Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: economical with the truth (used idiomatically: yes)
t Torture New ~ York – Asked in September 2006 whether there was anything wrong with the way American interrogators were handling “ high - value ” prisoners in Guantánamo ~ Bay , and elsewhere , President George ~ W .~ Bush famously responded : “ We do n’t torture . ” The definition of torture is notoriously slippery , but we have known for some time now that the former president was being , shall we say , economical with the truth . At the very least , American interrogators were in breach of the Geneva ~ Conventions , ratified by the United ~ States , against “ cruel , inhuman , or degrading treatment . ” Tying a person to a board and bringing him to the point of drowning , over and over , or forcing a prisoner – stripped naked and covered in his own excrement – to stand with his hands shackled to the ceiling for days , until his legs swell to twice their normal size , may not have constituted torture in memos prepared by government lawyers , but such practices are surely cruel , inhuman , and degrading .
Idiom: in someone's pocket (used idiomatically: no)
he has n't got a penny in his bloody wallet . No . Not got a penny in his pocket . He wants a pound , I give him one . Just like that
Idiom: down the road (used idiomatically: yes)
The road was brightly - lit and boasted a new Co - op superstore and various other new buildings . Wasteland , half - hidden behind hoardings , came into view and Tony soon arrived at the site which had held the theatre . He reversed his car and prepared to drive back down the road . Then , he stared in front of him and his body froze in disbelief . An ornate building , brightly lit loomed in front of him .
Idiom: work to rule (used idiomatically: yes)
It is the first time that troops have been brought in during an industrial dispute since the firemen 's strike in 1978 . Mr Clarke told the House of Commons that he was doing it with great reluctance . The difference between 1978 and now is that ambulance staff are not on strike but are working to rule , and answering all emergency calls . Mr Robin Cook , the shadow Health Secretary , who advised the Government to call in arbitrators rather than the army , said that Mr Clarke had given no satisfactory explanation for his precipitate action . Mr Roger Poole , the ambulance unions ' chief negotiator , said that the Government was putting the lives of Londoners at risk .
Idiom: no man's land (used idiomatically: yes)
Between the warring factions on both sides of the Border lay many stretches of infertile wilderness known as wastes . Rocky outcrops ( ‘ edges ' or ‘ rigs’ ) on the fells were the only landmarks to guide the knowledgeable around the boggy patches of moss or flow . For inveterate cattle - lifters it all added up to a convenient no - man 's - land across which to launch thieving raids . Only gradually were these treacherous areas brought into profitable use from peat digging to farming or , especially in our own time , for afforestation . In the north of the Border shires , along the flanks of low hills such as the Eildons , medieval monastic establishments built up their extensive sheep runs , denuding the cover of the hills and destabilizing the soil .
Idiom: for the time being (used idiomatically: yes)
No then , no then I tell you what . I 've got my er seventeen year old granddaughter staying with me for the time being Have you ? and it frightens me to death the way they go out .
Idiom: on the level (used idiomatically: yes)
Better ( > ) slow gentle motion ; this soothes them both generally and their specific complaints — pains , headaches etc . Thirstlessness is usual even with a fever or the dry mouth which is also commonly present . Changeability is marked even on the physical level ; diarrhoea with no two stools alike ; their pains may wander and symptoms change . Pains can come on suddenly and be slow to disappear . Catarrhs of any mucous membrane which is inflamed and can look purplish , are common .
