Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: lay down the law (used idiomatically: no)
A BACK-to-basics drive is to put spelling , grammar and punctuation at the heart of the school timetable once again , the Government announced yesterday . It will be the biggest upheaval for nearly 40 years in the way English — spoken and written — is taught in our schools . But yesterday 's announcement really amounts to an admission that the Government badly bungled its first attempt to lay down by law how English should be taught in schools — only two years ago . Just listen to what yesterday 's report , by the Government 's new National Curriculum Council and blessed by Education Secretary John Patten , had to say about that one . The new law did n't stress how children should learn to speak standard English — or state how they should be taught to read .
Idiom: off the shelf (used idiomatically: no)
Double glazing means having two layers of glass in your windows instead of one . The second layer can be added as a separate , usually movable , pane inside your existing window ( known as secondary glazing ) , or can be provided by fitting a twin - wall sealed glazing unit in place of the usual single pane . All replacement window specialists offer the option of sealed double glazed units , but many off - the - shelf replacement windows from timber merchants and the like can only be single - glazed . Right : Monarch 's new black frame colour option can be used on its own , or with white to create a ' mock Tudor ' effect Below : High - security multi - point locking system , and stained glass are two options from Monarch
Idiom: to say the least (used idiomatically: yes)
The end of the show was a slow fade as Joyce dances into a kind of immortality after her death from cancer in 1979 . Fortunately I was n't told about Philip till the curtain came down and it 's impossible to convey how lost I felt . A committee of his closest friends planned a memorial celebration for him — and the meetings were interesting , to say the least . Grief brings out the best and the worst in all of us , I 've discovered . When my husband 's mother , Lakey , died , an extraordinary scene of pillage went on in her little Blackpool bungalow after Jack had uttered the fateful sentence to visiting friends and relatives ‘ Take whatever you want.’
Idiom: take stock (used idiomatically: yes)
Second , should LAWER be viewed as an acceptable outcome of the doctor 's responsibility towards well - known patients in great pain but unable to express wishes ? The present state of the hospice movement and continuing research on pain relief make us ask , ‘ is optimum pain alleviation being sought?’ It is up to the medical profession to take stock of advances in this aspect of practice . Yet , if pain remains , who would be so bold as to decide when the patient 's limit of tolerance has been reached ? If there is no blanket strategy that can be applied to all , then more and better individualised pain care is needed .
Idiom: in a rut (used idiomatically: no)
A CARTER was driving a waggon loaded with a merchant 's goods , when the wheels stuck in a rut . Thereupon he began to pray to Hercules , without other exertion . " Indolent fellow ! " said Hercules ; " you ask me to help you , but will not help yourself . " So the Carter helped himself to so many of the most valuable goods that the horses easily ran away with the remainder .
Idiom: on the cards (used idiomatically: no)
They had a £ 300-a - month mortgage on their three - bedroomed semi in Basford , Nottingham . Debra , 26 , and Graham , 28 , like millions of Britons , had run up big debts . In total they owed £ 6,000 on a car loan and credit cards . So they decided the best way out was to remortgage their home . Packet
Idiom: get lost (used idiomatically: yes)
Arrived at Houches during the evening . Rucksack feels like a ton weight already ( and still 120 miles to go ! ) Proceeded to get lost in village — not a good start — but eventually found accommodation , despite my lack of French . Day 2 Houches to Les Contamines ( 11.4 miles — 5,086 ft up , 4,472 ft down )
Idiom: foot the bill (used idiomatically: yes)
Vice chairman Eleanor Young , who is also a Darlington councillor , fears many volunteer drivers could withdraw their cover leaving health authorities facing huge bills for taxis . Coun Young said : ‘ I think it is pretty ludicrous to suggest anyone is getting rich by taking people to hospital ‘ But if people who do this sort of thing are facing the prospect of making a loss they just wo n't bother . ‘ If that happens the health authority is going to have to foot the bill for a taxi or ambulance if it wants to get people to hospital . In the end they are going to end up out of pocket.’ She said drivers in the Dales who ferry people to hospitals in nearby towns could be hardest hit .
