Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: fall from grace (used idiomatically: yes)
The established church believed teetotalism was taking the place of God and was carried out in an un - Christian spirit . In Darlington the Wesleyans sacked a Sunday school teacher when he became a ‘ Temp’ because of his new movement 's ‘ erroneous teachings’ . The Society prospered , although at its 1852 annual public tea it could hardly hold a Christmas cheese and wine party members were saddened by the numbers that had fallen from grace once the hay and corn harvests had been collected . In 1854 the Pease family donated money towards the building of the Mechanics Institute on the condition that the Society could rent a room inside . In 1876 the Institute 's trustees locked the Temps out in Skinnergate during a financial row .
Idiom: laughing stock (used idiomatically: yes)
Sydney Smirke said that he had a great regard for Scott , but the profession should resist ‘ the attempts of a certain set of mediaeval dilettanti to force on us their thirteenth - century style’ . He compared London to other European capitals , particularly Paris where , during the past eight or nine years , the capital has been enriched without erecting one public building in the Gothic style . London would become the laughing - stock of Europe with a streaky , gable - ended style ‘ occupying the greater part of Westminster’ . Donaldson condemned the efforts of some of the dilettanti to reverse the competition results and blamed Manners for attacking the integrity of the competition system . Gothic was chosen ‘ as a sort of advertisement’ in some cases , and in other cases such as the Houses of Parliament , because of tradition .
Idiom: in the offing (used idiomatically: yes)
Teeside Park , founded by the government - funded Teeside Development Corporation and borough council - funded Preston Farm and the Bowesfield industrial estates have sprung up since the last election . A new university is due to open its doors by September and a £ 2 m scheme to revamp Stockton High Street is already underway , with an improvement scheme planned for Thornaby . Thornaby by - pass has also been in the offing for a number of years , but is now not expected to be completed until 1996 or 1997 . Political hot potatoes include the pylons scheme which is planned for Cleveland and North Yorkshire and the Department of Environment 's decision on whether to allow a toxic waste incinerator at Portrack . Job losses from some of the largest employers , ICI and factories , are also likely to be on the agenda when Mr Devlin defends his 744 majority against Labour 's Mr John Scott and Liberal Democrat Mrs Kay Kirkham .
Idiom: without fail (used idiomatically: yes)
But then he said to himself : " Before it strikes a quarter - past ~ seven I must be quite out of this bed , without fail .
Idiom: set eyes on (used idiomatically: no)
‘ She 's been so conditioned by her husband that she instinctively kowtows to any man who says ‘ boo’ to her.’ ‘ I did n't realise he was that sort . Of course , I 've only set eyes on him a couple of times.’ ‘ Eleanor told me her late father was Principal of Brigston . Rodney was a lecturer there and they cherished hopes of a chair for him but unfortunately Daddy died before he could wangle it .
Idiom: by the book (used idiomatically: no)
So much for Britain 's drought ! Weatherwise by Bill Foggitt . Published by Pavilion Books at £4.99 . RAIN CHECK : Bill relies on his seaweed VIVE LE CHAMPION
Idiom: rock bottom (used idiomatically: yes)
This changed with the advent of floating exchange rates in the early 1970s , which allowed more stability - conscious countries , such as Germany , to decouple from a US monetary policy that they considered too inflationary . But , even under floating exchange rates , the US retained an advantage : given that the dollar remained the key global reserve currency , the US could finance large external deficits at very favorable rates . Today , the US Treasury can still borrow unlimited amounts at rock - bottom interest rates . Indeed , the interest rate on inflation - protected bonds has now become -0.5 % , even for a five - year maturity ! The US government is thus essentially being paid in real terms to take investors ' money – a generous offer that it is accepting on a huge scale , in the hope that channeling these resources to American consumers will boost household spending and thus generate more jobs .