Idiom: turn a blind eye (used idiomatically: yes)
It claimed that very few of those who had died in the violence had been killed by traditional weapons , that 75 per cent of deaths were caused by bullets and 20 per cent by hacking with weapons which could not be described as traditional . The other 5 per cent of deaths were caused by various weapons and methods , including burning . Reports persisted throughout May that the security forces were turning a blind eye to the activities of Zulu mobs in the townships , allegedly waiting to respond until local citizens retaliated against the Zulus ' attacks . As a precondition to a meeting he had with de Klerk on May 8 , Nelson Mandela , the deputy president of the ANC , had insisted that the government must announce a ban on the carrying of all " dangerous " weapons , undertake to phase out single men 's hostels in the townships , and halt the use by police of " unacceptable " crowd - control measures — mainly the use of live ammunition . Suspension of constitutional talks
Idiom: prodigal son (used idiomatically: yes)
Years later , after my mother 's death , I found out what had caused that first attack and precipitated the fatal one . There were anonymous letters to my parents , postmarked Chippenham , Corsham , Bath and London , telling them to watch out and do something about their son or there would be trouble for them . But they had never mentioned these despicable attacks to me ; they had kept cheerful faces and shown me all the love and care they had always given me , their prodigal son . A few months after his death I finally was able to write an elegy for my father , ‘ died 21st January , 1958’ , which is the final poem in The Prodigal Son . The shameful outrage committed by the German students in the crypt of San Esteban inevitably was echoed in the conclusion of the poem .
Idiom: come in from the cold (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Joan hides her light under a bushel,’ says one who knows her well . ‘ I 'm a bit of an undercover agent’ , she says . But 20 years have at least seen her interests come in from the cold . JEANETTE CUNNINGHAM is the first black woman to be appointed to Bolton 's adoption and fostering panel . The mother of a mixed race adopted daughter , she is keen to see more black families recruited .
Idiom: on board (used idiomatically: yes)
Today US-registered vessels make up only one-third of the fleet , and account for less than 16 per cent of the total number of dolphin deaths . Mexico now has the largest purse-seine fleet , followed by the US and Venezuela . Pressure by environmentalists in the US has meant that that country has exerted some control over the industry by insisting that observers are placed on board US-registered boats . However , the powerful US tuna industry lobby has made sure that it has been given an annual ‘ dolphin kill' ’ quota . This bizarre concept makes a mockery of any claim that the dolphin slaughter by the tuna industry is incidental , but at least the quota provides a limited measure of control .
Idiom: on the back of (used idiomatically: yes)
Cos they know they know that we 're not here . Let 's have a look along , along . Come right on the ramp you see , we can look on the back of these flats . Yeah . Right .
Idiom: in the dock (used idiomatically: yes)
The Queen was in Liverpool too , and she officially opened the new Battle of the Atlantic gallery at the Merseyside Maritime Museum . Liverpool 's docks were thronged with visitors , eager to see around warships and even a German submarine , which were opened to the public . Nestling peacefully amongst the mine sweepers and patrol vessels in Albert Dock was the P&O Thames sailing barge , Will , dressed overall with flags and used for a variety of on board functions during her stay . Hard by the docks , the Cunard Building was the site of a special drop - in centre for veterans of the battle . It was organised by the Chamber of Shipping , whose personnel were on hand to help with enquiries .
Idiom: hard as nails (used idiomatically: no)
He would be pressed to cups of tea , cocoa , Bovril , Horlicks . He tried to harden his heart in advance , but knew it was just a front . I 'm your friendly village - bobby - type , he thought , not your hard - as - nails CID boy . This is going to take hours . ' Mrs Williams ?
Idiom: in my book (used idiomatically: yes)
And then Ward asked him what had happened to Iris Sunderby 's father , Juan Connor - Gómez . ‘ He kill himself . I say that in my book . He is Chairman and Managing Director of the Gómez Emporium , a big store in the centre of Buenos Aires . When it is burn down he lose everything , so … ’
Idiom: on the nose (used idiomatically: yes)
Beefeater Most spirits stockists , £ 8.49–£8.99 A subtle gin , if a bit sweet on the nose , with an attractive , lemony edge rather like a Gordon 's . There is an interesting medley of flavourings . Clean and very likeable .
Idiom: cut it fine (used idiomatically: yes)
Ballesteros knew 10 days in advance that he was due on the 1st tee at 9.45 a.m. He began the two - mile journey from the hotel in a courtesy car at 9.25 a.m. Even with normal traffic , it was cutting it fine . Practice shots would have been impossible , but with Open traffic at crawling pace , it was never on . By the time he reached the tee , his playing partners , Hale Irwin , the defending Champion , and Mark O'Meara , the U.S. Amateur Champion , had reached the green .
