Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: state of the art (used idiomatically: yes)
Snowblower proves a no - goer in the Teesdale drifts A snow plough costing £ 170,000 made a disastrous debut when it became stuck in fivefoot drifts in Teesdale on Thursday . Durham county council 's state - of - the - art snowblower , which was developed in Switzerland , slipped off the B6277 road above Middleton - in - Teesdale . County workers travelled in less technological gritters , snow ploughs and snow buckets and spent two hours dragging the expensive machine back on to the road . It had slipped off the road , despite the manufacturer 's claims that it can clear 20 ft drifts and 2,500 tonnes of snow an hour .
Idiom: give something a miss (used idiomatically: yes)
think i , we 'll we 'll we 'll put the English back a week Yeah , that 's no problem ! and erm give Gavin and Lucy a miss on that Wednesday . Yeah . That 's fine !
Idiom: come to terms with (used idiomatically: yes)
History provides us with no guide as to how all this will work out , but it does remind us of the need for sensitivity when dealing with powerful social forces . If post cold - war Europe is not to be violent and conflictual then the sources of rivalry and mistrust need to be addressed head - on . If its post cold - war generation is not to be continually confused by unexpected developments then they will need to come to terms with the dynamics of change . This is not the time to talk of the end of history — more a time for some good history lessons . Leading Article : Some backyards have to suffer
Idiom: draw a blank (used idiomatically: yes)
When she went back to look for it , the handbag was gone and she travelled back to Dublin without it . However , a Derry road - sweeper found the handbag lying on Strand Road this week and handed it into Derry RUC . After a wide - ranging inquiry , including checks with Magee College and other universities that drew a blank , Derry police contacted their counterparts over the border and tracked down Tamako . The camera and credit cards were still there , but the money had disappeared . Police believe the it was taken and the bag was dumped .
Idiom: do me a favour (used idiomatically: no)
Another pause . ‘ I ca n't imagine you enjoy all this moving around . Will you do me a favour , Gilly ? Try to get off on the right foot?’ Gilly had a vision of herself sailing around the living room of the foster home on her right foot like an ice skater .
Idiom: behind someone's back (used idiomatically: yes)
Do n't hit him!’ She leapt forward . Damian lunged after Tony , his face dark with rage as he bit out thickly , ‘ You 're like a bloody wasp , stinging at me — driving up in your red sports car , honking your horn , taking her dancing all over town , kissing her behind my back , sending me a painting of her half naked for my wedding present!’ He caught him by the shirt . ‘ And now you ring her up on the day we get back from our honeymoon and get her to come down and tell you all about it !
Idiom: in the pink (used idiomatically: no)
The greatest number of forms is to be found in the group loosely called the Japanese type , Acer palmatum . Some of these have leaves that are exquisitely variegated . In Butterfly , for instance , they open coral and as they mature turn green with a cream margin ; in Kagiri - nishiki the leaves are pale green , edged in pink . Usually these are seen as bushes , perhaps 5 ft or 6 ft high , but in old gardens they might be 15 ft , always with several branches arching from the base . I have yet to see one that surpasses the brilliance of Osakazuki in the autumn .
Idiom: state of the art (used idiomatically: yes)
Chairman Alan Brooker believes the company 's increased size has put it in a better position to win larger , long - term contracts , in line with DCM 's stated policy , and should lead to improved margins and faster growth . Kam Circuits , the group 's complex printed circuit board manufacturer , achieved substantial growth in both sales and profits despite ‘ a dismal trading climate’ . And Brooker expects 1993 to be another good year as Kode has continued to invest in improving the quality of its products — during the year , the board agreed to buy new state - of - the - art plating lines . Sales at Kam Printronics , a joint venture company that produces high - volume printed circuit boards , were hampered by lack of capacity at the Chinese Allied Group 's plant — Kode 's partner . But Brooker said that customers were unaffected by this shortfall because Kam has negotiated trading relationships with other suppliers in Korea , Malaysia , and Taiwan .
