Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: too clever by half (used idiomatically: yes)
The review continued : ‘ The novel positively courts the charge of ‘ too clever by half’ with a series of condescending footnotes to some of its more arcane vernacular ; and it hugs failure to its chest in the form of Guy Vallender 's motto : ‘ Fireworks thrill because they disappoint.’ By this standard Meades ’ standard , Pompey is a work of some genius . By any other it seems , well , pyrotechnic , condescending and too clever by half.’ Elizabeth Young ( Independent on Sunday ) was rather kinder and , at the same time , less affected by the need to outwit the dictionary : ‘ The novel has all the vigour and bravado of a fireworks display . But after the vulgar beauty has faded , we face a grey ash of burn - out , a misanthropic dawn which prompts the old question : was it worth it after all ?
Idiom: break even (used idiomatically: yes)
The method used by the gang leader to divide payments will vary as follows:(a ) The money will be divided equally between all gang members . ( b ) Gang members will be employed at a fixed hourly , daily or weekly rate , whether direct or sub - contract , and the gang leader retains the balance as his own income . Any gang member who regularly fails to break even or achieve a surplus would be laid off . ( c ) The gang leader may agree rates with the builder and pay lower rates to other gang members , or alternatively sub - let the work at lower rates to other independent gangs . When rates are discounted in this way by substantial amounts , bad feeling and discontent may well develop on the site .
Idiom: on the double (used idiomatically: yes)
Though his press lasted only eight years , it gave an impetus to later fine work which it is difficult to overestimate . With Emery Walker he turned back to the Roman types of four hundred years before and to the beauty of woodcut title - pages . Much of the work was based , not on the single , but on the double page as the right unit for design . Of the more than fifty books to come from the press , there is no doubt that the finest was his Chaucer of 1896 , reckoned by many to be the greatest book printed in England since Caxton , of which he printed 425 copies with an additional thirteen on vellum . It contained eighty - seven woodcut illustrations after Edward Burr e - Jones and woodcut borders and initials by Morris himself .
Idiom: easier said than done (used idiomatically: yes)
they 're not going in . Old habits die hard erm Yes it 's easier said than done just going in and sort of lying by the seat of your pants . And you can also get lost even if you do say the script because I said to Roger I , I 've
Idiom: on and off (used idiomatically: yes)
There must be enough time and space for each child to wash properly . As there are often only half a dozen wash - basins , turns must be arranged and children soon realise that there are too many or not enough children for the basins available . Fitting in plugs and turning taps on and off may all be new experiences , as well as estimating how much water is needed . Will the water overflow if two hands are plunged into the bowl ? What happens to the overflowing water and also to the waste water ?
Idiom: bear in mind (used idiomatically: yes)
There is little that you will come across in your travels that can not be designed with your psyche , and your cash , in mind . Some methods are primitive , others subtle , all work . Let us take the hotel , bearing in mind the fundamental principle of modern hotel - keeping : the perfect guest never leaves the hotel . A hotel is no longer a series of bedrooms built above a restaurant , which you have to leave to do anything except sleep and eat meals . It has sprouted shopping malls , discos and nightclubs , beauty salons , gymnasia , news kiosks , coffee shops .
Idiom: at the drop of a hat (used idiomatically: yes)
We did , did n't we , Stefania?’ They were the classic female twosome , mouse and minx . Stefania played her role to perfection , managing to give the impression of existing only provisionally , to a limited extent , and being quite prepared at the drop of a hat either to become completely real or to vanish without trace , whichever was more convenient . Zen was so astounded at finding Cinzia there on that particular evening that he could think of nothing whatever to say . ‘ I think he 's just fantastic , do n't you?’ she went on unperturbed .
Idiom: on the back of (used idiomatically: no)
Tigers stalking workers have not attacked those wearing face - masks on the back of their heads . Cheap rubberized plastic masks appear to be the most effective measure yet in combating aggressive tigers . The masks were introduced in 1986 : it was argued that since tigers normally attack prey from behind rather than face - to - face , a mask worn on the back of the head should be a deterrent . Some 2,500 out of over 8,000 workers began taking the masks when they went into the forest to cut wood , collect honey or fish . The result has been dramatic .
