Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: once in a while (used idiomatically: yes)
So I looked at the two men again . I recognized them as hands who rode for a Mr. Wolgast who supplied beef to the reservation up at San Carlos . I would see them in Sweetmary every once in a while and they would most always be drunk . But it was a minute or two before I remembered their names . One was Lamarr Dean , who was about my age , maybe a year older .
Idiom: have a few (used idiomatically: no)
One evening I discovered a place which had a band , and I heard music coming from it and just could n't resist it . Problem was I was playing a British Military Police Chief , and I still had my uniform on when I turned up at this place . In no time at all I was conducting the band , having a few drinks and thoroughly enjoying myself . Some soldier saw me , realized I was n't a real major and I suppose he thought I was impersonating an officer or whatever . Anyway , the silly bugger called the police and I was arrested .
Idiom: nuts and bolts (used idiomatically: yes)
The clerk at the receiving dock , using a computer to reconcile deliveries with orders instantly , accepts goods on his own authority and issues payment . There are no bits of paper to shuffle . Most of the successful efforts cited by reengineering advocates are such nuts - and - bolts examples . But Mr Hammer claims that the opportunities created by computers represent such a dramatic break with the past that they justify managers rethinking their entire business . Few companies have yet gone this far .
Idiom: make someone's day (used idiomatically: yes)
He was not scheduled to address them but just to prove that even the most carefully planned trips have an element of flexibility , he did rise to speak , without the use of notes , for 15 minutes . His audience were delighted and inspired . It made their day , just as he had earlier put a smile on the face of many in Craigmillar . Happy and glorious : cheering and smiling children waiting outside the McGovern House community centre in Niddrie House Park gave a lift to the mood of Prince Charles 's visit yesterday Bobby Moore : legendary England captain
Idiom: break ranks (used idiomatically: yes)
Rockhoppers usually come ashore in the evenings and it is well worth a special trip to watch the performance . Individuals and small parties join together in the open water outside the kelp beds , where they swim up and down as if trying to get the courage to attempt the last lap . Then suddenly one or two break ranks and begin to ‘ porpoise’ shorewards : the rest follow like a school of flying fish ! When they reach the base of the cliff they leap out of the waves , scrabbling for a foothold and not stopping until they are well out of reach of the sea . After a rest and a preen they then put their feet together and hop , hop , hop upwards all the way to the nesting colony on the cliff - top .
Idiom: in living memory (used idiomatically: yes)
The pain in the world 's airline industry can be eased best by more American - style deregulation , not less ONCE a glamorous adventure , flying seems ever more like a trial to be endured or avoided . Now the fear of renewed terrorism sparked by war in the Gulf has emptied airports and aeroplanes , giving airlines their harshest times in living memory . Many claim they can not survive without government help . This week the European Commission extended a hand to Europe 's carriers , relaxing rules barring subsidies and capacity - sharing for three months .
Idiom: in someone's pocket (used idiomatically: yes)
The place smelled of fried food and damp . Finn stubbed out a cigarette in an already overflowing ash - tray and immediately lit another . He noticed that he was almost out of them and fumbled in his jacket pocket for some change to feed into the cigarette machine . On the radio in the background , a voice announced that it was nine - thirty . ' It 's weird , is n't it ? ' said Finn .
Idiom: plain sailing (used idiomatically: yes)
A good average return from one set of the net . Difficulties and Surprises It is not always plain sailing . There are difficulties which may need to be overcome . The conditions may be perfect from the weather point of view , the nets may be set efficiently and quickly but rabbits are almost non - existent .
Idiom: touch and go (used idiomatically: yes)
I was n't interested in her when I did . She was living — I was … It was touch and go whether I was going to rejoin her world ever again or … or cop out.’ He rested his head against the wall and fixed his dark eyes on her uplifted face . ‘ When she left me for one of the other guys in the team , somebody I 'd kind of thought of as a friend … well,’ he went on hurriedly , ‘ I was n't surprised she 'd gone .
