Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: under the table (used idiomatically: yes)
I just thought at that time she had died , for that was what they told me . Mr. Farr then had her stuffed and gave poor Bess to me . She stayed under a side table in the front room until in 1925 my own dog ' Nip ' , a terrier , took a dislike to this strange animal with glaring eyes and proceeded to tear her to pieces . To supplement the low incomes of the ' twenties , there was a plentiful supply of Salisbury Corporation allotments for those with energy to work them . Although the average working week was still forty - eight hours , most men at that time had been reared when toil used to start at six o'clock in the morning and carried on until eight each evening .
Idiom: under fire (used idiomatically: yes)
The corporation is attempting to encourage the development of " sustainable " forestry through selective felling . in the meantime , it is aiming to build up its resources for keeping the operations under surveillance by imposing a " policing tax " of $ 1 per tonne from sawmills involved in wood chipping . Its stance has come under fire from the president of the private sector 's wood alliance , Corma . Guillermo Guell proclaims that : " we live off the forest , so we do n't need anybody to tell us how to look after it — least of all trendy ecologists sitting in Santiago apartments " . He blames " European and American neo - XXXX colonialists " for instigating the complaints .
Idiom: hope against hope (used idiomatically: yes)
Why was it that time always flew when you did n't want it to ? The minutes sped by until the bell that heralded home time . Slowly Maura went to get her coat , hoping against hope that if she took long enough Margaret would get fed up and go home . She walked slowly from the school , across the playground and out of the gates into Latimer Road . Sure enough , Margaret was waiting for her , about twenty yards past the school gates .
Idiom: turn the tables (used idiomatically: yes)
Despite the formality and constraint there is no sense of threat here , unlike Paula Rego 's ‘ The Family’ against which the Capel Family may be viewed across the exhibition space . Rego 's work inverts the sense of patriarchal order displayed in the 17th century family portrait . Here childhood is redolent with sexual power , ‘ turning the tables’ on the usually dominant figure of the father . The inclusion of the toy theatre is a reference to childhood memory , but it is one which lacks the comfort of Boyce 's flowered lap . The penetration of the fox by the stork in relief on the furniture emphasises the role reversal of the dominance of the prey over the hunter and the sexual dominance of the wife / daughter over the husband / father .
Idiom: against the grain (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ If you should be asked , just say our families are friends.’ Ashley cast a rueful glance at her escort and sighed . Although she understood why he wanted her to bend the truth , it still went against the grain . ‘ You expect me to lie?’ she demurred . ‘ It 's only a small one.’
Idiom: out of the blue (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ He does n't know , you know — Miguelito does n't know that he 's going to be unmasked tonight . It has n't been arranged . Miguel 's going to ask him on the night — out of the blue . He might refuse . In fact , now that I think over what you just said , I 'm sure he 'll refuse .
Idiom: up and running (used idiomatically: yes)
Maitland to be asked to circulate a copy of the draft Minute of Agreement to Christian Aid and SCIAF before the next meeting so that this can be looked at . 2 . Would we envisage ending our own individual involvement in GAYE after Consortium is up and running ? 3 . Christian Aid was involved in a Third World Consortium which has now ceased to exist — why ?
Idiom: up a tree (used idiomatically: yes)
' I did n't know . I suppose you asked him , sir , what he was doing up the tree ? ' ' Up the tree ? Up what tree ? ' said Pascoe , his interest revived . ' No .
Idiom: up against it (used idiomatically: yes)
Changing the ‘ rules’ helps find the cash ANY golfer will tell you that you stand little chance of winning unless you keep a close eye on the scorecard . But when you are really up against it there are times when the only way to win is by a little crafty reinterpretation of the rules . This is exactly what Chancellor Norman Lamont is about to do in order to find the resources with which to give the economy its required boost . But first let me explain how the ‘ rules’ work in high finance .