Idiom: have words (used idiomatically: yes)
I had not intended to trouble you on this occasion . Indeed , I may say it was not my wish to see you at all . I hoped to speak to Victor , or at least have a word with his father . ' ' The Syndic is indisposed . As for Victor — you probably know his whereabouts better than we do ! '
Idiom: make hay (used idiomatically: no)
Let us consider the cropping on a small mixed farm with cattle , sheep , and poultry On which you are aiming , as far as possible , to grow all the fodder for your animals ( your main source of income ) and to feed your family . As we consider each crop , we must assume that the land and climate make its cultivation viable . You will be anxious to have enough grazing for your livestock in spring , summer , and autumn , to make enough hay or silage for their winter keep , to provide additional cereals and roots to supplement the hay , and to grow enough cereals , potatoes , vegetables , and fruit for your own table . You will also want to preserve some well - structured meadows where stock can run in winter without too much poaching . These requirements are bound to conflict on your limited acres , particularly in spring and early summer when a large proportion of your land is laid up for hay or in arable crops .
Idiom: down the hatch (used idiomatically: yes)
That he reckoned he could still do . The casualty rate so far was no more than might have been expected from the hazardous nature of the operation , and although he could not , in all honesty , say he was in command of the whole ship , he at least held the strategic upper hand . Whoever , or whatever was in the hold seemed unwilling or unable — they had battened down the hatch once more— to do battle in the open . As yet . But what really was to happen after the forty - eight hours ?
Idiom: tempt fate (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ At my age it 's not as though I 'm going to be snapped up at any other club . ‘ They are a great bunch of lads at Sunderland and I have n't got it in my mind to pack up . But I do n't want to tempt fate . ’ Butcher thought his career was over when he left Coventry last season , but he has been outstanding since joining the Wearsiders . Manager Malcolm Crosby said : ‘ Terry is one of the best professionals I 've ever had the pleasure to work with .
Idiom: turn the corner (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ It would be lovely to have you with us.’ ‘ I 'll think about it,’ said Vernon , and he stumped up the steps with his polishing cloth and rubbed vigorously at the lion 's - head knocker of the door . He waited until Meredith had turned the corner before going downstairs to put on his Sunday overcoat . Though all but one of the travellers had decamped for Christmas , he did n't care to be seen improperly dressed in the hall . He ran back upstairs to telephone Harcourt .
Idiom: laugh all the way to the bank (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ We 're on such a good deal it 's a joke,’ David told me . ‘ Anyone who is shelling out £ 200,000 a year for a prime City restaurant site must be crazy.’ I do n't know if they 're laughing all the way to the bank , but they can certainly afford to get there in a cab . The value - for - money deal on their premises is happily reflected in the prices they charge for their hearty , rustic , Italian - orientated menu . The charcoal grill is applied to spicy sausages , T - bone steaks , fresh sardines and the right sort of vegetables .
Idiom: have a ball (used idiomatically: no)
But Faldo has reserved his most barbed comments for Alliss and the press , even though the publicity afforded him over the last 16 years has brought a £2 million home and bulging bank account worth more than £10m . He has reopened old wounds with Alliss after the pair were involved in a verbal battle during the British Masters last May when Faldo 's practice routines came under questioning . Faldo , interviewed in Golf World magazine , blasted : ‘ I have been 16 years on tour and I can honestly think of only two times I have seen Peter Alliss on a practice ground watching me or anybody hit balls . ‘ Even if I am wrong and think of a dozen times , it is still dreadful that somebody so involved in the game is not out there watching the guys . ‘ He is very much of the old school .
Idiom: third time lucky (used idiomatically: yes)
Tomorrow though , Town have got to deal with their bogey team ; Brentford . They 've already played them twice this season and lost both times . Third time lucky . Town have two injury worries , but Dave Mitchell looks almost certain to pass his fitness test . There 's a bigger doubt though , over Martin Ling , who 's got a calf strain .
