Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: under the microscope (used idiomatically: no)
Half television , half microscope , Roberts 's invention made it possible to magnify living tissues up to 25,000 times , against an ordinary miscroscope 's 5,000 times . Roberts tested his idea at London University . He clipped a glass slide , smeared with a drop of blood , under an ordinary microscope reversed ; and then scanned the specimen in a series of lines by means of a minute and brilliant spot of light . A photo - electric cell converted the spot 's messages into electric signals , which were amplified and further converted into a display on a television viewing screen . Roberts 's discovery was made in 1951 and gave a considerable boost to the research of Prof J Z Young , the celebrated brain expert , who had suggested that some kind of electronic machine might solve the cell counting problem .
Idiom: in the pipeline (used idiomatically: yes)
To support this , the commitment to annual expenditure of over £ 6 m in research and technology will continue . Substantial growth is possible in Electrochemical technology , Bob Hunt believes . Today , this business has a turnover of only £ 10 m a year but there are some interesting new products in the pipeline . Most of these products and packages will move ICI further away from traditional chlor - alkali technology and towards the new electrode coatings and membrane cell technology area such as in situ water treatment and cathodic corrosion protection . Towards the end of 1986 this part of the business was expanded with the acquisition of the electrode coatings manufacturer , Marston Palmer in Wolverhampton . , UK , and by the purchase of a controlling interest in a company in California , Ebonex Technologies , which has developed a conducting ceramic .
Idiom: cut corners (used idiomatically: yes)
Many meet the strictest safety standards but there are a few exceptions . Economics play a major role in dictating a rig 's safety . Constructing terminal tackle of this nature is a time consuming occupation although there are a few that try to cut corners to maximise profits . You cna't blame tackle shops and manufacturers for trying to streamline their production , but when other angler 's safety is put at risk questions must be asked . It 's far better to spend a few extra minutes making a trace 100 per cent safe , even if it means putting a few extra pence into the finished product .
Idiom: on the cards (used idiomatically: yes)
' Come with me , ' said Mr Utterson to the inspector . ' I think I know where he lives . ' Mr Utterson led him to the address on Mr Hyde 's visiting card . It was in a poor part of London , in a dirty street full of cheap bars and eating - houses . This was the home of Henry Jekyll 's favourite friend — the man who would inherit Jekyll 's quarter of a million pounds .
Idiom: on and off (used idiomatically: yes)
But I was also glad he 'd never asked to see any of mine . I bus - hopped down to Covent Garden to start putting the feelers out for Werewolf . The City is one of the few places left with the old London buses you can jump on and off . With most punters having travel passes with those twee colour pictures on their identity cards , the conductors rarely bother to come upstairs to collect fares any more , so you can get a fair amount of free rides in if you 're prepared to keep moving . The new one - man buses which are everywhere these days are not only designed by maniacs who 've never heard of the aged or disabled , but you ca n't get on one without flashing the cash .
Idiom: face to face (used idiomatically: yes)
There are , for instance , adverse implications for democracy — in some situations the bureaucrats rather than the elected officials are likely to be found taking decisions . The proliferation of staff has also damaged collegial relationships in Congress . Inevitably there is less face - to - face contact between members and communication must often take place via staff . Nevertheless , the large and rapid growth in staff assistance has undoubtedly made Congress not only more democratic internally , but also more formidable to the chief executive . CAMPAIGNING FOR CONGRESS
Idiom: the plot thickens (used idiomatically: yes)
But where is the Prince ? Where indeed ? The plot has thickened — a twist of fate and cunning has put into their hands a letter that seals their deaths ! ( The two SPIES present their letter ; the ENGLISH KING reads it an orders their deaths . They stand up as the PLAYER whips off their cloaks preparatory to execution . )
Idiom: wear the trousers (used idiomatically: yes)
She was the tomboy , skinny in jeans and men 's waistcoats , the vulnerable yet tough girl in big frocks and bigger boots and not afraid to expose her body — she was frequently photographed without clothes . But behind everything she did was a raw power that emphasised she was her own woman . In her wake came the likes of Chrissie Hynde , who found it easier just to wear the trousers . Deborah Harry was a very different kind of role model . Blondie were a group , but Blondie was also Debbie 's alter ego , a cartoon character come to life , a girl that has fun even if her heart gets broken .