Idiom: in the long run (used idiomatically: yes)
Henry II 's inheritance was won by a series of marriages which were politically successful but domestically disastrous . It is observed elsewhere how his unfortunate mother had been used by Henry I in his immensely grandiose designs . The designs were brilliantly successful in the long run , but his daughter suffered for them . Many marriages were more satisfactory than Matilda 's alliance with the count of Anjou . It was universally accepted that no man married merely for love , and many men and women no doubt made the best of the circumstances , and fell in love with their partners .
Idiom: turn someone's head (used idiomatically: yes)
No , he did n't he stayed there . Stood there , stayed there . I kept waiting for him to turn his head , so it , get , one properly . Good view , never mind you 'll have another go . Have another go .
Idiom: steer clear of (used idiomatically: yes)
John sat beside her . Rodney opened a large , red menu . ‘ I 'd steer clear of the fruit soup,’ he advised Veronica . ‘ No reason I can see not to try the goulash.’ Nick studied the wine list .
Idiom: make a go of (used idiomatically: yes)
Thank you very much Mr President and as you 've been friendly enough to invite me and given me such a friendly welcome , I , I thought I ought to risk speaking to you as candidly as I can about what is going on in our country and our communities at the moment and whether by the end of the thing I continue your friend is another matter . In my part of the world , which is north east England and especially County Durham , nobody much really believes all this talk about an industrial and economic recovery which will be so strong and so widespread that most people will be back in the sort of jobs they used to have , providing they get the necessary training . In our part of the world we keep up the brave talk for the sake of the image of the region , so that there may be at least some inward investment and so that those industrialists , small business , training centres , local enterprises and cooperatives which are struggling so hard to make a go of it , will not be discouraged from at least having a go , but there is n't much hope and conviction really . For one thing , the region is faced with a demoralizing example of great in er investments of human resources , skill and modern technology being simply thrown aside , as at Swan Hunter and in our coal mines . For another thing , the region is one of the edge of things if I may so put it and that 's why I 'm down here I mean as , as I know when we 're up there we 're at the centre of things , but lots of people do n't
Idiom: hard cheese (used idiomatically: yes)
This process provides the manufacturer with more of a profit because the bacon soaks up the salt and water which increases its weight . Traditional dry cure bacon is far less likely to produce this substance — do n't miss our feature on dry cure bacon on page 77 . Doux de Montagne is a delicious , semi - hard cheese with a mild , fruity flavour and buttery after - taste . It is recognisable by its cottage loaf shape and bronze coloured rind . A portion of the cheese goes to the writer of every letter published this month .
Idiom: on the ball (used idiomatically: no)
By then Richards , his England colleague and the opposition No 8 , had retired , reluctantly conceding that a troublesome right Achilles ' tendon was not helping him or the Tigers . Moore stayed put but was uneasy about the cost . Harlequin captain Winterbottom was on the ball when he said that the cup suited them best in so many ways . Assuming Moore is fit and Wallaby Coker , the king of the long - distance commuters , is not required again in Australia , Bath might discover painfully what Winterbottom has in mind . Harlequins : S Thresher ; M Wedderburn , W Carling , S Halliday , G Thompson ; D Pears , R Glenister ; M Hobley , B Moore , A Mullins , N Edwards , T Coker , M Skinner , P Winterbottom ( capt ) , R Langhorn .
