or from those who were there. At log^gerhead§, to be = To come to blows ; to be at strife ; to differ strongly, {b) He is at loggerheads with his partner about the clerks = He is in a quarrel with his partner concern- ing the clerks. Germany and France may be at log- gerheads again = Germany and France may be quar- reling again. I saw the Irish boys and the negro boys at loggerheads in the street, the other day = The other day, I saw the Irish boys and the negro boys at strife in the street. At Ioo§e ends = Neglected ; badly managed ; in con- fusion, (a) His business affairs are at loose ends, and he is likely to become bankrupt = His business affairs are carelessly managed, and he is likely to become bank- rupt. At sea = Uninformed ; uncertain; unable to tell, (a) When asked what were the capitals of the several States, the school-boy was all at 5ea=:When asked what were the capitals of the several States, the school-boy was unable to tell. At tbe end of one's rope, to be = To be without resources ; to be unable to do any thing further, (b) He is at the end of his rope as a political leader = He can not do any more as a political leader. If you are not more prudent you will soon be at the end of your rope = If you are not more prudent you will soon have used up all your resources. He hired a store, and carried on business in a very showy and extravagant manner ; but was soon at the end of his rope, for want of capitals He hired a store and transacted business in a very showy and extravagant manner ; but soon exhausted his capital, and was un- able to proceed further. At tbe pincb = At the moment of special difficulty. An axle-tree broke, in the evening, miles from any house, and I should have been in a sad plight, but Mr. A. came by at the pinch, and helped me out of the difficulty = An axle-tree broke, in the even- 292 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. ing, miles from any house, and I should have been in a sad plight, but Mr. A. came along, at the mo- ment of special difficulty, and helped me out. A -wild-goose clia§e = Pursuit after something un- likely to be obtained, or something of little value. («) He is on a wild-goose chase in trying to find some one who will buy the property at that price = He is not likely to find any one who will buy the property at the price he asks for it. Mr B. is on a vjild-goose chase after a project to light the city by decompos- ing water = Mr. B. is engaged in a vain enterprise to light the city by decomposing water. B. Back out, to = To withdraw ; to retreat ; to retire ; to give up. (a) He began last spring to study ; but he soon bached OM/=He began to study last spring; but he soon gave up. You promised to assist me and you can not hack out— Yow. promised to assist me, and you can not get away from keeping your promise. Bag[ and baggages All one's goods; every thing belonging to a person, (a) The blacksmith has left town, hag and haggage= The blacksmith has left town, with all his goods. He has started for California, hag and haggage — He has started for California, with his family and all his possessions. Be or keep in with, to = To be on good terms ; to be intimate, (c) It is my wish to keep in with my classmates = It is my wish to keep on terms of intimacy with my classmates. He tried to keep in with his neighbors ; but they were so quarrelsome that he found it very difficult = He tried to be on friendly terms with his neighbors ; but found it very difficult, because they were so quarrelsome. Beat into the head, to = To teach, by repetition of instruction ; to cause to learn, (c) I can not heat it into the boy's head^ that he must say. Yes, sir, in answering = I can not make the boy learn, that he must say. Yes, sir, in answering. Beat up recruits, to = To get up an extra supply of helpers ; to find persons to assist, (a) He has gone to heat up recruits for his house-rais- ing = He has gone to obtain helpers for his house- COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 293 raising. We must heat up recruits for the work, wliicli must be finished to-morrow = We must get up an extra supply of lielpers for the work, which must be finished to-morrow. Belour the mark = Below the standard ; inferior, (a) This book on astronomy is helow the mark = T\i\^ book on astronomy is inferior. Be off, torrl. To depart, (a) 2. To depart or re- cede from an engagement or design, (c) 1. I must 6eo^ now; excuse me please = I must go now ; please excuse me. 2. He engaged to do the work, but now he is off=Ile engaged to do the work, but now he has receded from the engagement. 2. He entered into the arrangement to make the survey of the farm, but now he is off= He entered into or made the arrangement to make the survey of the farm, but he now withdraws. Between you and me, &c. = In strict confidence ; it must go no further ; I say it privately, (a) Between you and me, he is a thief = I tell you (but you must not tell any one else) he is a thief. He makes great boasts of his ability to do the work ; but between you and me, I think he is wholly incompe- tent = He makes great boasts of his ability to do the work ; but I say to you in strict confidence, I think he is wholly incompetent. Birds of a feather = Persons of like character, (a) They belong to the same political party ; they are birds of a feather =They belong to the same political party ; they are persons of like opinions. Hunters and fishermen are birds of a feather = IlunteYS, and fishermen are persons of similar tastes and callings. Black as ink = Yery gloomy ; hopeless prospect, (c) His business and domestic afiairs are in confusion, and every thing looks to him black as ink =lli8 busi- ness and domestic afiairs are in confusion ; every thing looks gloomy, and he sees no light. Bleed, to = To draw money from ; to pay or lose money, (c) The party bled the rich candidate for state senator, in order to pay the expenses of election = The party drew money from the wealthy candidate for state senator, in order to pay the expenses of election. The people tvere bled for new public buildings and roads = The people were obliged to pay much mon- ey for new public buildings and roads. Blind side = The side of a person's character most ' susceptible to approach or appeal ; the weak or im- pressible side, (c) When Mr. A. wanted a favor of Mr. B., he ap- 294 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. proached him on his blind side^ which is his love of flattery = When Mr. A. wanted a favor of Mr. B., he approached him on the most susceptible side of his character, which is the love of flattery. Blood, qualified by up = Excited feeling or passion; anger, (c) His blood is up at that taunts He is angry at that taunt. Don't speak when your blood is w^=: Don't speak while you are angry. Blour great guns, to=rTo blow violently, tempest- uously, (c) It blew great guns^The wind blew a hurricane. The clouds look as if it would soon blow great guns= The clouds look so, that I think the wind will soon blow violently. When we were off' Cape Hatteras, it blew great guns — WYien we were passing Cape Hatteras, at a little distance from it, the wind blew violently. Blour up, to=:To abusc or scold violently, (a) When he finds out your carelessness, he will blow you wp=: When he finds out your carelessness, he will scold you violently. I never had such a blowing up =1 was never so violently scolded. The gardener blew up the hostler for disclosing a secret which he had confided to him = The gardener violently scolded the hostler for disclosing a secret which he had in- trusted to him. Blue-stoeking = A literary lady ; a female pedant. ib) The term blue-stocking, to signify a literary lady, was first used in London in the time of Dr. Johnson. Its use to signify a female pedant came in naturally afterwards. The last of the original clique of English blue- stockings was Miss Monckton, who died in 1840 = The last of the original clique of literary ladies was Miss Monckton. Miss A. is a blue-stocki7ig, and tires you with her conversation = Miss A. is a pedant, and wearies you with her conversation. Bored to death = Exceedingly annoyed, (a) The rail-road conductor said that he was bored to death by the foolish questions of passengers = The rail-road conductor said that he was exceedingly annoyed by the foolish questions of passengers. Bother = Annoyance or perplexity ; that which per- plexes or annoys, (b) I had a great deal of bother to find the place = I was much perplexed in finding the place. Get down from my chair, pussy ; you are a bother — Get down from my chair, pussy ; you annoy me. It is a great bother to stop and shut the gate, every time # COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 295 I drive outfit is a great annoyance or hindrance to stop and shut the gate, every time I pass ont with the horse and carriage. Bran-ne\r = Unworn ; recently made or purchased. (a) This is a bran-new hat = This is a hat not yet worn. We have hran-new furniture = We have furniture but just bought. He had on a bran-new suit = He was wearing very new clothes. Brass = Impudence ; boldness ; excessive self-confi- dence, (a) In his examination, the witness showed a great deal of brass = ln his examination, the witness mani- fested mucli impudence. He has not brass enough to succeed as a public speaker = He has not suificient boldness or self-reliance to be a successful public speaker. Brass sometimes goes farther than brains = Excessive self-confidence sometimes succeeds, w^iere merit fails through its modesty. Bring up, to (intrans.) = To come to the end of one's course, (a) Those young fellows will probably bring up in the penitentiary ; they are so dishonest and lawless = Those young men will most likely end their present course in the prison, because they are so dishonest and lawless. Broad as it is long = The same one way as the other. («) The rule of social calls is as broad as it is long ; if you receive calls, you must return them = The rule of social calls holds in both directions ; if you receive calls, you must return them. If I give my brother my horse, I shall be obliged to buy me another ; so that it is as broad as it is long^ whether I give him the horse or the moneys If I give my brother my horse I shall be necessitated to have another ; so that it is really the same, whether I give him the horse, or the money to purchase one. Brush up, to = To paint ; to cleanse ; to renew ; to improve, (c) Can not you brush yourself up a little ? = Can not you make yourself appear a little better? Before examination, I must brush up my Latin = Before examination, I must study my Latin over a little, to bring it to my memory. He is considerable brushed up of late = Of late he is considerably improved in his appearance. Mr. A. is brushing up his premises, preparatory to bringing home his bride = Mr. A. is improving the appearance of his house and grounds, in preparation for bringing home his bride. 296 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. » Buckle to, to = To apply one's self with vigor to ; to engage with zeal in ; to bend to. (c) When I buckle to my hoeing, it will be quickly done =When I go earnestly at work hoeing, it will be quickly done. He buckled to study like a good one=: He applied himself to study very earnestly. It is late ; buckle to! — li is late; work hard. The hay makers buckled to, and got in the hay before the shower = The hay makers worked vigorously, and secured the ]iay before the shower. Burn the candle at both end§, to = To squander in two ways ; to be doubly extravagant, (a) By idleness and extravagance he burns the candle at both ends—Bj idleness and extravagance he is doubly wasteful. Do not burn your candle at both- ends =1)0 not waste and squander time, money, and the like. By working hard and living poorly, he is burning the candle of life at both ends = By exces- sive work and innutritions food, he is exhausting his strength of constitution. Button-hole, to = To bore; to detain in conversa- tion to weariness, (ci) He button-holed me on the street to talk politics = He kept talking politics to me on the street till I was wearied, as if he held me by the button-hole. As the senator was leaving the senate-chamber, he was butto7i-holed by a man interested in the rail-road bill = As the senator was leaving the senate-chamber, he was accosted and wearily detained in conversa- tion, by a man who was interested in the rail-road bill. By fit§ and §natche§. By fits and starts = Impul- sively aad irregularly ; at intervals, (c) She embroidered this rug by fits and snatches = She embroidered this rug, by working at intervals. He is generous by fits and starts = Iie is impulsively and irregularly generous. The boy does not progress in learning the language, because he studies by fits and starts — The, boy does not progress in learning the language, because he studies irregularly. By all odds. By long odds = By eminent superi- ority ; very much, (a) This ship is the he&t, by long oc?cfe= This ship is very much the best. This is the warmest day by all odds — This is very much the warmest day. He is, by all odds, the best man for the office = He is very much the best man for the office. I should prefer a tour in Europe to one in California, by i.21 odds=l should regard a tour in Europe as much preferable to one in California. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 297 O. Call a §pade a spade, to = To be plain-spoken ; to call things by their right names, (c) Why not call a spade a spadef — Why shall we not call things by their right names? The editor de- nounced the duel as a murderous combat, and not an affair of honor; he believes in calling a spade a 5/)a- quite off the hooks = She is quite unhinged this morn- ing, and mentally disordered, because of loss of some property, and a sleepless night. Old as lUethuselah = A very old person, (c) The missionary returned to America, looking as old as Methuselah = The missionary returned to Amer- ica, very old in appearance. Old as the hills =:Yery old. (c) That story is old as the hills = That story is very old. Old bachelor = A man who was never married, and is no longer young, (a) We have one old bachelor on this streets One man who was never married, and who is no longer young, lives on this street. Old maid = 1. A woman who was never married, and who is no longer young, (a) 2. Fussy; over-par- ticular, (a) Mr. B's only aunt is an old maid = Mr. B's only aunt is a woman who was never married, and who is no longer young. 2. You are an old maid in re- gard to your garden and stables = You are over- particular respecting your garden and stables. On a spree = Having a merry frolic — especially, a drinking frolic, a carousal, (a) This man has been absent on a spree for two days = This man has been away for a drunken frolic, for two days. "When he gets on *a spree, he spends much of his earnings = When he engages in a carousal, he spends much of the money w^iich he has earned. One-horse = Small ; petty; insignificant; unimport- ant, (a) The Irishman keeps a one-horse grocery near the COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 335 depot = The Irishman keeps a small grocery near the depot. This is a one-horse town = This is an un- important town. He does a one-horse business = He does a petty business. He keeps a one-horse store in the city = He keeps a small store in the city. Only a §tep = Only a short distance, (a) The church is only a step from the school-house = The church is only a short distance from the school-house. On one's high horse — Supercilious ; arrogant, (c) The man who has inherited some property was in town yesterday, and was oji his high /ior5e = The man who has inherited some property was in town yes- terday, and was arrogant in his bearing. On one's last legs = Failing; nearly spent; near the end. ih) The man who has been intemperate so many years is on his last legs = Th.Q man who has been intemper- ate so many years is near the end (of his property or his life). On one's oivn hook = On one's own account or re- sponsibility ; not under another, but independently. • (a) _ _ I am doing business on my own nook=zl am carry- ing on business on my own responsibility. Not having been invited to ride w^ith the party, he hired a horse, and went riding on his oivn hook = ^ot hav- ing been invited to accompany the party in a ride, he hired a horse and went riding independently. On the cards = On the programme; arranged for; in order, (c) Mr. A. has built a house ; and the next thing on the cards is his marriage = Mr. A. has built a house; and the event next in order is his marriage. A trip to Europe is not on the cards = Thej have not arranged (do not purpose) to make a trip to Europe. On the sick list = 111 ; ailing — said of any one. (a) Several of the scholars are on the sick list this morning = Several of the scholars are ill this morn- ing. On the sly = In a sly or secret manner; secretly, (a) The boys chew tobacco 07i the sly z=ThG boys chew tobacco secretly. They were married on the sly= They were married secretly. On tick (by abbreviation, from On ticket) = On credit ; on trust, (a) 1 bought these clothes on tick — l bought these clothes on credit. No tick here ! = No credit is given here. Open the hall, to = To begin an enterprise, (a) 836 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. The political party opened the hall with a mass- meeting, which was followed by a dinner and speeches = The political party began their work with a mass-meeting and a dinner and speeches. Napoleon, having made all his preparations, opened the hall by attacking Milan = Napoleon, having made all his preparations, commenced the conflict by attacking Milan. A warm discussion, on the payment of the United States marshals, is expected in Congress ; and the country is waiting to see who will open the ball — The country is w^aiting to see who will begin the expected discussion in Congress, on the payment of United States marshals. Out of all patience, to be = To be thoroughly dis- satisfied ; to be unable to tolerate, (a) I am out of all patience with his unfaithfulness as steward of my property = I am not able to tolerate his unfaithfulness as steward of my property. Out of sort§ = Out of order; unwell, (a) My cold is in my head, and occasions some fever, and makes me feel quite ovt of sorted My cold is in my head, and occasions some fever, and makes me feel quite unwell. He is out of sorts to-day = He is not well to-day. Outstrip the -wind, to = To go very fast, (c) You should have seen the bay mare on the track ; she outstripped the wind = Yon should have seen the bay mare on the track ; she went very fast. Out with^ It = Speak freely and fully; make it known, (a) What are you thinking of so intently ? Out with zY=What are you thinking of so intently? Make it known. Over and over again = Repeatedly ; often (a) We have driven on that road over and over again = We have repeatedly driven on that road. OAve a g[rudge, to = To cherish ill-will, spite or en- mity ; to bear malice, (a) He owes you a grudge — He cherishes ill-will and resentment towards you. The school-boy owes his seat-mate a grudge, for having reported his mischiev- ous conduct = The school-boy cherishes ill-will or spite toward his seat-mate, for having reported his mischievous conduct. Oivn to tbe §oft Impcacliment, to = To admit the truth of something alleged concerning one. (c) When the rumor, that he was about to marry the banker's daughter, was mentioned to Mr. A., he owned to the soft impeachment — When the rumor, that he was about to marry the banker's daughter, was COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 837 mentioned to llr. A., he admitted the truth of the report. Paddle one's own eanoe, to = To get along in life, or in any particular enterprise, by one's own exertions ; to succeed unaided, (c) When the young man applied to his uncle for as- sistance in business, his uncle told him he must ^ac?- dlehis own ca7zoe = When the young man applied to his uncle for assistance in business, his uncle told him he must get along by his own exertions. Pa§§ muster, to = To pass through an inspection without censure ; to bear examination, (a) That excuse will not pass muster = That excuse is not good. Tliese goods will pass muster — T\\q^q goods will bear examination. When the class was examined for admission to the high school, two of the number did not pass muster = W\iQXi the class was examined for admission to the high school, two of the number did not bear examination. Pay dear for the \rhistle, to = To get any pos- session or advantage at too great cost, {b) The boy who stole a ride on the cars, and in get- ling off too soon fell under tlie wheel and crushed his foot, ^azc? dear for the whistle = The boy who stole a ride on the cars, and in getting off too soon fell under the wheel and crushed his foot, had his ride at too great cost. Pay one's way, to = To render an equivalent for what is laid out. (c) This boy, that we took in from the streets, pays his way ; lie is so useful and good-natured and oblig- ing = This boy renders an equivalent for all the ex- pense he is to us, because he is so useful, good-na- tured and obliging. Pay the debt of nature, to = To die. (c) He has^azc^ the debt of nature = TLe has died. Pay the piper, to = To settle the bill ; to suffer the consequences — especially of extravagant, unwise, or foolish acts, (c) We should like to have a fine celebration Inde- pendence day; but who will pay the piper f = We should delight to celebrate Independence day finely; but who will settle the bills? Those who waste their time in foolish pleasures must pay the piper — Those who go to excess in foolish pleasure, must suffer the consequences of their folly and errors. 2io 888 COLLOQUIAL PHRASFS. Pepper, to = To pelt with shot or similar missiles ; to cover thickly with wonnds. (c) Mr. A. has a gun loaded ; and will pepper any burglar who comes to his house = Mr. A. has a gun loaded ; and will pelt with shot any burglar who comes to his house. Pepper and salt = Gray and black; speckled, (b) . A pepper-and-salt suit is not so common now, as it was twenty-live years ago = A mixed suit, gray and black in color, is not so common now, as it was twenty-five years ago. Perpetrate a joke, to = To be guilty of jesting at an unseasonable time, (c) The boy perpetrated a joke at the camp-meeting = The boy was guilty of jesting at an out-of-door re- ligious gathering. Petticoat g^overnment — A derisive term to express undue influence or authority of a woman over a man. (c) The neighbors say that Mr. M. is under petticoat governments The neighbors say that Mr. M. is con- temptibly ruled by his wife. Pick acquaintance -with, to=:To make the ac- quaintance of. (c) My little boy is very sociable — on the steamer he picked acquaintance with everybody = M}?" little boy is very sociable ; on the steamer he made the ac- quaintance of everybody. Pick to pieces = To find fault witli ; to decry, (c) He picked their character to pieces — 11q found great fault with their character. Do not pick the book to pieces — T)o not find fault with the book, and decry it. Pick up, to = To improve slowly in health, {a) She has been sick all winter ; but now since spring and mild weather have come, she is picking up = She has been sick all winter ; but slie is now improving slowly in health, under the influence, of the mild spring weather. Piping: hot = At full heat ; boiling hot. (a) The tea is piping hot— The tea is at its full heat. After our sleigh-ride we sat down to a piping hot dinner = After our sleigh-ride, we partook of a din- ner composed of articles of hot food. Pitch one's tent, to = To prepare to tarry or reside for a longer or shorter time, (c) Having roamed about the world, the traveler pitched his tent in London = Having roamed about the world, the traveler prepared to reside in London. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 839 Pitch into, to = To fall upon ; to assail ; to attack ; to figlit. (a) The editor pitched into the new treaty, in his last papers The editor strongly denounced the new treaty, in the last issue of his paper. The dog pitched into the chickens, and injured some of them = The dog attacked the chickens, and injured some ^f them. He flew into a passion, and pitched into the offender = He became instantaneously very an- gry, and thrashed the offender. Play second fiddle, toi=To take a subordinate part; to follow another's lead, (a) The actor refused to play second fiddle in the drama = The actor refused to take a subordinate part in the drama. Play with edg^e-tools, to = To act with levity or thoughtless presumption, with the risk of serious damage, (c) The father said to his son who engaged in stock gambling, " You are playing with edr/e-tools^^ = When the father said this to his son, he meant, it is thought- less presumption for you to gamble in stocks, for you will very likely lose all you have. Plenty a§ blackberries = Yery numerous; very abundant, (b) The politicians were plenty as blacJcberries, at the mass-meeting = The politicians were very numerous at the mass-meeting. Pocket an insult or aflrk*ont, to = To receive with- out resenting, or at least, without seeking redress. {c) He never pockets an tnsult = 'H.e never receives an insult without resenting it. He pocketed the affront, and said nothings He submitted quietly to the in- sult. He could not pocket the affront of being called dishonest = He could not receive without resenting it, the affront of being called dishonest. Poke fkin at, to=:To ridicule; to make fun of; to make a butt of. (c) They poked fun at him on account of his queer dress = They ridiculed him on account of his queer dress. Poor as a church-mouse = Miserably poor, (a) He has a large family, and is poor as a church- mouse=zIle has a large family, and is miserably poor. Poor chance =: Little opportunity; small likelihood. I think he has a poor chance to get this position = I think he has little opportunity to get this position. With your many disabilities, you have a poor chance 3^0 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. of success =r With your disabilities, you are little likely to succeed. A poor chance is better than none = A. small opportunity is better than none. Pop the question, to = To make an offer of mar- riage, (a) Has he popped the question f = Has he made an of- fer of marriage ? Sometimes it requires much cour- age to pop the question — Sometimes it requires much courage to ask a woman's hand in marriage. Possessed = Entered into and influenced ; having the will controlled, — said of evil spirits, passions, &c. {h) He acts like one ^05se5^W=Heacts like one under the influence of evil spirits. The boy seems to be possessed with the spirit of mischiefs The boy seems to be entered into and influenced, by a mischievous spirit. Pot-luck = What may chance to be provided for din- ner, {a) Come and take pot-luck with me to-day = Go home with me to-day, and partake of what may chance to be provided for my family-dinner. Po-wers that be = Rulers ; — also, any one in author- ity, (a) The powers that be, have prescribed the style of dress to be worn graduation-day = The persons who have authority in the matter, have prescribed the particular kind of dress for graduation-day. Pressed for time, to be = Not to have suJSficient time ; to be hurried, (c) The speaker apologized for his imperfect speech, saying that he was pressed for time when preparing it = The speaker apologized for the imperfection of his speech, saying that he had not sufiicient time for preparing it. Pull the string^s or wires, to = To operate by se- cret means ; to intrigue, (h) Mr. A. pulled the wires at the convention so as to secure the nomination of senator B. = Mr. A. oper- ated by secret means, at the convention, in such a manner as to secure the nomination of senator B. Pull together, to = To co-operate; to unite, (a) The thirteen American colonies pidled together in securing their independence (1776-1 783) = The thir- teen American colonies co-operated in securing their independence (1776-1783). Pull up stakes, to = To abandon one's residence or place of business ; to change ; to remove, (b) Mr. I. is too old to pull up stakes, and begin anew = Mr. I. is too old to change his place of residence, and begin life in a new home. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 841 Put in a word, to = To say something in a general conversation, (a) The daughters were talking about the customs of society, when the mother said, " Let me put in a word^"' — The, daughters were talking about the cus- toms of society, when the mother said, Let me say something. Put .it to, to = 1. To set before one for advice, judg- ment, acceptance, &c. (a) 2. To offer to sell, (c) 1. Now I put it to you; what would you do? = Now I ask you, earnestly, what would you do ? 1. I put it to you ; do you not think there ought to be aji international copyright law ? = I submit the question to your judgment ; do you not think there ought to be an international copyright law ? 