Idiom: pound the pavement (used idiomatically: yes)
NOW THAT the Second World of formerly communist countries is falling over itself to join the First World , the name ‘ Third World’ suits the rest of the planet less well than ever . Whatever it 's called , though , one of the most gloomy facts about it is that it now spends more on weapons than on health and education put together NOW pounding the pavements of Greenwich Village : the Pink Panthers . The teams of volunteers have been formed to counter gay - bashing attacks . Over here , there have been calls for the Guardian Angels to set up a chapter of Pink Angels .
Idiom: be my guest (used idiomatically: yes)
Maxim asked . ' For a while — if George does n't mind . ' ' Be my guest . ' When Maxim had gone , Agnes said : ' You did n't even try to talk him out of it . ' George nuzzled his nose into a glass of port .
Idiom: have a heart (used idiomatically: no)
As far as I was concerned , that merely represented a different path to the same goal and so on 22 June I told the House of Commons that rail electrification was going ahead . On the same afternoon I met with the rail unions and ( loyally supported by Peter Parker ) put the position to them . Both Weighell and Buckton would have preferred more , but the statement persuaded them that the Government did have its heart in the future of the railway system . The scene was set for progress towards a modern network . My chief regret in my stay at Transport was that we were not able to do more in combining private and public investment in partnership projects .
Idiom: in the long run (used idiomatically: yes)
That type of ‘ Little Englander’ policy displays an ignorance of commercial reality which will cost us all a very high price in the longer term . By being doctrinaire and parochial , it is easy to have a whole host of companies competing in the same home market ; but how many will be effective ( or even in business ) in ten years ' time ? Equally important , how many of them will be strong enough to avoid being taken over by foreign companies in the long run ? To trade in a heavyweight world market Britain must think big . It needs an industrial strategy founded on commercial logic rather than shortsighted bureaucratic principles .
Idiom: not cricket (used idiomatically: yes)
In what other sports is a participant allowed a second chance because of failure ? D H TUCKEY Willersey , Worcs Letter to the Sports Editor : Not cricket SIR — The England cricket squad contesting the World Cup in Australia included players who would have been eligible for three other nations — West Indies , South Africa and Zimbabwe . England have encouraged these players to hold mercenary attitudes and many feel , as I do , this is outside the spirit in which the game should be played .
Idiom: get to the bottom of (used idiomatically: yes)
Scientists all over the world drop what they 're doing and try to discover the secret for themselves . From Hungary , Russia and Japan come rumours that they can do it too . The President of the USA and other world leaders demand to know what is going on and government scientists are urged to get to the bottom of this — and fast . Military strategists in the Pentagon , in the British Ministry of Defence and in India independently realise that table - top test - tube fusion should produce not just energy but also neutrons and tritium , crucial ingredients in making atomic and thermonuclear weapons . National security agents in the USA start watching the two chemists .
Idiom: and then some (used idiomatically: yes)
Manville suggested . Harris shook his head dubiously . ‘ They 'd need all three , and then some . I 'll go along with some radical improvement to the turbo - ram - jet engine concept ; perhaps a boost in top speed up to Mach 3.5 , even 4 at a stretch of the imagination . But this sub - orbital capacity … no , I ca n't see it at all .
Idiom: nothing to it (used idiomatically: yes)
Come to think of it,’ he added , ‘ that was very daring of you — that space walk of yours . I would n't have had the nerve.’ ‘ Oh , there was nothing to it , really,’ she said , secretly pleased that she could do something her uncle could n't . Uncle Albert rose and started pacing up and down . ‘ Actually that space walk of yours was very interesting,’ he said .
Idiom: on paper (used idiomatically: yes)
The Board 's general policy on transitional provisions for accounting standards is described in a separate statement . Particular issues on which comments are invited Whilst the FRED reflects comments on the Discussion Paper , further responses on any of its proposals would be welcome . Comments are especially sought on the following : i )
Idiom: off the record (used idiomatically: yes)
That 's a lot is n't it ? Actually their things Er sorry , Liz McColgan 's just knocked ten seconds off the world record ! Yeah ! Good Lord !
Idiom: under a cloud (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Sure , sure,’ said the Weasel soothingly . He turned away and swung himself into the saddle of the horse that Bravd was holding . A few moments later the two heroes were just specks under a cloud of dust , heading down towards the charcoal city . Rincewind stared muzzily at the recumbent tourist . At two recumbent tourists .