Idiom: no questions asked (used idiomatically: yes)
Do n't miss this opportunity ! YOUR SATISFACTION IS 100 % GUARANTEED . If , after examining your first issue , you are not 100 % satisfied , we 'll send you a complete refund with no questions asked . And if you decide to cancel at a later date , you 'll receive a full , and prompt refund on all unmailed issues . Microsoft Systems Journal .
Idiom: on ice (used idiomatically: no)
Methods CELL ISOLATION Bovine gall bladder was obtained from the local abattoir and transferred on ice to the Laboratory within 20 minutes of slaughter . The gall bladder was opened and the lumen rinsed with modified Hanks 's balanced salt solution ( HBSS , Sigma Chemical Co Ltd , St Louis , USA ) to remove bile and debris . The mucosa was stripped from the underlying muscular layer and fat by blunt dissection .
Idiom: blow a fuse (used idiomatically: no)
YOUR MONEY JOHN HUSBAND LLOYDS Bank apologised yesterday after its cash machines blew a fuse on Saturday and refused to take Access cards . A computer error knocked out the system for the second time in a month . It follows similar problems with NatWest 's Access network .
Idiom: kill two birds with one stone (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ To see if there were any sharp edges or protrusions that could have caused such a head wound?’ Grierson nodded . ‘ Well , when — and if — we ever raise that hull , we should be able to kill two birds with one stone : to determine the causes of both the explosions and this man 's death.’ ‘ Maybe three birds,’ Van Gelder said . ‘ It would be interesting to know the number and layout of the fuel tanks in the engine - room .
Idiom: by the same token (used idiomatically: yes)
This is the latest step in the sequence of changes that followed the phasing out of authorised principals and the introduction of the training office system in 1983 . The 1983 changes came from the recognition that it was the facilities available in offices as well as supervision by members that determined effective training . By the same token , the business arrangements in many organisations are now regionally orientated , and it seems only logical to allow groups of offices that can collectively meet the Institute 's requirements to provide pre- and post - qualification training as single entities — or training office groups . The facility , which will be available early in 1993 , has a number of distinct advantages . Not least of these is the greater freedom to deploy students to different locations .
Idiom: on the run (used idiomatically: no)
The cabbie 's expression told anyone interested that Christmas was probably not his favourite time of year . We found Dod 's van in the NCP and I explained to Kim that as he only had one passenger seat , the two of us had better travel in the cold and bare , unheated back along with Dod 's drum kit . Kim said , but wait a minute , there was a pile of blankets in the back ( which Dod used to cushion his full kit on long runs ) and we could lay those out and maybe cuddle up for warmth . I said that was a brilliant idea and by the time we were out of the car park and in the thick of the traffic , I was asking her what she was doing later . She said there could n't be a later as she was on duty with the Samaritans at nine , so it would have to be now .
Idiom: go public (used idiomatically: yes)
The firm is moving operations to San Mateo next month . SHARE & BOND ISSUES Bell Microproducts Inc , San Jose , California marketer and distributor of semiconductor and computer products , and provider of testing kitting and turnkey manufacturing services on an OEM basis and to value - added resellers , has filed to go public with an initial offer of 1.5 m shares , 1.2 m of them new . No target price or plans for the proceeds were given . Sutro & Co Inc underwrites .
Idiom: chop and change (used idiomatically: yes)
I think it should be dark brown.’ ‘ We do n't have any dark - brown stain and there 's no means of getting any . We 've less than two weeks to do all the beams — there just is n't time to chop and change now!’ ‘ Okay , Paul . Okay,’ Stephen interjected , raising his hand .
Idiom: to say the least (used idiomatically: yes)
She said within hours of their meeting , ‘ I ca n't wait for you to come and live here too . My , what fun we shall have … ’ The Greenwoods were to say the least taken aback at the match . She did not know what they would have said if it had been Edmund , but it was the title now which amazed them . ( Although Dad , she knew , saw himself as in line for one some day .