2. I will put it to you at $10 = 1 will sell it to you for $10. Put on air§, to = To assume an artificial manner; to make a show of pride or haughtiness, (a) Tliat young miss is very conceited, and puts on aiVs = That young miss thinks too much of herself, and assumes an artificial, affected manner. Since receiving his legacy, he puts on a^>5 = Since he came into possession of money by a legacy, he assumes a haughty manner. Put one'§ foot in it, to = To get one's self into a pretty mess ; to mismanage ; to blunder, (a) Now you \i2^YQ put your foot m it^ if you have been uncivil to 3^our rich uncle = You have mismanaged, if you have been uncivil to your rich uncle. The editor never opens his mouth on this subject, with- out putting his foot in it = The editor never says any thing on this particular subject, without making a bad blunder. Put on one'§ g^ood behavior, to = To put on pro- bation, or in a state of trial, in which something important depends on good behavior, (a) One of the school-boys has been irregular and negligent, and having been reprimanded, he was put on his good behavior = One of the school-boys was reprimanded for irregularity and neglect, and put on probation ; i. e., his stay in school was made to depend on his good behavior. Put on the §erews, to = To be severe and exact- ing, {b) Our former teacher was very pleasant and easy ; but the new teacher puts on the screws = Our former teacher was very pleasant and easy but the new one is severe and exacting. Put the be§t foot foremost, to = To do one's best or utmost ; to use all possible dispatch, (c) The committee will visit the school to-day, my 342 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. son ; if you recite or declaim in their presence, put your hest foot forward := The committee are to visit the school to-day, my son ; if you recite or declaim in their presence, do the best you can. Put the cart before tUe horse, to = To say or do in an inverted order, (a) To teach writing before reading is to put the cart before the horse = To teach writing before reading is to teach a person in an inverted order. The little boy put the cart before the horse^ in saying that his father harrowed the field, and then ploughed it = The little boy inverted the order, in saying that his father first harrowed the field, and then ploughed it. Put to it, to toe = To have difficulty, {a) When he has attacks of asthma, he is much put to it to breathe = In his attacks of asthma, he has much difficulty in breathing. Q. Quarrel ^rith on^'s toread and toutter, to = To find fault with one's means of livelihood, and so endanger his support, (c) It is not well for this workman to quarrel with his bread and butter = It is not well for this workman to find fault with his means of livelihood, and so en- danger his support. Queer fish, a = An eccentric, strange person, (c) He is a queer fish; he gets up at midnight to eat = IIe is a strange person; he rises at midnight and takes food. Quick as thought = Yery quickly, (a) The boy who was bathing was carried down by the current ; but quick as thought he seized a project- ing limb, and was saved = The boy who was bathing was carried down by the current ; but very quickly seized a projecting limb, and was saved. Quits, to toe = To have made mutual satisfaction of demands; to be even with, {c) Now we are quits = IN'ow I have requited the in- jury you did me, and I am even with you. You have assisted me two days in harvesting, and my two workmen have assisted you one day each ; so that we are quits = You have assisted me two days in harvesting, and my two workmen have each assisted you one day; so that there is no indebtedness on either side. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 343 E. Rack and ruin = Destruction ; utter ruin, (c) Your old homestead has gone to rack and ruin= Your old homestead has gone to destruction. Rack oiic'§ brains, to = To make violent mental efforts, (c) The man who received a Christmas present anon- ymously, racked his brains to discover who sent it = The man who received a Christmas present anon- ymously, tried by every effort of thought to discover who sent it. Rain in torrents, to=:To rain with a violent or rapid flow, (a) The thunder was very heavy, the lightning fear- ful, and it rained in torrents =T[\q thunder was very heavy, the lightning fearful, and it rained with a violent flow of water. Rain or shine = Without regard to the weather, {a) The agricultural fair will be held, five days from now, rain or shine=T\\Q agricultural fair will be held, five days from now, whatever the weather may be. I will go to post my letter for Cliina, rain or shi7ie = I will go to post my letter for China, whether it is fair or stormy. The steam-boat will sail for N'ew York at 4 o'clock this afternoon, rain or shine =The steam -boat will sail for New York at 4 o'clock this afternoon, without regard to the weather. Rain cats and dogs, or pitcliforks, to = To rain in torrents, (c) I awoke in the night, and it was raining cats and dogs=l awoke in tlie night, and it was raining vio- lently. He said he should go to the ball, if it rained pitchforks = He said he should go to the ball, if the rain descended in torrents. Raise the \¥ind, to = To procure money, (a) He is trying to raise the loind and pay your bill = He is trying to procure money to pay your bill. He finds it hard to raise the wind because he is deeply in debt = He finds it hard to borrow money because he is deeply in debt. I shall go to London to buy goods, if I can raise the wind=l shall go to London to buy goods, if I can get money enough. Rake up, to = To collect by minute and mean search, (a) The lawyer, in his plea in the divorce case, raked up all the prejudicial stories and incidents of the husband's life = The lawyer, in his plea in the di- vorce case, collected by minute and mean search all 844 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. the prejudicial stories and incidents of the husband's life. Read a lecture or sermon, to = To give a magis- terial reprimand, or a formal reproof, {h) The guardian read his ward a lecture on his extrav- agance := The guardian formally reproved his vrard for his extravagance. Reduced to a skeleton, or a shadow = Much emaciated; very lean; having little flesh, (c) The sailor who. was shipwrecked had become re- duced to a skeleton^ when he was picked up by a passing vessel = The sailor who was shipwrecked had become much emaciated, when he was picked up by a passing vessel. Regular as clock-work = Uniformly methodical and systematic, (a) He is as regular as chch-work in his business = He is very methodical and systematic in his business. Rest assured = You may be certain ; do not doubt, (c) Rest assured^ Mr. A. will do all in his power to make your visit pleasant =: You may be certain, that Mr, A. will do every thing he can to render your visit pleasant. Rich as Croesus = Yery rich. (Croesus was an an- cient king of Lydia famed for immense wealth), (a) By the rise of real estate, Mr. B. has become rich as Croesus =^j the rise of real estate, Mr. B. has become very rich. Ride or sit bodkin, to = To sit closely wedged be- tween two persons, (c) Mr. and Mrs. A. went the whole journey in a small buggy, with their child riding bodkin = Mr. and Mrs. A. went the whole journey in a small buggy, with their child wedged closely between them. Right and left = On all sides ; in every direction, (a) Being attacked by a gang of rowdies, he struck out bravely, right and /e/7^ = Being attacked by a gang of rowdies, he struck out with his fists, on all sides. At the end of every quarter he sent out his bills right and left = At the end of every quarter he sent his bills in every direction. Rights and lefts, (said of shoes) = Fitted each to the foot of its own side of the body, (a) These shoes are rights and lefts =zThese shoes are purposely so shaped that they must be worn, one always on the right foot, and the other always on the left. Right away or right off, (U. S.) = At once ; imme- diately; without delay, (a) Why don't you mind? Go, right off, and do that COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 845 = Why don't you mind ? Go without delay, and do that. Do it right away ! — T)o it immediately ! It is late, and I am going right away = lt is late, and I am going at once. Riglit-liand man = Chief assistant or supporter; a person much depended on for service or assistance. («) He is my right-hand man = He is my best helper. You have lost your right-hand man = You have lost the one on whom you chiefly depended. Mr. C. is the editor's right-hand man = M.r. C. is the chief as- sistant of the editor in preparing the paper. Robbing^ Peter to pay Paul = Withholding what is due or necessary in one direction, to bestow it in another, (c) The man who almost starved his cow, in order to keep his horse, robbed Peter to pay Paul=T]\e man who almost starved his cow in order to keep his horse, withheld what was necessary from one to give it to the otlier. Roll in riclies, or irealth, to = To be luxuriously rich ; to be very weahhy. (c) It is said that Caligula, the Roman emperor, rolled in wealth = It is said that Caligula, the Roman emperor, was luxuriously rich. A person is no happier, because he rolls in 7nches = A person is no happier because he is very rich. Room and to spare = More space than is needed ; unoccupied room, (a) It was thought that the hall would be crowded al the lecture, but there was room and to spare = It was thouo^ht that the hall would be crowded at the lee- ture, but there was unoccupied room (space which was not filled). Rough customer = A troublesome antagonist, (b) The burglar whom the man found in his house was a rough custo7ner=: The burglar whom the man found in his house was a troublesome antagonist. Rough diamonds A diamond uncut and unpol- ished ; hence, a person of fine natural ability with- out cultivation, (c) Rough diamonds are valuable, but polished ones are of much more value = Persons of fine natural ability without cultivation serve important uses in society ; but they would be much more useful if they were highly cultivated also. Rough It, to = To pursue a rugged course; to en- counter and overcome difficulties or hardships, (a) In summer I like to rough it, for a few weeks, in the woods = In summer I like to live in a rough way, 846 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. in tlie woods, for a few weeks. "When fighting the Indians, the general roughed it with the soldiers = In the campaign against the Indians, the general lived in the same rough way as the soldiers. Rugged ( U. S .) = Vigorous ; hardy; robust. (Z)) He does not look rugged =!{& does not appear to be in robust health. He is not as rugged as he was before he removed West = He is not as vigorous as he was before removing West. Rule the roast, to = To domineer ; to take the lead, {b) She rules the roast in that family = She domineers over her husband and every body; and takes the lead in that house. Run down, to =: To disparage ; to speak ill of. (a) He ran down the city which he visited, very much =He disparaged the city which he visited, very much. You run down the goods, in order to cheapen them = You speak ill of the goods, that you may make them cheaper. Run foul of, to = To come into collision; to run into, or against, (a) The two boats ran foul of each other, in a foggy morning last month = The two boats came into colli- sion, in a foggy morning last month. Run in one'§ head, to = To linger in the memory ; to dwell in one's recollections, {b) Snatches of that music I heard last night keep running in my Aeac?=That music which I heard last night lingers in my memory. Last week I heard an 'opium eater relate his horrible experience; and it has run in my head ever since = Last week I listened to the horrible experience of an opium eater; and it has been vivid in my recollection ever since. Run in the blood, to = To be hereditary ; to belong to one by reason of his family relationship, (c) A taste for poetry runs in his blood=ltl\^ taste for poetry is hereditary. Run the eye over, to = To look through rapidly, as accounts, a newspaper, and the like, (a) I wish you would have the goodness to run your eye over these colunms of figures, and see whether I have added them correctly = I would be pleased to have you, without taking too much of your time, look through these colunms of figures, to see wheth- er I have added them correctly. Run wild, to = To be unrestrained ; to be unreason- able, unlimited, {a) Speculation in Erie stocks runs wild, at present = Speculation in the stock of the Erie railroad is ex- cessive, at present. COLLOQUIAL PHEASES. 347 S. to = To dissipate ; to waste ; to lose, (c) The property wliich the young man's father left him was soon scattered to the winds = T\\q property which the young man's father left him was soon wasted and lost. IScrape acquaintance ii^itli, to = To make one's self acquainted ; to curry favor, (c) I scraped acquaintance with him = I made myself acquainted with him. On the way to New York in the boat, I scraped acquaintance with a gentleman who resides in California = During the trip to New York by boat, I made myself acquainted with a gentleman who resides in California. Screw one's courage to the sticking place, to = To become resolute, determined, or courageous, (c) The man who had been suffering long with the toothache, at last screwed his courage to Hie sticking place^ and had the tooth extracted = The man who had been suffering long with the toothache, at last became courageous or determined, and had the tooth extracted. Seedy = Shabby-looking; poor and miserable-look- ing; shabbily clothed. Qi) He looks seedy— Hq looks poor and shabby. This coat of mine is a seedy old coat = This is a faded and worn old coat of mine. See how the land lies, to=:To make examination or inquiry ; to reconnoitre, (a) Before the election the politician traveled through the district, to see how the land ^a?/== Before the elec- tion the politician traveled through the district, to learn by examination and inquiry the political pros- pect. See it, to=:To comprehend, (a) You have explained the case clearly ; / see it= You have explained the case clearly ; I comprehend it. This arithmetical problem can be solved in two ways ; do you not see it ? - This arithmetical problem can be solved by two methods; do you not com- prehend it? See ivith half an eye, to=:To discern or under- stand easily, (h) One can see, with half an e?/e, that the burdens and vexations of public office are many and great = One can easily understand that there are many and great 848 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. burdens and vexations connected with holding pub- lic office. Serve one right, to = To treat one as he deserves, (usually in an ill sense), (a) You was behind time, and he did not w^ait for you. He served you right = Yo\i was behind time and he did not wait for you. He treated you as you deserved. Set do^vn, to be = To be established in popular or - general estimation, (b) That man has conducted very lawlessly, and he is set down as a dangerous character = That man has conducted very lawlessly, and, in the general esti- mation, he is considered a dangerous character. Set one's cap for, to = To take measures to gain the affections or favor of a man, with a view to being married to him. (c) The chamber-maid appears tp be setting her cap for the gardener = The chamber-maid is apparently at- tempting to gain the affections of the gardener, in order to marry him. Set one'§ wit§ to work, to = To think upon a mat- ter; to consider carefully, (c) No sooner was the burglar confined in the prison, than he set his wits to ivork to devise means of escape = As soon as the burglar was confined in the prison, he began to consider carefully how he could devise means of escape. Set store toy, to = To value greatly ; to put a high estimate on. (c) This richly carved bookcase is an heir-loom, and I set store by it = This richly carved bookcase has been in the family for generations, and I value it greatly. Set the river on fire, to = To be highly successful or renowned in life ; to do some great thing, (c) He will never set the river on fire, he is so indolent = He will never accomplish any thing notable, be- cause he is so indolent. Set together by the ears, to = To cause to quarrel, (c) The property which was bequeathed to the R. family, set them together hy the mr5 = Tlie property which was bequeathed to the R. family caused them to quarrel among themselves. Shake one's sides, to = To laugh heartily, {a) The audience shook their sides, while the comic actor performed his part = The audience laughed heartily, while the comic actor performed his part. Shave a note, to = To buy a promissory note at a considerable discount; to take much beyond legal interest, (c) COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 849 That man's business is to shave notes = That man's business is to purchase promissory notes at a great discount. (Shell out, to = To expend money freely ; to bring or pay out. (c) Men of property are expected to shell out, on oc- casions of general festivity, or public need = On oc- casions of general festivity, or public need, men of property are expected to spend money freely. Short of, to toe = To be insufficiently provided; to be lacking (a) I can not pay the bill to-day ; I am short of money = 1 can not pay the bill to-day, for I have not suffi- cient money. At the battle of Bunker Hill (1775), the American army was short o/" ammunition = At the battle of Bunker Hill (1775), the American army was insufficiently provided with ammunition. Short-§poken = Gruff ; surly, (c) I think something must have gone wrong with my master, he is so short-sjwken = My master is so gruff and snappish that I think something must have gone wrong with him. Show up, to = To expose; to lay open to general condemnation by making public the character, (a) The quack doctor has been well shown i(p = The pretentions of the quack doctor have been exjDosed. The dishonest dealing and bad faith connected with Indian affairs were shown up in yesterday's paper = The dishonest dealing and deception connected with Indian affairs were made public in yesterday's paper. Shut doivn, to = To stop work in a factory, (a) Tlie proprietors are going to shut clow7i, at the Cotton Mills, on the Fourth of July and the rest of the week = At the Cotton Mills, the proprietors are going to stop work on the Fourth of July and the rest of the week. Sight = A great number, quantity, or sum. (c) Since warm weather he's a sight betters Since warm weather he 's a great deal better. She drinks a sight of tea = She drinks a great deal of tea. Did he meet your expectations? Not by a great sight! = Did he meet your expectations ? No ; very far from it. Shall you purchase the farm at the price he asks for it? Not by a great s^^/^^= Shall you purchase the farm at the price he asks for it ? Indeed I shall not. Single toles§edne§§ or §tate of single tolessedness = The unmarried state, ip) He is living in a state of single blessedness — ^q is 850 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. living in the unmarried state. He lives in single blessedness =I{e lives without a wife. Sit under, to = To attend on the ministry of a par- ticular preacher, (c) In the early days of New England, the wliole population of a town sat under one minister = In the early days of New England, the whole population of a town attended on the ministry of one preacher. Sixe§ and sevens, at = In disorder; in confusion; disarranged, (a) The grocer's accounts are all at sixes and sevens = The grocer's accounts are all in confusion. These books on the table are at sixes and sevens = These books on the. table are in disorder. When tlie house took fire my wits were at sixes and sevens = When the liouse took fire my mind was in confusion. Slapdash, to = To apply in a hasty, careless manner. You see how the painter has slapdashed the paint on the wall = You see how carelessly the painter has painted the wall. Sleep like a log, to = To sleep soundly, (a) I was so fatigued by my ride that I slept like a log, all night = I was so fatigued by my ride that I slept soundly, all night. Slippery as an eel = Not to be trusted, (c) Beware of that peddler, for he is slippery as an eel = Beware of that peddler, for he is not to be trusted. Slow eoach = One who is inactive, sluggish, lazy ; a dawdler, (a) He is a sloiv coach— He is very inactive. Is not your lesson learned ? What a slow coach you are = Is not your lesson learned? What a dull fellow you are. He promised to call for me at 8 o'clock, but has not come yet ; he is a slow coach = He promised to call for me at 8 o'clock, but has not yet come ; he is wont to dawdle. Small fry = Things insignificant, (sometimes applied to children), (a) There was an abundance of small fry at the cele- bration of Independence =: There were many small children at the celebration of Independence. Small hours = The time from midnight till three or four o'clock in the niorning. (c) Secret societies often hold their meetings till into the small hours of the night = Secret societies often hold their meetings till after midnight. Smell a rat, to — To be suspicious ; to suspect strong- ly, (c) He saw the door open at midnight and began to COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 351 smell a ra/=He saw the door open at midnight and began to suspect something was wrong. The spies smelt a rat^ and left the city = The spies suspected that the J were to be arrested, and left the city. Smell out, to = To find out by sagacity ; to trace out by shrewdness, (c) The principal of the school smelkd out a plan for mischief, which the scholars were concocting = By his shrewdness, the principal of the school found out a mischievous plan which the students were arrang- ing. Snap one'§ fing^ers at, to = To disregard; to de- spise, (c) The judge snapped his fingers at the accusation that he was partial in his decision = The judge dis- regarded the accusation that he was partial in his decision. So §o = Moderately or tolerably well ; passably, (a) He feels only so-so to-day = He feels only partly well to-day. That book will answer my purpose so- so = That book will answer my purpose tolerably well, but no more. How do you like tin's tea? JSo- so - How do you like this tea ? Moderately well. Soft moneys Paper money, as distinguished from coin, (a) During the war, and for some years after, there was nothing but soft money in circulation = During the war, and for some years after, there was nothing but paper money in circulation. Somewhere about = 1. In the vicinity, (a) 2. I^ear to (in time), (a) 1. Where is the carpenter? He is somewhere a5ow^ = Where is the carpenter? He is somewhere in the vicinity ^. e. not far away. 2. In history, the Dark Ages are regarded as having begun somewhere about the tenth century == In history, the Dark Ages are regarded as having begun near the tenth century. Sour grapes = Things despised or depreciated be- cause they are unattainable by us. (a) He speaks slightingly of the titles and honors of office; but every one sees that it is an instance of sour grapes — Hq speaks slightingly of the titles and honors of office ; but it is evident that he depreciates such honors and titles because he can not obtain them. Sow wild oats, to = To pass through a season of wild or thoughtless dissipation, as in youth, (a) The young man is sowing wild oafe= The young man is pursuing a course of wild dissipation. It is to be hoped that he will soon finish sowing his loild 852 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. oats and attend to business =: It is to be hoped tliat lie will soon cease his youthful follies or dissipations, and give his attention to business. Split the difference, to=:To divide the difference equally, (a) I offered ten, he asked twenty; and afterwards we agreed to split the difference — I offered ten, he asked twenty ; and we agreed to divide equally the difference between ten and twenty, making the price fifteen. Splurge (IJ. S.) = A blustering demonstration; a sophomorical effort, (c) He made a splurge in his graduating speech = He made a blustering, sophomorical speech graduation day. The A's made a great splurge at the wedding of their daughter = The A. family made a blustering demonstration, which was ridiculous, at the mar- riage of their daughter. Spread like ^riidfire, to = To spread like fire un- controlled ; to spread very rapidly, (h) The news of the assassination of President Lin- coln spread like ivildjire— The news of the assassina- tion of President Lincoln spread with astonishing rapidity. Standings di§li, a = An established article of food; an important or oft recurring article of food, (a) " At the best hotels, soup is a standing dish at din- ner = At the best hotels, soup is an established article of food at dinner. Stand or be in one'§ §lioe§, to = To be in some special position or circumstances of another, {b) A murderer is to be executed, in a fortnight ; I would not like to stand in his shoes = A murderer is to be executed in two weeks ; I would not like to be in his position. Stand it, to = To endure it ; to maintain one's ground or state, (a) The little boy was out in this severe cold ; but he stood it bravely = The little boy was exposed to this severe cold ; but he endured it bravely. I have been tried beyond measure by this servant, and I can stand it no longer = I have been excessively tried by this servant, and I can endure it no longer. Stand treat, to = To furnish some articles of food, drink, or luxury to one's companions, as a token of regard or good fellowship, {b) As three young men were passing an oyster sa- loon, one of them said that he would stand treat, if they would go in and partake = As three young men were passing an oyster saloon, one of them said that COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 853 he would pay for certain articles of food or drink, if they would go in and partake. Start game, to = To arouse some object of pursuit, (c) The politician has started game, in the discovery of election frauds that were perpetrated by his op- ponents The politician has roused an object of pur- suit, in the discovery of election frauds that were perpetrated by his opponent. Still as a mouse = Exceedingly quiet; suspiciously still, (a) That child in the next room must be about some mischief, for he is still as a mouse — That child in the adjoining room must be about some mischief, for he is suspiciously quiet. Stomaeli, to = To brook; to bear without repug- nance ; to endure patiently, (i) Do the boys stomach these restraints upon their liberty out of school ? = Do the boys bear these re- straints on their liberty out of school without repug- nance? It goes against our natures to stomach an open affront = It is not our natural disposition to endure a mark of disrespect, offered in the presence of others. Stop, to = To spend a short time; to reside tem- porarily; to tarry, (a) During my vacation, I am stopping with my elder brother = I am residing temporarily with my elder brother, during my vacation. Straw bid = A bid for a contract, which the bidder is unable or unwilling to fulfill (U. S.) ; a fictitious or worthless bid. (c) In letting the contract for furnishing the govern- ment with stationery, there were some straw hids = In letting the contract for supplying stationery to the government, there were some bids which the bidders were unable to fulfill. Strike Mrhlle the iron l§ hot, to = To improve an opportunity ; to do things just at the right moment, (a) Some good railroad stock is offered at a low price ; I must 5^n"^e while the iron is Ao^^Some good rail- road stock is offered at a low price ; I must improve the opportunity to purchase some. Strongs as a lion, or as a horse = Yery strong, {a) You will need some one as strong as a lion, to remove the stone = You will need some one very strong, to remove the stone. Strong^-box = A secure repository for money or other valuables, (c) At the end of every quarter, the landlord collected 24 854 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. his rents, and put the money in his strong-box = At the end of every quarter, the landlord collected his rents, and deposited his money in a place of security. Stump, to = To challenge ; to puzzle ; to nonplus, (a) The boys stumped him to take the leap over the wall = The boys challenged him to take the leap over the v^all. Stump, to = To travel over, delivering speeches for electioneering purposes, (a) The candidate for congress is stumping the state = The candidate for congress is going about the state, delivering electioneering speeches. Stump-speecb = An electioneering speech ; a popular harangue, (a) He often makes stump speeches =lie often makes public electioneering speeches. It requires peculiar talents to make a good stump-speech z^To address the populace successfully on political and kindred top- ics requires peculiar talents. Sure as fate or as death = Positively certain, (c) If Mr. A. does not reform his habits, he will ruin his> hesilth, sure as fate =zlt is positively certain that Mr. A. will ruin his health, if he does not reform his habits. Sure enoughs Quite without doubt; quite truly, (a) I entered the cars to go to Boston; and sure enough, there was my old friend, whom I had not seen for many years = I entered the cars to go to Boston ; and truly, there was my old friend, whom I had not seen for many years. Sirap, to=:To exchange; to barter; to swop, (a) I have swapped houses with him = I have ex- • changed houses with him. The boy swapped his skates for a gold pen == The boy bartered his skates for a gold pen. Sivear like a trooper, to = To be very profane, (a) The boy who brings fish to the house jwears like a trooper = The boy who brings fish to the house is very profane. Sii^eet tooth = An especial fondness for sweet things or for sweetmeats, (a) That child has a sweet tooth = Th.at child has an especial fondness for sugar and all sweet articles. Sweet upon, to toe = To treat with such marked at- tention as to show an incipient affection; to be making love to. (c) He is very sweet upon her = He treats her in such a manner as to show affection. Mr. A. is reported to be sweet upon the merchant's daughter = Mr. A. is report- ed to be making love to the merchant's daughter. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 855 T. Talk big, to = To boast ; to brag, (a) The new recruits talked hig ; but when the first shot was fired, thej . ran away = The new recruits boasted ; but when the first shot was fired, they ran away. He talks hig of what he is going to do when he gets into business for himself = He boasts of what he will do when he carries on business for himself. Talk one'i §elf out of breath, to = To exhaust or weary one's self by talking ; to talk much, (a) The insurance agent talked hhnself out of breathy endeavoring to persuade the merchant to insure his house = The insurance agent wearied himself, in en- deavoring to persuade the merchant to insure his house. Talk to, to = To advise ; to exhort ; to reprove gently. («) . I will talk to this young man, respecting his con- ducts I will reprove this young man, gently. The teacher gave the boys a good talking-to for their ill manners on the streets The teacher faithfully re- proved the boys for their ill manners on the street. Take a fancy to, to^To take a liking to. {a) She is very interesting, and I have taken quite a /anc?/ to her = I have conceived quite a liking for her, because she is so attractive. Mr. D. took a fancy to that Swiss cottage on C. street ; and built his own new house in imitation of it=Mr. D. fancied (was pleased with) that Swiss cottage on C. street; and took it for a model for his own new house. Take a liberty, or take liberties, to = To neglect the laws of propriety or courtesy ; to treat without ceremony, (a) You will not, of course, take liberties^ when you make official visits == You will not neglect the laws of propriety ; you will not be discourteous, when you make official visits. Take do^i^n a peg, to = To bring lower ; to depress ; to humiliate, (a) It would be well to take him down a peg ; he is so conceited^It would be well to depress him a little; he is so conceited. The wrestler boasted that he could throw any one present, but was taken down a peg by being thrown by the second man who at- tempted it = The wrestler boasted that he could prostrate any one who was present ; but was humil- 866 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. iated by being himself prostrated by the second man who attempted it. Take in, to = To cheat; to impose upon, (a) I was sadly taken in, when I joined partnership in a store with that man = I was imposed upon, greatly, when I joined partnership in a store with that man. Take into one'§ head, to=rl. To propose to one's self, (a) 2. To indulge a fancy or whim, (a) 1. He took it into his head to go to London, and sailed yesterday = He proposed to himself to go to London, and he sailed yesterday. 2. He has taken it into his head that he would like to buy a riding horse, although he is too old to ride = He is possessed with the whim of buying a riding horse, although he is too old to ride. Take it, to=:To suppose; to assume, (a) I take it he is rich = I suppose he is rich. I take it you are not an American = I suppose you are not an American. I take it these books are for sale = I sup- pose these books are for sale. Take it coolly, to = To be calm, deliberate ; not to be excited or agitated, {b) When there was an alarm of fire in the theatre, the manager took it so coolly, that there was no panic =When there was an alarm of fire in the theatre, the manager was so calm and deliberate, that there was no panic. Take it ea§y, to = To consult one's ease or comfort in work ; to work leisurely, (a) The farmer said he had much work to do this summer ; but he should take it easy = The farmer said he had much work to do this summer ; but he should work leisurely. Take off, to = To imitate ; to mimic ; to personate, (a) Some students take off members of the faculty, in their private diversions = Some students personate members of the faculty, in their private diversions. Take one'§ self off, to ■= To depart, {b) What are you doing in my cherry-tree? Take yourself off= What are you doing in my cherry-tree ? Depart. Take one's time, to=:l. To act according to one's convenience, (a) 2. To occupy one's time, (a) 1. You can take your time to pay the debt you owe me = You can act according to your convenience in paying the debt you owe me. 2. The care of her babe takes all the mother^ s time = The care of her babe occupies all the mother's time. Take one to do a thing, to = To be just the one to do a thing ; to do a thing supremely well, (c) COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. B57 The boys went to the concert, and they say, " It taJces Miss Abbot to smg " = The boys who went to the concert say, " Miss Abbot can sing supremely well." Take the law into one'§ onm bands, to = To ad- minister justice, without legal authority, (a) The Vigilance Committee of San Francisco tooh the law into their own hands = The Vigilance Commit- tee of San Francisco inflicted punishment without the forms of law. Sometimes an excited populace remove a murderer from the jail, and hang him; thus taking the law into their own hands = Sometimes the people, in their excitement and indignation, remove a murderer from the jail and hang him; thus administering justice without legal authority. Taking one thing irith another = Considering all things, (c) The butcher is old and poor, has a large family, »nd is sufi^ering from rheumatism; and taking one thing with another, he is much to be pitied = The butcher is old and poor, has a large family, and is suffering from rheumatism; and considering all things, he is much to be pitied. Tell tales, to = To communicate information offi- ciously ; to tell what prudence should suppress, (b) The person who goes about telling tales is a mis- chievous creature in society = He who goes about, telling officiously what prudence should suppress, is a mischievous creature in society. Don't tell tales about your neighbors = Don't tell idle or false stories about your neighbors. Tell tales out of school, to = To betray secrets; to communicate information of the private con- cerns of others, (c) One of the members of a legislative committee has been reporting the consultations and plans of the committee; he ought not to tell tales out of schools One of the members of a legislative committee has been reporting the consultations and plans of the committee; he ought not to make public, matters which should be kept private. Ten to one = Most probably ; very likely, (a) The boy has been eating green fruit, and ten to one he will be sick = The boy has been eating unripe fruit, and is very likely to be sick. There are many physicians in the city ; and ten to one the new one will not find practice = There are many physicians in the city, and there are ten chances to one against the success of the new one. Thanks to = Owing to; on that account; for that reason, (a) 358 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. Thanhs to these gloves, I did not freeze my hands = These gloves kept my hands from freezing. By mistake, two trains were rushing toward each other ; but thanks to the air-brakes, a collision was pre- vented = By mistake, two trains were rushing toward each other ; but on account of having air-brakes on the cars, there was no colHsion. That far = So far ; to so great a distance, (a) It is one mile to the corner ; I will go thai far with you = It is one mile to the corner; I will go so far with you. The coat fits = The reflection or description applies. («) If the coat fits 3^ou, wear it=:If you feel that my description or remark applies to you, I am willing you should. The preacher discoursed on the sin and folly of fretfulness; but the coat does not fit me = The preacher spoke of indulgence in fretfulness as being w^rong and foolish ; but what he said does not apply to me personally, i. e. I am not a fretful person. The cloven foot — This is a symbol of w^ickedness and baseness, (c) (Satan is represented, in Christ- ian art, with the legs and feet of a goat). He showed the cloven fijot in that business transac- tion = He manifested a knavish spirit in that business transaction. The fat is all in the fire = All the labor and pains are lost, (c) The publishing house was burned last night, and the manuscript of Mr. A.'s new book, was destroyed, and now all the fat is in the fire = T\\q publishing house was burned last night, and the manuscript of Mr. A.'s new book was destroyed, and all his labor and pains are lost. The like = The counterpart ; a thing similar, (c) Did you ever see tlie like of that field of corner Did you ever see such a field of corn. The man in the moon = The fancied figure of the human face formed by the land in the moon, (c) I do not know any more about the matter than the man in the moon = I do not know any thing about the matter. There's the rub = There's the difficulty, trouble, or danger, (a) There^s the rub =iThsit is the difficult part. Is he- your enemy? ''-4 2/^, there^s the n<5" = Is he your enemy? Yes, that is what makes this trouble. He would like a government office; but how to get it, there'' s the rub = 11q would like a government office; but the difficulty is, to obtain it. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 359 The shakes = Fever and ague; the chills. (Local U. S.) (a) On going West he had the shakes — On going West he was attacked with fever and ague. The ups and downs = Alternate states of elevation and depression, or of prosperity and the contrary, (a) Every one must take his share of the ups and downs of life =vE very one must take his share of the vary- ing fortunes of life. The why and w^herefore = The precise and full reason, ip) I will go to the lawyer's office, and know the why and wherefore of his refusal to take a retainer from me = I will go the lawyer's office, and know the pre- cise and full reason of his refusal to take a retainer from me. The worse for liquor, to be = To be more or less- intoxicated. (6) Wlien I last saw the miner, he loas the worse for Zi*^wor = When I last saw the miner, he was some- what intoxicated. Think aloud, to = To utter one's thoughts uncon- sciously, (a) The editor often amused his friends, by his habit of thinking aloud^ThQ editor often amused his friends, by his habit of uttering his thoughts uncon- sciously. Think hard of, to = To judge harshly ; to feel un- pleasantly toward, (c) Mrs. M. thinks hard of the teacher, for having pun- ished her son = Mrs. M. feels unpleasantly toward the teacher, for having punished her son. Throw cold urater on, to = To discourage ; to deter from, (a) Mrs. G. threw cold water on her husband's project of building a new houses Mrs. G. discoui-aged her husband in his project of building a new house. Throw dust in the eyes, to=:To prevent one from knowing the truth by giving false information; to impose on ; to deceive, (a) The rail way -magnate, not wishing to give an in- terviewer his true reason for selling so much stock, threw dust in his eyes^ by talking about a popular pre- judice against a one-family or one-man control of great corporate interests = The railway-magnate im- posed on an interviewer by giving him false reasons for selling so much railroad stock. He is throwing dust in your e?/e5 = IIe is deceiving you. I am not blinded by the dv^t you throw in my eyes = l am not deceived by all your efforts. 360 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. Tide over, to=:To carry past a difficulty or danger. The money whicli the merchant has just inherited will tide over his business affairs, so that he will not fail = The money which the merchant has just in- herited will carry his business affairs past the em- barrassment which threatened his failure. Tie the nuptial knot, to = To join in marriage, (c) Rev. Mr. A. was called upon, to tie the nuptial knot twice yesterday = Yesterday Rev. Mr. A. was called upon, to marry two couples. Tig^lit = 1. Somewhat intoxicated, (c) 2. Close ; par- simonious, {b) 1. He is tight ~Hq is somewhat intoxicated. 2. He is awfully tight and stingy = He is very stingy and clings to his money. Till doomsday = Till the day of judgment; never. The man said he would not pay that unjust ac- count, till doomsdays The man said he would not pay that unjust account, till the day of judgment, that is, he would never pay it. To all appearance = So far as can be seen; appa- rently, (a) This report is, to all appearance, correct = As far as we can judge by appearances, this report is correct. To all appearance, we are to have a rainy day = Ap- parently, this is to be a rainy day. The invalid has returned from his voyage, to all appearance, much improved in health = The invalid has returned from his voyage, much improved in health, so far as is observable. To be at = To have in view; to be engaged in. (h) What are you at now, in the way of writing? 2= What have you in view in writing, or what are you writing about ? Mr. F. has removed to the city ; do you know what he is atf=MY. F. has removed to the city ; do you know what business he is engaged in there? Tomboy = A romping girl; a rude, boisterous girl. (a) Mr. T's daughter is a veritable tomboy -M\\ T's daughter is a romping girl, indeed. Too many, to be = To be too powerful; superior, (c) The thief attempted to escape from the police- man, but the policeman was too many for him = The thief attempted to escape from the policeman, but the policeman was too powerful for him. The law- yer was too many for the doctor, in argument = The lawyer vanquished the doctor, in argument. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. ' 861 Too many, by half = Twice the number, (c) The farmer said that he had too many fowls, hy half— The farmer said that he had twice the number of fowls necessary or proper. Too many iron§ in the flre, to have = To have too many occupations, (a) He is professor, author, and pamphleteer ; he has too many irons in the fire — He is professor, author, and pamphleteer; he has too much to do or too many occupations. Too much of a g^ood things More of a good thing than is for the present agreeable, (a) I like warm weather, but with the mercury at 96 in the shade, it is a little too much of a good thing = I like warm weather, but with the mercury at 96, it is rather warmer than is agreeable. Toss off, to = To drink hastily, (c) He entered the saloon, and tossed off a glass of beer = He entered the saloon, and hastily drank a glass of beer. To the tune of=To the amount, extent, or meas- ure of. (h) By one night of gambling he was made poorer, to the tune of ^wo. hundred dollars = By one night of gambling he was impoverished, to the amount (he lost the amount) of five hundred dollars. Tough = Severe ; violent; hard; — applied also to what is trying to the feelings, or difficult to get along with, (a) This is a tough job = This is a hard piece of work. This is a tough snow-storm = This is a violent snow- storm. It is pretty tough for old Mr. E. to have all his children move out of town =r It is very trying to the feelings of old Mr. E. to have all his children move out of town. Town-talk = Subject of general conversation ; com- mon report, (c) The elopement of Mr. A's daughter with the doc- tor is the town-talk =:T\iQ elopement of Mr. A's daughter with the doctor is a subject of general conversation. Trip it on the light fantastic toe, to = To dance, (c) After the marriage ceremony, the company tripped it on the light fantastic toe = After the marriage cere- mony, the company joined in a dance. Trucks Small commodities; commodities appropri- ate for small trade ; — sometimes, luggage. (S) He raises truck for the market = He raises vegeta- bles for the market. The room was = The room was full of old rubbish. 362 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. Trump = A jolly, good-natured fellow. Mr. F. is a trump — Mx. P. is a jolly good-natured fellow. Trump card = A successful venture or enterprise; the best efibrt. (a) Mr. C's investment in the l^evada mine was a trump carc?= Mr. C's investment in the Nevada mine was a successful venture. In securing some of his friends as delegates to the convention, the politician has played his trumj:) card=lj\ securing some of his friends as delegates to the convention, the politician has made the best and most promising effort or ven- ture. Turn a cold §lioulder, to = To show marked neg- lect, (h) After he became rich, he turned a cold shoulder to some of his former friends and acquaintances^^ After becoming rich, he treated some of his former friends and acquaintances with marked neglect. Turn and twist, to=:To be uneasy; to make des- perate efforts, (c) The man turned and twisted every way, to pay off the mortgage on his house = The man made des- perate efforts to pay off the mortgage on his house. Turn in, to = To go to bed; to retire, {b) It is now ten o'clock; I think I will turn in — 1 will go to bed , as it is now ten o'clock. Turn-out = That which is brought forward or exhib- ited ; hence, an equipage, (a) He keeps a line turn-out = He keeps a showy car- riage and horse. Turn tail, to==To retreat ignominiously or dishon- orably, (c) Cowards turn tail when they see the enemy = Cowards turn around to run, when they see the enemy. If I go to war, I will not turn tail as long as I can stand = If I go to war, I will not turn to run away as long as I can stand. Turn up one's nose at, to = To disdain; to treat with contempt, (c) The boarder turned up his nose at his dinner, al- though it was good enough = The boarder disdained his dinner, although it was good enough. Tweedledum and tweedledee — A phrase used to signify a very slight or unessential difference, (c) Some persons think, that the difference between the opera and theatre is the difference between twee- dledum and tiveedledee= It is the opinion of some persons, that there is no essential difference between the opera and the theatre. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 863 TJ. to be = To be suspected; to be mistrusted, (a) He is under a cloud just now = He is under suspi- cion so that bis reputation is injured. He's only under a cloud, from which he will come out brighter than before = He is only suspected, but his reputa- tion will be better than before, when he is found innocent. The official -is under a cloud, by reason of some irregularities in his affairs = The official is somewhat in disfavor or regarded suspiciously, be- cause of some irregularities in his conduct of affairs. Under the §un = In the world; on the earth; (hy- perbolical for a very great wonder), {b) When the President of the United States was in- augurated in Washington, every body under the sun was there = When the President of the United States was inaugurated in Washington, every body in the world was there. I have nothing, under the sun, to do = I have nothing to do, absolutely nothing. Wliat, under the sun, are you doing ? = What (I wonder !) are you doing? Under the thumb of = Servilely obedient to; con- trolled by. (c) That politician has the voters of his ward under his ^Aw7?/6 = That politician controls the servile voters of his ward. Up and doing, to be = To be active and alert ; to be busy, (a) The spring has come, and it is time for the farm- ers to be up and doing = The spring has come, and it is time for the farmers to be busy. Uphill work = Work attended with labor ; difficult. Reading Chinese is uphill work for a foreigner = Reading Chinese is hard work for a foreigner. Get- ting well after a typhoid fever is uphill 1^0?-^=: Re- covering after a typhoid fever is slow and difficult Up to §nuff=]S'ot likely to be imposed upon; know- ing; shrewd, (c) Susy is U2^ to snuff = Susy is knowing and shrewd. The boys attempted to play a trick upon the new comer at school ; but he was up to snuff, and they failed = The boys in school attempted a trick upon the new comer ; but he was not easily imposed up- on, and they failed. 364 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. Y. Teng^eance, \ritli a = With great violence; with great vehemence, (b) She scolded her servant with a vengeance, for break- ing the pitcher = She scolded her servant with great violence, for breaking the pitcher. He saw a snake crossing the road, and struck at it with a vengeance = He saw a snake crossing the road, and struck at it vehemently. Very likely ; most likely = It is very probable, (c) Very likely the cars will be full of passengers re- turning from the fair = It is very probable that the cars will be filled with passengers returning from the fair. Shall you leave town this week ? Most likely = Shall you leave town this week ? It is probable that I shall. w. IValking^-papers = Papers containing an order to de- part; dismissal, (c) The young man, who was paying his addresses to the young lady, has received his walking-papers = The young man, who was paying his addresses to the young lady, has received his dismissal from her. The manufacturer gave one of his workmen his walking -pape7's, for intemperance = The manufacturer dismissed one of his workmen, for intemperance. IValk or make off -with, to = To depart, taking something wrongfully, (a) He made off with $2,000 of his employer's money = He departed, having stolen $2,000 from his em- ployer. The thief entered the hall and walked off with two overcoats = The thief entered the hall, and departed, having taken two overcoats. IValk over the course, to=:To obtain an easy triumph, (a) The candidate for governor walked over the course = The candidate for governor had no opponents worth considering. In the competition for the prize I shall just walk over the course =1 shall triumph very easily in the competition for the prize. At the races, the gray horse walked over the course = Th.e gray horse had no troublesome rivals in the race. IValk the plank, to=:To walk ofif the plank into the water and be drowned ; figuratively, to vacate an office by compulsion, (c) COLLOQUIAL PHKASES. 865 The pirates captured the ship, and made their captives walk the plank = T\\Q captives were com- pelled, by the pirates, to walk over the side off the vessel into the ocean, and suffer death by drowning, when the ship was captured. The secretary of the insurance company had to walk the plank — The sec- retary of the insurance company was forced to va- cate his office. irarm a§ toast = Yery warm, (a) Get your feet warm as toast before you go to bed = Get your feet very warm before you go to bed. "Warrant you, I'll = I speak with assurance; there is no doubt, (a) He will come, Fll warrant you = He will come, no doubt. The tea is good, IHl warrant you = There is no doubt the tea is good. l¥ear one'§ heart upon one's sleeve, to = To be artless, frank, warm-hearted, confiding, (c) Mr. F. wears his heart upon his sleeve = M.r. F. is. artless and warm-hearted. If he had not worn his heart upon his sleeve, he would not have been taken in by the stranger = If he had not been so confiding, he would not have been deceived by the stranger. l^ell up = Considerably up or above, as of the mouth of a river, (c) The village was not at the mouth of the river, but ivell up, beyond the incursions of pirates = The village was not at the mouth of the river, but con- siderably above it, and beyond the inroads of pirates. "Well up = In a commendable or praiseworthy degree of proficiency, (c) John is well up in the ancient languages, but is behind in mathematics = John is commendably pro- ficient in the ancient languages, but deficient in mathematics. "Wet one's whistle, to = To drink, (c) They stopped at the saloon, to wet their whistles = They stopped at the saloon, to drink something. Wait till I wet my whistle = Wait till I take a drink. Whack auray, to = To continue striking heavy blows, (c) He is whacking away yet, at that knotty log = He continues cutting that hard log. What's the matter = What's the trouble, difficulty, &c. (a) You are very silent ; what is the matter with you ? =You are very silent; what trouble are you in? or what is your sickness ? That is luhafs the matter = That is the difficulty. We do not receive any reply to our telegram; I wonder whafs the matters We 866 COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. do not receive any reply to the telegram which we sent ; I wonder what the hindrance is or what causes the delay. Wliere the shoe pinches = Where the trouble, dif- ficulty, &c., is. («) I know where the shoe pinches with you = I know what you are in trouble about. He will not vote for Mr. A. because he does not like to go against his own party; that is where the shoe pinches = IIg will not vote for Mr. A. because he is unwiUing to oppose his own party; that is his difficulty or ob- jection. Whisper about, to = To circulate as a report, se- cretly and cautiously, (c) It is whispered about, that one of the cabinet min- isters will resign next month = It is secretly and cautiously circulated as a report, that one of the cabinet ministers will resign next month. "Wide of the mark = Incorrect ; erroneous; remote from the truth, (a) Your guess about the reason of my late arrival last night, is quite wide of the mark= Your guess about the reason of my late arrival last night, is quite incorrect. You are wide of the mark, in sup- posing Mr. B. to be seventy years old = You are much in error (you mistake greatly), in supposing Mr. B. to be seventy years of age. Wipe off old scores, to = To pay long-standing debts, (c) The man who moved West was in town to-day, wiping off old scores = The man who moved West was in town to-day, paying debts of long standing. Within an ace of = Almost; very nearly, (b) I was within an ace of drowning =: I only just es- caped drowning. I came within an ace of getting the situation = I almost got the situation. The merchant came within an ace of losing his purse, by dropping it in the street car == The merchant very nearly lost his purse, by dropping it in the street car. Worlied up = Aroused; excited in feeling; or dis- appointed, ashamed, surprised, angry, etc. (a) Mrs. A. was very much worked up, because she did not receive an invitation to Miss E's wedding = Mrs. A. was much surprised and disappointed that she did not receive an invitation to Miss E's wed- ding. Worse for wear, the = Impaired by use. (a) The tramp's clothes were the worse for wear = The tramp's clothes were impaired by use. COLLOQUIAL PHRASES. 367 l¥ringing-wet = So wet that water can be wrung ont. (b) When he came in from school, his stockings were wringing-wet = Wheii he came in from school, his stockings were so wet, that water could be wrung out. "Wrong sow by the ear, to have or get the = To do the wrong or unwise thing; especially, to come off second best in an encounter which one has himself provoked, (c) When he tried to beat me, he found he had the wrong sow by the ear = When he tried to beat me, he found he would better have tried with another. Mr. A. provoked a political discussion with Mr. B. ; but soon found that he had the wrong sow by the ear = Mr. A. provoked a poUtical discussion with Mr. B. ; but soon discovered that he would be van- quished in argument. j^r iif SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. Slang means, in Gypsy speech, the language spoken by Gypsies. But this eaning has evaporated from the modern word, and now slang means low, vulgar, d unauthorized language. But the word itself has come from the Gypsies, through their strange, irregular association with English speaking people. The Gypsies are a vagabond race from India, that came into Europe about four hundred years ago, and are now scattered over portious of Europe and of the United States. They are said to have made their hving by fortune-telling, horse-jockeying, tinker- ing, and thieving. Their speech is a mixture of their language with words from all languages, which they have picked up in their wandering life. The gypsy lan- guage is called cant by us, and not slang. The word slang originated with the Gypsies. But the thing itself existed among us before the arrival of the Gypsies in England. The thing has its origin in the natural, tendencies of the mind. Every people possess their slang. And if they become a cultivated people, they will not be confined to the use of a select and polished language, in the expression of their thoughts and feelings. Moreover slang has one virtue. It is pointed, like a sting. And for this virtue, it is often seen in the newspapers, is heard in some pulpits, and is the favorite language of the streets. And so gradually a slang expression wins its way to universal recognition and use. But beside the low and vulgar, there is a department of slang that is simply unauthorized. It is slang not because it is vulgar, but it has not received the stamp of authority in the writings of the best authors and in the speech of polite society. Cant differs from slang in being the language, or phraseology, or peculiarities of speech of some particular class or sect. It is the secret language of Gypsies, tho jargon of thieves and tramps and beggars. It is the affected phraseology of religious hypocrisy. It is the conventional language of particular classes of men, as, the cant of the theatre, the cant of the turf, the cant of boatmen, and the cant of the university. I (371) SLANG AND ''CANT PHEASES. A bad ess = A scoundrel or rascal, (c) Tlie man who bought goods of us last month, on credit, proves to be a bad egg =The man who bought goods of us on credit, last month, proves to be a rascal. A black §heep = One different from the rest of the family, and less worthy ; a disgrace to the family, (a) The oldest son is a black sheep in this family = The oldest son in this family is dilferent from the rest,, and makes trouble or causes shame. Ab§quatulate, to = To run away ; to abscond, (c) Go now! absqnatulaie / = Go quickly! ^et you. gone! He absquatulated with, my money = He ran away with my money. Adam's ale = Water. (The Scotch slang term for water is Adam's wine), (c) Let me offer you a glass of A dain's ale = Let me offer you a glass of water. A fat officer An office yielding abundant pay for slight labor, (a) There are some fat offices under almost every gov- ernment = There are, under almost every govern- ment, some offices yielding abundant pay for slight labor. The senator procured his nephew a fat office, by his influence = The senator, by his influence, ob- tained for his nephew an office which yielded large pay for slight labor. All (in) one'§ eye = Alljionsense ; incredible; fanci- ful; improbable, (c) ^ What you say about Mr. A's intended marriage is [all in your e?