Idiom: don't hold your breath (used idiomatically: yes)
no , that 's a bad one , the er power supply to the machine , the lead it was , there was a break in the circuit and it kept going on and off , so actually I was switching it on right , it just was n't coming on , so she says oh use it by the battery cos its battery as well as electric where 's my cup of coffee ? alright just shut up a minute , I 'm talking to ya , so she said afterwards oh I says that was good were n't it could n't even switch the machine on and she said it does n't matter does it , she said it 's not what happens its the way you deal with it , and I made a joke of it and I said to him oh this is good in't it ? relax you 're in safe hands I ca n't even switch the machine on , but anyway I did it in the end and he was alright , and he said thank you very much , that was , you were very good , you were very kind , cos it is frightening and one thing I said to him do n't hold your breath , because people think when their having an E C G they 've got ta hold their breath for some reason , just lie there take a deep breath and do n't breathe again but you 've never had one so you would n't no , I 'm just going to mix this up they 're coming out better now oh good
Idiom: in the red (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ We are still some way from viability,’ Brian Cox admits . On the freight side , until the Charterail debacle , immediate prospects seemed more favourable . BR 's Trainload Freight operation , which carries bulk loads such as coal , aggregates and scrap metal , is profitable ( though Railfreight Distribution , handling miscellaneous freight by the wagonload , is still deeply in the red ) . For several years , two quarrying companies based in Somerset — Foster Yeoman and ARC — have used their own wagons and locomotives — driven and maintained by BR staff — to haul millions of tons of stone across Britain . Foster Yeoman sees potential in selling spare capacity on its trains to other users .
Idiom: join the club (used idiomatically: yes)
Traditionally , those with 25 service have been presented with inscribed watches , but for the first time the 40 year award has been introduced with a choice of either a canteen of cutlery or a set of crystal glasses and decanter as a gift from the company . The award ceremony took place in the canteen on a December afternoon where over 100 retired and serving members of the work force were gathered , making it the largest for many years . Families of those receiving the award were also invited , as was everyone who had previously joined the ' quarter century club . ' In his opening speech , Ralph Ellis thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the company , emphasising ' that it is during the tough times when such experience counts . ' Altogether 28 awards were made to a group representing a complete cross section of factory life , including directors , weavers , managers , supervisors and salesmen .
Idiom: on the money (used idiomatically: yes)
Pint of beer ! Jesus ! What he 's gon na get on the dole money , he 'll not drink too much . What you ask yourself is Raymond , how long does it take to charge up again . I know .
Idiom: break cover (used idiomatically: yes)
CARS WERE GETTING SMALLER , and two of the best were the Fiat Cinquecento and the Renault Twingo . NAMES WERE BIG IN 1992 and we had an exclusive on one of the most important when we spilled the beans on the Mondeo , new name for next year 's Ford Sierra replacement . Ford Mondeo broke cover THE GREEN SHOOTS never did appear . 1992 will go down as one of the hardest , darkest years for car buyers and the car industry in decades .
Idiom: on the rocks (used idiomatically: yes)
Red rays fell from the grey morning sky into the dawn light of the valley , which lay shrouded in white mist ; they glittered on the grey rocks and penetrated the windows of the huts .
Idiom: think twice (used idiomatically: yes)
There was no church treasure chest as Gabriel had hoped . But at least there were no monks in there praying either . Even a boy who was used to climbing trees might have thought twice about climbing the walls of an undecorated chapel . But Gabriel had spent a year as a stonemason 's apprentice , clinging to the rafters and cornices of holy buildings , finishing off or preparing the stone . He was out of practice , but he found no difficulty in scaling the window carvings and balancing on the icy stone arch while he pushed the canvas bag and all its petitions into a stone loop in the lowest vaulting .
Idiom: behind the scenes (used idiomatically: yes)
But somehow they managed to look happy , gay and bright.’ The Carry On films have taken audiences to some exotic places — the mountains of India , the rugged terrain of the Wild West , mysterious Egypt … But the behind - the - scenes truth is that the cast and crew rarely went further than their own back yard . Carry On Camping was no exception . The action was supposed to take place in the depths of the English countryside .
Idiom: in the running (used idiomatically: yes)
Of the key figures of the 1959 revolution , only Castro , re - elected as the PCC 's first secretary , his brother Gen. Raúl Castro Ruz , re - elected as party president and second secretary , and Carlos Rafael Rodríguez , re - elected as vice - president , remained in the PCC politburo , which was reduced from 26 to 25 members . Those dropped from the politburo included Vilma Espín Guillois de Castro , the wife of Raúl Castro and president of the Association of Cuban Women ; Armando Hart Dávalos , the Minister of Culture ; Julio Camacho Aguilera , a former ambassador to the Soviet Union ; Pedro Miret Prieto , a Vice - President of the Council of State and of the Council of Ministers ; and Jorge Risquet Valdés - Saldaña [ see p. 37770 ] . Among the " rising stars " were Carlos Aldana and Carlos Lage Dávila , both involved in the running of the Union of Young Communists , and Roberto Robaina González representing the Revolution 's third generation . Entry of Christians In an effort to broaden the base and appeal of the PCC , those holding Christian beliefs were allowed to join the party for the first time .