Idiom: coals to Newcastle (used idiomatically: yes)
They rehearsed Act One from the top . When Bunny clicked his fingers , signifying the rise of the curtain , Geoffrey , the student , was supposed to imitate the sound of a gun being fired . Given his military background , such a task should have been in the nature of coals to Newcastle , but in the event he was scrutinising his reflection in the mirror above the fireplace . Bunny banged on a table instead and the new girl gave a convincing scream . Grace Bird , who had the smallest part in the play , that of Maud Mockridge the lady novelist , had still not memorised her lines and read from the script .
Idiom: to boot (used idiomatically: no)
It did nothing to improve the situation and still more distressing scenes occurred . This brought their relationship to a climax and Minton , in front of Henrietta , told Norman to choose between them . ' My heart fell to my boots , ' Henrietta told another , ' for I dreaded that he was going to choose me and he did . ' Norman , however , insists that this is a fabrication — Henrietta was by then with child by him , and at that date there was no question of a man leaving a woman whom he had made pregnant . Whilst waiting for her divorce , Henrietta moved with Norman to rooms in Belsize Park .
Idiom: into thin air (used idiomatically: yes)
The horses were found three hours later , wandering in the forest . There were no other clues . Victor and his kidnappers had disappeared into thin air . Inspector Leeming was also abducted , and the interpreter . The other bodyguard was being kept out of sight while the Russians decided what to do .
Idiom: one and the same (used idiomatically: yes)
These physical ( or capital ) assets play a major role in the generation of income within an economy . Note that financial assets and liabilities cancel one another out , thus making net worth equal to the value of physical assets . The reason for this equality of values arises from the fact that a financial claim is at one and the same time an asset to one economic unit and a liability to another . It links the two economic units . For example , bank notes held by an individual are an asset to the holder whereas to the issuing authority , i.e. central bank , the notes represent a liability .
Idiom: take stock (used idiomatically: yes)
Remember what was said in Chapter 1 , section 1.7 , on this point . Your business plans could be severely jeopardised if you become embroiled in litigation started by the company that you used to work for . Taking stock We live in an age of increasing employee mobility . When the time comes for you to move on , whether or not you leave through your own choice , it is worth taking stock for a moment .
Idiom: take it or leave it (used idiomatically: yes)
But successful negotiations do n't just happen . In the Karrass Workshop you experience how to apply new skills ad techniques in real life situations . You can learn how to keep the other party happy without giving in … how to make concessions that close the sale … how to use time to your advantage and resist deadline pressures … how to cope with such comments as ‘ All we 've got is £ 60,000 in the budget’ or ‘ That 's our price , take it or leave it.’ And a lot more . You will learn above all that a successful negotiation leaves both parties satisfied with the outcome .
Idiom: catch a cold (used idiomatically: yes)
' Come here before you catch a cold , you stubborn little minx . ' ' You do n't catch colds from being cold , ' she informed him . ' You catch colds from a virus . ' She brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her goose - bumped arms around them . Strong arms reached around her from behind .
Idiom: with a view to (used idiomatically: yes)
UK industrialists in key sectors are currently being briefed on the findings of the report , and so far initial reactions have been extremely favourable , inasmuch as there is agreement that Europe can not be totally bereft of the technology . This is hardly surprising since display technology is expected to dominate many sectors of the electronics industry , both industrial and consumer . In fact , such was the response to our initial soundings that we now wish to broaden the discussions to include a much larger audience and would therefore be keen to hear from anyone with a view to express or , an interest in this area . In essence , today 's flat panel liquid crystal displays are made up from two thin sheets of glass , separated by an ultra - thin layer of liquid crystal material . The image is formed by as many as 1.5 million individually addressed pixels which are defined on the surface of the glass sheets during processing .