Idiom: born and bred (used idiomatically: yes)
But falling pupil numbers at Soudley Primary School could lead to it being shut down within the next few years . There are other problems too . Malcolm Bevan was born and bred in Soudley . Male speaker There has been a loss of community spirit .
Idiom: on the mend (used idiomatically: yes)
He says that most of those years are just a blur but he finds it hard to forget that he was locked in a secure ward for the seriously mentally ill for two weeks . Mr McDonald no longer drinks but has been an alcoholic for more than a decade . He 's on the mend because , unlike many former offenders , Mr McDonald has a home . ‘ Having a home again has changed my life . There 's hardly any chance that I 'll reoffend .
Idiom: take stock (used idiomatically: yes)
The preacher there was Marcus Loane , who later became archbishop of all Australia , but was then only a young clergyman . He was leading Bible studies on the Book of Romans . For the first time in several years Eva found herself taking stock of her own life , realising it fell far short of the wonder and beauty of the life of Christ , and recognising she was heading in the wrong direction . Still not sure how to set things right , and with Major Burrows back from the war , she began attending the Salvation Army again . By this time the family was based at Fortitude Valley , Brisbane , a " tough little corps " where the larrikins had knocked down the Salvation Army lasses when they were first trying to get established , and the crowd had pelted them with mud , stones and stale fish .
Idiom: out of the question (used idiomatically: no)
Some months ago a gang of local youngsters asked if I could help them in this direction . I wrote to Durham County Council on their behalf and as a result met Matt Frazer , principal community education officer and youth works . It was felt that another youth centre building with current economic restraints would be out of the question . It would be possible to operate a youth community bus if a steering committee and funds could be raised . I ask that volunteers should contact me and the steering committee should be non - political .
Idiom: lame duck (used idiomatically: yes)
I assumed you knew him . But what on earth made you think there were two of them ? Or no , do n't tell me,’ she denied with a scowl every bit as horrible as her son 's , ‘ he 's adopted another blasted lame duck and has got him living here with him ! Honestly , that man is the absolute limit!’ Staring at the other girl , her face puzzled , she began slowly , ‘ But Leo said —’
Idiom: turn a blind eye (used idiomatically: yes)
When it becomes illegal which will I 'm sure all people will abide by the law . Because there is a way forward , it is about negotiation , it is about hunt the hunting community , it is about sharing ideas and looking for a way forward , going forward from here , well to turn a blind eye to what goes on and vote for that amendment is very similar to what Hitler did in Germany fifty years ago . The national populous actually turned a blind eye to atrocities that were happening with human beings . It did n't just start off with human beings , they s started in sectors and it spread . I do n't think it 's as bad as that here but I do n't think it can ever happen here , hopefully .
Idiom: old hat (used idiomatically: yes)
She seems a very good Guider too . I see I 've been slipping up a bit.’ The tramp pushed up his old hat and scratched his head . ‘ I must remember to watch my step in the Park.’ He peered under his ancient hat at Jill , who noticed that his eyes were blue and very bright , although his face was old and seamed and wrinkled .
Idiom: break someone's heart (used idiomatically: yes)
Dad 's oldest friend — he may not make it.’ ‘ Oh dear , I am sorry.’ ‘ No no , you wo n't break your heart , I know … But your father 's taken it dreadfully . He wo n't go upstairs two at a time.’