Idiom: cut it fine (used idiomatically: no)
Although we did n't try them , a selection of brushes is also available . We would imagine that the wire brush is very handy for cleaning up old iron and steel . It is no good pretending that you are ever going to do fine woodwork with this All Purpose saw , but for rough cutting and shaping it has many uses around the house . One useful technique is plunge cutting into a surface , such as floorboards when these need to be lifted . You hold the machine on the surface and gradually tilt the blade downwards to saw through .
Idiom: pull the plug (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Remember a year ago?’ Donleavy said . ‘ When you pulled the plug on CBN and the Contra deal ? Well , this is it . The bottom line .
Idiom: turn the corner (used idiomatically: no)
For ' I wish you on the top of Brocken ' is a common curse … ' Coleridge 's friend , Thomas de Quincey , wrote his own Gothic novel , Klosterheim , and passed on the infection to James Hogg ( 1770–1835 ) , who , in The Confessions of , a Justified Sinner , borrowed the spectre of the Brocken and installed it at Arthur 's Seat , near Edinburgh . Readers became familiar with their Doppelgangers , as if they had turned a corner and unexpectedly confronted themselves in a mirror . This phenomenon crossed the Atlantic and reappeared in William Wilson , one of the best known stories of Edgar Allan Poe . In Goettingen , not far from the Brocken , the brothers Grimm were polishing their folk - tales , which brought a new frisson — even in refined translation — to many Victorian nurseries .
Idiom: no holds barred (used idiomatically: yes)
Barry Silk perked up . ' We take them out if they are aboard , right ? No holds barred , and no shit about international diplomatic pressure ? ' Delaney agreed . ' No flack , ' he said and clapped his hands together , rubbing them in a warming motion .
Idiom: have a heart (used idiomatically: no)
He plays with the quintet in a quite different sense from that in which they play at revolutionary politics ; though , bemused by him , set at odds , their purposes deflected and their fantasies fed and coaxed along , it does n't seem like playing to them . One of the quintet not only means business but high-minded , selfless business . Virginsky — the surname once more points the way — is a utopian socialist of ‘ rare purity of heart ’ and ‘ honest fervour ’ ; Horace would have called him candidus . ‘ I will never , never abandon these bright hopes , ’ he used to say to me with shining eyes . Of his ‘ bright hopes ’ he always spoke quietly , in a blissful half-whisper , as it were secretly . ’
Idiom: over your head (used idiomatically: yes)
This chapter tries to do three things : 1 . To stress the importance of a roof over your head . 2 . To outline the range of possible student housing .
Idiom: dog eat dog (used idiomatically: yes)
Perhaps in penance , she then told an audience at the Johns Hopkins medical school that over - specialisation is the real villain behind high medical costs . More primary - care physicians are the remedy , said Mrs Clinton , echoing a popular theme in health - care deliberations . Mrs Clinton also assured the Hopkins audience that the hospitals of major research institutions like theirs would be insulated against the dog - eat - dog , cost - cutting incentives inherent in managed competition , the administration 's basic formula for reform . Meanwhile , the repeated postponements and rising arguments over who gets what in a national health plan , and how it is to be paid for , have directed attention to the political calendar and the drooping vital signs of the Clinton presidency . Auspicious moments for commencing the revolution in health care turn out to be surprisingly sparse .