/e=: Your statement that Mr. A. intends marriage is improbable. That story of yours — a/X^ my eye = That story of yours — I don't believe a word / of it. All one'§ born days = All one's life, (c) I never saw the like of it, in all my born days = I never saw the like of it, since I was bom. That is the most foolish bargain I ever heard of, in all my (373) 874 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. horn days - 1 never, since I was born, heard of so fool- ish a bargain. All the go - Any thing which creates unusnal inter- est or excitement, (a) The new play at the theatre is all the ^o=The new play at the theatre creates great interest or is very fashionable. All to §masli = Bankrupt ; ruined, (c) ' In the decline of real estate, the broker went all to smash = In the decline of real estate, the banker was iinancially ruined. Almighty dollar — Tliis term describes the power of money, and the admiration in which w^ealth is held, '(a) He obtained place in society by means of the almighty dollar — YLe obtained place in society by means of his wealth. A ^o, 1 = First rate ; the very best, {a) This is A No. 1 tea — This is the very best tea. He is an A No. 1 man = He is an excellent man. As luck ivould have it = As it chanced; by fortune, good or bad. ia) As lack would have it^ I arrived half an hour too late for the steam-boat = I had the ill fortune to ar- rive Imlf an hour too late to take the steam-boat. As luck ivould have it^ my friend came to visit me while I was away =: It chanced that my friend came to visit me during my absence. As luck would have it, it snowed the day before our pleasure drive ; so tliat the sleighing was line = By good fortune, there was a fall of snow the day before our pleasure drive; so that the sleighing was line. Awful — A senseless expletive, used to intensify a description of any thing, good or bad. (a) Is n't this awfid nice ? — Is this not very nice ? I'm awfid glad = I am very glad. I'm in an awful hurry = I am in a great hurry. B. Back out or doii^n, to = To refuse to fulfill a prom- ise or engagement ; to withdraw, {a) The builder who agreed to construct the school- house for a thousand dollars has hacked out of his bargain = The builder who agreed to construct the school-house for a thousand dollars has withdrawn from his bargain. Bad = Hard; difficult. ("Word in use among sport- ing men), (c) SLANG AND CANT PHKASES. 375 This gray filly will be had to beat = It will be dif- ficult for any horse to win the race against this gray filly. Pneumonia is a very had disease for the physician to treat successfully = It is very difii- cult for the physician to treat pneumonia success- fully. Bamboozle, to = To deceive ; to fool ; to play low tricks upon, (a) You can't hamhoozle me, about the gold mines in the Black-hills country = You can not deceive me, about the gold mines in the Black-hills country. When he first entered the school, he was badly hamhoozled by the boys = He was badly fooled by the boys when he first went to the school. Banging = Great; thumping, (h) He had a hanging umbrella = He had a very large umbrella. The good woman gave the boy a hanging piece of cake = The good woman gave the boy a thumping piece of cake. Bang-up =1 First rate ; in the best possible style, (c) He has got a real hang-up new suit = He has a very nice new suit of clothes. Is n't this a hang-up house ? = Is not this a very fine house? Bar or barring = Excepting ; — in common use in the betting ring. (6) " Two to one, har one " = Two to one against any horse, with the exception of one. Bear the bell, to = To be the leader or winner, (c) John E. hears the hell in all athletic games at school = John E. is the leader in all athletic games at school. Among all the sisters and cousins, Hortensia hears the hell = Among all the sisters and cousins, Hortensia carries off the palm, or is the best. Bear (Stock-Ex.) = One who contracts to sell stocks, which he does not own, at a future time for a cer- tain price ; one interested to depress the value of stocks, (a) At the Stock-Exchange to-day, the hears were tri- umphant = At the Stock-Exchange to-day, the deal- ers who were interested to depress the value of stocks, in order to buy cheaply certain stocks which they had contracted to deliver, were triumphant or successful. Beat about the bush, to=:To approach a matter cautiously and indirectly, as in conversation or investigation, (a) The politician heat about the hush, in order to as- certain the political sentiments of the company = The politician cautiously and indirectly introduced 376 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. political subjects, in order to ascertain the senti- ments of the company. Beat (all) hollow, to = To out-do completely, or utterly; to far surpass, (a) This story of the bear hunt heats the last one all hollow = T\\\^ story of the bear hunt out-does the last one completely. This circus heats the other all hollow = This circus wholly surpasses the other. Beat to a mummy, to = To beat to an indiscrimi- nate and senseless mass, (c) He was heaten to a mummy in his last prize fight = He was beaten to a senseless mass or out of shape, in his last prize fight. Bitten, to be = To be taken in, or imposed upon, {a) He was badly hitten in the purchase of his horse = He was badly cheated in the purchase of his horse. The biter was hitten — The one who wished to cheat another person, was himself cheated. Blackguard = A low or dirty fellow, capable of any meanness, and accustomed to use jocularly abusive or scurrilous language, (a) He is a low blackguard = He is a person of low character, accustomed to use jocular language. All the hlachguards in the city attacked him = He was talked against by all the vulgar defamers in the city. We found him at the saloon, sitting among the hlachguards ^We found him at the saloon, in the company of those who use jocularly abusive lan- guage in conversation. •^Blackleg =: A rascal; a swindler; a notorious gam- bler and a cheat, (a) The last shipment to Botany Bay was a parcel of blacklegs— The last shipment to Botany Bay was a lot of thieves and criminals. Blarney (Irish) = Flattery ; powers of persuasion, (b) All your blarney will not afi*ect me = I will not yield to your flattering talk. Kone of your blarney ! =:Xone of your soft, wheedling speeches ! Blast — A vulgar term of denunciation or impreca- tion, {b) Blast you ! = Curse you ! Blast that driver ! why don't he drive faster? (A denunciation of the dri- ver for driving so slowly.) Blaze, to = To mark, as a tree, by chipping off" a piece of bark. (U. S.) {a) I found my way through the woods, by the blazed trees = I found my way through the woods, by the trees that were marked by chipping ofif a piece of the bark. Bloiir one up sky-high, to = To scold severely, (c) SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 877 The keeper of the livery stable blew up his stable- -boy sky-high, for driving one of the horses so hard = The keeper of the livery stable severely scolded the stable-boy, for driving one of the horses so hard. Blue-devils = 1. The apparitions supposed to be seen by habitual drunkards ; a form of delirum tremens, (c) 2. Depression of spirits ; hypochondria, (c) 1. His long continued drinking brouglit on an at- tack of the blue-devils=IL\s long continued drinking brought on a form of delirum tremens. 2. Being out of health, he was sorely afflicted with the Z?Zwe- devils = 'Bemg out of health, he was sorely afflicted with melancholy. BIue-no§e = A man from Nova Scotia, (c) He is a blue-nose^He is a Nova Scotian. Bluest A fit of despondency; low spirits, (a) Mr. A. is out of work, and has the toes = Mr. A. is out of work, and is desponding. Bluff, to — usually with off=To turn aside; to re- pulse rudely, {a) The governor tried to bluff the interviewer off= The governor tried to turn the interviewer away with an evasive answer. He was so annoying in ^ his request for the loan of money, that I was obliged to bluff him offzz He was so annoying in his requests for the loan of money, that I was forced to repulse him rudely. Bog-trotter = One who lives in a boggy country; satirical term for Irishman, (c) They are genuine bog-trotters = They inhabit a boggy country. A ship load of bog-trotters has just landed = A ship load of Irishmen has just arrived in the country. Bogus = Spurious ; counterfeit; false; fictitious, (a) This is a bogus silver coin =: This is a counterfeit silver coin. He made many bogus promises = He made ^many false promises. Bohemian, a=A restless vagabond; — often applied to an adventurer in art or literature, of ii'regular habits, questionable tastes, or free morals, (b) He was a Bohemian, and wrote for the city news- paperszzHe was a writer for the city newspapers; a restless adventurer, irregular in his habits, whose taste and morals were questionable. Bonanza = A successful venture ; a source of great profit. (U. S.) (a) This cold weather is a bonanza to the coal-dealers = This cold weather will be of great profit to the coal-dealers. I hope to make a bonanza of this 378 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. speculation in bank stock = I hope to make a snc- cessfnl venture of this speculation in bank stock. Boniface = The landlord of a tavern, (b) I stopped at an inn where Bom/ace was a large and jolly fellow r= I stopped at an inn where the landlord was a large and jolly fellow. Bosh = Nonsense; silly, senseless talk, (a) That's all bosh / = That is all untrue and nonsensical. All his talk about having received a government office is mere bosh = All that he says about having received a government office is mere silly talk. Bo§s = Excellent (U. S.). (a) This is the boss cigar =r This is the best cigar in the market. He is a boss speaker = He is a very good public speaker. Bottle-holder = One who aids a boxer ; — ^hence, one who encourages and aids, (c) He acted as bottle-holder in the fight = He was a helper in the iight. '' Lord Palmerston considered himself the bottle-holder of oppressed states " = Lord Palmerston regarded himself as one who encouraged and aided oppressed states. Bread-ba§Ret=: Stomach, (c) He gave this man a blow with his fist in the bread- basket =Ile gave this man a blow with his fist in the stomach. My bread-basket is empty, and I am faint for want of food = My stomach needs a fresh supply of food, and I am faint for the lack of it. Bricks A jolly good fellow; a staunch fellow, {a) Our new tutor is a regular brick = Our new tutor is very easy; he is a jolly fellow. You will find my friend a brick = You will find my friend to be a staunch fellow. Brick in the hat (U. S.) = r)runk; intoxicated, (a) He went home with a brick in his hat = l:le went home drunk. Brings round, to = To persuade ; to induce ;- — some- times, to cause to change, (b) How did you bring him round to sell his horse ? = How did you persuade him to sell his horse ? He does not agree to the project, but I hope to bring him round=zlIe does not agree to the project, but I hope to induce him to change his mind. Biid^e, to == To move ; to stir, (a) He stands in the door, in our way, and will not budge an inch = He stands in the door, in our way, and will not stir at all. What are you doing in my garden ? Budge along = What business have you in my garden ? Move ofiT (go away). Bull (Stock-Ex.) = A nominal buyer of stocks for SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 879 future delivery; a speculator who is interested to raise the price of stocks, (a) Prices of stock went up at a bonnd, and the hulls were gleeful = Prices of stock went up at a bound, and those speculators who wished stock to rise for their benefit were happj. Bulldose or Bulldoze, to = To terrify by threats ; to intimidate, (a) The negroes in some parts of the Sonth (U. S.) were hulldosed by the lawless whites; and did not dare to vote = The negroes in some parts of the South were terrified by the threats, &c., of the law- less wliites, so that they did not dare to vote. Yon may threaten, but I will not be bulldozed by you=rI will not be forced to give up my rights by you, even if you do threaten and abuse. Bully — Often applied in a commendable sense among the vulgar, (a) You are a bidhj fellow = You are a very good fellow. Have you finished that piece of work so soon ? Bulli/ for you = Have you finished that piece of work so soon ? You are to be commended (de- J serve commendation). Bummer =r An idle man, who lives on other people ; a loafer. There are bummers in every city = There are in every city idle men who sponge on others for their living. Bumptiou§ = Arrogant ; self-sufl[icient. (b) Don't be so bumptious = Do not be so forward and arrogant. He is so bumptious that I can not endure him = He is so conceited that I can not bear his presence. Buncombe or Bunkum = False sentiments in speaking; speech-making for mere show, (U. S.) The member of Congress from ^N^orth Carolina made a speech for Buncombe = The member of Con- gress from North Carolina talked merely to meet the expectation of constituents. He made a bunkum speech in or(fer to hear himself talk = He made a speech for mere show, or to hear himself talk. Bun^ up, to=:To close up. as the eyes; to disfigure; ^ — hence, to unfit for use. (a) The pugilist was all bunged up = The pugilist was beaten about the face so that his eyes were closed up. Bu§ — An abbreviation of omnibus, (a) I rode down town in a bus = l rode down town in an omnibus. The bus drivers of this city are on a 380 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. strike = The omnibus-drivers of this city demand higher pay, and refuse to work. Bu§ter = An extra size ; something great, (b) Is n't this house a buster f — Is not this a very large house ? Buster, in for a = Determined on an extensive frolic •- or spree, (c) My hired man is in for a Z)W5fer= My hired man is determined on an extensive spree. o. Caboodle = The entire company ; the whole number.* (U. S.) (c) The police captured the whole caboodle of gam- blers = The police captured the whole company of gamblers present. The whole caboodle of the pirates ought to be hanged = Every one of the pirates ought to be hanged. Cad = An omnibus conductor. — (Eng.) (a) I gave n\y fare to the cad=l gave my fare to the om n i bus-con ductor . Carpet-bagger = A term of contempt applied to a northern settler in the southern part of the United States, after the close of the civil war (1865), seek- ing only private gain or political advancement, (a) The natives of the South showed much dislike of the carpet-baggers — TliQ southern people showed much dislike of the commercial and political ad- venturers from the North. Carried away = Delighted; well pleased. (U. S.) (a) I was completely carried away with the music of the opera = I was very much pleased with the music of the opera. Carroty-headed = Having red hair, (c) There is a lot of carroty -headed boys, in the school = There is a number of red-haired boys, in the school. Case = A person difficult to deal with, ip) The boy has never .been governed, and is a hard ca.se = The boy has never been governed, and can not be managed or trained. Cateh a crab, to (Boating cant) = To fall backward by missing a stroke, (a) It was my misfortune to catch a crab in the last spurt = It w^as my misfortune to miss a stroke in rowing, and fall back, the last spurt. Cateli a weasel asleep, to = To find a person care- less, or off his guard, (a) SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 381 The stock brokers did not corner Mr. A. as tliey purposed ; you don't catch a weasel asleep— The stock brokers did not corner Mr. A. as thej purposed, for it is not easy to find him off his guard. CliaflT, to = To joke, quiz, or praise ironically ; to use light, idle language by way of fun or ridicule, (a) When I came out of the coal pit, they chaffed me about my sooty looks = When I came out of the coal pit, they joked me about my sooty appearance. His companions chaffed him, because on his wedding trip he took one train of cars, and his wife took another, by mistake = His companions ridiculed him, because on his wedding trip he blundered by taking one train of cars, while his wife took another. Cbap = A man or boy ; a fellow, (a) When I was a little chap^ I wore short trousers = When I was a small boy, I wore short trousers. He is a low chap — ^Q is a low fellow. Clicap John = Oratorical hucksters, who put up an article at a high price, and then cheapen it by de- grees, until it becomes to all appearance a bargain, and as such is bought by one of the crowd, (c) I bought the plaster image of a dog, of a cheap John = I bought the plaster image, df a street peddler. Cheek = Impudence ; assurance, (a) You have got a good deal of cheek /=Y on are quite impudent. I^ewspaper interviewers ask cheeky questions sometimes = Newspaper interviewers ask saucy and impudent questions sometimes. €hee§e, the = The right or desirable or agreeable thing; just what is wanted, (h) Show me some coats. — That's the cheese = Show me some coats. — That is what I want. The editorial in the morning paper, on city expenses, is just the cheese=The editorial in the morning paper, on city expenses, is exactly the right thing. Chee§e it, to = To leave off; to cease, (b) ^- I am tired of your talk; now cheese it=l am tired of your talk ; now stop. Chinks: Money, (a) His pockets are full of chink =}Iis pockets are full of money. I have no chink =1 have no itioney. Chips = Money, (b) Have you passed in your chips to the clerk ? = Plave you paid your fare to the clerk ? Chisel, to = To cheat ; to take a slice off any thing. (b) I was chiseled out of $700 in real estate speculation = 1 was cheated out of $700, in real estate specula- tion. He can chisel you out of your eye-teeth = He 382 SLANG AND CANT PHKASES. can cheat you, in spite of your best efforts to pre- vent him. Cboke off, to = To get rid of; to stop one's talking. («) I choked off the book-agent by informing him that I had an engagement at that hour = I got rid of the book-agent by informing him of my engagement at that hour. He was choked off in the middle of his speech by the noisy demonstration of dissents He was forced to cease speaking before he liad iinished his speech, by reason of the loud manifestations of disapproval by the audience. Choker = A neck-cloth or cravat, (a) He had on a black choker =ILe wore a black neck- cloth. There were many gentlemen in white chokers and kids == There were many gentlemen in white cravats aftd kid-gloves. €bop§ or €liap§, tlie = The jaws; the mouth, (a) When he had finished eating he wiped his chops with a silk handkerchief = When he had hnished eating he wiped his mouth with a silk handkerchief. He actually licked his chaps in anticipation of a mug of beer =: He showed great delight, by passing his tongue over his nlouth, in anticipation of a mug of beer. Clap together, to = To put together with a quick motion, (b) The carpenter spread glue on the two pieces of board, and clapped them together = The carpenter spread glue on the two pieces of board, and put them together with a quick motion. Claret (Pugilistic) = Blood, (c) In the prize fight, one of the lighters drew claret at the first blow =: The first blow started the blood from one of the prize fighters. On the third round of the fight the claret ran freely = The blood of one of the fighters flowed freely, in the third round. Clean out, to = To ruin or make bankrupt any one ; to take all he has, by purchase, chicane or force. {a) The police cleaned out the gamblers in A. street, last nights The police took all the gamblers' imple- ments in A. street, last night. The thieves cleaned out his store = The thieves plundered his store of its contents. Close oMt, to = To sell all the stock in store, (a) We advertise that we shall close out our whole stock this week, to make room for new goods = We advertise that we shall sell all the stock in store this week, to make room for new goods. SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 383 Cockney = A native or resident of the city of Lon- don; — used contemptuously, (a) Cockneys say 'all for hall = The uneducated Lon- doners say 'all for hall. The cockney^ traveling into the country, is surprised at many common rural practices = The Londoner, traveling into the country, is surprised at many common rural practices. €ock§ure =: Quite certain ; certainly, {h) Thank you for the invitation ; I will come, cock- sure = T\\2ink you for the invitation; I will certainly come. He is cocksure that it is going to rain = He is quite certain or confident that it will rain. Come it §trong^, to = To exaggerate ; to do any thing vigorously or extravagantly; to overdo, (a) Aren't you coming it strong^ in that story of the hunting adventure ? = Are you not exaggerating, in what you say of the hunting adventure? He comes it strong in the matter of attending operas and con- certs = He goes to excess in the matter of attending operas and concerts. Come down, to = To give money ; to pay. (a) ' When he began business, his father cam^ down handsomely = When he began business, his father gave him all the money he wanted. I could not make him come down worth a cent for the hospital = 1 could not make him pay a cent for the hospital. Come to grief, to = To meet with an accident; to be ruined or destroyed, (a) Come to the window, and see how your little girl has come to grief. She has tumbled down in the mud, and is crying piteously = Come to the window, and see what an accident your little girl has met with. She has tumbled down in the mud, and is crying piteously. The incendiary has come to grief; for last night he was discovered and arrested = The incendiary has been unfortunate or been checked in his career; for last night he was discovered and taken into custody. Cook one'§ goo§e, to= To kill or ruin a person, (c) This infection of yellow fever will cook his goose for him = This infection of yellow fever will kill him. The mining speculation has failed ; your goose is cooked = Yon are ruined; for your mining spec- ulation has failed. Cool one's heels, to = To wait, (c) The senator will have plenty of time to cool his heels before his bill passes the senate = The senator wdll have to wait awhile before his bill passes the senate. C'tiioerliead (Amer.) = A northerner charged with 884 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. sympathizing with the South during the civil war. (U- s.) («) The copperheads were glad, when the confederates gained a battle = The northern sympathizers with the South were glad, when the confederates gained a battle. Corned = Drunk, (a) He got thoroughly corned— TLq got very drunk. It takes but little liquor to get that man corned — A. small quantity of liquor suffices to make that man drunk. Cotton, to = To like, adhere to, or agree with any person, (c) If there is any genuine humor in a man, I cotton to him = If there is any genuine humor in a man, I like him, or adhere to him. Cove or covey = A boy or man of any age or station. Your talk is very strange ; you are a queer cove = Your talk is very strange ; you are a queer fellow. He is a rum covey =lle is a man of singular habits, or appearance. Cram, to — To qualify for public examination or other purposes, by previous preparation, (a) I am cramming for the biennial (college) examina- tion = I am studying hard to fit myself for the biennial examination. Curry favor with, to = To seek to gain favor by flattery; to seek favor by officious civilities, and not by real merit, (c) Do not cwTy favor with any one = Do not seek the favor of any by flattery. He is currying favor with the new official = He is seeking to gain the favor of the new official by flattery and the like. Cut a dido, to = To play a trick, or prank, (a) When the school-boys were left alone, they cut strange didos = When the school-boys were left alone, they played strange pranks. Cut and run, to=:To quit work or occupation, and start off at once, (b) When the boy who was stealing melons saw the owner coming, he cut and run = Wh.en the boy saw the owner of the melons coming, he quit picking melons, and started off at once. ^Cut of tlie jib = The peculiar appearance or expres- sion of a person, (b) I know he is a minister by the cut of his jib = l know that he is a minister by his appearance. I don't like the cut of his jib = I do not like the ex- pression of his face. SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 885 Cut one's eye-teeth, to have =: To be sharp and knowing, (a) You can not cheat Mr. C. ; he has cut his eye-teeth = You can not cheat Mr. C. ; he is sharp and knowing. Cut recitation, or prayer§, to (College cant) = To absent one's self from recitation, etc., without ex- cuse, (a) I did not often cut recitation(or prayers') when in college = I did not often absent myself from recita- tion or prayers, without excuse. Cut §tick, to=:To run away, (c) He cut stick, and left the country = He ran away, and left the country. When the enemy heard our guns, they cut stick = When the enemy heard our guns, they ran away. Cut up, to = To play pranks, (b) Boys in college are fond of cutting up w^henever they have a good opportunity = Boys in college are fond of playing pranks whenever they have a good opportunity. Cut up, to = l. To criticise severely, (a) 2. To mor- tifj. (a) 1. The new book was terribly cut up by the re- viewer = The new book was severely criticised by the reviewer. 2. He was much cut up by his failure to obtain a government office — He was much mortified by his failure to obtain a government of- fice. D. Dark hor§e = In racing, a horse whose chances of success are not known, and whose capabilities have not been made the subject of general comment or wager; also, a person yet unthought of for office. It is yet very uncertain who will be candidates for the presidency this year, (U. S.) whether some distinguished statesmen already talked of, or some dark horse = It is yet uncertain whether some states- men already mentioned favorably will be candidates for the presidency, or some men not yet thought of. Darky = Negro, (a) We met and talked with an aged darky = We met and talked w^th an old negro. The darkies are some- times very good singers = The negroes are sometimes very good singers. Dead heat = Utterly exhausted; utterly "done up." (a) ^ 26 386 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. He ran four miles, and came back dead heat=.Tle. ran four miles, and came back completely exhausted. I>ea(l-1>eat, a=iA worthless idler who sponges on others, (a) The stranger who lodged with us last night proves to be a dead-beat— The stranger who lodged with us last night proves to be a worthless idler who gets his living by sponging on others. I>euce = An evil spirit ; the devil, (c) You have been hanging about an hour ; what, the deuce, do you want ? = You have been hanging about an hour; what do you want? (an exclamation of impatience and astonishment). Deuce take this rail- road train, which obstructs the crossing — (a mild imprecation or an expression of petulance). Deadhead = One who for any reason, and excep- tionally, enjoys the benefit of a public conveyance, entertainment, feast and the like, without charge, (a) How many deadheads were there at the concert last night ? = How many persons were there at the con- cert last night, who, for any reason, were admitted free of charge ? ]>ieken§, the — A modified form of the word devil, — used in softened oaths, (c) Oh the dickens — An ex- pression of disgust, impatience, or anger. Where the dickens (devil) have you been ? He ran like the dickens — He ran very fast. You look like the dickens, in that costume = In that style of dress, you look horribly. Dig — A hard blow ; a punch, (h) He gave me a dig in the side = He gave me a hard blow in the side. The boy gave the cow a dig with his fist, as he passed through the stable = The boy punched the cow with his fist, as he passed through the stable. Diggings = Regions ; localities; residence; apart- ments. Q)) He has left these diggings, and gone to parts un- known = He has gone away from here to parts un- known. The authorities do not allow any rum in these diggings = The authorities allow no strong drink in this place. He has changed his diggings = He has changed his residence. Di§h, to = To frustrate; to suppress; to cheat; to vanquish, (c) The failure of the pension bill has dished the hopes of the old soldiers = The failure of the pension bill has frustrated the hopes of the old soldiers. He was dished out of his inheritance by a flaw in the SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 887 will = He was cheated out of his inheritance by some informality or illegality in the will. Do, to = l. To hoax; to cheat, (c) 2. To visit and examine a place of interest or a country, as a tour- ist or pleasure seeker, (a) 1. The peddler did the servant girl in the false jewelry which he sold her = The peddler cheated the servant girl in selling her false jewelry. 2. Mr. A. and family are doing Europe this year = Mr. A. and his family are visiting the places of interest in Europe as tourists, this year. I>o brown, to = To do well or thoroughly, (c) Done brown = Cheated thoroughly ; befooled, (c) 1. The opera singer did it broivn last night = The opera singer sang well last niglit. 