Idiom: one and the same (used idiomatically: no)
Accordingly , with effect from 1991–92 , a new procedure established under s86 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 operates whereby every practising certificate will specify a " replacement date " by which the holder must apply for its renewal . A practising certificate will expire in the following circumstances:(1 ) immediately upon its holder being removed from or struck off the roll;(2 ) upon its withdrawal at the instance of the Law Society after the designated replacement date has passed without application for renewal being receivedbut such expiry will not be automatic;(3 ) upon its replacement by a new practising certificate;(4 ) upon the Society refusing to issue a new certificate or upon the replacement date if that is subsequent to the Society 's refusal . By this system any unexpected hiatus should be avoided and the Law Society will no longer be compelled to process applications for renewal of certificates from the entire profession at one and the same time . The cost of a practising certificate comprises a fixed fee of £ 420 ( for 1991–92 ) together with a contribution to the Law Society 's Compensation Fund . The latter consists of an ordinary annual contribution of £ 215 ( for 1991–92 ) where the solicitor has stated in his application that he has ( during the past practising year ) held or received clients ' money .
Idiom: bow and scrape (used idiomatically: yes)
The uncooked herrings blink a tearful eye . The candles palpitate . The Oistrakhs bow and scrape in evening dress , on Emi - tape . Outside the trees are bending over backwards
Idiom: come to terms with (used idiomatically: yes)
Rachel found herself watching her sister closely as they all sat and talked . Jennifer was thirty now , as fair as Rachel was dark , taking after their father , while Rachel favoured Valerie for colouring . Her sister 's illness had taken its toll on her looks and they had all spent some very traumatic moments helping her to come to terms with the debilitating condition which had now rendered her legs virtually useless . Rachel had already decided not to mention anything about the new MO at OBEX . There was no reason for Jennifer to know and it would probably only upset her , but Rachel did find herself wondering about Jennifer 's previous relationship with David Markham .
Idiom: hold your tongue (used idiomatically: yes)
' And with what bribe is he to be persuaded ? ' flashed Theda . ' This run - down rubbish heap of a house ? ' ' Hold your tongue ! ' commanded Lady Merchiston . ' Do you imagine you can compel my silence so easily after such an announcement ? ' demanded Theda furiously . ' Dear lord in heaven !
Idiom: one and the same (used idiomatically: yes)
Personality Personality is an all - embracing term that covers everything about you ; your outward behaviour as well as all the underlying factors , such as beliefs ( see page 21),attitudes ( see page 12)and feelings ( see page 66 ) . People often assume that personality and behaviour are one and the same and this leads to the erroneous assumption that because the fundamentals of your personality are relatively fixed so also is your behaviour . The difference between personality and behaviour becomes clearer if you think of your personality as the thread of consistency that runs through everything you do . Your personality sets boundaries on what you can and can not do in rather the same way that your physical build also sets constraints .
Idiom: fly the flag (used idiomatically: yes)
Fighting on with all flags flying THREE Union Jacks fluttering nobly in the breeze brought a touch of patriotic pride to a British firm in Hampshire . Bosses saw nothing wrong with flying the flag — and neither did anyone else living near the Roman Carriage car company in Winklebury . But busybody bureaucrats on Basingstoke council did n't share this enthusiasm for the old red , white and blue . They ordered the auto firm to haul down the flags , claiming they were ‘ excessive’ in a residential area .
Idiom: rule of thumb (used idiomatically: yes)
Sometimes we rely on our judgment in combining interest - rate action with open - market operations . But the fact remains that our understanding of these policies ’ mechanics is rudimentary . These rules of thumb work ( at ~ least tolerably so ) as a result of evolution . Over time , the wrong moves are penalized , and their users either learn by watching others or disappear . We get our monetary and fiscal policies right the same way that birds build their nests right .
Idiom: on the rocks (used idiomatically: yes)
It was very dangerous near the rock . In the best place , the waves went up and down two or three metres every minute . ‘ If we make one mistake,’ Grace thought , ‘ the boat will break into fifty small pieces , and we 'll be on the rock with the others.’ Carefully , slowly , Grace and her father tried to get the boat near the rock , but three times they had to pull away at the last minute . Then , the fourth time , William Darling jumped .