Idiom: when push comes to shove (used idiomatically: no)
Kohl , Mitterrand , Bush , whoever happens to be this week 's Italian or Japanese prime minister — it does n't matter , they hate 'em all . And that is probably what the people of Slough were really saying . When push comes to shove , they 're not daft . They do n't really expect Labour to make things any better . They just want someone to blame .
Idiom: fall from grace (used idiomatically: yes)
A lot of people fear that if the Doctor is taken off for 18 months , he may never return.’ Echo and The Bunnymen : The Arena , Middlesbrough THE last time Echo & The Bunnymen graced a stage in Middlesbrough they brought their own detective story with them entitled The Strange Case of the Disappearing Audience . This time around , most of the crowd stayed for the full set yet the number of people gathered at The Arena told its own story of one band 's fall from grace . With the briefest of intros emanating from somewhere in the swathe of dry ice , The Bunnymen arrived to polite applause and tore into a set devoid of any material dating back to the days of Ian McCulloch . Someone must have had a word with the band about their playing after the last tour and subsequent departure from east west Records because this show as a 200pc better affair .
Idiom: on the nose (used idiomatically: yes)
We were then taken by boat about ten miles to Bone where an armed Army escort awaited us for interrogation and we were kept in a locked room in the barracks . I can remember very little of what happened until we were transferred to Algiers . Pat Connolly was led away to incarceration and I was offered treatment for my facial injuries and an operation on my flattened nose . The French surgeon was very good . The U.S. Consul became responsible for our wellbeing but it was fourteen days or more before my parents got word of my survival after being reported missing on 21 May. '
Idiom: face to face (used idiomatically: yes)
Relapse in the absence of a precipitating event is most likely to occur when the patient is living in a situation characterised by high expressed emotion between himself and a relative with whom he has a high degree of contact . Neuroleptic medication provides some kind of protective effect against relapse . Reducing the amount of time a patient spends in face - to - face contact with relatives with whom he lives in a ‘ high EE’ environment , or changing their communication styles , will also be protective . The association of factors such as psychiatric illness of parent , marital disharmony , overprotectiveness and abnormal thinking and communication may or may not be relevant to onset or relapse , or may simply be another result of the same genetic constitution which produced a child vulnerable to schizophrenia . Equally probable is that the pre - schizophrenic child and the schizophrenic adult produced some of the abnormalities of the parents .
Idiom: in the same breath (used idiomatically: yes)
This event was acclaimed as having ‘ destroyed the myth of geographical fatalism with respect to the United States and Latin America’(A. F. Shul'govskii , ‘ Rasstanovka klassovikh sil v borbe za osvobozhdenie’ , in Avarina and Danilevich : 1963 , pp . 482–4 ) . The triumph of Fidel Castro 's 26 July Movement took the Soviet Union completely by surprise . As late as October 1958 Khrushchev referred in the same breath to’ the tragic fate of Guatemala ' and’the heroic but unequal struggle of the Cuban people’ . This reflects the fact that Soviet assessments of events in Latin America were then made almost wholly on the basis of information received from local Communist parties . The Cuban Communist party , in a message to the Eleventh Congress of the Communist party of Chile signed by Juan Marinello and Blas Roca and dated November 1958 , had deplored the’ disunity of the opposition forces ' and called for’national unity ' in order to overthrow Batista and form a ‘ democratic coalition government’ .
Idiom: par for the course (used idiomatically: yes)
She 'd done well — the shorter style suited him , throwing his hawklike features into stark , uncompromising relief . Ironically she felt a tiny pang of regret for the long Viking locks , though she could n't have said why . But then , as she was fast coming to realise , that was par for the course really , since nothing appeared to make much sense where Dane Jacobsen was concerned . She switched on her brightest , most professional smile . ‘ You 've got it all wrong , Mr Jacobsen — of course I do n't dislike you .
Idiom: at a loss for words (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ That is right,’ he said again . ‘ Well … ’ I stopped , at a loss for words . He smiled then for the first time , and the smile lightened his face to a sudden , vivid charm . ‘ A bit of a facer , is n't it ?