Idiom: sing the praises of (used idiomatically: no)
Norman MacCaig , one of Scotland 's finest modern poets , knows this area well ; and as a keen trout fisherman has explored Assynt more thoroughly than most . MacCaig dramatically captures the spirit of this wonderful land in his poem , ‘ Musical Moment in Assynt’ . He sings the praises of Cul Mor , saying : ‘ And God was Mozart when he wrote Cul Mor.’ Suilven , that finest of all Sutherland mountains , is described as : ‘ One sandstone chord that holds up time in space.’ The name Suilven is Norse in origin .
Idiom: heart of gold (used idiomatically: yes)
He later told police that she was ' like a grandma to me ' . ' But when the child became a man he killed her , ' he said . ' She was well known in Aspull and it had been said she had a heart of gold . ' From 1990 she was virtually housebound with chest problems and people in the community rallied round to help her and brought her meals . In the early hours of February 16 last year Abram broke into her home through the bathroom window and when she disturbed him as he searched for money for drink and to have his hair cut he killed her , Mr Burke said .
Idiom: by heart (used idiomatically: no)
Anna knows the first thousand decimal places of π by ~ heart .
Idiom: do the trick (used idiomatically: yes)
Margolis asks : “ When the boss says ‘ Who wants to come to Philadelphia with me ? ’ , what ’s going to get two people instead of one to say yes ? To abandon their families , stand in line , and perhaps take a middle seat ... ” Points , of course , will do the trick . The promise of being recognized at the airline counter , ushered to the front of the line , and , yes , looking like a big ~ shot at the airport bar . Margolis ’s new company , MedRewards , plans to give people points for healthy behavior – everything from taking their medications regularly to signing in at the gym more than five times a week .
Idiom: go through the motions (used idiomatically: no)
A well - informed horseman simply had to grasp the horse 's head firmly and give it a sharp turn and back him out of the area that had been contaminated by the jading substance . One cunning old horseman used to jade a horse simply by pretending to feel the horse 's fetlocks , but with the palm of his hand covered with the repellent substance . Later when he wanted to release him he had only to go through the same motion but this time having his hand covered with a substance that would neutralize the smell . And he gulled , and also impressed , the bystanders by lifting up one of the horse 's front hoofs , giving it two or three sharp taps with his knuckles and saying confidently : ' Right ! He 'll go now . '
Idiom: on the ropes (used idiomatically: yes)
' I think that the boot may be on the other leg ! ' After prospecting the places to put the booms across , dictated by the situations of suitable anchoring rocks , they returned to the castle . Ramsay was interested to note , in the passing , how as a couple of boats entered the harbour ahead of them from the fishing , under the bridge between the two outermost towers , they each provided a basket of new - caught fish to be hoisted up on ropes to men on the bridge , this seemingly how they paid their rents and harbour dues to their lord . That evening , in the hall , Mariot entertained them with songs , accompanied by the harp , to their enjoyment ; although Ramsay qualified his rapture by some regret that , there being insufficient room in their ingle - neuk for playing the harp , she had to perform outside it , and he was deprived of the nearness which he found so much to his taste . However , singing over , and Agnes bringing wine to sip , he got his companion back alongside for a little , before the bedward move was made .
Idiom: drop the ball (used idiomatically: yes)
, an admirer of Mr Gladstone . A vote is then held on the last Friday of the following month and members drop white balls or black balls in a box bearing the member 's name . The decision is made on the basis of a simple majority . ' ' Well I do n't know about ( b ) and ( c ) ' said Milton .
Idiom: by heart (used idiomatically: yes)
He learnt the periodic ~ table by ~ heart just for fun .