Idiom: unknown quantity (used idiomatically: yes)
HARRY Finlay from Derryvolgie starts out as favourite to win the opening table tennis tournament of the season . The popular Lisburn player is top seed in the Class Two singles at the Shankill Junior and Graded Open in Shankill Leisure Centre , but will have his eye on Limavady player Nathan Cook . Cook , an English university student , is an unknown quantity , last competing in Shankill in September 1992 by taking the Class Three Singles . The Limavady student is seeded to win Class Three ahead of the enthusiastic Keith Johnston from Ballymena . Shankill Junior and Graded Open seeds — Class Two : 1 , H Finlay ; 2 , N Cook ; 3 , R Coard ; 4 , K Johnston ; Class Three : 1 , N Cook ; 2 , K Johnston ; 3 , W Clarke ; 4 , J Cairns .
Idiom: in my book (used idiomatically: yes)
The following morning , he was on again . So I put everything in my book , such - and - such - a - thing , such - and - such - a - thing . So I went on until just after refreshment time : Spoke to Mr so - and - so — lots of things in my book . Then he says when I get back , ‘ What 's all this?’ ‘ You 're not making me out to be a liar.’
Idiom: hit the road (used idiomatically: yes)
They were told about the successes — and pitfalls — of recycling schemes in action , EEC legislation , and given an industry update . Delegate Geoff Wright , from Leeds city Council , recently awarded an MBE for environmental services , said ‘ It 's clear that recycling domestic waste is fast becoming a growth industry in its own right , which can only be good news for waste avoidance in our towns and countryside and for the economy.’ Teesside display hits the road A mobile display bus has recently been launched by Teesside 's Community Affairs Group . The bus is fully equipped with video facilities , computer , electric display equipment and exhibition boards .
Idiom: in my book (used idiomatically: yes)
The only player from the current squad who could replace him , without a complete change of team style is Noel Whelan . Chappy was good for about 23 goals a season in all major competitions , With Deane 's greater overall contribution we should expect 18 from him . Under 15 in League and cups will be regarded as failure in my book . Wilko : I know we 're pissed off with him over certain things , but even if we 're unhappy about his recent decisions , no - one can deny that going from bottom of Div 2 to League champs in 3.5 years was remarkable .
Idiom: get it in the neck (used idiomatically: yes)
into the she 'd sherry each . Cor ! I said if the transport get that load of L T M thrown back Robin is gon na get it right in the neck ! And if Robin gets it in the neck I shall get it in the neck and I shall be getting it in the neck because of you ! So I said I think
Idiom: in the hole (used idiomatically: yes)
A narrow gauge track ran along the platform surface , its polished rails carrying the 16 mm colour film camera and cameraman on a four wheeled dolly , pushed along by manpower and matching the pace of the train . East Lancs Railway driver Graham Thornton piloted the Class 40 , with Bury stationmaster Eric Allen as guard . Hidden in a hole in the platform was Gary Sutcliffe , with a 12 volt car battery feeding a home - made switching panel , from which he changed the aspects of the ex - BR colour light signal at the request of the film crew . This was for camera footage only , all train movements being subject to normal ELR operating rules . Other scenes depicting the inside of the ' moving train ' were actually shot inside Buckley Wells carriage sheds .
Idiom: at the crossroads (used idiomatically: yes)
A World ~ Bank for a New ~ World NEW ~ YORK – The world is at a crossroads . Either the global community will join together to fight poverty , resource depletion , and climate ~ change , or it will face a generation of resource wars , political instability , and environmental ruin . The World ~ Bank , if properly led , can play a key role in averting these threats and the risks that they imply .
Idiom: have a ball (used idiomatically: no)
‘ I would n't say that , ’ he replied . ‘ Just pleasantly plump ’ . David 's on the ball By Tim Satchell DAVID Mellor , who has made a variety of television and radio appearances since his resignation as Minister for Fun , is about to take a major step in his broadcasting career .
