Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: play ball (used idiomatically: no)
Yet even mimed dance and danced mime need to be carefully structured if the story is to be told in all its aspects . There are scènes d'action in Romeo and Juliet : for example , when Lord and Lady Capulet bring Paris to confront Juliet in her bedroom which merges into apas d'action as she repulses his advances when he tries to woo her ; there is the variation describing the activities of Romeo , Mercutio and Benvolio before they enter the ballroom . A similar description can be given to various parts of A Month in the Country , such as the scène d'action where the entire cast tries to find the lost key , the exquisite pas d'action of Vera and the Tutor , and Kolia 's excited variation playing with a ball . 3 Once an outline of the story and a general layout of the plot have been decided , they should be discussed with the composer or arranger of music whose first task may be to create a proper beginning with the overture .
Idiom: all along (used idiomatically: yes)
It is not altogether clear why . ‘ I must go , clearly , because I can not defend a policy I candidly dislike , ’ he wrote on 4 November , having already told Sir Walter Monckton , the Paymaster General , on 1 November that ‘ I felt I might have to resign as I thought the policy bad and disastrous . ’ Yet Clark had known all along of the military preparations ‘ Musketeer I ’ and ‘ Musketeer II ’ and had been dismayed when Dulles seemed to have aborted them with his Suez Canal Users Club ; and after the Anglo-French meeting in London in September he had put out ‘ a dull communiqué , and no one has the least idea of what big things were abroad' . The operative straw seems to have been his exclusion from the inner circle during the twenty-four hours of the joint Anglo-French ultimatum , though back in August Clark had recorded quite dispassionately that ‘ a good deal of effort is going into trying to find a proper pretext for taking military action . This is because we need to justify our action , though its real basis is salus populi suprema lex . ’
Idiom: break someone's heart (used idiomatically: yes)
Carole told her , putting a plump , comforting arm about her as she led Laura into the large ranch - style house . ‘ What a terrible time you must have had — having to fly all this way to the States , and then to see poor , darling Liz and Owen when they 're so terribly , terribly ill . It just breaks my heart , honey , to think of your poor , dear cousin in such pain,’ the other woman murmured sympathetically , her eyes glistening with tears as she begged Laura to sit down and make herself comfortable . Feeling almost overwhelmed by their hostess 's kind welcome , Laura sank down into a wide , soft couch , looking about her as Carole bustled off to fetch a cool drink . When she 'd learned that Ben and Carole Meadows were staying at their beach - front cottage Laura had somehow assumed that it would be a very small , modest building .
Idiom: anything goes (used idiomatically: no)
' Tony 's one of my oldest friends ! We were at school together ! Nobody 's going to think anything 's going on between us ! ' ' I thought something was between you , ' he said tightly . ' I still do . '
Idiom: on the carpet (used idiomatically: yes)
However , do read each day 's ' Introduction ' and ' Positive thought for the day'as you go through the programme as these will encourage you to persevere . 5 The exercises should , ideally , be practised on well - cushioned carpet . Alternatively , use a rug or foam mat to protect you from a hard floor . If this is not possible it is advisable to use cushioned footwear for the aerobic warm - up .
Idiom: in the flesh (used idiomatically: yes)
It did not take long for Gould to realise that it would have been better to have waited . The ‘ strange and anomalous nature’ of the ‘ few extraordinary species’he had before him pickled in spirits or dried as skins confounded the imagination even of an ornithologist as instinctive as Gould . He simply had no idea what these strange creatures could look like in the flesh . Many of the specimens that had found their way back to England only added to the myths circulating in the popular imagination about the fauna of the southern hemisphere . Birds of paradise skins that had been prepared in the traditional way by natives of Papua New Guinea had had their legs removed ; for a considerable time even respectable scientists thought there might be a land where birds never settled .
Idiom: go the distance (used idiomatically: yes)
The aggravation did not seem to upset Jansher yesterday as he conceded only a single point to Frank Ellis as the title holders , Pakistan , started the world team championships here yesterday with a 3 - 0 win over Scotland . England also began with a 3 - 0 win , against Finland . However , Del Harris , the No . 1 , returning to action after a month out , had to work hard to avoid going the full distance with Sami Elopuro before winning 9 - 5 , 9 - 2 , 2 - 9 , 9 - 7 . Rugby Union : Quins complain to Swansea over ' kick ' By BARRIE FAIRALL
Idiom: have a few (used idiomatically: yes)
Fortunately for these pedigree breeds there are usually plenty of human slaves around to tend to their needs and comforts and , should the worst happen and the animals be forced to fend for themselves as strays , changes would soon take place . They themselves might suffer from the climate , but if they managed to survive and interbreed the chances are that in a few generations their offspring would have reverted to wild - type coats once again , as a result of the inevitable mixing that would occur among the stray cat colonies . Why do so many black cats have a few white hairs ? Anyone owning an ordinary black moggie , as distinct from a pedigree ‘ Black Shorthair’ , may well have noticed that it boasts a small patch of white hairs , sometimes boldly visible and sometimes barely perceptible . Occasionally an otherwise totally black cat may have a single white whisker .