Idiom: in bed with (used idiomatically: no)
and you know and this other force is the fallen angels , the demons , if they , they can have , oh this women used to say oh he 's with me , he , he 's in bed with me at night Mhm so these demons , these fallen angels have got , you see , you 've got to serve them and , and those of the bible , but once you 're dead , you go to the grave you see and that 's it , you 're not conscious of anything at all it says
Idiom: get to grips with (used idiomatically: yes)
Locality , social process and explanation Introduction This chapter will review recent debates so as to get to grips with some issues and ideas which are helpful in understanding the situation in North Shields and Cramlington . The point is to facilitate discussion of how to change things — how in terms of the title of this book to get Beyond the Inner City , both for Tyneside and for other places like it . The terms of the review are best illustrated by reference to the contrast between the field of social policy and the discipline of sociology .
Idiom: spit it out (used idiomatically: yes)
Mallory Geld reports from the High Court in London . The singer 's lawyer George Carman Q C told the court the Sunday Mirror story was headlined , Elton 's diet of death and the secret of slim Elton 's spitting image . It claimed Elton John was hooked on eating food and spitting it out and it claimed he told guests at a Los Angeles party , I 'm on the do n't swallow and get thin diet . The singer who was in court shook his head as the article was read out . Mr Carman said the story was completely untrue .
Idiom: every which way (used idiomatically: yes)
Doreen Roberts reports I ca n't remember when I first bought a box of Neocolor crayons but I do remember wondering just what they 'd do . I took the advice I always give my students — try every new tool ‘ every - which - way ’ to find out what you can do with them . Neocolor crayons are very versatile and , of course , depend very much on the surface used . Watercolour paper is very difficult for using crayons on as the ‘ pits’ in the paper interrupt the crayon colour .
Idiom: out of line (used idiomatically: no)
For nationality you can read ' racialism ' . I could n't interpret it as anything but racialism . But , at that stage , the only thing that prevented me from saying , ' oh well , I 'll go and find a regular job instead , ' was that I was aware that this thing existed — racialism — and that whatever happened , getting away from it , getting out of the firing line , would n't help me . I could prove my point much better if I kept on , I 'm determined , so I kept on . I had a point to prove .
Idiom: make or break (used idiomatically: yes)
ARCHAEOLOGY Ronald T. Ridley The Eagle and the Spade : The Archaeology of Rome during the Napoleonic Era 1809–1814 ( Cambridge University Press , 1992 ) 328pp , 78ills . £ 50 The period in question was one of make or break for the conservation of Rome 's antiquities , and this book explores in satisfying depth the activities , notably of the French , in saving them . Preservationists such as Camporese and Valadier are seen against the background of the various commissions , and individual buildings ' histories are scrutinised . Albeit a recherché subject , an absorbing study .
Idiom: on the money (used idiomatically: no)
Er I 'm not a big eater . Mhm . How do you find it erm find like getting by financially on the money that you 've got . I mean how do you do you I mean Well only barely duck .
Idiom: keep a low profile (used idiomatically: yes)
The alleged theft is said to be related to Axil 's hiring a Sun engineer who is named in the suit . Sun said it was bringing action over the alleged theft to keep the playing field level , claiming Axil 's illegal head start cut potential investment in the Sparc architecture . Sun will keep a low profile on the suit lest it catch flak from other Sparcsystem builders . NEC BRINGS TWO OF ITS IMAGE SERIES OF DESKTOP 80486 COMPUTERS TO THE UK In an attempt to cash in on the UK corporate market 's growing appetite for high speed personal computer graphics , NEC Corp has introduced its Image Series of desktops , launched in the US in February ( CI No 2,116 ) .
Idiom: come to terms with (used idiomatically: yes)
But social reforms and advances in social provision seldom come through mass demand . Much more often thinkers and workers inside the social work professions themselves persuade the public — or a sufficient proportion of it — that reform is necessary . If the social work profession can come to terms with its own feeling concerning the sexual implications of its work , it will not be long before its more influential members begin to exercise their influence on social ideas . In the meantime the courageous worker will follow the lines of his or her own conscience : and the courageous director will back such efforts , within reason . These arguments as to public reaction and " trouble " for the social worker apply only to what may be seen as more considerable reforms — the relaxation of strict sexual control in most residential institutions , a greater measure of sexual tolerance for the mentally handicapped , plainer recognition of the sexual needs and problems of earlier adolescence ( even pre - adolescence ) and so on .