Idiom: have a few (used idiomatically: yes)
it 's a Freudian slip is n't it really ? But , er what a horrifying experience . Of course , these things can happen really , er especially if er , one of two of the guests , I 'm not suggesting your mother 's guests er over - imbibed , but one or two of the guests do have a few jars over Christmas and they get up to all sorts of things in the house do n't they ? Douglas , I 've got two very , very , very , quick , quick , quick very funny stories , Yes
Idiom: out of pocket (used idiomatically: yes)
' Just one ounce ? ' He nods again . I pull the Daily Telegraph out of my coat pocket and as Dixie explained to me I point to an article on the front page . The man leans forward , grasps the paper as if to take a closer look at it , and removes the small white packet of cocaine from behind my thumb . Then I take back the paper .
Idiom: make ends meet (used idiomatically: yes)
LG Parents in need Many families these days are finding it very hard to make ends meet . One source of help and support are the Family Service Units , which run schemes of all kinds to help needy families , giving advice on benefits , debt and legal problems , community education programmes , literacy schemes and activity groups for under - fives . If you would like a copy of the FSU 's latest journal , offering an insight into all aspects of family poverty ( priced £ 1.50 ) , or if you like to become involved with this extremely worthwhile organisation , contact the Family Service Units at 207 Old Marylebone Rd , London NW1 5QP ( 071–402 5175 ) .
Idiom: pecking order (used idiomatically: yes)
This is not to say we never punish a horse : sometimes we must . If we do , it must be punished immediately , and there must be no doubt in the horse 's mind about what it is being punished for . Occasionally a foal thinks we are pretty low in the pecking order and decides to kick us . Such behaviour warrants a smart kick back on his backside . We can not afford to ignore such behaviour , because , if we do , the foal will learn to have no respect for us .
Idiom: make a clean break (used idiomatically: yes)
She would explain , calmly and directly , that she felt there was nothing in their relationship worth preserving and she would ask him to move out straightaway . Experience had taught her that allowing him time meant , in effect , allowing him to stay . So she would be ruthless about making a clean and immediate break . It would be no use him arguing that he had nowhere to go because he so often found other places to spend nights . As she set down her cup , startling the sparrows , she thought she might even pack his belongings .
Idiom: hot to trot (used idiomatically: yes)
Er but hopefully by March we will be able to say , well it 's all ready to Yeah . hot to trot . Okay . Ready to go .
Idiom: go straight (used idiomatically: yes)
There you are , my dear.’ He appeared delighted to see her . Closing the door behind him , he strode into the drawing room , a broad smile on his face as he went straight to where Beth sat . Kissing her tenderly on the forehead , he remarked sharply , ‘ What with one thing and another , I 've seen very little of you today.’ Separating the tails of his jacket , he seated himself in the opposite chair , a frown creasing his forehead as he glanced about the room .
Idiom: make short work of (used idiomatically: yes)
She turned questioning eyes towards him while a forced smile played about her lips . But Silas ignored the question . He made short work of the remainder of his lunch , pushed his chair from the table , and stood up . His voice was brusque as he said , ‘ If you girls will excuse me I 'll return to my job of preparing for this afternoon 's horse trek.’ Matt also rose to his feet .
Idiom: have a ball (used idiomatically: no)
Crowe , out for a duck first time around and whose previous highest score on the tour was 19 , recaptured his form at a fitting moment . He was out in the last over before tea after completing his 15th Test century . He batted for 159 minutes , facing 121 balls , and with left-hander John Wright adding 159 runs for the third wicket , it was New Zealand 's only partnership of substance . In the Kiwis ' first innings , Jayananda Warnaweera took 4-25 and Muthiah Muralidaran 3-22 , their best Test figures . Allen 's singing in rain
Idiom: have a ball (used idiomatically: yes)
Batman Returns ( Warner 15 , out now ) is better but still not worth all the hoo-hah . What gives this sequel the edge is Danny DeVito . His Penguin is a wonderfully monstrous creation , while Michelle Pfeiffer obviously has a ball as kinky , leather-clad villainess Catwoman . Penguin starts life as a hideously deformed tot who bursts on to the scene years later as a fat , big-beaked freak determined to rule Gotham City and do away with Batman ( Michael Keaton ) . He teams up with Catwoman and tycoon Christopher Walken and , aided by an army of radio controlled penguins , does his worst .