2. He was done brown by the real estate dealer = He was deceived or defrauded by the dealer in real estate. Dodge = A dextrous device or trick of any sort ; a clever artifice, (a) He wished to find out your secret plans, but that answer of yours was a good dodge = He wished to find out your secret plans, but that answer of yours was a clever artifice. Do for, to = To put an end to; to ruin; to disap- point, (b) The secretary was caught mimicking the gov- ernor, and now he is done for = The secretary was caught mimicking the governor, and now his pros- pects of advancement are ruined. Dog^-cheap; dirt-cheap = Yery cheap; at a low price, (c) I am selling gloves dog-cheap = I am selling gloves very cheap. I bought the house dirt-cheap = 1 bought the house at a very low price. Done over or up, to be = To be exceedingly wea- ried, fatigued, tired, exhausted, (c) We are all done-up with hard work = We are all tired out with hard work. I was never so done-up in my life = I was never before so much exhausted. Before he reached the house, he was done over by the long walk = Before reaching the house, he was exceedingly w^earied by the long walk. Do the bu§ines§, to = To accomplish what is de- sired, (a) The man was very bilious, but a dose of calomel did the business = The man was very bilious, but a • dose of calomel accomplished the desired result, (that is, cured him). Douse, to = To put out. (c) 388 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. It is time to go to bed; douse that glim = It is time to go to bed ; put out that candle. Down on one's marrow-bones = On one's knees, as in confession — hence, humble ; acknowledging a fault, (c) He has treated me ill ; but I'll bring him doivn on his marrow-hones =11q has ill-treated me; but I'll make him acknowledge his fault. l>own with the dust =^ Put down the money, (c) The boarding-house keeper drew his pistol upon the miner who ow^ed him, and said, " Down ivith the f??^s^" = The boarding-house keeper drew his pistol upon the miner who owed him, and said, put down (pay me) the money. Dra^w it mild, to=:To speak within bounds; not to exaggerate, ih) In speaking of the assault upon him he drew it mild=}le did not overstate the case at all, in speak- ing of the assault upon him. ''Draw it TniM^'' said the sailors to one who was telling a yarn = " Do not exaggerate," said the sailors to one who was telling a story. The soldier, when narrating his experien- ces in the war, was not wont to draw it 7nz7(/= When- ever the soldier narrated his experiences in the war, he was accustomed to speak extravagantly. Dress up, to = To put a false coloring on ; to garble ; to embellish, (a) He dressed up his account of his fight with a neighbor, and gave it a very plausible appearance = He put a false coloring on the fight with his neigh- bor, and gave it a plausible appearance. That nov- elist knows how to dress up ordinary characters and incidents, in such a way as to make a very attractiv^e book = That novelist is skillful in so embellishing, by stjde and imagination, the ordinary personages and incidents of life, as to produce a book which is very attractive. Drop off, to = To die. (c) The servant, who was with him in his last hours, says that he suffered much till near the end, but dropped off quietly at the last = The servant, who was with him in his last hours, said that he was in distress till near tlie end ; but died quietly. Dry up, to = To stop talking, (c) I think it is time for that speaker to dry up^ he has been talking an hour = I think it is time for that speaker to cease talking; he has been speaking an^ hour. SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 889 E. EIbo\r-grease = Energetic application of force in manual labor, (a) The scouring of tins, and the polishing of brass, require elhoiu-grease = The scouring of tins, and the polishing of brass, require energetic application of force. This work of scouring knives, requires elbow- grease = This work of scouring knives, requires hard use of the arms. Put on more elbow-grease on that window = Polish that window with more vigorous rubbing. r. Fa§t = Gay; extravagant; unsteady; thoughtless, (a) The man lives too/a6^=The man is addicted to late hours, gaiety, and continual rounds of pleasure. Do not associate with a fast yoimg man = Do not associate with a young man of bad habits. Fat work (Print.) = Page having much blank space, and requiring but little labor of composition ; and therefore more profitable to the printer, (a) The printer said that this book was fat work = The printer said tliat a page of this book contained much blank space, and was easily set up. Fearflil or fearfully = Yery ; very much ; extreme- ly. (U. S.) {b) It is fearfully cold = It is extremely cold. I have been at work, and am fearfully tired = I have been working, and am very tired. Feel eheap, to = To be humiliated ; to be made ashamed, {c) It made the man feel cheap^ to reflect that he had lost the lady's favor by getting disguised with liquor = It humiliated the man, to think how he had lost the lady's regard by excess in drinking. Fiddle, to = To idle away time ; to trifle, (c) Go to your work ; don't be fiddling around here = Go to your work ; don't be wasting your time here in trifling. Fiddler'§ money = Small money, (c) The grocer paid me fiddUr's money for my apples — The grocer paid me small money for my apples. Figlit shy of, to = To avoid ; to have nothing to do with, (a) My neighbor wished me to go to the circus, but I always fight shy of 2i, crowd = My neighbor wished \ 390 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. me to visit the circus, but I always avoid going into a crowd. Fig^bt the tiger, to = To gamble witH professionals. (*) The young man who was induced to play cards with some passengers in the car soon found that he was fighting the tiger— The young man who was in- duced to play cards with some passengers in the car soon discovered that he was gambhng with profes- sionals. Figure = 1. Price; cost, (a) 2. Appearance, good or indifferent, (a) 1. That's a handsome country seat you have bought. What's the figure? — W\i2ii is the cost of that handsome country seat w^hich you have bought. ^--->2. He cuts a sorry figure! — Hq makes a poor or mean appearance. ■FiIe = A hard, mean, and exacting person, (c) He is very penurious, and close in his business dealings ; he is an old file — He is very penurious and close in his business dealings ; he is a mean and exacting man. Fi§li up, to = To discover or obtain by close search and sometimes by artifice. Q)) In order to defeat the candidate for senator, the opposing party fished up an old story about a bribe = In order to defeat the candidate for senator, the opposing party searched out and presented an old story about a bribe, which was to his discredit. Fix = A position of difiiculty or embarrassment ; a predicament, (h) The bridegroom was in a fix ; for his trunk did not arrive till after the hour of the wedding = The bridegroom was in an embarrassing position, for his trunk did not arrive till after the hour appointed for the wedding. Fix, to = To put one in an unpleasant predicament, usually by way of retaliation or punishment, (h) That fox has caught several of my fowls ; but I will fix him = That fox has caught several of my fowls ; but I will punish him — (by trapping, shoot- ing, or the like). Fizzle, a = A failure or abortive effort, (h) The chemical experiment of the professor, this afternoon, was a fizzle— "HhQ chemical experiment of the professor, this afternoon, was a failure. Fizzle (out,) to = To fail of success in an undertak- ing. (6) How the student fizzkdm recitation to-day = How the student failed in reciting his lesson to-day. The SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 391 private school has fizzled out=The private school has miserably or wholly failed of success. Flabbergasted = Confounded ; astonished, (c) I Was completely flabbergasted by the news of their elopement = I was greatly confounded by the news of their elopement. Flash = That which is not what it appears to be ; any thing spurious. A word with various mean- ings, as, showy ; spurious ; smart, as in dress, (b) There goes a flash gentleman down the street = There goes a man dressed smartly, but his clothes are shoddy, and his diamonds, paste. That was a flash concert the other night = The concert the other night was one which made much show and stir, but had very little merit. Flipper = Hand, (c) Captain, I have not seen you since your last voyage ; give us your flipper = l^Qi me shake your hand, Cap- tain, for I have not seen you since your last voyage. Flunk, to (College cant) = To utterly fail in recita- tion, (a) The student flunked in mathematics, this morning = The student utterly failed in his mathematical recitation, this morning. Fly off the handle, to = To fly into a passion.* (c) When I ordered the hired man to harness the horses in the evening, he flew off the handle =When I ordered the hired man to harness the horses in the \ evening, he became suddenly angry. "^or a dead certainty = As sure as death; a fixed certainty ; without a doubt ; assuredly, (c) I will come to the party, fjr a dead certainty — I will be absolutely certain to come to the party. Do you know that he is sick, for a dead certainty ? = Are you positively sure of his illness ? It is true, /or a \ dead certainty— li is very surely true. ^ork out or over, to = To pay ; to hand over, (c) He forked out the needful to you = He paid the money to you. When the man was threatened with a suit for the debt, he forked over the money — When the man was threatened with a suit for the debt, he took out the money and paid the bill. Fudge = 1. A made-up story; stuff; nonsense, (c) 2. An exclamation of incredulity or contempt. (5) 1. His book, "Adventures of a traveler," is all fudge = His book, styled " Adventures of a traveler " is all a made-up story. 2. Some say that eating tomfttoes produces cancers — Fudge=Som.e say that tomatoes, as an article of food, induce cancers — I don't believe a word of it. 392 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. G. Gallivanting^ = Waiting on the ladies ; showing them attention, (c) He is at home on a furlough and is gallivanting around town = He is at home on a furlough and is waiting on the ladies around town. Oalore (only used in some parts of England and by sailors) = Abundance, (c) When the ship gets into port, the sailors will have whiskey ^afore=: When the ship gets into port, the sailors will have plenty of whiskey. ^ Game = Courageous, {h) That boy is game ; he whipped a larger boy who attacked him = That boy is courageous ; he whipped ' a larger boy who attacked him. _lGame leg=:A lame or wounded leg. (c) Mr. R. can not run, for he has a game leg = lA.v. ^.* can not run, for he has a lame leg. ^ Gammon = A humbug; a false, ridiculous story. His learning is all gammon = ll\^ learning is all pretended. You are talking gammon=You are try- ing to Immbug us. Gent — A contraction of gentleman, (c) Well, gents, shall we put aside our business, and take a lunch ? = Well, gentlemen, shall we suspend our business, and go to lunch ? Get on, (or go on) swimmingly, to = To be highly prosperous, (c) ^ The young law^^er who moved to California, gets on swimmingly = The young lawyer who moved to California, is highly prosperous. Get one's dander up, to = To rouse one's passion ; • to enrage one. (c) Mrs. F. said Mrs. B's husband was lazy; and that got Mrs. B's dander up = Mrs. F. said Mrs. B's hus- band was lazy ; and that enraged ■ Mrs. B. Get round, to = To gain advantage over by shrewd- mess or artfulness; to circumvent, {a) The wool buyers can not get round me = The wool buyers can not circumvent me. His wife got around him in the matter of house-furnishing = His wife persuaded him by some artful metliod, to do what she wanted in regard to furnishing the house. Gibberish — Originally, the language of Gipsies. 'Now = Unmeaning jargon ; unintelligible language, (b) Plis talk is perfect gibberish = I can not tell what he is saying ; it is unintelligible to me. SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 393 Oilt of the gab = Fluency of speech or natural tal- ent for speech-making, (b) It was coarsely said of a certain man, that he did not become a minister, because he did not have the gift of the gab — It was coarsely said of a certain per- son, that he did not become a minister, because he did not possess a natural talent for speech-making. He will make a lawyer, for he lias the gift of the gab to perfection = He has a natural talent for speech- making, and is so far well fitted for the profession of law. -^ Oill§ = The lower part of the face, (c) In the storm off San Francisco, you looked white around the gills = ln the storm off San Francisco, you looked white around the mouth, t. e. afraid. Oive it to, to = To scold, whip, or beat one. (6) He has been very disobedient, and you must give it to liim ! = He has been very disobedient, and you must thrash him well. He gave it to me well, when he was intoxicated, I assure you ! = He beat me well when he was intoxicated, I assure you. The man gave it to his coachman for grooming the horses care- lessly = The man severely scolded his coachman for grooming the horses carelessly. Give one a black eye, to = To disfigure one's eye or face by a blow with the fist, (c) The policeman gave the rowdy ^ who attacked him, a black eye— The policeman disfigured the face of the rowdy who attacked him, by a blow with his fist. Give one Jessie, to = To scold ; to give a fiogging. That boy has left his work, to see the game of ball ; and his father will give him Jessie when he re- turns = That boy has left his work, in order to see the game of ball ; when he returns, his father will scold or whip him. Glim = Candle, (c) Douse that glim ! = V\i\j out that candle. '^o = A circumstance or occurrence, (c) Here's a go ! my horse has run away, and left me to walk home = Here is an occurrence ! my horse has gone and left me to walk home. Go back on, to := To abandon ; to turn against ; to expose. ((/) He went back on his promise of loaning me money = He refused to fulfill his promise of loaning me money. One of the gang of counterfeiters became dissatisfied, and went back on the others. One of the gang of counterfeiters became dissatisfied, and exposed or betrayed the others. 894 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. Cro do\rn, to = To be accepted as true; to be be- lieved, (a) The boy who ran away from school yesterday told the teacher that he was sick, but that statement would , not go down = The boy who ran away from school yesterday told the teacher that he was sick, but the teacher would not believe that statement. Go for, to = To give attention to, or pursue for the purpose of attack, (b) The political speaker went for the opposite party, in the latter part of his speech = The political speak- er made, in the latter part of his speech, an attack upon the opposite party. The dog discovered a boy in his master's melon patch, and went for him = The dog discovered a boy in his master's field of melons, and ran to attack him. Oo in for, to = To enter upon ; to undertake ; to ap- ply one's self to. (a) Are you going in for the prize in composition at school ? = Shall you undertake to gain the prize for composition at school ? In building his house, Mr. H. went in for comfort and durability ; not elegance and show = In building his house, Mr. H. had chief regard to comfort and durability; not to elegance and display. Oo the -whole hog, to = To do any thing with a person's entire strength, not by halves, (b) At first the man thought to give up the use of rum and brandy only; but afterward concluded to go the whole hog^ and discard wine, beer, and cider, also = At first the man thought to abandon the use of rum and brandy only ; but afterward concluded not to do it by halves ; and discarded wine, beer, and cider, also. '^ Oo to gra§§ = Go away ; — said to a troublesome or inquisitorial person, (c) Come and see this beautiful sunset. Go to grass / I don't care any thing about the sunset = Come and see this beautiful sunset. Go away ! I don't care for the sunset. ""Oo up, to = To come to an end ; to cease ; to fail in business, (b) The crockery dealer on the corner has gone up = The crockery dealer on the corner has failed in busi- ness. The bank, which had his money, has failed ; and he is gone up = He is ruined ; for the bank in which he deposited his money, has failed. iiOrease the palm, to = To bribe, (c) No doubt they greased his palm well, to secure his vote = No doubt they bribed him, in order to get SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 895 his vot^. The witness would have told a different story, if his palm had not been greased = T\iQ witness would have given different testimony from what he did give, if he had not been bribed. Orea§er = Mexicans or South Americans. (U. S.) Some mines are worked by greasers — Some mines are worked by Mexicans or South Americans. '^reat go = A curious or remarkable occurrence, (c) Old Mr; A. is to marry young Miss B. — that is a great go — Old Mr. A. is to maiTy young Miss B. — that is a curious occurrence. Or eat gun = A person in authority or office ; a man of note, ip) The temperance people have engaged a great gun for their meeting to-night = The temperance people have engaged a distinguished person to speak at their meeting to-night. Oreentaorn - An inexperienced, simple person ; one unaccustomed to the ways of the world, {a) He has never been away from his home, not even to school; and he is a greenhorn = He is a simple, ignorant fellow ; for he has not been aw^-y from his home, not even to school. Orub = Food ; victuals, (h) I am going to get some grub = I am going to get something to eat. I am obliged to have my grub, three times a day = I have to •eat three times a day. H. IIalf-§ea$ over = Reeling drunk, (a) He is half-seas over = He is reeling drunk. Handle = 1. A nose. 58. The title appended to a person's name. 1. He has a large handle to his face = He has a large nose. 2. The Reverend Doctor A. has a long handle to his name = The Reverend Doctor A. has a long title prefixed to his name. Hand over, to = To place in the hand ; to give ; to disgorge, (a) Hand over the key = Give the key to me ! I had to hand over the money to the agent, before receiving a passage ticket = I was obliged to place the money in the hand of the agent, before I could receive a passage ticket. Hang out, to = To reside or do business, (c) Where do you haiig out f = Where do you live (or do your business V) 896 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. Hang round, to = To loiter or lounge about a place, without ostensible business, (c) For years he used to hang round the tavern, neg- lecting his family, and drinking himself to death = For years he used to neglect his family and lounge about the tavern, without any other object than to drink. Hard line§ = Hardships; difficulty, (c) These heavy taxes are hard lines on the poor = These heavy taxes are a great hardship to the poor. This sickness of his son is hard lines on him = His son's sickness is a trial to him. Hard pan (Com.) = A basis of gold and silver; a stable basis ; a foundation, (a) The prices of provisions have reached hard pan = Prices of provisions are now put upon a gold basis. There has been much fluctuation in business mat- ters; but now we seem to have reached hard pan = Business of all kinds has been in a changing and uncertain state ; but now matters appear to be on a stable foundation, •v^ Have §een the elephant, to=:To be up to the V latest move ; to be knowing and not green, (c) c - You can not play any tricks upon him ; he has seen the elephant — You can not play any tricks upon him ; he is up to the last new trick ; he is knowing and not green. Heap = A crowd ; a throng ; a cluster ; — said of persons, (c) There is a heap of people here = There is a throng of people here. Hide, to = To beat or flog ; to whip, (c) Let me catch the insolent fellow, I'll hide him well i=If I catch the insolent fellow, I will beat him se- verely. He got a good hiding for playing truant =: He received a hard whipping for playing truant. Higg[]edy-pi||^gledy = Topsy-turvy ; in confusion ; all together, ih) He threw the books down on the floor, higgledy- piggledy — He threw the books down on the floor, in confusion. Highfaluten = Bombastic ; showy; affected; stuck up. (c) He made a highfaluten speech on the fourth of July = He made a high-flown or bombastic speech on the fourth of July. High jinks = 1. Arrogance; conceit, (c) 2. Jollifi- cation, (c) 1. Since he inherited some money, he is on the high jinks — Since receiving some money by inherit SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 397 tance, he is arrogant in manners. 2. Tliej had high ^ jinks at the celebration of his birthdays They had a jollification at the celebration of his birthday. Hocu§-pocu§ = A juggler's trick; a cheat used by conjurors, {h) He got the pocket-book out of my pocket, by some hocus-pocus — H.Q got the pocket-book out of my pocket, by some juggler's trick. Hold on, to = To wait; to tarry, (a) Hold on a minute, I will overtake you and go with you = Wait a minute, I will overtake you and go with you. IIooflliiin§ (Pacific coast) = Unorganized gangs of bad, vicious, criminal boys and men. {a) The hoodlums of San Francisco hate the Chinese = The street ruffians in California hate the Chinese. Hook, to = To steal, or rob ; to take without per- mission, ih) Some boys hooked apples from my apple tree= Some boys stole apples from my apple tree. IIoo§icr (IT. S.) — Cant term for a native of Indiana. He is a hoosier = 'E.Q is a citizen ol Indiana. Horn = A drink, especially of some intoxicating liq- uor, (a) Come in and take a horn = ComQ in and take a drink. Humbug:, to = To deceive ; to impose on ; to hoax, (a) He is too shrewd to be humbugged =lle is too shrewd to be imposed on. The public was hiim- bugged by a pretended account of the discovery of inhabitants in the moon = The public was hoaxed by the pretended discovery of inhabitants in the moon. Inexprc§§il>le8 = Trowsers ; pantaloons, (c) He bought a new pair of inexpressibles for $5.00 := He bought a new pair of trousers for $5.00. In for a thing, to be = To be resolved or determined upon it. Qj) He is in for the dance to-night = He is resolved to participate in the dance to-night. The school-boys are in for a skating excursion next Saturday — The school-boys have determined upon going to skate next Saturday. In limbo = Restrained ; confined ; imprisoned, (c) The thief who stole the countryman's watch got 398 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. into Umbo by the means = The thief who stole the countryman's watch got into prison by the means. Interview, to=:To converse with and question one, for the purpose of obtaining information for publi- cation, (a) A reporter interviewed the Secretary of War on the Indian question = A reporter conversed with and questioned the Secretary of War, concerning mat- ters relating to the Indians, for the purpose of pub- lication. Ivories = Teeth, (c) The negroes show their ivories in laughing = The negroes show their teeth in laughing. Jabber, to = To talk rapidly, or indistinctly; to chatter, (b) The girls are jabbering all the time, while at their work = The girls are talking rapidly and indistinctly while working. I can not work, while you jabber so = 1 can not work while you chatter so. Javir, to = To scold ; to clamor abusively ; to wrangle. He will jaw you well for you tardiness = He will scold you well for your tardiness. Jeremy I>iddler = An adept at raising money on false pretences or by borrowing without intending to repay ; a swindler, (c) The man who called to-day, with a story of hav- ing lost his pocket-book, was a Jeremy Diddler — The man who called on us to-day, with the story of hav- ing lost his pocket-book, was a swindler. Jifty — A moment ; an instant ; a very short time, (c) I will be ready to go with you, in a jiffy— 1 will be ready, in a moment, to go with you. Jog[-trot = A slow, regular pace, (c) The old man passed the house on horseback, at a jog-trot— Th.Q old man passed the house on horseback, at a slow, regular pace. Jug = Prison ; jail, (c) He is in the jug=^e is in jail. You have been drinking, and have made disturbance, and they will put you in the stone jug = You have been drinking, and have made disturbance, they will put you in jail. SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 899 K. Keep dark, to = To keep secret, (a) The joung man told me when he was to be mar- ried, and I promised to keep it c?ar^=: The young man told me wdien he was to be married, and I promised to keep it secret. Kick the bucket, to = To lose one's life ; to die. (c) The old miner has kicked the bucket at last — The old miner is at last dead. My horse was very sick, and for two days I thought he wonld kick the bucket =My horse was very sick, and for two days I thought he would die. Kid = Infant; child, (c) Toss the kid a cent = Give the child a cent. Kidney = Habit ; disposition; sort; kind, (c) I did not know that he was a man of that kidney = 1 did not know that he was a man of such a stamp. He is a sailor of the same kidney with tlie rest of the crew = He is a sailor of the same sort with the rest of the crew. Knoiv on which §ide one'§ bread i§ buttered, to = To understand what is for one's own interest. He knows on which side his bread is buttered— He is acting thus because he understands what is for his interest. This servant is very careful to please his master ; he knows on which side his bread is buttered = This servant takes pains to please his master; he understands what is for his advantage. Know the rope§, to = To be familiar with a subject or pursuit, (a) Mr. A. will succeed in cotton manufacturing ; he knows the ropes = Mr. A. will succeed in cotton man- ufacturing ; he understands the business. Lame duck (Stock-Exchange) = A stock-jobber who speculates beyond his capital, and can not pay his losses, (a) When stocks fall suddenly, there are many lame ducks = When stocks fall suddenly, there are many stock-jobbers who can not pay their losses. JLamm, to = To beat ; to whip, (c) The boy is saucy ; I will lamm him soundly = The boy is saucy ; I will beat him soundly. X 400 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. Liark = A piece of merriment ; a sport ; a frolic, (c) It is a lark for literary men of London, to take a fishing excursion into Wales ; but for rude young men, a lark is something rude like themselves = It is sport for literary Londoners to take a fishing ex- cursion into Wales ; but the sport of rude young men, is rude, like themselves. He is off, on a lark = He is absent, having some kind of fun or a spree. Larrup, to — To flog ; to beat, (c) The master larruped the boy well for his impu- dence = The master whipped the boy severely for his impudence. I^ay or spread it on thick, to = To flatter extrav- agantly ; to surfeit with praise, {h) When the workmen gave their superintendent a gold watch, the man who made the presentation speech laid it on //zzc^=:Wlien the workmen gave their superintendent a gold watch, the man who made the presentation speech extravagantly praised the superintendent. In speaking of the playing of the actress at the opera-house last night, the editor spread it on thick = In his notice of the play at the opera-house last night, the editor bestowed a surfeit of praise upon the actress. L*eacl toy the nose, to = To lead blindly; to exact unreasoning and implicit obedience from, {b) The prime minister is self-willed, and leads his followers by the nose ^The prime minister is self- willed, and exacts unreasoning and implicit obedi- ence from his followers. L) You are making game of me by your stories about the large fish you caught = You are hoaxing me by your stories about the large fish you caught. Make mince-meat of, to = To cut to pieces ; to de- molish, (c) The editor made mince-meat of the speaker's argu- ment = The editor demolished the speaker's argu- ment. Make no bone§ of, to = To make no scruple ; not to hesitate ; to find no diflSculty. (c) ♦ The mayor made no hones of telling the treasurer, that the council wished him to resign his ofiice=: The mayor did not hesitate to tell the treasurer, that the council wished him to resign his ofiice. I make no hones of saying that you are a thief = I do not hesitate to say that you are a thief. He made no hones of asking the governor for an ofiice = He did not hesitate to ask the governor for an office. Make one'§ self scarce, to =:To be off; to decamp ; to clear out ; to absent one's self, (c) The thief made himself scarce^ when he saw the policeman coming = The thief decamped, on seeing the policeman approach. He had offended them all, and he made himself scarce — He had given offense to all, and he took himself off, or withdrew himself from their company. You are not wanted here, and I wish you to make yourself scarce=l wish you to keep out of the way, for you are not wanted. Make tracks, to = To run away, (c) When the boys were discovered, they made tracks = When the boys were discovered, they ran away. Mig^hty = Greatly ; very excellent ; fine, (h) I am mighty glad that I can go to Boston = I am very glad that I can go to Boston. He looks mighty feeble = He looks very feeble. 404 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. Mill = A set-to ; a pugilistic encounter, (h) The two roughs met in a retired street and had a 97227^= The two coarse bullies met in a retired street and had a pugilistic encounter. ■^Mizzle, to = To take one's self off; to go; to run away, (c) He staid half an hour, and then mizzled— lie staid a half-hour, and then took himself off. I have fed you : now mizzle ! — 1 have fed you : now be off ! go away ! Molly g^rubs or mulligrubs = 1. Stomach-ache. 2. Sullenness. (c) 1. He has the molly grubs— Tie has a pain in the bowels. 