Idiom: cut your losses (used idiomatically: yes)
Welsh ewes with double crossbred lambs to £ 61 . Welsh couples to £ 50 . It 's often best to cut your losses early on THERE is a spiteful tendency among some commentators to compare the fuss recently made about the losses suffered by MPs , judges and others rich enough to have become ‘ Names’ at Lloyd 's of London , with the problems suffered by those who are unemployed . ‘ How did they get the £ 250,000 spare wealth needed to qualify in the first place’ , is one theme I hear from these envy - driven commentators .
Idiom: argue the toss (used idiomatically: yes)
If results do not occur , the marketing director , or , worse , the managing director , looks for a scapegoat , human nature being what it is . What is easier than to look at the most conspicuous item in the marketing budget and one which is largely the concern of an outside supplier , at that ? It is a brave agency that will argue the toss in the circumstances , and a lucky one that will find a client ready to listen . The fact is that unless you have a reasonable understanding of what advertising can and can not achieve , you have absolutely no way of deciding what its role in a marketing programme is , what objectives should be set for it , and how to measure whether it has achieved those objectives . Figure 6.1 ‘ Black box’ effect
Idiom: drop the ball (used idiomatically: no)
Whatever , it got him a long , heartfelt , high-pitched ‘ Wooooooooooooooo ’ from about 20,000 people who 'd got little else to wooo about . Controversey broke out about sportsmanship on the field . Ipswich players were going down quite a lot , and every time they did , Leeds kindly punted the ball back to them after the drop-ball restart . After the third such incident in the 2nd half , some sections of the crowd thought this was too much and while the trainer was bandaging away sang ‘ keep the ball , keep the ball , keep the ball ’ . They did n't .
Idiom: kiss ass (used idiomatically: yes)
Danny Baker was never a Nick Kent . Reading him at his NME peak , you got the impression he never cared what Keef or Ron reckoned , nor that the rock ' n ' roll lifestyle was anything for rock writers to aspire to . Baker grew out of a mixture of punk and funk , but did n't kiss the ass of either in print . Whether he was meeting Wacko Jacko in LA or reviewing the latest Lurkers 45 , Baker had perspective . He was just as much of a mad f — er as anyone else on the paper — he recalls sulphate - fuelled weeks spent in East Germany , for example— but he did n't take it too seriously .
Idiom: only time will tell (used idiomatically: yes)
It remains to be seen whether in the context of ' cohabitation ' Jacques Sallois , the current incumbent , will be perceived as too close to Lang — he was head of his private office 1981–84 — to serve under a Minister of the Centre Right . Even if Bernard Stasi may be right in describing Jack Lang 's cultural policy as a ' spectacular performance played behind closed doors for the amusement of the prince and his obliging friends ' , it will be a challenge to succeed him , the longest serving Minister of Culture of the Fifth Republic . Only time will tell whether his work will have had as long - lasting an impact as that of Andre Malraux , de Gaulle 's Minister of Culture between 1959 and 1969 . Madrid Spain to buy Thyssen paintings
Idiom: under the microscope (used idiomatically: yes)
When I see a spider 's web , I no longer see the sinister aspects that I once saw . Now I see the spider as a fisherman waiting near his nets at the side of the streams of the air . During autumn he puts out his invisible lines that can only be seen under the microscope of the sun beams , and he is carried into the deep ocean , a balloonist travelling to an unknown destination . I feel for the spider living in his strange world , this master craftsman who has been commissioned to beautify a small corner with his delicate work , and when the dew drops fall , for an instant , the world is made luminous and is transfigured . During a break while attending a board meeting , I have looked beyond the faces and the smoke , and seen some idea that has carried me far away for a few moments .
Idiom: round the clock (used idiomatically: yes)
A gift for smaller homes . Large or small , a home is always more saleable if it has gas central heating . People prefer gas for its reliability , controllability and round - the - clock economy . So we 've introduced several central heating systems at a reduced cost , designed with the smaller home in mind . Which means that now you can afford to install gas in all your homes , whatever the size .