Idiom: with a will (used idiomatically: no)
It is not because stout Egyptians are being suborned by wicked Iranians and Sudanese , as the regime would have the world believe . Nor is economic failure an adequate explanation ; Mr Mubarak has manoeuvred cannily in between the reforms demanded by foreign donors and Egypt 's ability to absorb change . The cause of the malaise is likelier to be a combination of these things , alongside one fundamental : the failure to establish a form of government in which power changes hands in accordance with the will of the people . Repression , revolution — or reform This might strike Mr Mubarak as unfair .
Idiom: to the letter (used idiomatically: yes)
If these results are subject - independent , the thesis becomes a very important vehicle for the communication of original ideas and new findings in science , and the reasons why some theses are never consulted , cited , or lead to derived publications , are more complex and subtle than Davinson 's views , or those quoted by Dossick , might suggest . Harris says that ' The doctoral dissertation is intended to be an original contribution to knowledge . ' If this is so , there is considerable point to Beverley Halstead 's letter to Nature in which he argues that academic publication of the research results should be a requirement before the award of a Ph D,(as is the case in some countries and institutions ) . Some difficulties with this suggestion were pointed out by P A Lund in a reply published in October 1985 . He states that in new research areas , there is always the chance that some research projects have a low possibility of success , or otherwise lead to unpublishable negative results , and that to withhold a Ph D in such cases would seem unfair .
Idiom: plain sailing (used idiomatically: yes)
( See pages 10 and 11 ) . Convenient Door - to - Door Service from COSMOS It 's all plain sailing when you take a COSMOS break to EURO DISNEYLAND . You can step on board conveniently close to home , know your luggage is in safe hands and travel in carefree comfort to your hotel near Paris . No airport delays , no language problems and no other hassles to disturb you as you relax in comfort — all the way to your destination and back .
Idiom: on the level (used idiomatically: yes)
The cable has left Britain at Lowestoft , a North Sea cable bound for Germany . Having crossed the Siemens ' Brothers homeland , it then clipped through a southern corner of Russia heading for Tehran , where it had its only interconnection before continuing on to the Indian sub-continent . In the course of construction engineers and technicians survived fearful seas ; had been protected by Russian soldiers ; used , along with their equipment , as a form of target practice by turbulent natives and — on an individual level — had fallen victim to a positively bewildering variety of exotic diseases . The line itself was very much state-of-the-art for the time , driven by punched paper tape and the section between London and Tehran had ten Wheatstone automatic repeaters installed as standard . Clear signals
Idiom: doom and gloom (used idiomatically: yes)
The role of President can be compared to that of Chariman of the Board . It is my duty to report to you , the members — effectively shareholders — on our financial year just passed , in terms of financial results , significant events and to comment on the health and future prospects of the Association . It would be easy to be a prophet of doom and gloom in these difficult times but in business and in the Association , I sense a new spirit of optimism that better times are just around the corner and that we are at last seeing the tangible signs of recovery . The recession has not been too unkind to HCIMA . While , for most of the time , our membership levels have remained static , recent trends have brought an increase , with a significant proportion of these being senior industry figures .
Idiom: dead to the world (used idiomatically: yes)
Gloria was hungry . ‘ I 'm telling you,’ she said , ‘ when I heard that big clock in the hall striking the five , you could 've knocked me down with a feather ! Seems like I been dead to the world for weeks ! I 'm telling you , Mrs Hollidaye , you 'll get plenty of work out of me tomorrow . Anything you need doing around the place .
Idiom: in the loop (used idiomatically: yes)
Their origin is thought to be the east Mediterranean and if the majority were being imported into Kent very few were allowed to pass further . There are rarely more than two in a grave , the largest number from a single grave being the 17 examples from grave 1 at Breach Down ( Kent ) . They , like most beads , are usually found in female graves , strung with others in a necklace or used as pendants mounted in metal loops . Some may have been worn as earrings . The vast majority of the pottery used in England for both domestic and funerary purposes was hand - made locally .