Idiom: over the moon (used idiomatically: yes)
These grammatical prejudices do marr my enjoyment of articles . Lastly , to say I do n't enjoy life just because I fight for things I believe in is incorrect . I 've just got into my college 's riding team and am over the moon at this exciting prospect . Thankfully , I really do enjoy my life . I adore opera , music , literature , ballet , etc the list is unbelievably long .
Idiom: cut and thrust (used idiomatically: yes)
' It 's tough out there in the real world . Competition . Cut and thrust . Take my situation ; you 'd never be able to handle that , would you ? You ought to think again . '
Idiom: stick your neck out (used idiomatically: yes)
Fishing gloves with textured palms . £ 17.95 , from Farlow 's ( 071–839 2423 , mail order also available ) DON'T STICK your neck out . RM Williams 's sou'wester , £ 15 , with long back brim , complements their classic oilskin coat , £ 115 . ( 071–434 0061 for stocklists and mail order details ) SNAPPING in the rain .
Idiom: way to go (used idiomatically: yes)
Yes . You 'd have thought so would n't you ? Still I imagine many men would say what a way to go . Yes . I would n't .
Idiom: play with fire (used idiomatically: no)
It was the TV show Saturday Night Live which originally made Martin a huge hit in the States . Then , in 1980 , he decided to concentrate on his film career , and he has had his ups and downs . The 1987 hit Roxanne — in which he plays the Cyrano de Bergerac character of a fire chief with a huge nose — followed five flops . But Steve Martin did not change course for a second . Six years ago he met his wife , English actress Victoria Tennant , best known for Winds of War with Robert Mitchum , when they co-starred in the film All Of Me .
Idiom: short and sweet (used idiomatically: yes)
' Claire took off a couple of years ago . Niall arrived home on leave to find she 'd packed her bags and left him a note . I gather it was short and not too sweet , running something along the lines of , ' I 've met someone else . ' The divorce came through about six months ago . ' Lindsey could hear the deafening thud of her own heartbeat as a sensation of relief swept over her .
Idiom: hands down (used idiomatically: yes)
Swindon against Ipswich … that 's the match in the premiership … When the two towns faced each other in the first division … it was no contest … Swindon won hands down … 4 - 1 … it was one of their best wins of the season … Those were the days … what the County Ground fans would give for something like this tomorrow … Ipswich are on a downer … it could be Town 's big chance …
Idiom: have words (used idiomatically: no)
I walked back from the Meeting with Quintin who knew by then that he was Macmillan 's selection , and I told him that the idea had my support . Had I known that he intended to throw his claim to the leadership into the ring within a matter of hours , I would have tried to dissuade him from it then and there , for people never like being bounced , and least of all at a time of emotional stress . As it was , others advised him against precipitating the issue , and I had a late word with him shortly before his evening meeting with the Conservative Political Centre ; but by then it was too late for he considered himself to be committed to his friends . In his speech he declared himself a runner . The immediate instinct of his audience was to acclaim , but there followed a swift reaction against his candidature , and the tactical advantage which he had seemingly tried to gain by such instant action fell right away .
Idiom: in the can (used idiomatically: yes)
The desire to capture had driven him like a wild man through the school yard , up the sidewalk , everywhere . He understood what had driven the cavemen , and the barbarian , because the same passion was driving him . Putting the girls in the trash cans was the most important challenge of his life . His long screaming charge ended with him red - faced , gasping for breath — and with Viola Angotti pinned against the garbage cans . His moment of triumph was short .
Idiom: go to town (used idiomatically: yes)
Economic decline , physical decay and social disintegration are the three afflictions which denote the poverty of people and places . ' The economic decline of the cities is by no means a recent phenomenon . The industries which used to provide employment for inner city residents have either died or long since gone to the new towns or to green field sites and industrial estates on the outskirts of the towns . Consequently , the highest rates of unemployment occur in the inner urban areas — in some cases almost 40 per cent at a time when general unemployment levels , according to the official figures , are about 6 per cent . Physical decay extends across whole areas of cities like Birmingham , Glasgow , Leeds , Liverpool , London , Manchester , Newcastle and Sheffield .