Idiom: jump on the bandwagon (used idiomatically: yes)
Lower voltage drills are best suited to pilot drilling and acting as light screwdrivers Superfast chargers may be more expensive but they are now sophisticated , using pulse technology for balanced charging Most power - tools now have a cordless version , with manufacturers jumping on the convenience bandwagon ( far left ) . Detachable batteries have further enhanced the versatility of these tools Not only have batteries and chargers become the focus of power - tool research and development , but smaller and more efficient motors are having to be produced
Idiom: cross swords (used idiomatically: yes)
I do n't want a complacent little doll that I can manipulate,’ he said strangely , ‘ I want to fight for every damned caress — and I think I 'm going insane . Shocked?’ ‘ No,’ she denied numbly , a hectic flush along her cheekbones , because she had just discovered that she also needed a man she could fight with , cross swords with . Ryan had never argued , never shouted back when she was being impossible ; he 'd just sulked and stormed out,— and there was no fun in that . Despite the constant friction with Leo , he made her feel gloriously alive .
Idiom: get a move on (used idiomatically: yes)
But I think he he , he seems to be somebody who , who is who wants activity , who , who wants heavy involvement Mm . personally an and from er and the rest and he , he 's gone to this area and he 's looked and he , he 's seen and he may have interpreted this , or wanted to interpret it so that when his report went back that the , he was saying that we must get a move on to the people in the Party saying that we need to get involved now , we need to be in all these areas , we need to be helping things develop and , and being a part at the front . He 's , he 's trying to to give the impression that , that you need to do something immediately . Right .
Idiom: bang for the buck (used idiomatically: yes)
And comprehensive research now shows that such interventions would stay with them for life : their bodies and muscles would grow faster , their cognitive abilities would improve , and they would pay more attention in school ( and stay there longer ) . Studies show that , decades down the line , these children would be more productive , make more money , have fewer kids , and begin a virtuous circle of dramatic development . Such opportunities come sharply into focus when you ask some of the world ’s best minds to find the biggest bang for the buck . Micronutrient provision is rarely celebrated , but it makes a world of difference .
Idiom: go the whole hog (used idiomatically: yes)
He says he 's glad theirs is the biggest . They 'll be able to hide under it when it rains . And when you 've claimed that much land , why not go the whole hog and put a roof over it as well . He says its just what they need . And those that can afford it have an even bigger tent .
Idiom: to all intents and purposes (used idiomatically: yes)
POLARTEK 200 SWEATER / JACKET Mountain Equipment Approx retail : £ 55 So what 's new about Polartek 200 , apart from the name ! Considering that , to all intents and purposes , it 's the same as Polarlite — not much . What is new is that Mountain Equipment are now producing garments made out of it and Polartek 300 ( formerly Polarplus ) . For the past 10 years or so ME have made all their fleece garments from material mainly sourced form the Far East .
Idiom: lie low (used idiomatically: yes)
In Scotland you can try the 29 mile walk along the Forth and Clyde Canal from Bowling to Falkirk . WILDLIFE TREATS Dig out your binoculars for lowland walks which can turn out to be wildlife treats because at this time of year the estuaries and low - lying areas around our coast are teeming with birdlife . When their breeding season is over , and before the harsh winters of the far north set in , thousands upon thousands of birds fly south . This makes Britain in autumn a very special place as a staging post for birds flying further south to the Mediterranean and Africa and as a winter home for many others .
Idiom: pecking order (used idiomatically: yes)
Horses need ample fresh water , which means keeping water troughs clean an filled ; and making sure that ground water , such as in dams or streams , does not become polluted . Troughs should not be placed in the very corner of paddocks or yards . They should be placed where horses can have free access to them without the fear of being trapped and hurt by a more aggressive horse higher in the pecking order . It is essential to provide shelter for horses to protect them from the extremes of heat , cold , wind , or rain . ( It is also preferable to rug them in cold or wet weather , but they need to be under daily supervision in case the rug slips . )
Idiom: full marks (used idiomatically: no)
‘ Not possible.’ ‘ Useless clown Finlayson said . ‘ Tell you what I will do,’ the adjutant said , ‘ I 'll get hold of everybodies score - card and alter it so you all get full marks.’ ‘ Bound to happen,’ Church said softly . Killion stood up and walked stiffly over to Woodruffe .