2. He has had th^muUigrubs for two days , = He has been in a sullen mood for two days. Moonshine = Palaver; deception; humbug, (a) His talk about new gold mines is all moonshine = His talk about new gold mines is palaver and humbug. The report that Mr. and Mrs. A. have separated is all moonshine = The report that Mr. and Mrs. A. have separated is wholly fictitious. Mug = Face; countenance; mouth, (c) What an ugly mvgf have you been fighting? =:What an ugly face 1 have you been fighting? He drinks so much whiskey that he carries a red mug= He drinks so much whiskey that he carries a red countenance. Muster or musta (Anglo-Indian) = A pattern; a sample of any kind of merchandise, (a) Will you send me a muster of your best tea ? = Will you send me a sample of your best tea? My uncle = A pawnbroker, (c) My watch is at my uncle' s=Mj watch is at the pawnbrokers. His uncle has his diamond pin = His diamond pin is pawned. Nag, to = To steadily find fault ; to tease ; to annoy, (c) Mrs. A. nags her servants =: Mrs. A. is wont to annoy her servants by fault finding. ligation = Yery or extremely, (c) That illumination was nation fine = That illumi- nation was very fine. I was nation glad to get home = I was very glad to get home. Bfatty = Spruce; neatly fine; pretty, {b) He had a natty little cane at the circus = He had a neat and pretty little cane at the circus. She is" a natty little woman = She is a neat little woman. SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 405 Mncompoop = A blockhead ; a trifling dotard ; a silly fool. If joii believe what he says, you are a nincompoop = You are a silly fool if you believe what he says. '^'arobby = Stylish ; fashionable, (often applied to hats). (b) Isn't that a 7iobby hat? = Is not that an elegant hat? I bought a iiobby coat for $10 = 1 bought a stylish coat for $10. No go = 'Not successful ; a failure, (b) A new literary club was organized in that city last year; but it was no go=A new literary club was organized in that city last year ; but it did not succeed. No great 8liake§ = Of little consequence or worth ; unimportant, (b) I sent my son to the new boarding-school, but the teacher is no great shakes = I sent my son to the new boarding-school, but the teacher is not a superior one. Notion = Inclination ; intention, (b) ■^ xl have a notion I will go to-morrow = I intend to go to-morrow. He has some notion of selling his farm, and removing to California = He is somewhat Vv inclined to sell his farm, and remove to California. -^^JVotion§ = Small articles; trifling things; Yankee notions, (a) This firm deals in notions = This firm deals in vari- ous small wares. I must go to the store and get some notions = I must go the store and purchase some small articles of daily use, such as, thread, needles, \ , buttons, laces, etc. ^Nuts = Something fortunate, or desirable; a good thing, (c) Mr. A's uncle has left him a legacy — that's nuts for him = Mr. A's uncle has left him a legacy — that's fortunate for him. Nuts on, to be = To be pleased with or fond of, a person or thing, (c) The boy is nuts on the new teacher = The boy is fond of the new teacher. o. Obfuscated = Bewildered with drink; confused by intoxication, (b) He was slightly obfuscated =^e was somewhat in- toxicated. He was so obfuscated that he could not ^ 406 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. find his way home = He was so confused from drink- ing, that he was unable to find his way home. Old boy ; old nick = The evil one. (b) He ran as if the old boy was after him = He ran as if the evil one was after him. He acts as if the old nick was in him = He acts as if he was inhabited and controlled by the spirit of evil. On l$liank§' mare = On foot ; by walking, (c) How did you come to town ? On Shanks^ mare= How did you come to town ? On foot. My horse is lame, and I shall be obliged to ride to my ofiice on Shanks^ mare = My horse is lame, and I shall be necessitated to walk to my ofiice. On the move ; on the go = Moving or going, in conformity to a restless habit or disposition, (a) The settler who purchased the farm last year has sold out, and is on the move again = The settler who purchased the farm last year has sold out, and is moving again, as he is wont to do. That child is continually on the go = That child is very restless, constantly going somewhere. On the rampage, to he=To conduct in an excited or violent manner, (b) Mr. M. is on the rampage=M.r. M. conducts in a violent manner. ver the left — ^An affirmation to the contrary ; an exclamation of disbelief in what is being narrated. Is Dr. O. a skillful physician ? Yes — over the left = Is Dr. O. a skillful physician ? He is not. P. Padding = Any thing inserted in a publication or a speech to fill it out. (c) The magazine for this month contains much pad- ding =ThG magazine for this month contains much , worthless matter inserted to fill it out. ^- Pan out, to — To appear as a result ; to develop ; to issue in. (c) His manufacture of woolen cloths did not pan out very well = His manufacture of woolen cloths did not prove very profitable. I have made a new ac- quaintance, but I can not tell how he will pan out = 1 have recently become acquainted with a man, but I can not tell how worthy and valuable a per- son he will prove to be. Paul Pry = An inquisitive person, (c) SLANG AND CANT PHKASES. 407 Macaulay, the English essayist, calls Boswell the biographer, a ''Paul Pr2/" = Wlien Macaulay the English essayist, calls Boswell the biographer, a Paul Pry, he means that Boswell was an inquisitive person. Peel, to = To strip or disrobe. (Sporting), (c) Being insulted, the men peeled and went in for a fight = Being insulted, the men took off their coats and began to fight. Peeler (Eng.) = A policeman ; an ofiicer for preserv- ing order, (b) The peelers have caught the thief = The police have arrested the thief. When the burglar saw the peeler^ he sloped == When the burglar saw the police- man, he ran away. Pesky = Yexing ; troublesome, (h) Put the pesky dog out = Put the troublesome dog out. I've got a pesky cold in my head = I have an annoying cold in my head. Peter out, to= To run short ; to give out. (U. S.) (c) His business was promising at first, but has petered out = ll\s> business was promising at first, but has come to nothing. Ptaiz (short for Physiognomy) = Face ; counte- nance, {b) When I met him, he had a smile on his phiz — When I met him, he had a smile on his face. What an ugly phiz that criminal has ! = What an ugly face that criminal has. Pickaninny = A negro baby or small child. Colored people at the South call their babies, pickaninnies. We saw several pickaninnies in front of the cabin = We saw several small negro children in front of the cabin. Pile = A sum of money ; generally, the whole of a man's private means, (h) He has made a pile in silk manufacturing == He has made a great deal of money in silk manufac- tures. I will bet my pile on that horse = I will bet all the money I have got, on that horse. Pins = Legs, (c) I was nearly knocked off my pins by the butting ram = I was nearly knocked down by the butting ram. Glad to see you on your pins again, after your illness = I am glad to see you on your legs, i. e. well enough to be up again, after your illness. Played out=l. Finished. 2. Carried too far. (IJ. S.) (J) 1. This has been a hard day's work, and I am 408 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. played out=l am very tired with the hard day's work. 2. That excuse for your tardiness at school is played ow^ = That excuse for your tardiness at school can not be used any longer (it is worn out). 2. Stop now ! that fooling is played out — Stop ! you have fooled enough. Pony (College cant) = A translation of some author studied, {h) Some students are in the habit of using 'ponies in Greek or Latin = Some students are in the habit of ^ using translations of the Greek or Latin authors. sPony up, to = To pay ; to settle an account. (U. S.) (*) . . It is time to pony up on that bill = It is time to \ pay that bill. >Pop the question, to = To propose marriage, (a) The bashful lover finds it difficult, to summon courage to pop the question — Y^q bashful lover finds it difficult, to summon courage to propose marriage. Posted — often with up = Well acquainted with the subject in question, (a) He is well posted in old and rare books = He knows all about old and rare books. I will keep you posted as to my health = I will keep you well- informed as to my health. I inquired of him the market price of wheat; but he said he was not posted=l asked him what was the market price of wheat; but he said that he had not kept himself informed on that matter. Po-werful^l. Great; uncommon — a vulgar west- ernism. 2. Exceedingly ; very, (h) 1. There is a powerful crop of com this year = There is a large crop of corn this year. 2. He is a powerful smart lawyer = He is a very able lawyer. 2. The roads are powerful muddy = The roads are exceedingly muddy. Pre-empt, to = To settle on government land, with privilege of purchasing it. (U. S.) (a) He has pre-empted some land in the West = He has taken possession of some new land in the West, and is therefore entitled to buy the land, of the United States government, at a certain price. ^ Prog = Victuals; food; supplies, (c) Come, let's have some /)ro^=: Come, let us have some food. If we go into the woods to cut timber, we must carry our ^ro^ = If we go to the forest to cut timber, we shall need to carry our food with us. .„ Pucker = Bother ; state of agitation, or perplexity. SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 409 Well, I am in a pucker now! the servant has locked the pantrj, and gone out = Well, I am in perplexity now ! the servant has locked the pantry, and gone out. She was all in a pucker, because of the chimney's taking fire = She was much agitated, by reason of the chimney's taking fire. Pummel, to = To bruise by beating ; to beat as with a pummel ; to thrash, (h) The pugilists pummeled each other well = The pugilists beat each other well. If you hurt my cat, I will give you a good pummeling — I will give you a hard beating, if you injure my cat. Pump, to = To extract information by artful ques- tioning, {b) The traveler pumped his seat-mate in regard to his political opinions = The traveler sought to learn the political opinions of his seat-mate, by artful questioning. Put, to = To clear out ; to go away, (c) Put for home as fast as you can = Run home as fast as you can. Off with you boys ! Put I — Clear out boys, run away from here ! Put in an appearance, to = To appear ; to present one's self; to be seen, (c) Since the day that the law concerning them took effect, the tramps have not put in an appearance^ Since the day the tramp law took effect, the tramps have not been seen. When the hour for opening the court arrived, the judge did not put in an ap- pearance, owing to the detention of the train = At the hour for opening the court, the judge was not present, owing to the detention of the train. Put-up job, a=:An undertaking; — usually one of bad or doubtful character, conceived and carefully arranged beforehand, (c) That burglary was a put-up yoJ = That burglary was carefully and minutely planned in advance. Put upon = Cheated ; victimized ; oppressed, (c) He was put upon, by a peddler, in the matter of jewelry — He was cheated, by a peddler, in purchas- ing jewelry. Q. Quod = Prison; jail. (5) He's in quod for stealing = He is in prison for stealing. • While he was in quod, he was kept at work making baskets = While he was in jail, the employment of making baskets was assigned to him. 410 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. E. 'Rag,'8hag^ or tag, and bobtails A miscellaneous crowd ; a company of vagabonds or ragamuffins, (c) In the rear of the procession marched the rag^ shag, and bobtail = 1ji the rear of the procession marched a company of vagabonds or ill-clad persons. Rapscallion = Low villain ; a rascal ; a low, tattered wretch, (c) He is a rapscallion; he has committed several petty crimes = Pie is a low villain ; he has committed several petty crimes. Retire, to ( U. S.)= To withdraw to one's bed-room ; to go to bed. (a) I am weary, and shall retire early to-night = 1 am weary, and shall go to bed to-night at an early hour. Rib = Wife ; better half, (c) He has gone out with his rib = He has gone out with his wife. Ribbons = Harness-lines ; reins, (c) He held the ribbons lightly in his left hand = He held the reins lightly in his left hand. That stage- driver handles the ribbons finely = That stage-driver guides his horses skillfully. Ride (Shanks' mare, to = To go on foot, (b) How did you come to town? I rode Shanks^ mare = How did you come to town ? I came on foot. Right smart = Very w^ell ; also, — a good deal ; con- siderable. (U. S. local.) (b) How do you do? I'm right s7nari = JLow do you do ? I am quite well. There's right smart of snow =r There is a great deal of snow. When I feel right smart, I will walk over and visit you = When I feel well enough to do so, I will walk over and visit you. Mr. A. has right smart of corn this year = Mr. A. has a good deal of corn this year. Road-agent = A highwayman, especially on the stage routes of the unsettled western parts of the United States, (a) On the western plains (U. S.) detachments of military used sometimes to accompany the stages for protection against road-agents = Detachments of military used sometimes to accompany the stages in their journey over the western plains (U. S.) as a means of protection against highwaymen. Rocks = Money, (c) You need not hesitate to furnish the boy with an expensive suit of clothes; his father has the rocks = SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 411 You need not hesitate to supply the boy with an expensive suit of clothes, for his father has plenty of money (is rich). Rotg^ut = In England, bad beer or deleterious liquor of any kind. In America, cheap, vile whiskey, (a) He will kill himself drinking rotgut=Ii.e will destroy his life by the use of cheap, poisonous liq- uors. Rough, a = A rude swaggerer ; a coarse bully ; a riotous, turbulent, fighting fellow, (a) The new recruits for this regiment contained a few New York roughs =There were a few coarse bullies from New York among the new recruits of this regiment. On the day of the circus, the train was boarded by a gang of roughs who were very in- solent = On the day of the circus, a gang of riotous, fighting fellows, who were very insolent, got on board the train. Roiigb on one, to be = To treat one rudely, un- kindly, or in a faithless manner, (b) He was rather rough on you in reporting the in- formation you gave him, and which you charged him to keep secret = He treated you rudely or faith- lessly, in giving currency to the information which you furnished him, and which you requested him to keep secret. Rowdy = A turbulent fellow ; a lawless rioter. (U. S.) (a) He grew up in the streets, and has become a young roi67(/2/ = He grew up in the streets, and has become a lawless, and turbulent, young fellow. Rum — Used of any thing indifi'erent, bad, questiona- ble, or queer. (Provincial English.) (b) He is a rum un ! = He is a fellow of singular ap- pearance. This is a rum carriage = This is an indif- ferent carriage. Run, to=:To make teasing remarks to; to worry; to nag. (b) The boys ran their companion, for having once fallen asleep in the car, and been carried past his destination = The boys teased their companion, be- cause he once fell asleep on the cars, and suffered himself to be carried past his proposed stopping- place. Run one'§ face, to = To obtain credit in a bold manner, (a) The man bought a gold watch, and ran his face for it, at the jeweler's == The man bought a gold watch of the jeweler, and obtained credit for it in a bold manner. 412 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. s. Sad dog = A merry fellow; a joker; a "gay" or "fast" man. (a) Have you ever seen him ? he is a sad dog = Have you ever seen him ? he is a merry joker. What a \sad_dgg-J he has already spent a large part of his patrimony = What a "fast" fellow! he has already spent a large part of his patrimony. Save one's baeon, to = To escape castigation; to escape loss, (c) The man who took a hag of apples from the or- chard, was obliged to pay for them, in order to save his bacon = The man who took a bag of apples from the orchard, was obliged to pay for them, in order to escape punishment. Sauce = Sauciness ; impertinence, (c) You may go, I don't want any of your sauce = You may go, I do not want any of your impertinent ^ talk. ^auce, to = To treat with pert or impudent language. ~^He^ sauced me to my . face = He talked imperti- nently to me. The boy sauced the gardener, who had told him not to tread on the flower beds = The boy spoke pertly and disrespectfully to the gardener, who had told him not to tread on the flower beds. Saivtoones^A surgeon, (c) His arm was amputated by a young sawbones = His arm was amputated by a young surgeon. Sawney = 1. A native of Scotland; nickname for Alexander. 2. A simple or awkward fellow, (c) 1. There are lots of Sawneys in the city = There are many Scotchmen in the city. 2. Do you know '^^that sawney who is crossing the street ? = Do you know that awkward fellow who is crossing the street ? Scalawag = A miserable scamp ; a scapegrace. (U. S.)(c) He is a regular scalawag ; he has not paid his board bill = He is a miserable scamp, for he has not paid for his board. You scalawag^ why did you not keep your promise of coming to work for me, in- stead of going fishing ? = You faithless fellow, why did you go fishing, instead of coming to work for me as you had promised ? Scamp = A rogue; a rascal; a scoundrel; a cheat. (5) What a scani'p he is ! = What a rascal he is ! The SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 413 scamp has run away without repaying the money which he borrowed of me = The cheat has departed without returning the money which I loaned him. Scare up = To discover; to find by diligent search, (Low). (c)_ Where did you scare up such an ill-looking horse as that ?=^ Where did you discover such an ill-look- ing horse as that? Where did you scare up that book ? = Where did you find that book ? Sconee = Head — also brains ; sense ; discretion, (c) -~i He gave you a rap on the sconce — He gave you a blow on the head. What did you make such a silly speech for? haven't you any sconce=:^hy did you make such a silly speech ? have you no judgment or common sense. Scoot, to = To run nimbly. (U. S.) (IS) The boy 5coo/ec? " down street when he heard the fire alarms The boy ran down street as fast as he could when he heard the alarm of fire. Screamer = Noteworthy in any respect; first-rate; splendid. (U. S. local and vulgar.) (c) Isn't that new locomotive a screamer f = Is nh that new locomotive imposing, or powerful, or splendid ? — and the like. Screw (College cant.) = A searching examination, thought to be needlessly minute by the student ; also, the instructor so examining, (b) The tutor gave me a legBlajuScxsn^ this morning = The tutor gave me a needlessly minute and tedious examination. Scre^v loose, a = Some irregularity, disorder, or neglect ; something amiss, (a) There's a screw loose in the family government = Something is out of order in the family govenmient. There is a screw loose between these neighbors = These neighbors have become cold and distant towards each other. I have not received the usual dividend from my silver mining stocks; there's a screw loose somewhere = I have not received the cus- tomary dividend from my silver mining stocks; something must be amiss. Screnred = Intoxicated, (c) The boatmen all got pretty well screwed=zThe ■ boatmen all got drunk. Scrimmage = A general row, or disturbance, {b) Tliey had a great scrimmage, when they came out of the theatre = There was a great row, when they came out of the theatre. ^> Scrumptious = Xice; particular; fastidious; fine, (c) Isn't that hat scrumptious ? — Is not that hat nice? "^ 414 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. He sent me a scrum;ptiQm bouquet = He sent me a fine bouquet. See it out, to = To remain till the close; to witness the completion, (h) The play at the theatre was very long, but I was determined to see it out^The, play at the theatre was* very long, but I was determined to witness the com- pletion. Sell, a = An imposition ; a trick ; a deception ; a dis- appointment. That advertisement of a juggler's show, was a bad sell=Th.dX advertisement of a juggler's show, was a sham or practical joke. The account of the discov- ery of a petrified giant in Colorado was a seU=z The account of the discovery of a petrified giant in Col- orado was an imposition. Semi-oceasionally = Once in a while; on rare oc- casions, (c) Do you smoke ? I take a cigar, semi-occasionally = Do you smoke 'i Once in a while, I take a cigar. Serve one the §aine sauce, to = To retaliate one injury with another, (c) It is not well for us to serve others with the same sauce which they may give to us=It is not well to retaliate the injuries which we may receive. Set up, to toe = To show pride; to exhibit vanity. (U. 8.) {h) You appear to be a good deal set up by your good fortune = You appear to be quite proud of your good fortune. He is greatly set up about his success in the regatta = He is very proud of his success in the regatta. Seven-shooter = A pistol with seven barrels or chambers, (a) Since burglaries have become so frequent, I have bought me a seve?2-5Aoofer=: Since the commission of burglary has become so frequent, I have purchased a pistol capable of firing seven shots in succession. N Sham Atoraham, to — To feign sickness, in order to get rid of work, (c) The convict is shamming Abraham = T\\e, convict is pretending to be sick, in order to be released from work. Shanty =r A rude, temporary habitation, (a) The shanties of the laborers are very quickly built = The small, poor, houses of the laborers are very quickly built. Sheepskin = A college diploma; the record of a de- gree conferred, (tj. S.) ih) At the close of his course he brought home his SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 415 sheepsldn in triumph = On finishing his course of study he brought home his diploma (or certificate) -v^nth exultation or great joy. Sbell out, to = To pay or count out money, (a) The note is due; shell out right off* ! = The note is due ; pay the money immediately ! He shelled out freely for political purposes = He gave money for political purposes, readily and generously. Shindy = A row ; a disturbance ; a melee, (c) After the fire there was a shindy in the street = After the fire there was a disturbance or melee in the street. ■4 Short commons = Small allowance of food; scant fare ; insufficient provisions, (c) They were kept on short commons during the siege = They did not have enough to eat during the siege. Some of the hotel boarders think that they have rather short commons = Some of the hotel boarders think that there is rather a small allowance of food provided for them. Show = Prospect ; likelihood ; ground of expecta- tion. "there's a good show for him in the army = He has good prospects of success in the army. Let us leave this fishing ground ; there is no show here = Let us abandon this fishing place ; there is no likelihood of catching fish here. Shut of, to he, or to get = To be rid of; to es- - cape ; to be delivered from, (c) Lie is not to be trusted ; l_iimst he shut of him = I must be rid of him, for he is not to be trusted. I wish I could get shut of this cold = I wish I could get rid of this cold. Shut up, to = To cease talking ; to be silent, (c) Tell him to shut up=Te[l him to be silent. Shut up, and give me a chance to say something = Cease talking, and allow me an opportunity of speaking. Shy, to = To throw sidewise, or with careless jerk ; to fiing. (c) He shied a stone at me, and then ran round the corner = He threw a stone at me, and then ran round the corner. Simon-pure = Unadulterated ; genuine, (c) This is the real Simon-pure article = This is the genuine thing. Sing out, to = To call loudly ; to shout, (c) When you find a good tree for walnuts, sing out= When you find a good tree for walnuts, call to me. The farmer sang out to his hired man at the other 416 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. end of the field, "Bring me a rake " = The farmer shouted to his hired man at the other end of the field, " Bring me a rake." Skedaddle, to=:To go off in a hurry; to retreat; to scamper, (c) When the battery opened, the enemy skedaddled = The enemy ran away, when the battery began to fire. The green troops w^ill skedaddle at the first sound of cannon = The inexperienced soldiers will run away, when they hear cannon. ISkin-flint = A miser ; a niggard ; a very penurious person, (c) He is a skin-flint ; he charged his neighbor for a ride to town with him = lie is meanjy penurious; he made his neighbor pay for riding into town in his wagon, by his side. Snap — Briskness ; vigor ; energy, (a) He has not snap enough to succeed in business = He lacks the energy or briskness necessary to success in business. Soekdologer = A heavy blow ; that which finishes a matter ; that from which there is no escape ; a disastrous event. (IT. S.) (c) In retaliation for his vile language, he gave him a sockdohger between the eyes := In retaliation for his vile language, he gave him a blow between the eyes sufiicient to stun him. This letter, calling on him to resign, will be a sockdohger for him = This letter, calling on him to resign, will be disastrous to Ijim. Soft-soap, to = To use flattery in a coarse manner, (c) Don't soft-soap me=Do not try to influence me by flattery. Soft-soap = Coarse flattery ; ironical praise, (c) His letter was full of soft-soap = His letter was full of coarse flattery intended to win my regard for him. Sold = Imposed upon; deceived; cheated, {a) Mr. A. was badly sold in the purchase of his new horse = Mr. A. was greatly deceived or cheated in buying his new horse. Some or one of these days = Hereafter ; at some future time, indefinite; before many days, {b) If the bridge is not repaired, there will be an ac- cident some of these days = Unless the bridge is re- paired, it will cause an accident at some time in the future. One of these days, I shall drive to your house and take you to ride = At some future day, not far distant, I shall drive to your house with the inten- tion of taking you to ride. Spell = 1. A turn of work, (c) 2. A short period; a brief time, {b) SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 417 1. When the ship sprang a leak, each passenger took a spell at the pumps = When the ship com- menced leaking, each passenger worked at the pumps in his turn. 2. We have just had a spell of very hot weather = A short period of very hot weath- er has just closed. Spitfire = A violent, irascible, passionate person, (c) She is a perfect 5/?z{/zre= She is a person of pas- sionate temper. Splice, to=:To unite in marriage, (c) The mate and his bride were spliced yesterday = The mate and his bride were married yesterday. Spooney = A weak-minded, or silly person; weakly or foolishly fond, {h) He is spooney on the girls = He manifests a foolish fondness fur young ladies. Mr. A. was the greatest . spooney in our ckvss at college = Mr. A. was the silliest member of our college class. Spoon§ = The condition of two persons who are deeply in love, (c) "^ Itjs a case of spoons\w\i\\ that young man and young woman = That young man and young woman are deeply in love. Sport, to=iTo exhibit, or bring out in public, (h) He is sporting a new hat to-day = He wears a new hat to-day. Don't sport your learning here = Do not exhibit your learning here. Spout, to = To utter a speech ; — said somewhat dis- paragingly, (c) Several members of the school are spouting in the chapel, preparatory to declamation for prizes = Sev- eral members of the school are uttering speeches in the chapel, preparatory to the declamation for prizes. Spry = Nimble; active; vigorous; having great power of leaping or running, (a) You are as spry as a boy in climbing that tree= You are as lively as a boy in climbing that tree Be spry now !=Now be quick ! At the age of sixty he was spry enough to overtake the horse-cars = At the age of sixty he could run so fast as to overtake the horse-cars. Spunk = An inflammable temper; spirit; pluck, (a) He hasn't spunk enough to defend himself when he is attacked = He has not spirit, or fire, enough to defend himself when he is attacked. Now don't get your spunk up = Now don't get angry. He showed a great deal of spunk when he was treated discour- teously = He manifested much spirit or indignation when he was treated with incivility. 