Idiom: have it easy (used idiomatically: yes)
In mid April the SD in Schweinfurt reported : ‘ The people curse quite openly . If the District Leader and Landrat or the Mayor ca n't be torn to pieces any more , they go on to the State leadership and the Führer himself . Thus , a woman with two small children in the air - raid shelter is said to have commented : ‘ The Führer has it easy . He does n't have to look after a family . If the worst comes to the worst in the war , he 'll leave us all in the mess and put a bullet through his head !
Idiom: turn over a new leaf (used idiomatically: yes)
Who gave Sir Anthony his knighthood ? And which US president cited the sadistic and much - imitated Rambo as his favourite Saturday night video viewing ? There is no indication that Hollywood is turning over a new leaf , free of bloodstains . Quite the opposite . Soon children will be lending each other America is Falling Down in which Michael Douglas , a disillusioned middle - class businessman , grabs his gun and storms a merry path through the city , showering bullets like confetti on anyone who gets in his way : especially if they happen to be Korean or Cuban .
Idiom: sick and tired (used idiomatically: yes)
His members had had enough . He knew that he was now powerless to influence the way they would vote . He had underestimated the new mood of his members who had become sick and tired of the never - ending series of disputes , which they knew in their consciences had been driving the Division ever closer to bankruptcy . Clasper was stranded . He had missed the ebb tide .
Idiom: sleep rough (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ A few itinerants . Some labourers from the sticks living cheap while they get the job finished . One or two people who 'll be sleeping rough if they ca n't beg the room rate . The streets round about are a meat market ; couples rent by the half - hour — I do n't think many of them are man and wife.’ ‘ OK , Rob .
Idiom: do the trick (used idiomatically: yes)
Okay ? Yeah . And hopefully that 'll do the trick . And if your son is n't settling down then we may need to have another look at him , and run some tests on him . doctor and he 's still with my wife you see .
Idiom: under the table (used idiomatically: yes)
We worthily magnify thy Holy name . And er We are not worthy even to gather up the crumbs under your table , oh gracious Lord . Yeah . It is thy nature always to have mercy .
Idiom: at the end of the day (used idiomatically: yes)
They fear damaging the child within their secure family relationship . Their dilemmas are similar to those of many adoptive families but are exacerbated by the racial and ethnic issues already discussed . When it is difficult for the family or the child to attach themselves to each other , then at the end of the day the child will leave the family and become attached to the black community . The ‘ closed’ family system as a contributory factor in racial identity confusion Most transracial families operate a closed family system ( Gill and Jackson , 1983 , p. 104 ) .
Idiom: go for broke (used idiomatically: no)
After five minutes or so and a few shaky moments in some bankside undergrowth , a huge koi graced my net which when put on the scales went a shade over 15 lb . This was definitely one for the album and after several quick shots back she went — not quite a grand - daddy but getting closer . At this point I decided to go for broke so I wound in the other corn rod and changed this over to a boilie . I must have been mad on the strength of one fish , going all out boilies but it was a double and I just had a feeling this was how the better fish might fall . Both rods back out I piled in the remainder of the bulk bag ( about 950 boilies ) and sat back in anticipation .
Idiom: part of the furniture (used idiomatically: yes)
The inhabitants of Northern Nigeria , however , though coming close to this standard , had with few exceptions to be cured of a certain lack of forthrightness . Thus the element of moral instruction entered Indirect Rule as it was practised in the Nigerian emirates - though in a system so deliberately obfuscatory it was not easy to see how such instruction could be provided . Fortunately , the answer lay close at hand , in that sense of the redeeming power of personal example which had for so long been part of the mental furniture of the British middle classes . ' Our supreme contribution to Africa … is not so much what we do as what we are ' , wrote Walter Crocker . In this spirit , A.C.G. Hastings wrote with pride of the transformation experienced by his cook during ten years of association with him : ' He spoke quite freely at the end .