Idiom: over your head (used idiomatically: yes)
The stable , dry pedal boats can be picked up and dropped off at any of 5 moorings in the heart of the City . A detailed brochure with map and route descriptions point out places of interest on your way . Whilst the hectic street traffic passes over your head , you can take time to enjoy the delightful sights of 17th century Amsterdam . By night when the canals are beautifully illuminated , canal biking becomes extremely romantic . WALKING TOUR IN CONJUNCTION WITH YOUR CANAL BUS PASS
Idiom: go to the wall (used idiomatically: no)
The second method is use a Ceiling Maestro , which is screwed to a joist or a piece of timber between the joists , and which has a hook for a chain and a screwed hole for a rod . Several manufacturers make Luminaire Supporting Connectors ( LSCs ) which ( like the Ceiling Maestro ) come in two parts which can be separated , allowing lights to be changed easily or removed for cleaning , but not all LSCs are designed for use with heavy fittings . Fluorescent lights and track lighting can be screwed to the ceiling using hollow wall plugs , but if you can arrange for at least two screws to go into a joist , the fitting will be more secure . Recessed ceiling lights ( eyeball spots and downlighters ) are fitted in circular holes which you cut out of the ceiling with a padsaw . Normally , they need not additional support , but you must take care to ensure that the position is between joists , and that there is sufficient clearance above the light to prevent overheating .
Idiom: small beer (used idiomatically: yes)
Mixing different tartans is not easy and probably the best advice is to keep one colour common throughout . But in their Spitalfields Tartan Collection , the Stewarts have done the work for you ; silks , cottons , wools all match up so that it is possible to choose as much or as little tartan as you like , whether it 's for a few cushions or for some big and bold project . Doing up an 18th - century house is small beer compared to the Stewarts ' next project . The call of their homeland has proved too strong and they have just acquired a 16th - century ruined castle on the Scottish coast which , one day , will be home . In the meantime , Caledonia reigns in a corner of the City of London .
Idiom: hair of the dog (used idiomatically: yes)
I 've never thought about it . Where does liking a drink stop and being an alcoholic start?’ ‘ I should think it starts when you need a hair of the dog the next morning.’ Juliet italicized the unfamiliar phrase . ‘ Well , I do need one now.’
Idiom: behind bars (used idiomatically: yes)
It was the way she moved , the animation of her face , the way she held herself that made her presence so electric , not any ultra - daring revelation of flesh . Her husband was in close attendance at the moment but Jenny knew he was due at the meeting . The man behind the bar said something to him , probably a reminder , for he nodded , spoke to his wife , then with a quick look round the room , he left . Gwen too was looking round the room , more slowly , deliberately . Her gaze met Jenny 's and paused .
Idiom: weather the storm (used idiomatically: yes)
Hudson , 26 became the first player to score a century on Test debut for South Africa Wessels stated that the game was lost on the following morning , later lamenting ‘ You carn't bowl one good ball then three bad ones,’ as Adams took full advantage finishing with 79 not our in almost 3¾ hours after sensible , solid support from Walsh and Patterson . South African required 201 to win and , though Hudson ( 0 ) and Rushmere went cheaply , Wessels and Kirsten weathered the storm , posting 95 in 42 overs by the end of the fourth evening . They wanted 79 for an unexpected triumph ; but then Wessels , after a true captain 's innings , failed to add to his overnight 74 when Lara held a superb stooping slip catch off Walsh . While the ebb and flow to this point had been absorbing stuff , the ensuing capitulation was nothing short of astonishing , far more dramatic and conclusive than that suffered by England two years ago ; but still never totally unexpected on a pitch showing wear and uneven bounce in equal measure .
Idiom: for a song (used idiomatically: yes)
You can use one guitar in a hundred different ways if you can hear the sound . Beyond that it 's just a matter of trying to perceive whatever vision you have . Sometimes you might have a vision for an entire song and sometimes the vision is just for a particular part that relates to the next particular part . ' I 'm intrigued by the acoustic / electric guitar I saw you using in Fleetwood Mac . What is it ?
Idiom: touch and go (used idiomatically: yes)
Head Office rent was nearly three months overdue , the rates were in arrears , the staff had not been paid and the general president was stranded in New York for lack of funds . Somehow , after calls for the resignation of the general secretary had been rejected because of support from his old shipmates on the north east coast , the union managed to take out a loan and to survive . But it was often touch and go . Branches remained unstable . At various times between 1894 and 1911 some fifty branches existed .