Idiom: on the hoof (used idiomatically: yes)
Unix System Labs ' ex - director of strategic marketing Paul Calkin has surfaced as a principal in Systems & Software Integration & Distribution where he and his staff are consulting with PC and low - end Unix companies on high - end strategic and sales issues . Do n't know why we never realized it before but Sun chief executive officer , Scott McNealy is the firm 's largest single shareholder with about 2.1 m shares or 2.2 % of the outstanding stock . That makes him worth about $ 60 m on the hoof . Not exactly Bill Gates but then who is . Well , ladies , with Bill Gates getting married that leaves Sun 's Scott McNealy to soldier on alone as the industry 's most eligible bachelor .
Idiom: rule the roost (used idiomatically: yes)
The fact that few outside The Gnoll saw fit to celebrate was only one of Neath 's problems . Their rugby was essentially unlovable , not because it was dull ( it was n't ) but because it had a rock - hard edge which caused opponents to feel intimidated before they went on the field — and sometimes with good cause since there were plenty of occasions when the ‘ manliness’ of which Neath made so much was actually foul play , plain and simple . We heard this sort of thing before , when Pontypool ruled the roost in the Seventies and Eighties , and the fact that there was more than an element of truth in it , that the complaints of others could be justified , served only to make the accused — Neath , just like Pontypool before them — become more introverted and less receptive . The more people complained about the Neath forwards ' haircuts , the less inclined the Neath forwards were to change them ; the more people complained about Neath 's rugby , the less Neath were inclined to change . It was the Millwall syndrome , ‘ Nobody loves us and we do n't care’ , given a Welsh personification .
Idiom: face to face (used idiomatically: yes)
The agreed sums would then be added together and announced in the ‘ autumn statement’ on public spending plans . From late 1992 the procedure has changed . The spending ministers must now also meet face - to - face in Cabinet in October or November to fight for a share of the set total . Any extra given to one spending department must be at the expense of another spending department . In addition , from December 1993 onwards the Budget and the public spending statements are to occur together , reinforcing the linkage between revenue raising and expenditure .
Idiom: for the time being (used idiomatically: yes)
By opening himself , he had forged another bond , which drew Vologsky out of his safe , ordered shell and - exposed him to the ravages of unrestrained speculation . By forcing the man to admit hate for one tiny part of the system , Kirov opened the mental floodgates for doubts about the whole to pour in . Kirov fell silent , knowing that he had said enough for the time being . The two men continued to stroll leisurely around the perimeter fence which separated the living quarters and parade grounds of the air - base from the restricted areas of the hangars and control tower . After a while , Vologsky spoke again , hesitantly .
Idiom: keep someone in the dark (used idiomatically: no)
Some reports by the Nazi authorities on the unrest which had arisen claimed that it was having an impact on confidence in Hitler himself . It may even have been the case — a suggestion emanating , admittedly , from a piece of post - war testimony — that the Reich Propaganda Ministry deliberately started off a rumour that the Führer , on discovering what was taking place ( in an ' action ' which , in reality , he himself had authorized in writing ) , had given the order to halt it immediately . According to this interpretation , the protection of the ' Führer myth ' — of the legend that Hitler was kept in the dark about the misdeeds of the regime , and acted promptly on learning of them — was a crucial component in bringing the ' euthanasia action ' to an end . Opinion in Catholic parts of the Reich in particular was greatly influenced by the new wave of attacks on the position of the Church which had begun in spring 1941 and gathered momentum during the summer and autumn . They appear to have been initiated by the head of the Party Chancellery , Martin Bormann , probably under pressure from anti - Christian activists at Gau level , for whom the apparent strengthening of the Church 's hold over the population during the war was a notable provocation .