28 418 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. ~Stage wlii§per = A whisper loud enough to be heard. (c) At the table, the man addressed the person next him in a stage whisper = At the table, the man ad- dressed the person seated next him, in a whisper loud enough to be heard. IStick — A derogatory expression for "person." (b) ■— ^He's a poor stick — lie^s, an inefficient, good-for- nothing person. He's an odd stick ; he never wears a collar = He is an eccentric person ; he never wears a collar. Stick in one's crop or g^izzard, to=:To rankle in one's heart ; to annoy one. (c) It sticJcs in Mr. G'^s crop that he was not nominated for governor = Mr. G. is annoyed by his failure to receive the nomination for governor. Mr. A's re- fusal to lend Mr. B. money when he was straitened, sticks in Mr. B's gizzard=Mr. A's refusal to lend Mr. B. money when he was in need of it, is remembered and cherished as a grievance by Mr. B. Stick out, to = To be prominent, (c) The author's vanity sticks out on every page of his book = The author's vanity is prominent on every page of his book. Stir your stumps— Be active; step briskly; keep moving, (c) The farmer said to his idle workman, ^' jStir your stumps, and put the hay in the bam before the rain falls " = The farmer said to his idle workman, ^" Be active, and put the hay in the barn before the rain falls." ;Story=:A falsehood, {b) That's a story / = Thsit is a falsehood. I fear that you are telling me a story as to the reason of your absence from school yesterday = I fear you are not giving me the true reason of your absence from school yesterday. Streak it, to z= To run swiftly ; to make off. (c) The boys pulled his door bell, and then they streaked it for home = The boys pulled his door bell, and then they ran home. Streak it, there is a thun- der shower coming upI^Bun as fast as you can, there is a thunder shower coming up. Street Arabs = Gamins; neglected and unruly ooys who frequent the streets, (c) It is not so common now as formerly, to see dirty street Arabs = lt is not so common now as for- merly, to see dirty and unruly boys frequenting the streets. Strike oil, to = To find petroleum, when boring for SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 419 it; Lence, figuratively, to make a lucky hit, es- pecially financially. (U. S.) (c) Mr. So and So, who shipped a cargo of wheat to England recently, has struck oU^M-Y. So and So, who shipped a cargo of wheat recently to England, has made a lucky hit. Struck all of a heap, to be = To be astounded; to be completely surprised, (c) .":* I cm struck all of a heap by their sudden marriage "=I am completely' surprised at their sudden mar- riage. The war news struck him all of a heap = The news from the war astounded him. Stuck-up = Purse-proud; pretentious, (b) He is dreadfully stuck-up since his good fortune = He is very purse-proud since he came into his es- tate. When I called on him in his new house, he appeared stuck-up = When I called on him at his new house, he had a pretentious air. Stuff, to = To make false but plausible statements; to make game of a person ; to praise ironically, (c) They stuffed him with pretended admiration = They made game of him, by pretending to admire him. The boys stuffed the new scholar with stories of the terrible punishments inflicted in the school = The boys told the new scholar false but plausible stories of terrible punishments inflicted in the school. Stunner = Something which overpowers by astonish- ment ; a first rate person or article, (c) His house is a stunner = His house is very large and fine. That tunnel through the mountain, seven miles in length, is a stunner = That tunnel, seven miles long, through the mountain, fairly overpowers one with astonishment. Stunning = First rate ; very good; astonishing; strik- ing, (c) The horse Parole won a stunning victory at the races in England = The horse Parole won an as- tounding victory at the races in England. I met Miss A. at a party ; and she is a stunning girl = I met Miss A. at a party ; and she is a girl of striking appearance, or a captivating girl, or one who elicits admiration. Sub = A subordinate in office; one lower in rank, (b) The chief editor is taking a vacation, and the paper is in charge of one of the subs = 'Durmg the absence of the chief editor, for a vacation, the news- paper is in charge of one of his subordinates in office. S^irag = A lot of any thing ; a portion or division of property, {b) 420 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. They picked twenty pockets, and divided the swag=Thej picked twenty pockets, and divided tlieir pj under, i. e., what they had stolen. Swell = A showy, dashing, boastful person, (b) Do you see that fellow, with his gold chain, dia- monds and cane? what a swell/ =Do you see that fellow with his gold chain, diamonds and cane? What a showy, dashing person! We saw many swells on the street in London =: In London, we saw many showily dressed persons on the street. S-wig = A large draught ; a greedy drink, {b) Take a swig ? = Will you have a drink? He took a good swig of whiskey before going to his work = He drank a large draught of whiskey before going to his work. i Take it out, to = To be compensated ; to be satis- fied, (c) The laborer has worked for the merchant a month, and now he will take it out in articles from the store = The laborer has worked for the merchant a month, and now he will be compensated with articles from the store. Take one'§ §elf off, to = To withdraw ; to go away. (c) The tramp has been in the yard an hour, but at last he has taken himself off= The tramp has been in the yard an hour, but at last he has gone away. Take stock In, to = To accept as a tact or truth ; to feel confidence in. (U. S.) (c) The miners told the colporteur that they did not take much stock in his tracts and books = The miners told the man who was'selling religious publications, that they did not have much confidence in his tracts and books. Take the §]ilne off, to = To excel ; to surpass, (c) The comic actor at the theatre last night, took the ^ shine off from the actor of last week = The actor at the theatre last night, surpassed the actor of last week. My book takes the shine all off from yours = My book makes yours appear worthless in compari- son. This dinner takes the shine off from yesterday's = This dinner is much better than yesterday's. Tall = Remarkable ; excessive, (b) The traveler had but fifteen minutes in which to reach the cars, and he did some tall walking in that SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. 421 time = The traveler had but fifteen minutes in which to reach the cars, and he walked very rapidly during that time. Tan, to = To beat ; to thrash, (c) If I catch you in my melon-patch again, Tlltan your hide ! = If I catch you in my melon-patch again, I will give you a beating ! Tantrums = High airs or freaks; bursts of passion or ill humor, (c) The servant vexes me; he has the tantrums this mornings The servant vexes me; he has one of his freaks or bursts of ill humor. Teetotally = Absolutely ; completely; wholly, (am- plification of totally), (c) The report of his marriage is teefMally false = The report of his marriage is totally false. I'm teetotally used-up by my long walk = I am very tired by my long walk. The dust =: Money; cash; specie, (c) Here is your bill; down with tJie c?w5^/ = Ihave your bill here ; will you pay me the money ? The fair sex=:The female sex; women, (c) The newspaper reporter said, "E^umbers of the fair sex graced the occasion with their presence" ^ The reporter of the newspaper said, " There were many ladies present on the occasion." The light-fingered gentry = Thieves or pickpockets with the air of gentlemen, (c) At the races tJie light-fingered gentry were plentiful = At the races there were many thieves with the air of gentlemen. The ready = Money; cash, (c) He was short of the ready before his journey was ended = He had not enough money to complete his journey. It requires much of the ready to keep a carriage and servants = It requires much money to maintain an establishment with servants and horses. The weed = Tobacco, (c) I don't use the weed at all=I do not use tobacco in any form. Thick = Intimate ; very friendly ; familiar, (a) He is very thick with the governor = He is very intimate with the governor. They are very thick together = They are very intimate. Thin = Flimsy ; without reason or plausibility, (c) Some people thought his reason for resigning the office too ^7im=:Some were not satisfied with the reason he gave for resigning office — did not believe him. What you said is too thin=W\mt you said has little plausibility. 422 SLANG AND CANT PHRASES. ~^hree §heet8 in the wind =: Unsteady from drink. A man passed down the street, who was three sheets in the wmd=A man passed down the street, who was unsteady from drink. Throw up the sponge, to = To submit ; to abandon the struggle, (c) The man who was contesting the seat in the Leg- islature has throivn up the sponge=T\\e man who was contesting the seat in the Legislature has abandoned the contest. Thundering = Large ; extra-sized, (c) He brought a thundering book with him = He brought an enormously large book with him. We heard a thundering knock at the door = We heard a very loud knock at the .door. Tiger = A kind of growl or screech after cheering; a superlative yell. (6) Before separating, after the picnic, the boys gave three cheers and a %er=z Before separating, at the close of the picnic, the boys gave three cheers fol- lowed by a screech or yell. < guished from the church which is still in conflict with evil on earth. Circle, preceded by official, family, missionary. VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 477 business, and tlie like = A company having sim- ilar interests or pursuits ; persons bound by a com- mon tie. In official circles there is much discussion of the President's message = Among the government offi- cials and those who associate with them, there is much discussion of the President's message. The young ladies of the Center church have formed a missionary circle^TliQ young ladies of the Center church have formed a society for missionary purposes. Clreulating^ medium = That which is commonly re- ceived as the representative of the value of articles bought and sold, and is used in making exchanges ; coin and bank-notes or other paper convertible into coin on demand ; currency. The circulating medium of the United States, (1879), is gold, silver, and bank-notes = Gold, silver, and bank-notes constitute the currency of the United States, (1879). Cireumstantial evidence (Zatt;) = Evidence ob- tained from circumstances which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature; evi- dence not direct and positive. The murderer was convicted on circumstantial evi- dence— T\\q murderer was convicted on evidence, derived from the circumstances of the case. The crime of murder is generally ])roven by circumstantial evidence — The crime of murder is generally proven by evidence not direct and positive. Cite a case, to = To name a case or event, in illus- tration. (^) The physician cited the case of the man shot in the bowels and recovering, in proof that such wound is not always fatal = The physician named the case of the man shot in the bowels and recovering, in proof that such wound is not always fatal. CiTil action, or suit {Law) = A legal process or suit to recover property or to obtain damages and the like — ^distinguished from criminal action. The man who was injured by the. collision of the cars has brought a civil suit against the railroad com- pany for damages for injuries = The man who was injured by the collision of the cars, has begun legal proceedings against the railroad company, in or- der to recover damages for injurie* which he re- ceived. Civil authorities = The persons who exercise power in a state or nation ; the officers of government. Law-breakers stand in fear of the civil authorities = Law-breakers fear the officers of government. 478 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. Civil laiv = The ancient Horn an law, with the modi- fications thereof which have been made in the dif- ferent countries into which that law has been in- troduced. The civil law is still in force in many states of modern Europe, and is referred to as authority or written reason = The ancient Eoman law, with mod- ifications, is still in force in many states of modern Europe, and is referred to as authority or written reason. Civil list (Great Britain and U. S.) = l. The civil of- ficers of governments, as judges, embassadors, sec- retaries, &c. 2. Hence the appropriations of pub- lic money for the support of civil ofticers. More recently in England the civil list embraces only the expenses of the reigning monarch's household. 1. I notice that the name of Mr. X. is on the civil Iist=l notice the name of Mr. X. on the list of civil ofiicers of the government. 2. The civil list requires a large sum of moneys The appropriations for the support of government officers, or for the expenses of the royal household, require a large sum of money. Civil powers Civil government; government by law, and according to the constitution as distin- guished from military government. The King has sought to render the military inde- pendent of the civil poiuer = The King has sought to render the military independent of the civil govern- ment. Civil war = A war between different sections or parties of the same country. There were civil wars in England, (1640-1645), and in China, (1850-1863), and in the United States, (1861-1865)= Wars between different sections or parties have been waged in England, and in China, and in the United States. Civil year = The year which any nation has adopted for the computation of time. In Western nations the civil year consists of 365 days, with an additional day in leap year = The year adopted by the Western nations consists of 365 days, with an additional day for leap year. Classical tripos e^^aininatioii (Cambridge Univer- sity, England) = The final university examinations for classical hcftors. The classical tripos examination is optional to all who have taken the mathematical honors = The final university examination for classical honors is optional to all who have taken the mathematical honors. Clear as day or as noonday = Yery evident, (c) VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 479 It is clear as noonday^ that the burglary was com- mitted by some one familiar with tlie house = It is very evident, that the burglary was committed by some one who was familiar with the house. Clear of = Rid of; free from, (a) The city is now clear of indebtedness = The city is now free from debt. Cleft-graltiiig = A method of grafting in which the scion is placed in a cleft or slit in the stock or stump, made by sawing oiF a branch, usually in such a manner that the bark of the scion evenly joins that of the stock. Cleft-grafting is the common mode of grafting apple-trees = In the case of apple-trees, grafting is commonly performed, by placing the scion in a cleft in the stock, in such way that the bark of the scion evenly joins that of the stock. Clinch an arg^ument, to=:To establish an argu- ment; to make it conclusive, (a) The speaker clinched his argument for the control of the Indians by the war department, by referring to the murders committed by the Ute Indians = The speaker made conclusive his argument for giv- ing the war department control of the Indians, by referring to the murders committed by the Ute Indians. Clo§e at hand = Near, (in time or distance). (6) The winter is close at Aanc?= The winter is near. Close breeding = Breeding between animals nearly akin. Good stock raisers do not recommend close hreed- 17?^ = Experienced and successful raisers of stock do not recommend the practice of breeding from ani- mals that are nearly akin. Close to = Adjoining ; near, (a) A flower sprang up, chse to the waller A flower sprang up near the wall. Close upon = Following soon ; directly after, (c) Close upon the famine came the pestilence = Soon, following the famine, came the pestilence. Cloth measure = The measure of length and surface by which cloth is measured and sold. For this object the standard yard is usually divided into quarters and nails. Coasting trade = Trade which is carried on between diiferent ports of the same country, as distin- guished from foreign trade. There is a large coasting trade in the United States = There is a large trade between diflferent ports in the United States. 480 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. Coasting vessels = Vessels engaged in tlie coasting trade. Cohesive attraction = Attraction between ultimate particles of matter, causing simply a union of those particles. Cohesive attraction holds gases and charcoal in union = Charcoal and the gases absorbed by it ar^ held together by an attraction between ultimate particles of matter, which simply causes a union. Collateral security = Security for the performance of covenants, or the payment of money, besides the principal security. Mr. A. will not lend money without collateral security -Mx. A. will not lend money without some security, in addition to the principal security. Color-piece =r A piece of bric-a-brac, intended to produce an effect in a room by its peculiar color. Come forth, to = To come out from a state of con- finement, non-development, and the like, (a) In the spring-time, the chipmunk comes forth from its hole = In the spring, the striped squirrel comes out of its winter quarters underneath the ground. In its second period of life, the caterpillar of the butterfly remains inactive from nine to fifteen days. After this, it comes forth^ transformed into a winged insect - In its second stage of life, the caterpillar of the butterfly remains inactive several days. After this it comes out of this state of non-development, in the shape of a winged insect. Come forward, to = To make progress; to advance. The grass is coming forward fast, this spring = This spring, the grass is growing fast. Come in sight, to = To come into view, {b) After we had been on the ocean ten days, land came in 52^A^ = Land came into view after we had been on the ocean ten days. Come into collision, to = To run into with force, (a) The freight train came into collision with the pas- senger train, in going round a curve = The freight train ran violently into the passenger train, in going round a curve. Come to an understanding, to = Mutually to un- derstand or agree upon, (a) The city officers and the railroad company have come to an understanding, in regard to the Main street crossings The city government and the railroad company have agreed upon some plan for the Main street crossing. VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 481 Come to tlie gallows, to = To be executed for crime, (a) If that bad boy does not mend his ways, he will be likely to come to the galloivs — \i that bad boy does not improve his conduct, he will very likely be ex- ecuted for crime. Come to the rescue, to = To aid; to help, (a) The boy was being teased by liis companions, when his elder brother came to the resc^fe — ^yh(il\ the boy was being teased by his companions, his elder brother aided him. Commercial note-paper = A small size of writing paper, usually about 5 by 7i or 8 inches. Commercial ^vorld = Tlie people engaged in com- merce, or the exchange of merchandise on a large scale, between different places or communities. "We are indebted to the commercial world for the products and fabrics of other countries = We are in- debted to the persons engaged in commerce and the exchange of merchandise, for the products and fabrics of other countries. Commissioned officer (Mil.) = An officer who has a commission, that is, one who receives his appoint- ment and authority from the civil power, as the president or governor, — in distinction from a war- rant officer who receives his appointment and au- thority from a commissioned officer. All military men above the rank of lieutenant, in- clusive, are commissioned officers ; the rest are warrant officers = The lieutenant, and all above him in rank, receive their appointment and authority from the civil power ; other and inferior officers receive theirs from the commissioned officers. Committee on ways and means = Persons ap- pointed in a legislative body to provide means for raising money. The tax bill was referred to the committee on ways and means = T\ie tax bill was given for consideration to the persons appointed to provide means for rais- ing money. Commit to the hands of, to = To intrust to; to give in charge, (c) The professor wrote a letter to his brother, and committed it to the hands of a friend who was going to his brother's houses The professor wrote a letter to his brother, and intrusted it to a friend who was going to his brother's house. Common carrier (Z«K;):=One who undertakes, for hire, to transport goods from one place to another. 32 482 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. A common carrier is liable for all losses and in- juries to goods, except those wliicli have happened in consequence of the act of God, or of the enemies of the country, oi* of the owner of the property him- self=One who undertakes for hire to transport goods, is liable for all losses and injuries to goods, except those which have happened in consequence of the act of God, or of the enemies of the country, or of the owner of the property himself. Common con§ent= General agreement, {a) By common consent the birds on the park are not molested = By general agreement the birds on the park are not molested. Common law =: The unwritten law; that body of rights, rules and maxims concerning persons and property which have authority by reason of long usage and universal reception, — in distinction from the written or statute law. Murder is an offense against the common law = Murder is an offense against society or against those rights of men and rules of society which have been long and universally recognized so that it may be prosecuted and punished, even in the absence of a statute. Common please One of the three superior courts of common law at Westminster (Eng.), whose jurisdiction is confined to civil matters. Courts of this name exist in several of the United States, with both civil and criminal jurisdiction. Common prayer — The liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal church. All the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal church are enjoined, under a penalty, to use the common prayer = AW. the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal church are enjoined, under penalty, to use the lit- urgy of the church. Common scbool = A school maintained at the pub- lic expense, and open to all. The system of comm,on schools is necessary to the well-being of a state = The system of schools, main- tained at the public expense, and open to all, is necessary to the well-being of a state. Common sense = 1. Such ordinary supply of intel- ligence, that if a person be deficient therein, he is considered foolish. 2. ]S"ative practical intelli- gence, (emphasizing the noun). The children of that family are deficient in com- mon sense ; they can not learn to read = The children of tliat family lack ordinary natural intelligence; they can not learn to read. 2. He has the remarkable VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 483 combination of great learning and excellent common sense — He has the rare combination of great learning and native practical intelligence, &c. Common time {Mil.) = The time of marching, in which ninety steps, each of twentj-eight inches, are taken in one minute. CommjOn time is the ordinary time of marching = Ninety steps, of twenty-eight inches each, per min- ute, is the ordinary time of marching. Complimentary ticket, concert, dinner, ball, &c. = One given as an expression of regard, cour- tesy, or praise. The committee gave me a complimentary ticket to the course of lectures = The committee gave me a ticket to the course of lectures, as an expression of courtesy. The orchestra gave the eminent violinist a complimentary concert^ just before his departure for Europe = Just before his departure for Europe, the orchestra gave a concert, which was intended as an expression of esteem for the eminent violinist, and as a recognition of his fame. Component part = One of the parts of which any thing is composed. Quartz is a com.ponent part of granite = Quartz is one of the materials of which granite is composed. Compound intere§t =: That interest which arises from the principal with the interest added ; interest on interest. The compound interest of $100, for two years, at 6 per cent., is twelve tt dollars = The interest on interest of $100, for two years, at 6 per cent., is twelve 1^0 dollars. Condemned out of one'§ ou^n moutli = Testifying against one's self; having said or admitted some- thing which shows one to be guilty or wrong, (c) By admitting that opium smoking is injurious and wrong, the man who indulged in the practice was condemned out of his own mouth = By admitting the injurious nature and the wrongfulness of opium smoking, the man who indulged in the practice tes- tified against himself Condition, to = To require to pass a new examina- tion, as a condition of remaining in the class or college, (a) Henry was absent from college several weeks on account of weak eyes, and being unable to pass the examination at the end of the year, he was condi- tioned =}lenrj was absent from college on account of weak eyes, and being unable to pass the examina- tion, he was required to pass a new examination at 484 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. the end of the year, as a condition of remaining in the class. €ondttion§ of sale = The terms on which it is pro- posed to sell property at auction. The conditions of sale of this property require the cash to be paid down = The terms, on which it is proposed to sell this property at auction, require the cash to be paid down. Confidential eommunication = A statement or matter of information furnished to another in confidence or secrecy, and not to be disclosed; — especially a statement made to, one's professional adviser, as a lawyer, physician, &c. Before his trial, the bank robber made a confiden- tial communication to his lawyer concerning the crime = Before trial the bank robber -inparted to his lawyer some private information concerning his guilt. Conflieting evidence = Evidence opposing or con- trary to that previously given. There was so much conflicting evidence^ that the jury disagreed = The evidence of the parties was so contradictory, as to cause the jury to disagree. Congressional district = A political division of a state, entitled to a representation in Con2:;ress. (U. S.) Conservative party {Eng.) - One ol the two great political parties, distinguishisd for its adherence to established institutions and prerogatives. The conservative party has recently gone out of power = The party which is distinguished for its adherence to established institutions and preroga- tives, has lately gone out of power. Consistently with — Agreeably to. (a) The drunkard does not live consistently with the laws of healths The drunkard does not live agree- ably to the laws of health. Consul-general = A consul having jurisdiction in several places, or over several consuls. A Chinese consul-general passed through Hartford (U. S. A.), October, 1879, on his way to Havana, Cuba = A Chinese consul, having jurisdiction over several consuls, passed through Hartford, October 1879, on his way to Havana. Consulting physician (ifed) = A physician who con- sults with the attending practitioner regarding any case of disease. In cases of severe sickness, a consulting physician is often called in=:In severe sickness, a physician is often called in to consult with the attending practi- VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 485 tioner. Eminent and experienced doctors are often called as consulting physicians in difficult or danger- ous cases =:Ph3^sicians who have reputation and experience, are often summoned to advise and visit with the physician who has charge of the patient, especially in cases of severe and dangerous illness. €ontent§ of the larder, the =: The articles of food which one has in the house. The contents of the larder would not allow the cap- tain to invite the colonel to dine with him after the parade = The articles of food which the captain had in the house, were not such as to allow him to invite the colonel to dine with him, after the parade. Contingent u§e = A use made dependent on a future event. By his will, his wife has the immediate use of the house and furniture, and the contingent use of certain bank stock = By his will, his wife has the immediate use of the house and furniture, and also certain bank stock, provided the bank proves to be solvent. Contraband of war = Goods which neutrals are prohibited from carrying during war to the bellig- erent parties, or which a belligerent has, by the law of nations, the right of preventing a neutral from furnishing to an enemy, and which are liable to seizure and confiscation. Warlike munitions are naturally contraband of war = Neutral nations are, naturally, prohibited from carrying to belligerent parties, warlike munitions; and such munitions are liable to seizure and confis- cation. Contrary to all expectation = Different from what was universally expected or contrary to it. (a) Contrary to all expectation^ the crop of tobacco proved to be very large this year = The crop of tobacco this year proved to be very large, which was different from the general expectation. Convertible term§=: Words or forms of expressions that may be interchanged. Dictionary and Lexicon are convertible i{erm5 = Dic- tionary and Lexicon are words that may be used in- terchangeably. ConTul§e with laug^hter, to=:To cause to laugh immoderately, {a) The lecturer convulsed his audience with laughter^ by his stories and witticisms = The lecturer caused his audience to laugh immoderately, by his stories and witticisms. Cool oif, to = To lose the heat of excitement or pas- sion ; to become more moderate, (a) 486 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. In a fit of displeasure, the cabinet officer resigned, bnt after lie had cooled off he regretted his hasty action— In a fit of displeasure, the cabinet officer resigned, but after his anger had abated, he regretted having acted so hastily. Co-operative store = A store established by opera- tives on the principle of joint-stock associations. The members or stockholders make their family purchases at the store and participate in the profits. Co-operative stores were started to escape paying exorbitant commissions to middle-men = Stores con- ducted on the principle of joint-stock associations were established to avoid paying the exorbitant prices charged by middle-men. Corresponding month = The month occupying the same place in the year; the month of the