Idiom: hold the ring (used idiomatically: yes)
He put on exquisite robes that had come as a gift from distant India , and took of vial of scented water , then mounted upon his noble steed . Only a small number of men accompanied him into the forest . Suddenly , he held up a wondrous ring upon his finger , and vanished from sight . The Emperor was never seen again . Where he went , if he lost his life in the forest , if he was ripped apart by savage beasts , or if he was still alive , no one knew .
Idiom: behind the scenes (used idiomatically: yes)
The festival is part of John Major 's European Arts Festival but the Merseyside Youth Dance Forum hopes the dance festival will be the first of many . Showbiz honours unsung heroes SHOWBIZ stars last night honoured six unsung heroes for their behind - the - scenes work for the disabled and disadvantaged . The six received their awards from the Celebrities Guild of Great Britain at London 's Royal Garden Hotel . Stars such as Anita Dobson , Patricia Routledge , Wayne Sleep , Thora Hird , Bob Holness and Susan Hampshire joined in the celebrations , which radio personality David Jacobs hosted .
Idiom: to the tune of (used idiomatically: no)
He was absorbed in the business of picking horses , from which he did modestly well . But the great dream was winning the football pools . On Saturday evenings , he 'd fold open the newspaper at the fixture list and sing the refrain ' £ 75,000 ' to the signature tune of Sports Report ( £ 75,000 was then the top prize dividend paid out by Littlewood 's or Vernon 's football pool ) . Anyone who spoke while the results were being read would receive a snarl of disapproval . This was the serious business of becoming rich — a fantasy which involved descriptions of the clinic he would open with the proceeds , the disciples he would train , and the short burst of bad temper or glum despair as he checked his coupon and found he had n't won .
Idiom: clear the decks (used idiomatically: no)
You stood in the gutter , on the edge of the pavement , held the corner of a card between the first and second fingers of the right hand and flicked . If you were skilled the card flew to the back of the pavement and the next player threw , trying to cover the first card with his . Sometimes there would be two hundred cards on the pavement before someone fluked a cover and then all the cards were his and he cleared the deck . There were all sorts of minor wins , for instance if you threw and your card laid perfectly along the edge of another without covering it , that was a ‘ touchee’ . There was a great deal of noise and the shouts of ‘ Cover!’ and ‘ Touchee!’were as loud as any Australian Test Team appealing for L.B.W. and often with the same lack of justification .
Idiom: put your cards on the table (used idiomatically: no)
‘ Before too long you 're going to admit the truth if I have to beat it out of you.’ She knew he meant it , and she shivered . Taking a deep , steadying breath , she said , ‘ I 'd be glad if you 'd put your cards on the table.’ His eyes narrowed to gleaming green slits . ‘ I did that by bringing you here.’
Idiom: on the face of it (used idiomatically: yes)
quite away beyond just trading standards issues to cover for example , things like fund control , matters are concerned with the district council and er environmental issues erm and I am able to anxious to get some views from authorities including the County Council so that it can form a debate and discussion with central government about possible wa , was forward . There are two specific issues of interest er I would like to refer to , first is resola resolution one , six small one . It is on the face of it a very simple amendment to a quite a small and in some sense insignificant piece of legislation that is n't , erm I hope members would agree that by changing that piece of legislation to say that if you 're a trader you must display who you are and how people can get hold of you if the have a problem about products they buy from you , will not be too burdensome erm in these days of deregulation and so forth but on the other hand would help enforcements considerably and would also enable people to pursue their own remedies where they are dissatisfied with what they bought . I think generally speaking that would er formalise and er increase the er way in which markets and boot sales operated . Erm in conclusion Chairman there 's two , two comments are made , we have been receiving a , a number of complaints about car boot sales some unfortunately have been from consumers who 've bought things and er have been er unhappy about what they 've bought -often on the safety side .
Idiom: take the piss (used idiomatically: yes)
Yeah but he he he well he five hundred did n't he ? he probably thought he was it because he was the new salesman , salesman director and I used to take the piss out of him ! And we 'd turn round and say well keep it ! What have got , go up to ?