Idiom: to the bone (used idiomatically: yes)
Three vole molars in the pellet of the common buzzard . The teeth are still in position relative to one another , but the mandibular bone has almost all been digested ( one fragment remains , detached at the bottom of the teeth ) and the teeth themselves are heavily digested . Unfortunately , most of the early studies on owl digestion have been carried out on species that do little damage to the bones of their prey . Mayhew ( 1977 ) examined pellets from barn owls , long - eared owls and short - eared owls , all of which have been found do little damage ( see Chapter 3 ) . This had the effect of making the differences between owl and diurnal raptor digestion appear greater than it really is , and it seemed to confirm earlier reports of minimal effects of digestion in owls ( Reed & Reed , 1928 ; Duke et al . ,
Idiom: work to rule (used idiomatically: yes)
The Authority is talking about a new unit , similar to Beeson , with 16 new beds . A decision will be made on that later this month . 200 hospital clerical workers from all over Oxfordshire , who are working to rule , have voted to suspend their action . The Health Authority has agreed . The Health Authority has agreed to hold further talks about regrading and pay .
Idiom: play games (used idiomatically: no)
' You 're mocking me again , Shih Bergson . Is that what you want me to do ? To play that game with you ? ' He smiled . So she had worked it out .
Idiom: by the back door (used idiomatically: yes)
Rioja is made from Tempranillo , Garnacha , Mazuelo , Graciano , and sometimes a little white Viura but never Cabernet . Except on an ‘ experimental’ basis . In truth , Cabernet is beginning to creep in by the back door . It gives body , colour and better tannic structure to Tempranillo , which can help the wines withstand the punishing barrel - ageing requirements : the current vintage will not be out much before Mike Tyson . Of those who have introduced a proportion of Cabernet , only a very few — Baron de Ley , Martinez - Bujanda and the much improved Marques de Riscal — have the courage to admit to it .
Idiom: game on (used idiomatically: yes)
I ' m looking at a PC on eBay , and it does n't include an OS . I know there are free OSs like Linux but I do n't know whether or not I 'll actually be able to run games on Most Windows games will not run on Linux without serious expert configuration . Even than many still do not work at ~ all .
Idiom: in no uncertain terms (used idiomatically: no)
She looked at him suspiciously . ‘ And what does that remark mean , anyway?’ She wanted dearly to inform him in no uncertain terms that he was in no position to make personal remarks of any kind to her , but she had an uneasy suspicion that any further rebukes on that score would only somehow backfire on her . Piers lay down flat on his towel , pulling an old cap over his eyes . He was wearing a pair of olive - green bathing trunks , and nothing else .
Idiom: doom and gloom (used idiomatically: yes)
But there 's been better economic news today on Britain 's trade ; the trade gap in August was the smallest so far this year , just one thousand , one hundred and thirty million pounds in the red , nearly six hundred million better than last month . Here 's Robin Amlow : It 's a silver lining the Chancellor desperately needs amidst the current spate of doom and gloom , most recently this weekend C B I report showing industry in recession . In some way , those trade figures reflect that recession ; they 've improved because of a drop in imports while exports are still rising . It 's the first sign the Chancellor 's squeeze is actually having the desired effect , not just on industry , but on the country 's Achilles heel , and brings nearer the day when the Chancellor can cut interest rates , but probably not before Christmas .
Idiom: on the double (used idiomatically: yes)
Well that 's what I 'm saying I 'll put him in the bed , but he wo n't sleep in the bed , he can sleep with me . Well if you do , if you do Well you 'll be on the double bed Elaine . No ! No !
Idiom: pick up the pieces (used idiomatically: yes)
At ‘ The Caithness and Sutherland Industrial and Art Exhibition’ to give it its full title , a labourer was charged with having done damage to the extent of £ 8 by falling upon a glass case and breaking a valuable jug the property of one John Fitsgibbon , china merchant . A fine of fifteen shillings was imposed . Maybe JTR helped pick up the pieces or did he watch the poor man 's agony from afar ? The John O ' Groats Journal and the Caithness Courier were full of the details of the exhibits . The Duke of Sutherland ( had Moody saved his soul yet ? ) sent deer heads , geological specimens and paintings .