Idiom: on the money (used idiomatically: yes)
Mm , his boss is the same he 's in there every morning before eight o'clock and he do n't leave there much before half past six , sometimes seven o'clock , and then the workers goes in on Saturdays and if he knows there 's nothing to do just walk around a crowded place and but I mean he 's a millionaire , and that 's how , I mean this is the difference between probably between him and Joe , I mean he do n't depend on money to come into this No cos there still an
Idiom: point the finger (used idiomatically: yes)
But when you are struggling like Everton are at present , you need somebody who will scrap for it and give you that little bit extra in the box . I 'm not suggesting that Paul Rideout , Tony Cottee , Maurice Johnston and Stuart Barlow are all bad players , but they do not give Everton that extra option someone like -dare I say it again -Graeme Sharp would offer . You can point the finger at the manager and coaches all you like , but now is the time for the players to stand up and be counted and get in there for Everton Football Club . Everton , to put it bluntly , are in dire straits . And when a club is in dire straits there is a tendency to be over - critical , but Everton are not just in trouble , they are in big trouble .
Idiom: rough and tumble (used idiomatically: yes)
On the crowded train a man gave up his seat to Ianthe and she accepted it gracefully . She expected courtesy from men and often received it . It was as if they realised that she was not for the rough and tumble of this world , like the aggressive women with shaggy hair styles who pushed their way through life thrusting their hard shopping baskets at defenceless men . The man who had offered the seat had seen Ianthe as a tall fragile - looking woman in a pretty blue hat that matched her eyes . He might also have noticed that her dark hair was touched with grey and that although she was not exactly smart there was a kind of elegance about her .
Idiom: lose face (used idiomatically: yes)
Her shoulders were back . Erlich did n't understand much Greek but he got her drift . Eventually the policeman was prepared to lose face . He stepped aside and the auburn - haired girl strode forward into the empty road carrying the roses loosely in her arm . Erlich shouldered his way through the crowd and went after her .
Idiom: out of the box (used idiomatically: no)
They envisage a world where the ‘ boss’ is extinct , giving way to an ethically - based network of individuals loosely attached to an organisation . Hard to imagine , perhaps . But as Peters says when tired executives yearn for some reassuring words : ‘ You are alive during what is at least a once in 200 year revolution and just possibly a once in 2,000 year revolution . And the truth is that whatever it is that has been unleashed , it 's barely out of the box.’ Younger men find it easier to learn the language of self - expression and emotion but for some older men it is a jump that is simply not possible Pam Roderick of Digital Equipment Corporation helping executives make a fundamental shift
Idiom: to the max (used idiomatically: no)
Much time has passed . The three people look the same . Abberley talking cheerfully to Max . Peg dozing , her light off . ) ABBERLEY : A lot to be said for it .
Idiom: play with fire (used idiomatically: yes)
In fact there were no injuries . But after seeeing the pictures one of Britain 's top stuntmen expressed serious doubts about the safety of the act . Roy Alon who appeared in many of the James Bond films said the team were playing with fire . Also concerned are the Gloucestershire fire service who suggested the organisers should take professional advice . As long as the performers are not paid , displays like this require no approval from the local authorities .
Idiom: spin a yarn (used idiomatically: yes)
reel , the magic … rolling on before . CD is comparing himself as narrator to someone following a reel which unwinds the thread of the story from itself as it rolls along in front of him . Cf . phrases like ‘ to spin a yarn’ , ‘ to reel off a tale’ . OCS 73 . Reform , a friend to ,
Idiom: keep someone in the dark (used idiomatically: yes)
' Crime is bad enough . But when you have to face up to the fact that no one wants to know and people are more interested in the apprehension and sentencing of the offender , that for many people is even worse than the original crime . ' Not only are victims denied immediate help , they are subsequently kept in the dark by the police and courts about what is going on . Unless they are called as witnesses , victims are often not told when a case is coming to court . ' There are tons of leaflets for offenders , but nothing for the witness or the ordinary member of the public , ' says Ms Reeves .
Idiom: fly in the face of (used idiomatically: yes)
Since nineteen eighty seven the number of vacant local authority dwellings has also fallen and these are the cuts I do want , cuts in the number of empty houses , cuts in the rent arrears , cuts in the tax arrears so that the money is there to spend on the services that people want . I am pleased to report that care in the community has in general , been successfully introduced . It is a good example of a major service being given to local government so that local rather than national democracy can determine the details of its future and how it flies in the face of the criticisms of the party opposite , that we 're always taking important things away from local government . Here is one of the fastest growing services in the public sector over the decade to come and we 've entrusted local government with it . I give way .