Idiom: in black and white (used idiomatically: yes)
The Scottish artist builds temporary accumulations of printed paper and everyday objects , from the motor car to the washing machine confused heaps of matter upheld or accompanied by human and animal forms . His work can be seen at the Nikki Diana Marquardt gallery from 13 May to 30 June . ‘ Rendez - vous ‘ Berlin’ continues until 19 May at the Vidal - Saint - Phalle , featuring three German artists previously unknown in France : the lyrical Jurgen Messensee ; Adochi , who paints in black and white ; and Tone - Sink , whose painting is akin to graphics . Paul Graham is being featured by Claire Burrus , Jean - Pierre Bertrand by the Galerie de France , David Salle by Daniel Templon , and Markus Retz by Farideh Cadot . In anticipation of his major 1993 exhibition at the Jeu de Paume , which concentrates on the work he produced during the Eighties , until the end of this month Martin Barré is presenting a new series of twelve paintings at the Laage - Salomon gallery .
Idiom: break someone's heart (used idiomatically: yes)
He clenched his teeth . He had only been thirteen then , but had wanted to burst into the room and strike his mother to the ground . The groans and cries of his sister had broken his heart . He sat up all night and into the next day until he heard a soft mewling sound like a kitten and knew that the child had been safely delivered after all that pain . Edith had loved the boy .
Idiom: go without saying (used idiomatically: yes)
The critical problem , of course , with TV commercials is that of time . The time taken by each set of words has to be very exactly calculated , and a large part of the skill of a voice - over expert lies in the ability to fit a set of words into a precise length of time while still getting the required clarity and intonation . Clarity , it should go without saying , is virtually obligatory in commercial sound tracks — something too many producers of jingles appear to forget . The results One day 's — or two days ' — filming will produce a great deal of film footage .
Idiom: dead and buried (used idiomatically: yes)
The commitment to regional government , the importance of local authorities and rapid devolution to Scotland are the antithesis of the priorities of the Wilson and Callaghan governments . The policy review is actually more modern on Europe than is Marquand . The old argument about whether the UK should be a member of the EC should now be dead and buried . It is Marquand 's enthusiasm for every initiative with a Euro - prefix that strikes me as old - fashioned . The nation - state is inevitably becoming weaker as power goes both up to Europe and down to regions and districts , but it has a long life yet , and the British people have many uses for it .
Idiom: tempt fate (used idiomatically: yes)
So do you think ? So you still have n't been to see this house in are you ? Your not gon na tempt fate ? No , not yet . There 's a little row that goes down beside it round the back , I never knew there was .
Idiom: light at the end of the tunnel (used idiomatically: yes)
Front cover by Starburst Images CHAIRMAN Driving through fog on the M25 , listening to yet another radio programme about the recession , it is difficult to imagine that there might be light at the end of the tunnel ; but spring is on its way , and I hope it will bring with it some sign of the long - promised upturn in the economy . For the Institute , with the spring comes our National Conference , which will be held this year on Wednesday 4 March at the London Hilton Hotel , Park Lane . Full details of the Conference speakers are given on page 48 .
Idiom: all over the place (used idiomatically: yes)
You , you see a lot more snooker probably than anybody else , do you ever get bored with it ? No , I do n't get bored at all with it , er because snooker is not er like American pool , where you go out there with a stick and just knock balls all over the table ; snooker is snooker , and the name of snooker is to play this , you know , this game of chess on the green baize , and er that 's what , you see this is where Davis has been so good for so long , a ) he 's a supreme professional , he once apologised for only practising for two hours on Christmas Day rather than four , er and if you look at Davis ' score sheets and his matches , which I 've done over the years , you 'll see a lot of breaks of around sort of fifty five , sixty , sixty five , and then he stops , he plays the safety shot and says to his opponent ‘ okay , your turn’ , plays the percentage game , the occasional knock in the very big ones , but that 's why he 's won so much , because he thinks it out so well , and knows the averages , knows the percentages and plays the game that way . You get another player like Jimmy White , wonderful player to watch , I mean , you know , flashes the ball all over the place , knocks it in , wonderful player , er and has won a lot of championships , but Jimmy 's a totally different character , does n't practice anywhere near as much as Steve Davis . I mean , there is no such thing as , the day starts for Jimmy White around nine o'clock at night , and if Jimmy 's drawn the afternoons , he should be asleep , he 's that sort of character . So that 's why the snooker I think is , is so appealing , why it 's still there , has the big audience , because nearly every one who plays is different , they 're characters , and you 've got that one versus another , a versus b , er just to watch , you take sides , and the lovely ladies say ‘ I like that Terry Griffiths , but I do n't like that other one , it 's got the fascination .