Idiom: on board (used idiomatically: yes)
The Maiden Voyage Tracy Edwards ' story captured the imagination of the world 's media and earned her an MBE , as well as the respect of her doubting colleagues in the male - dominated world of the Whitbread . The Maiden Voyage charts the course of Tracy 's campaign from her previous Whitbread trip as cook for a leg on board both Norsk Data and NZI Enterprize , to her purchase of old Disque d'Or — and the ensuring financial crisis — to the race itself . Join in the sense of achievement as Maiden crosses the finish line off Southampton . Made using the excellent footage , this hour - long video follows the exploits of the Whitbread 's first women 's team .
Idiom: big hitter (used idiomatically: no)
Chris Adams , scorer of Derbyshire 's fastest - ever century ( 57 minutes ) , at Worcester In fact it was one of Adams 's less - explosive innings which has given him the most pleasure this summer . He explained : ‘ It 's great to clatter the bowling about when you get the chance , but I do n't want to be thought of simply as a big hitter . I 've scored two hundreds against Worcestershire this season , and the one in May , when I batted for more than four hours and helped save the match , gave more satisfaction than that one in 57 minutes.’ There has n't been much personal satisfaction for Neil Fairbrother during a Lancashire campaign bedevilled by injuries and under - achievement , but what more efficacious balm for his troubles than a century in the Roses match at Headingley .
Idiom: eat humble pie (used idiomatically: yes)
The Exiles are bristling to get back on the scene and currently lie third in the Division Four South , tucked in behind Havant and Basingstoke . It 'll also be very tight for promotion from the third to the second with three teams —Fylde , Exeter and Richmond — tied at the top with nine points . Richmond coach , Kevin Boroevich , will have to eat some humble pie at training after being sent off for punching in the 21–15 win in a friendly against Fylde . Finally , one way and another Dean Richards has had a poor return from the month . Left out of the England side , Deano was also knocked back by Leicestershire police force who vetoed his £ 5,000 share of the Run With The Ball campaign .
Idiom: third time lucky (used idiomatically: yes)
Eastleigh is now 5 lb better off but he went to Doncaster with the benefit of three all - weather runs this year , and Big Leap , having only the third race of his career there , should confirm the form . Most opposition to Big Leap may come from the Henry Cecil - trained top - weight Sharp Prince , who won nicely on his debut at Chepstow in October and is probably open to improvement . Sabre Rattler , a beaten hot favourite on each of his first two starts , may make it third - time - lucky in the EBF Beckhampton Maiden Stakes ( 2.10 ) . Jack Berry 's colt , backed from 6–4 to 13–8 on before finishing third to Touch Silver in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster , then ruined his chance with a slow start when going under by half a length to Key To My Heart at Hamilton Park last time . Martin Fetherston - Godley 's Macfarlane is fancied for the Newbury Trade Stands Handicap ( 3.40 ) and Brooke Sanders ' Crabby Bill may be good enough off 7st 7 lb in the Thatcham Handicap ( 4.40 ) .
Idiom: bits and bobs (used idiomatically: yes)
I arrived back at the Palace Hotel and started to pack . There was just my two suitcases and my travelling bag . The suitcases I would check in at the left - luggage office at Paddington station , the bag could come with me to Rome , and Jane could inherit all my bits and bobs . ‘ Rome ? Why Rome?’ she asked when I popped round with the box of odd things to say goodbye .
Idiom: live a lie (used idiomatically: yes)
When her doctor was surprised to find three different birth dates in his records , she smiled and said : ‘ I 'll take the youngest.’ By now I must be five years clear of her , and she said she 'd kill me if I ever told anyone her age . Well , this is truth time , and even though she warned me I 'd never get away with it , I can not live a lie . Or , more to the point , she ca n't . So here goes .
Idiom: take the mickey (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Our physio Jim Walker was great for me , tried to cheer me up by explaining that Mark Hughes had the same problem when he returned to Manchester United from Barcelona . ‘ But the boss used to give me some right stick and told me I was no good to him lying in bed or on the treatment table . ‘ He used to take the mickey out of me something awful . ‘ While I knew he was only trying to give me a kick up the backside for my own good , I felt really , really low . ‘ He fined me for being late and he fined me for being overweight .