Idiom: break even (used idiomatically: yes)
Chris may be pessimistic about the future but , with one million sales every bi-monthly issue and 60,000 Fat Slags diaries already gone from the shelves , Viz does n't show any sign of losing popularity . ‘ Even if we lost a bit of circulation it would n't worry us . We could sell 60,000 copies and still break even . I might have to cut the cleaners ' hours down a bit , ’ says Chris . He drives a BMW Estate — ‘ a family car ’ — and does n't have any expensive hobbies .
Idiom: lend a hand (used idiomatically: yes)
He thinks I might be able to lend a hand.’ ‘ I see . The man he would n't have a use for is now lending a hand.’ I 'd forgotten that I 'd said that , and was , in any case , already regretting the admission . I was also beginning to see why Edward had been loth to speak openly about his work .
Idiom: on the button (used idiomatically: yes)
When pressing on the printer power button , the display does not light up . Try connecting the printer to another outlet . If this does not work , it may be a printer malfunction .
Idiom: see the light (used idiomatically: yes)
What ? There 's not light . Can you see a light ? Yeah . Sure ?
Idiom: know no bounds (used idiomatically: yes)
" When I was dealing with the men personally I generally got them to see matters from my point of view , but unfortunately I could not stay in any one port for any length of time ; my subordinates did not have the same control over men as I did " . Even he , however , confessed that it was difficult to control men who had not been accustomed to organization , whose " idea was that once a union was formed everything should be put right in a few hours " . Enthusiasm to join the union knew no bounds ; the expectation of the new members knew no limits . It was a heady brew . The New Unionism
Idiom: come to mind (used idiomatically: yes)
DEFINITION : Research is telling stories and seeing which ones people find witty . Now this sort of thing bothers me . When think of research , the calibre of names that come to mind are those of Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton , Gregor Mendel and Albert Einstein , Andrew Schally and Roger Guillemin , Peter Medawar and Francis Crick , John Vane and Aaron Klug . Because while various reference books provide various definitions of the word , they all agree that research is hard work , which extends the boundaries of knowledge . It may be ‘ endeavour to discover new or collate old facts’(The Concise Oxford Dictionary ) , or ‘ scientific or scholarly enquiry’(Longman New Universal Dictionary ) , or merely ‘ advanced study of a subject , so as to learn new facts’(Longman New Generation Dictionary ) .
Idiom: thick as thieves (used idiomatically: yes)
Shelley said , ‘ It really is n't what it looks like.’ ‘ I know , my dear . You and the good doctor are thick as thieves , and I ca n't think of a better man for you.’ ‘ I can.’ Shelley did n't feel she could face this kind of conversation .
Idiom: the more the merrier (used idiomatically: yes)
The more active the merrier too … always nice to have different points of view . It ll also be useful when arranging travel groups etc . Again , the more the merrier … we are leaving ourselves open to a few ‘ active’ neutrals who will try and stir things up … but its always easy for gav to exclude any twats … if it gets a bit too fruity of course … nothing wrong with a bit of friendly banter and discussion . Mark From :
Idiom: the biter bit (used idiomatically: yes)
Fresco Cycling Holidays ( ) sell go - as - you - please cycling tours as well as one - centre holidays in the Monte Rufeno nature park , which is closed to motor traffic . From £ 329 , and you can take your own bike . A CASE OF THE BITER BIT ? Piranha fishing is one of the attractions of the Clipper Line 's cruise along the jungle rivers of South America . It departs on October 13 , with another trip exploring the Amazon leaving on November 12 .