Idiom: in business (used idiomatically: no)
Not bad is it ? And that 's how important stuff is . And you 're never in business until you 've got an overdraft . Not a real business . Using the theory that always borrow other people 's money , and you 'll spend other people 's money is the best way is n't it ?
Idiom: make history (used idiomatically: yes)
In an imperialist world , the Great Powers , a world system of States , dominated and shaped all lesser national demands . The Bolsheviks might wish to prove their democratic credentials to the subject peoples , but the Great Powers would inevitably see this as an opportunity to advance their own interests or eliminate a threat to them . History was indeed not made in conditions of the Bolsheviks ' choosing . The native intelligentsia provided the opportunity for outside intervention . They seized the opportunity for independence or at least a new bargain with Moscow — regardless of whatever views might be held by the silent masses .
Idiom: get lost (used idiomatically: yes)
The stewardess was dutifully holding out a packet of cigarettes . Dodger deigned to take one off her . ‘ Thank you , darling,’ she said and punched me vigorously on the arm to tell me to get lost , though it was half a joke , it 's always half a joke with Dodger . So I decided to stay there , just to get up her nose I asked her victim , ‘ Are you having a good time ? ‘
Idiom: bear in mind (used idiomatically: yes)
I actually asked prospective farmers what they thought about certain issues , because I think the Leicestershire county council er and our department are probably some of the best farmers landlords there are in the country and I think our tenant farmers know that in actual fact I asked the question to several of the members er er the potential er clients erm , what do you think about foxes . I said to the farmers we s you should cut grass and you get nitrates into the water and I said to the farmers er er about their slurry throwing erm a muck across the land , we know the problems that causes , I said if we came out with fertilisers which were would you buy them if it costed a bit more . Ninety percent of them said yes , that it depends on how you present the figures , so in actual fact I wonder how our tenant farmers all of a sudden find themselves in a position that they perhaps would rather sign a petition and not put their heads above the parapet bearing in mind you are in a community , bear in mind you are connected , bear in mind that your livelihood is with those others and I have to say it is true that a certain business in my area connected with farming has been threatened . That the hunting fraternity have passed the word round that it to remove your business because it 's rumoured that that person is involved with er er people like me . I think that 's that absolutely horrific and that has come from one of the practice partners and not the actual himself .
Idiom: behind bars (used idiomatically: yes)
This time the Government of India responded very differently . Lord Willingdon , formerly governor of Bombay and Madras , had replaced Irwin in April , and he was the very embodiment of the ICS point of view . Trouble was something to be nipped in the bud ; dangerous agitators people to be kept behind bars . Within a month of his return from London Gandhi found himself in prison , and for several years thereafter his bluffs were resolutely called . If he fasted , he was released from jail ; if he attempted civil disobedience , he was back in again .
Idiom: run a mile (used idiomatically: yes)
I trained most days from then on . Training hurt and it was always a battle to force myself out , but after six months I was managing sixty miles a week and sometimes doing fifteen miles non - stop in a hundred minutes . A further six months and I could run thirty miles with little stiffness afterwards . The main obstacle was that the only time available for training was late at night . To go out at midnight in heavy rain or frost , as I sometimes did , when I would be working next morning and when I had hardly seen my wife all day , almost broke me .
Idiom: take it or leave it (used idiomatically: yes)
EXEMPTION CLAUSES AN exemption clause is a term of the contract intended to exclude or restrict the liability of one of the parties , usually the seller . Sometimes a seller is so financially powerful that he can blatantly insist on such a clause being included in the contract ; he can adopt a ‘ take it or leave it’ attitude . More common is the seller who , having inserted an exclusion clause into his conditions of sale , relies on his buyer not bothering to read ( or not understanding ) the small print ; for example , the exclusion clause may be contained in the small print of a guarantee which he gives to the buyer . An exemption clause may , contrary to appearances , have little or no effect .