Idiom: take someone's word for it (used idiomatically: yes)
Well that 's what I 'm saying . They Les takes my word for it . So they in turn take Les ' s word for it . But if they wanted to Yeah but on the
Idiom: in your face (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ You think I 'm a tramp , do n't you , Luke ? she asked suddenly . ‘ Oh , do n't bother to reply,’ she swept on bitterly . ‘ I can see it in your face … ever since that party … ’ She swallowed painfully . ‘ Ever since that damn party !
Idiom: come clean (used idiomatically: yes)
Psst — want to know a secret ? Did you know that upgrades to the EW + WW office software mean that in future it will be possible to print three-dimensional graphics and stereoscopic photographs ? Unfortunately , I 'll have to come clean ; that story is only a rumour . But while some rumours are harmless — like the persistent one about certain restaurants serving up dead dogs — others can be very damaging for businesses , especially in the volatile electronics sector . Over in the US , psychologists at a number of universities are making a serious study of how rumours are born , how they propagate and how they can finally be killed off .
Idiom: make the cut (used idiomatically: yes)
Exactly actually on a on a point on body piercing for people who have n't had anything pierced and you should everybody should have if you go and have it done during the cold weather it 's better . Oh . It makes a better cut . Right . Did you know that ?
Idiom: put down roots (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ You are n't a stranger any more,’ Cora - Beth said vehemently . ‘ Poppa says you 're part of our family now . I know your roots are in England , but do n't you think you could put down roots here in Kentucky?’ A part of Harry wanted to agree that it was possible , although it would be a very long while yet before he had enough money to buy even a small farm of his own and start up his own line of thoroughbreds . Yet despite this being his long - term plan , he still thought of England as ‘ home’ , of Alice and the Pritchetts as his ‘ family’ , of Aubrey as his best friend .
Idiom: pull strings (used idiomatically: yes)
Not only does the site not have planning permission for office development but it is not even zoned for this use and would thus require a material contravention order or a Section 4 motion by the City fathers to allow any big office development here . On these grounds alone it would be ruled out by any sensible organisation looking for a big office site . This would almost make it only eligible for a speculative developer who reckoned he might be able to pull the right political strings to get the site suitably rezoned for a later sell - on . Even if the site had planning permission however , it is still impossible to see any sense in Telecom 's purchase . For £ 9.4 m a sensible organisation would expect to buy a fully completed office development of up to 90,000 square feet , equating to £ 100 a foot completed .
Idiom: on the cuff (used idiomatically: no)
After the ceremony , the new Chancellor went ‘ walkabout’ on her way down the campus to University House where she was having lunch . She chatted to University staff gathered outside the Newton Building to see her pass by . Divested of her robes , it became apparent that she was wearing a severely simple navy blue double breasted two - piece with gold buttons , with three gold buttons on the cuffs . Navy blue high - heeled shoes and earrings completed the ensemble and I am reliably informed that the skirt was the ‘ new length’ , i.e. above the knee . She disappeared into University House for a private lunch .
Idiom: out to lunch (used idiomatically: yes)
Finlayson met Rogers . ‘ I think the old man 's cracking up,’ he said . ‘ I think he 's finally out to lunch . I 've never seen him like this before . He 's just been nice to me.’
Idiom: pleased as punch (used idiomatically: yes)
The problem was , who believed him ? Until Sunday , of course , when the Crusaders 's 30–0 walloping of First Division Wakefield was the Regal Trophy 's shock result . It landed the Second Division minnows an away second round date at Leigh and Strudwick , the 42-year - old Australian charged with spreading the rugby league gospel in the capital , was pleased as punch . ‘ To continue our development , we must play better teams , so it 's the perfect draw,’ he said . ‘ Give us one of the real giants in the semi - finals with a 15,000 crowd and the chance to say ‘ thanks for the money’ on the way out .
Idiom: come to grips with (used idiomatically: yes)
In North America Seminarians challenged to seek new approach to media education ‘ As we come to grips with the communication process , we comprehend the human being . And until we touch our essence , its infinity and finitude , the mysteries of the communicative bond can not be grasped.’ This was Professor Clifford Christians ' challenge to theologians discussing the role of communication studies in theological education .