Idiom: breathe down someone's neck (used idiomatically: yes)
Cllr JOHN SEWELL Lib Dem Leader Voice over While county councillors were in the chamber yesterday discussing how much to overspend in Gloucestershire next year , protestors outside were breathing down their necks demanding an end to the threatened cuts that would result if the budget was brought in on target . In the end , the three main parties compromised on a ten million pound overspend . But today in the Commons came the backlash …
Idiom: mark someone's card (used idiomatically: no)
She tended to wear frightful hats with feathers . She had a tiny mouth ( ‘ like a hen 's arse ' was Grunte 's privately expressed opinion ) and had , because of her aggressive plainness , so far escaped Grunte 's ‘ paternal’— or should it be ‘ fraternal’— sexual attentions . She had in the past been supportive , and Grunte marked his card 15/20 for loyalty . Bill O'Farrell , the party 's agent , had achieved over the years something of the status of a retainer . He had certainly been paid one by Grunte over and above his salary , which was met by the local Tory Association .
Idiom: bright and early (used idiomatically: yes)
After a splendid dinner on Friday evening most people managed to find the bar . Beverages were drunk , stories were told and the eyes of newcomers and students grew wider as , true to form , the ‘ old hands’ began to enjoy the weekend . Some of us were bright and early to breakfast on Saturday morning and even more made it to the opening ceremony by the President in the Physics Lecture Theatre . We stood in silence to remember David Pym who rarely missed a Keele Convention and who had organised two of our speakers . His name was to be mentioned many times during the weekend and we missed him .
Idiom: yes and no (used idiomatically: yes)
Oh yes it 's er no I think there If we just bothered there are enough or almost enough herbs to cure any Most of the common troubles . And do you feel nationalization was good from the medical point of view or ? Well yes and no . People stared running to their doctor cut finger , where previous they would have said , oh I 'll have a an aspirin and a cup of tea . I 'll put a bit of s adhesive plaster around this .
Idiom: on the cards (used idiomatically: yes)
PRESENTATION PACKS The unique story behind each new issue of Special Stamps is brought to life inside Presentation Packs . Besides a full set of stamps mounted on card and protected by a transparent sleeve , each pack opens up to reveal a wealth of information , accompanied by full - colour illustrations . COLLECTORS ' PACK The entire year 's Special Stamps in a specially - designed folder illustrating the background to each issue .
Idiom: force someone's hand (used idiomatically: yes)
One mother described how her daughter was locked up and she was raped by three drunk , uniformed men whom she knew . Another woman in her mid - sixties said she had been one of eight raped by ‘ Serbian irregulars’ . ‘ Three of them raped her , one first forced his hand into her at knifepoint and then made her lick her own blood . Two of the women had their throats slit after the rapes,’ the report states . Victims have been assaulted in different situations , said Ms Hampson . Women have been randomly raped by individuals , gang - raped by uniformed men , and raped in detention centres either by the guards or people let in by the guards .
Idiom: see the light of day (used idiomatically: yes)
This has to be seen to be appreciated , engines can be viewed from several angles , compared with one another , or taken in in one awe - inspiring vista . Of the airframes , the bulk of the NAC are so well documented that they need not be spotlighted here . Instead , we shall zoom in on the ' new boys ' two of which are far from new and have not seen the light of day for many a long year . In this category comes the Weiss glider of 1905 , a bird - like device built and flown by artist José Weiss and tested at Amberley Mount in Sussex . Weiss later collaborated with Alexander Keith to produce an ornithopter , or flapping wing machine .
Idiom: turn someone's head (used idiomatically: yes)
Think you 're a celebrity or something.’ ‘ Quite right , too.’ He turned his head . ‘ Which is my best side , Bob?’ ‘ The one without the black eye,’ Kathleen said drily , and the team wandered off , still chuckling .
Idiom: foot the bill (used idiomatically: yes)
Then , for four of the culprits there were whopping fines of £ 50 — which were paid immediately — plus even heftier sureties to keep the peace . The Times had no quarrel with this . These were people of means who could afford to foot the bill : no appeal to the fear of physical pain was needed here . The sentence , said the judge , was ‘ more for an example’ for this was ‘ a matter to be dealt with with great leniency’ . Indeed , he confessed that he was deeply troubled by having to pass sentence at ill : ‘ Itis with feelings of great pain that I pass sentence upon you , the defendants , and I can make great allowance for the youthful spirit which has been exhibited by you.’