Idiom: cakes and ale (used idiomatically: yes)
And one day , with jarring abruptness , I was twenty - seven , and the little inner voice stopped jeering and sneering at every man I met and began to whimper and bleat . " Is it going on forever , this lonely - nights policy ? So supposing you never marry , and if you go on being so fussy you probably never will — are there to be no cakes and ale ? " And I began to be conscious of my unnatural state , and cry in the night sometimes for no real reason except that I wanted a man beside me — any man at all , I sometimes thought , and the little voice which had been so snooty before , now held its peace on the subject . I kept thinking about the actor .
Idiom: at the crossroads (used idiomatically: no)
For very many years the loading of vehicles onto railway tracks here was the only means of overcoming the Gotthard barrier when the pass road was closed by winter snows . Nowadays the motorway tunnel , which also runs from Goschenen through the Gotthard massif into canton Ticino , is the route taken by the overwhelming majority of motorists in summer as well as in winter . Goschenen then is the place of decisions : whether to take the tunnel through to Italian - speaking Ticino and southern climes , or to proceed to Andermatt on the old Gotthard road which now climbs sharply up to cross the Reuss tributary and after some hairpin bends enters the forbidding rock walls of the Schollenen gorge which took centuries for road builders to master , first by bridle paths on suspended plank bridges and in more modern days by tunnels and galleries as well as daring bridges Emerging from the gorge the road crosses the Reuss waterfall on the " Devil 's bridge " and enters the wide Urseren valley in which Andermatt lies , occupying the strategic position at the " crossroads of Switzerland " or even of Europe — where the main west - east route carved out of the high alpine massif by the Rhine and Rhone rivers crosses the north - south route gouged out by rivers Reuss and Ticino . Andermatt itself is an attractive town . Many months of snow availability and a good sunshine record make it a favourite winter sports centre ; and a multitude of varied excursion opportunities and walking trails attract summer visitors .
Idiom: to all intents and purposes (used idiomatically: yes)
It is mounted in ‘ VTOL’ mode above an example of its Pegasus engine . It would have been impossible to have brought an airliner into the gallery — they must remain at the Museum 's ‘ out - station’ at Wroughton , Wilts , but the next best thing was achieved . This is the HS.125 which to all intents and purposes is a mini - airliner exhibiting much of the technology required for a 1960s jetliner . Beyond the bizjet is a mighty Rolls - Royce RB.211 turbofan , representing the engine advances that made the widebody airliner era a possibility . On the wall beyond this huge engine can be found another , stunning exhibit .
Idiom: with a view to (used idiomatically: yes)
The ‘ information’ part of Vredeling , which would apply to employers with 1,000 or more employees , would require that information relating to the business as a whole , and to the employees ' own particular subsidiaries or establishments , be supplied annually to employees ' representatives . Such information would include the economic and financial state of the business , its forecast development , the present and anticipated pattern of employment and its investment prospects . Management would also be obliged to consult employees ' representatives on matters likely to have serious consequences for their interests , with a view to attempting to reach agreement . In the 1983 draft , such matters include major closures and relocations ; substantial reductions or alterations in the business ; major organisational changes , including those arising from new technologies ; joint ventures ; and health and safety . There will be an exception on the grounds of commercial secrecy .
Idiom: as good as new (used idiomatically: yes)
Then brush vigorously with a churn or utility brush dipped frequently in very hot detergent solution . As a final touch spray the now exposed grouting with strong ( 8 percent ) hypochlorite and leave to dry . The result is tiling as good as new . Canopies : These respond well to the spray - wipe technique using a solvent degreaser often without any further action . First soak up any liquid oil residues with a paper towel .
Idiom: pass the buck (used idiomatically: yes)
it crumbled , then collapsed like a hollow Stilton . Gideon passed the buck ; I got my notice . He knew his son was all mouth and trousers