same name. The corresponding month of last year, was much colder than this = The month of the same name last year, was much colder than this. Cotton-lord = A rich cotton-manufacturer. The man who addressed the crowd of workmen at the time of the strike, had much to say of the pride and luxury of the cotton-lords = The man who ad- dressed the crowd of workmen at the time of the strike, said much about the pride and luxury of the rich cotton-mg,nufacturers. Council of war = An assembly of officers called to consult with the commander-in-chief, in regard to measures of importance. It is customary, in emergencies, for the com- mander-in-chief to call a council of war =lt is cus- tomary, in emergencies, for the commander-in-chief to call an assembly of officers, to consult in regard to measures of importance. Course of events = Orderly progress of events ; cus- tomary or established sequence of events, (a) " When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, re- spect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation." (Declaration of Independence, U. S. of America) = When, in the orderly progress of events, it becomes necessary for one nation to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with an- other, respect to the opinions of mankind requires a declaration of the causes. Course of things = The condition of things; the movement and direction which affairs have, (c) VAKIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 487 The course of things in the mpney market indi- cates, that interest will soon be reduced — The con- dition of affairs in the money market indicates, that interest will soon be reduced. Court of record {Law) — A court whose acts and judicial proceedings are enrolled on parchment or in books for a perpetual memorial. Most of the courts in the United States are now courts of record— ^o^i of the courts in the United States now belong to that class which enrolls its acts and judicial proceedings for permanent preserva- tion. Courts of admiralty = Courts having cognizance of questions arising out of maritime affairs, and of crimes committed on the high seas. In England, these courts are held before the Lord High Admiral or his deputy. In America, there is no admiralty court distinct from others, but the cognizance of all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction is vested in the district courts of the United States. Cousins german = Cousins having the same grand- father; cousins. Mary and Willie are cousins german = Msirj and Willie are cousins who have the same grandfather. Crazy bone = The prominent bone, at the end of the elbow. A slight knock on the crazy bone causes intense pain = A slight knock on the bone at the end of the elbow causes intense pain. Cream of the je§t or §toryi=:The best part of the jest or story. The cream of the jest was, that the grocer bought his own chickens of the man, who had stolen them from him = The best part of the jest was, that the grocer bought his own chickens of the man, who had stolen them from him. Creature comforts = Those things which contribute to our bodily comfort and enjoyment. Creature comforts have much to do with our happi- ness =: The things which contribute to our bodily comfort and enjoyment, have much to do with our happiness. Criminal action or suit (Law) — A prosecution for the commission of a crime. The district attorney instituted a criminal action against the murderer = The prosecuting attorney of the district began legal proceedings against the man, for the commission of murder. Crowned nith success = Successfully completed; resulting in success, (c) » 488 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. The inventor of rubber goods worked many years to perfect the process of manufacture ; and at last, his labors were crowned with success =Th.Q inventor of rubber goods worked many years to perfect the process of manufacture; and at last, his labors re- sulted in success. Cry wolf, to = To give false alarm ; to warn of dan- ger, where there is none, (c) That politician cries wolf, in every speech he makes = That politician gives false alarm of danger, in every speech he makes. Culminating^ point = Highest point; crisis. The sun in its daily circuit reaches the culminating point at noon = The sun in its daily circuit reaches its highest point at noon. The papacy reached its culminating point in the reign of Pope Hildebrand, (1073-1085) = The papacy reached its highest point of power in the reign of Pope Hildebrand, (1073- 1085.) Curb-§tone broker = An operator in stocks, (not a member of the stock exchange), who executes or- ders by running from office to office, or by transact- ions in the street. (U. S.) Current of events = The general course of events ; the ordinary procedure; the progressive and con- nected movement of those things which come to pass. In our quiet country village the current of events moves in an even, unbroken course, without any startling thing to disturb us = In our quiet village, the general course of events moves in an even cur- rent, without anything to excite us. Custom of mercliants = The branch of law which comprises the rules relating to bills of exchange, partnership, and other mercantile matters. Custom of merchants is divided into '' general cus- toms,^'' which extend over a state or kingdom, and "'particular customs,''^ which are limited to a city or district = That branch of law which comprises rules relating to bills of exchange, partnership, and other mercantile matters is divided into " general customs " which extend over a state or kingdom, and "partic- ular customs," which are limited to a city or district. Customs, general = Those which extend over a state or kingdom. Customs, particular = Those which are limited to a city or district. Custom-liouse brokers An agent who acts for merchants in the business of entering and clearing goods and vessels, and in the transaction of general business at the custom-house. VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 489 The librarian of the Jenkinson Library, employed a custom-house broker to get a lot of foreign books passed through the custom-house in New York = The librarian of the Jenkinson Library employed an agent, who acts in the business of entering and clearing goods, for other parties, at the custom-house, to get a lot of foreign books through the custom- house. Cut a passag^e through, to = To make a passage through by means of some cutting instrument, (a) The emigrant cut a passage for his team, through the forest with his axe = The emigrant made a road for his team to pass through the woods, with an axe. Cut the knot, to^To solve the difficulty, (c) The teacher could not decide which of his two best scholars was the more entitled to the prize, so he cut the knot, by giving tliem eacli a prize = The teacher could not decide which of his two best scholars was the most entitled to the prize, so he solved the difficulty by giving them each a prize. D. '^Damn \¥ith faint praise," to = To praise, but so stintedly that it is understood to mean disparage- ment, or blame. " Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer, And without sneering teach the rest to sneer." Darlc as midnight = Yery dark, (c) When we returned from the theatre, it was dark as midmght= When we returned from the theatre, it was very dark. Darlc as pitch = Extraordinarily dark, (c) Tlie clouds are very thick, there is no moon, and it is dark as pitch to-night = On account of the heavy clouds and the absence of the moon, it is extraordi- narily dark. Dark as a pocket = Yery dark ; admitting little or no light, (c) This cellar is as dark as a pocket =There is very little or no light in this cellar. Dark lantern =; A lantern with a single opening, which may be closed so as to conceal the light. Policemen sometimes carry a dark lantern ^zVolice- men sometimes carry a lantern which can be so closed as to conceal the light. Day after day = One day after another ; each day in succession. 490 VAEIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. Day after day^ the caravan of pilgrims wearily trod the sands of the desert = One day after another, the caravan of pilgrims wearily trod the desert sands. Deadly or mortal §ins (Rom. Cath. Church) = Will- ful and deliberate transgressions, which take away or weaken divine grace ; sins which are heinous and regarded as more difficult of forgiveness — distin- guished from venial sins. The Roman Catholic Church calls the following deadly sins ; viz., murder, lust, covetousness, gluttony, pride, envy, and idleness = The Roman Catholic Church regards murder, lust, covetousness, gluttony, pride, envy and idleness as sins which take away or weaken divine grace; as being especially heinous, and more difficult of pardon than those which it calls venial sins. I>ead-reckoningp (Naut.) = The method of determin- ing the place of a ship from the record of the log- book, without the aid of celestial observations. On the voyage, the weather was cloudy and stormy for a week together, and the captain was obliged to calculate our position by dead-reckoning = On the voyage, the weather was. cloudy and stormy for a whole week ; and the captain was compelled to determine the place of our ship from the record of the log-book alone, without the aid of observa- tions of the heavenly bodies. ]>ebt of honors A debt, the payment of which can not be enforced by law, but must depend on the good faith or honor of the debtor; a debt for which no security is given, (c) The debts contracted by gambling, are sometimes called debts of honor =T}ie debts contracted by gam- bling, are debts the payment of which depends solely on the good faith of the debtor. Debt of records: A debt which appears to be due, by the evidence of a court of record, as upon a judgment or a cognizance. The executor has discovered a debt of record for a large sum, which is due to the estate = The executor has discovered a large debt shown by the evidence of the court of record, to be due the estate. Declaration of Independence (Amer. Hist.) == The solemn declaration of the Congress of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, by which they formally renounced their subjection to the govern- ment of Great Britain. Accordingly the Fourth of July is observed, with various ceremonies, as a national holiday, to com- VAKIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 491 memorate the declaration of independence =The Fourth of July is made a national holiday, to commemorate the solemn declaration of the Congress of the United States of America, by which they renounced their subjection to Great Britain. Decoration clay = A day, (May 30), appointed for the decoration, with flowers, of the graves of the soldiers and sailors who fell in the late civil war. (U. S.) Delirium tremen§ = A violent delirium. Delirium tremens is induced, by the excessive use of intoxicating liquors = A violent wandering of mind is brought on, by excessive use of intoxicating liquors. Demand note§= Notes payable on demand or pre- sentation without grace, and bearing legal interest, after a demand has been made, if not so written. He borrowed one hundred dollars, and gave a demand note = HQ, borrowed a hundred dollars, and gave a note payable on demand, and bearing legal interest, after a demand has been made, if not so written. Democratic party = One of the principal parties in the United States, distinguished, among other things, for its advocacy of state rights, or limita- tion of the powers of the general government ; and for opposition, more or less, to the principle of protection of home manufactures by means of a tariff. Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the Uni- ted States (1801-1809) was a distinguished member of the Democratic party =Thom.Rs, Jefferson, the third president of the United States (1801-1809) was a distinguished member of the party which has gen- erally advocated the limitation of the powers of the general government, and little or no protective tariff. Demurrer to evidence (Law) = An exception taken by a party to the evidence offered by the opposite party, and an objection to proceed further, with a ■ reference to the court. A demurrer to evidence is made, on the allegation that such evidence is not sufiicient in law to main- tain the issue = An exception to the evidence offered by the opposite party, and an objection to proceed further, with a reference to the court, is taken, on the allegation that such evidence is not sufiicient in law to maintain the issue. Depend upon it = You may be certain, (c) The school boy is very idle and heedless now ; but depend upon it, he will some day regret his idleness = The school boy is very idle and heedless now ; but 492 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. you may be certain that lie will some day regret his idleness. Descend to particulars, to = To treat specially and minutely, (a) The historian descends to particulars^ in relating the story of the queen's courtship and marriage = The historian treats in a special and minute manner, the incidents of the queen's courtship and marriage. Diametrically opposed — Directly opposite, like the two ends of a diameter, (c) His opinion on the subject is diametrically opposed to mine =: His opinion is directly opposite to mine. Dime novel = A novel which is sold for a dime or ten cents. It is usually trashy; and hence the term is sometimes used in general to denote sensa- tional literature. Dime novels are generally considered injurious reading for young people = The trashy, sensational story books, called dime novels, are considered inju- rious reading for young people. Diplomatic body or corps = The whole company of foreign ministers, envoys, ambassadors and the like, resident at the court or capital of a nation. Most of the diplomatic body were present, in full dress, at the president's reception =i Nearly all the foreign ministers, envoys, and the like, attended the president's reception, dressed in appropriate and customary costume. Direct tax = A tax assessed directly on possessions, incomes, or polls, as distinguished from taxes on merchandise, or customs, and from excise. In the United States, the expenses of the towns are largely met by direct tax — In the United States, the expenses of the towns are largely met by taxes assessed directly on persons and property. Distant relation, a = One remotely connected with us by birth or marriage. I have a great many distant relations =T\\qvq are many persons remotely connected with me by birth or marriage. Dolly shop = A shop where rags and refuse are sold, distinguished by the sign of a black doll. (Eng.) The dolly shop is usually an unlicensed pawn- broker's shop = The shop where rags and refuse are sold, and whose sign is a black doll, is usually an unlicensed pawnbroker's shop. Dominical letter = The letter which, in almanacs, denotes the Sabbath, or dies Domini^ the Lord's day. The first seven letters of the alphabet are used for VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 493 dominical letters^ the same letter standing for Sunday during a whole year — The first seven letters of the alphabet are used, in almanacs, to denote tlie Sab- bath, the same letter standing for a Sunday during a whole year. Donation party == A party assembled at the house of some one, as a clergyman, each one bringing some present. (U. S.) Donation parties w^ere once common in Kew" Eng- land parishes ; and now^ survive in the rural districts = Parties, where each one brought a present to the clergyman, were once common in Kew^ England, and now survive in the rural districts. I>o one's biddings, to = To obey; to comply with one's orders or requests, {h) The child who does not do the bidding of his parent is liable to punishment = The child who does not obey his parent is liable to punishment. Do one's heart good, to = To please one ; to refresh one. {a) It does one-s heart good, to see how the poor cliil- dren enjoy the dinner, provided for them on Christ- mas day = It pleases one to see how the poor children enjoy the dinner, which is provided for them on Christmas day. Draconian la^rs = A code made by Draco. These laws were so severe that they were said to be writ- ten in letters of blood ; — hence, any laws of excessive rigor. The English statutes of the last century may be fitly called Draconian laws, on account of the great number of offenses punishable with deaths The English statutes of the last century may be pro- nounced excessive in their rigor, on account of the number of offenses punishable with death. Drag its slo\r length along, to = To move slowly and w-earily. (c) The summer dragged its slow length along, while the slave toiled at his hard task = The summer moved slowly and wearily for the slave who toiled at his hard task. Drain the cup, to=:To empty the drinking vessel. (c) The admiral drained his cup in honor of the queen, at a banquet given on her birthdays The admiral completely emptied his glass in honor of the queen, at a banquet given on her birthday. Draw a line, to = To discriminate; to distinguish. ^') The law in America draws a line between murder 494 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. and manslaughter = The law in America makes a distinction between murder and manslaughter. Draiv off, to = l. To take away from. 2. To write in due form, (a) 1, The brewer drew off the liquor from the cask = The brewer took away the liquor from the cask. 2. The merchant dreiv off the tailor's account = The merchant wrote the tailor's account in the form of a bill. Dre§s circle = The lowest gallery in a theatre, con- taining the prominent and most expensive seats. I>ruiii Majors The first drummer in a regiment, who has authority over the other drummers. Dumb creatures = Creatures destitute of the power of speech. She was very kind-hearted; and even the dumb creatures did not appeal to her sympathy in vain = She was very kind-hearted ; and the creatures desti- tute of the power of speech, did not appeal to her in vain. E. Each other = Each the other, (a) The men at work in the field assisted each other = Each man at work in the field assisted the other; Eat of, to = To eat a portion of; to partake of. (a) At dinner yesterday, I ate freely of rice = At din- ner yesterday I partook freely of rice. Electoral college = The number of men, equal in each state to the number of senators and represent- atives in Congress from that state, who are elected by popular vote, and who meet in their respective states to vote for a president of the United States. By the constitutional machinery, the people vote for presidential electors who constitute the Electoral College, and these electors vote for a president = By the constitutional method, the people elect a given number of men in each state, and these men meet on a given day, and cast their ballots for president and vice-president. Elector§.at-largre (U. S.) = Electors chosen to repre- sent the whole of a state, in distinction from those chosen to represent one of the congressional dis- tricts of a state, as in a presidential election. The electoral college of each state has two elec- tor s-at-large, in addition to those chosen to represent the congressional districts = The electoral college of VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 495 each state has two electors chosen to represent the whole of the state, in distinction from those who represent the several congressional districts. Electrical attraction = Attraction occasioned by, or derived from, electricity. It is electrical attraction^ which draws the lightning from the clouds to lightning rods = It is attraction, derived from electricity, which draws lightning from clouds to lightning rods. Electrical attraction., like the attraction of gravitation, is exerted at sensi- ble distances = The attraction, which is occasioned by electricity, like the attraction of gravitation, is exerted at sensible distances. Elevated railroad = A railroad which is made to run higli above the streets of a city, by being sup- ported on pillars, — with stations at convenient in- tervals, which are reached by flights of stairs from the streets. In New York, an elevated railroad extends from the Battery to Harlem River = In New York a railroad which is raised high above the streets by being laid on pillars extends from the Battery to Harlem Eiver. Elevation of the host (Rom. Cath. Church) = That part of the mass (celebration of the Lord's supper) in which the priest raises the host (the bread repre-' senting Christ's body) above his head, for the people to adore. Many strangers went to the cathedral, to witness the elevation of the Ao5^=Many strangers went to the cathedral, to witness that part of the sacramental service in which the priest raises the consecrated bread which respresents the body of Christ, above his head for the people to adore. Ember day§ (Rom. Cath. Church) = Certain days set apart for fasting and prayer in each of the four seasons of the year. Empty one'§ grla8§, to=:To drink the contents of the drinking-glass. (c) The guest emptied his glass three times, at dinner =:At dinner, the guest thrice drank the contents of his drinking-glass. End§ of the earth = Distant regions; the remotest parts of the earth. Many articles of convenience and luxury are brought to us, from the ends of the earth = M.2inj articles of convenience and luxury are brought to us, from the remotest parts of the earth. Engag^e in conversation, to = To take part in con- versation; to converse, (a) 496 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. The King and the prime minister engaged in con- versation concerning the revenue = The King and the prime minister conversed concerning the revenue. Enlarged view§ — Comprehensive ideas ; broad and tolerant opinions, {h) The senator has enlarged views upon the Chinese question = The senator has broad and tolerant opin- ions on the question of Chinese emigration. £noug[h and to sparer More than sufficient, {a) It was feared there would not be food for all the old soldiers on the day of the celebration, but there was enough and to spare — It was feared there would not be food for all the old soldiers on the day of the celebration, but there was more than sufficient. Epidemic di§ease=: A disease which, arising from a wide-spread cause, acts upon numbers of people at the same time. Influenza often occurs as an epidemic disease — In- fluenza often acts upon numbers of people at the same time. Equity of redemption {Law) — The advantage, al- lowed to a mortgageor, of a certain or reasonable time to redeem lands mortgaged, after they have ^ been forfeited at law, by the non-payment of the sum of money due on the mortgage at the appoint- ed time. Equity of redemption is a measure of relief, to rem- edy a defect in the equitable administration of the law of mortgage=:The redemption, defined above, is a measure of relief, to remedy a defect in the equitable administration of the law of mortgage. Ere long = Before long ; in no very long time. Ere long J the suburbs of the city will be thickly settled = In no very long time, the suburbs of the city will be thickly settled. Ere now = Before this time. If it was 3^our uncle's intention to visit you to- day, he would have been here ere now = lf it was your uncle's intention to visit you to-day, he would have arrived before this time. Escape the lip§, to=To be uttered — (usually un- intentionally), (c) Do not let a word of information concerning the gold mine we have discovered, escape your lips = T>o not utter a word of information, concerning the gold mine we have discovered. Espouse the cause, to=:To take up, or adopt, the cause, {a) In the war of the Revolution, France espoused the VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 497 cause of America = In the war of the Revolution, France favored the American cause. Es§ciitial part, the = The necessary part ; the most important part. The speaker failed to present the essential part of the argument — The speaker failed to present that part of the argument which is most import- ant. Estate in expectancy (Xa?^) = An estate, the pos- session of which a person is entitled to have at some future time, either as a remainder or rever- sion, or on the death of some one. Estate in severalty {Law) = An estate which the tenant holds in his own right, without being joined in interest with any other person. The elder brother bought the portions of the es- tate, which had been bequeathed to his younger bro- thers, and now holds tlie estate in severalty = The elder brother bought the portions of the estate, which had been bequeathed to his younger brothers, and now holds the entire estate in his own right. Estate in tail = A limited, abridged, or reduced fee; an estate limited to certain heirs, and from which the other heirs are precluded. English law allows of estate in toz7= English law allows of the limitation of estates to certain heirs, to the exclusion of others. Even no>v = Already ; at this very time. The leaves will soon fall from the trees ; even noio they are beginning to change color = The leaves will soon fall from the trees ; already they are beginning to change color. Even so = Truly so ; precisely so ; just in the same manner. Because of the delay of intelligence, the King fear- ed that some disaster had befallen the army; and it was even so = Because of the delay of intelligence, the King feared that some disaster had befallen the army ; and it proved to be indeed so. As the sun- shine brightens the earth, even so a cheerful, sunny disposition brightens a home = As the sunshine brightens the earth, in the same manner the cheer- ful, sunny disposition brightens a home. Even tenor = Uniform course or character. The visit of the children from the city disturbed the even tenor of the family life = The visit of the children from the city disturbed the uniform course of the family life. Ever recurring = Continually returning ; periodical. 33 498 VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WOKDB. The need of taking food is ever recurring —Tho, necessity for taking food is periodical. Ever since = The whole period from some specified time. Mr. B. has been ill ever since his return from Cali- fornia = Mr. B. has been ill the whole period from his return from California. Every one = All, separately considered ; every in- dividual. Every one of the family carries a watch = Every individual of the family carries a watch. Examination papers A paper, submitted to stu- dents for a written examination, and containing a list of questions and subjects to be answered in writing, at a single session. Great pains are taken to prevent students from getting sight of the examination papers, before the hour of examinations Great pains are taken to pre- vent students from seeing the lists of questions and subjects to be answered in writing, before the hour of examination. Exchequer bills (Eng.) = Bills for money, or promis- sory bills, issued from the exchequer, by authority of Parliament. Exchequer bills are a species of paper currency, emitted under authority of the government, and bearing interests Promissory bills, issued from the exchequer, by authority of Parliament, are a species of paper currency, bearing interest. Executive committee = A body of persons ap- pointed to manage the affairs or carry out the wishes and objects of a society or an organization. The executive committee of the Young People's Lit- erary Association have arranged for a course of lectures, this winter = The persons appointed by the members of Young People's Literary Association to manage its affairs and carry out its designs, have arranged for the delivery of a course of lectures, this winter. Executive council = A body of men elected as ad- visers of the chief magistrate, whether of a state or the nation. (U. S.) The executive council of the president (U. S.) is called the cabinet = The advisers of the president constitute a body which is known as the cabinet. Exempt from = Free in respect to that which binds others, as a tax, a duty, an evil ; not subject to. (a) The temperate man is exempt from many ills and evils, which weigh upon the intemperate man = The temperate man is not subject to many ills and evils, VARIOUS OTHER PHRASES AND WORDS. 499 whicli bear heavily upon the intemperate man. After the age of forty-iive years, men are exempt from military duty, in the United States = After the age of forty-five years, men are free from the obli- gation to do military duty, in the United states. i:x-parte hearings or evidence (Zaz^) = That which is had or taken by one side, in the absence of the other. Hearings before grand juries are &T-parte= Hear- ings before grand juries are such as are had by one side, in the absence of the other. c:xpo§ed to = Liable to; in danger of; obnoxious to. («) Children are exposed to many diseases = Children are liable to many diseases. The early settlers of America were often exposed to attack by the Indians = The early settlers of America were often in dan- ger of being attacked by the Indians. Ex po§t facto law = A law which operates by after enactment ; — as employed in American law, it re- lates only to crimes. By the constitution of the United States the states are prohibited from passing ex post facto laws = 'By the constitution of the United States, the states are prohibited from passing laws which retroact, by way of criminal punishment, upon that which was not a crime before its passage, or which raise the grade of an offense, or render an act punishable in a more severe manner than it was when committed. Expre8§ train = A train running at a greater speed, and making fewer stops than ordinary or accom- modation trains. The president and his party will arrive on the express tram = The president and his party will arrive on the fast train. Expurg^atory in