Idiom: ring a bell (used idiomatically: yes)
Dawn was near . Wakey wakey . She rang the bell brutishly , keeping her hand on it , and flapped the lid of the letterbox . After a long while muffled sounds came from above . A window lighted .
Idiom: on the button (used idiomatically: yes)
the first part of the competition consisted of 24 targets at known distances , while the second day featured another 24 targets but this time the competitors did not know the distances . The third day saw the top four archers from the previous rounds compete in a final round of six targets , half at known distances , half at unknown distances . Caroline 's first show is right on the button NELLY dancing their way to £ 1,000 were members of the North East Belly dance Group — including Caroline Hall , a secretary at LASMO North Sea 's offices in Aberdeen . Caroline and the rest of the group , who were raising funds for the BBC 's annual children in Need appeal , stopped off at a Turkish restaurant during their tour of four restaurants in Aberdeen .
Idiom: up and running (used idiomatically: yes)
Yeah Oh twenty minutes ago when Max said he was gon na take ten minutes it is up and running insults on that Can we have the
Idiom: go to your head (used idiomatically: yes)
You 're decorative , you 've got the right manner — everything . I can just see you floating into your box at the Opera , all svelte and soignée … ’ ‘ That ice has gone to your head , ’’ Felicity said severely , but she was smiling . The picture Gay had just painted was a very attractive one . ‘ And you?’ she asked curiously .
Idiom: come to a head (used idiomatically: yes)
Christopher Booker 's thoughts on the subject are worth quoting in full for he manages to incorporate a good quota of folk devils in his account , and provides almost a blueprint of the conservative - historical position : The events of the following weeks and months had little real connection with the personal indiscretion of two summers before which was nominally their occasion . The Profumo affair was merely the focus and catalyst for the coming to a head of that revolution in the mood and character of English life which had begun to show itself in the late summer of 1955 . It was the end of a trail which had had its beginnings in those first rumblings of Henry Fairlie against the Establishment and Malcolm Muggeridge against the Monarchy ; a trail that had led on through the Angry Young Men and all the resentments sown by Suez , through the heyday of affluence , through all the mounting impatience with convention , tradition and authority that had been marked by the teenage revolution and the CND and the New Morality , through the darkening landscape of security scandals and What 's Wrong With Britain and the rising aggression and bitterness of the satirists , in ever more violent momentum . And now , in that wet and windy June , the climax had arrived .
Idiom: over my dead body (used idiomatically: yes)
Due to start in March , the vehicle , dubbed ‘ Leopardcover’ , would be backed by the market 's central fund . Names on open years would , on payment of a premium meant to reflect commercial conditions , be granted unlimited cover for future liabilities . In the past Mr Coleridge is said to have sworn ( ‘ over my dead body’ ) that he would not countenance such a guarantee fund . But he later changed his spots enough to insist on Leopardcover as a condition of accepting the market 's chairmanship . Not that the new fund would come cheaply .
Idiom: in no uncertain terms (used idiomatically: yes)
Christina 's feet slipped on the highly polished wooden floor as she flopped into an antique mahogany rocking - chair positioned in front of a big open window , affording uninterrupted views of the ocean and a cooling breeze from off the sea . An old waitress , wearing a tattered turban and starched white apron , shuffled towards them . ‘ Yous all too late fer lunch , dat finished gone an hour ago,’ she informed them in no uncertain terms . ‘ We 've not come for lunch today . We 're here to have your famous rum punch , and I could definitely use a portion of that fantastic coconut ice - cream , if there 's any left?’
Idiom: in my book (used idiomatically: yes)
’ Now he wanted to know why I was n't at the point . So when I went inside the station , I told him where I was . But I had made a mistake and not put the fellow 's name and address in my book . ‘ You should have done — do n't do it again,’ he said . ‘ I do n't believe that there was a hand - cart .
Idiom: read between the lines (used idiomatically: yes)
The only trouble was , what could she find to tell her friend ? The only important thing that had happened in her life of late was Fen , but that was a subject she must avoid . Caro was too astute , quite capable of reading between the lines and discerning Robbie 's feelings for her stepbrother . But it seemed Fen was not to be put off . ‘ How about tomorrow evening?’ he asked .
Idiom: at sea (used idiomatically: yes)
With the conditions perfect at Hindhead , both sides played the ball around nicely . Hindhead should have taken the lead when Frampton 's cross was misjudged by Wagstaff in front of a gaping goal . But Frensham shook Hindhead when a quick break caught the home defence all at sea , giving the visitors the lead . Hindhead raised their game after the interval , with Phil Leigh and Craig Stewart starting to dominate midfield . Wagstaff got the equaliser after the Frensham offside trap had been sprung .
Idiom: dig deep (used idiomatically: no)
D. From 1900 onwards there was new mining machinery , particularly powerful pumps to remove water and to blow air deep into the mines . The profits of industry provided capital ( money ) to pay for the machinery . Companies decided to dig deeper . Shafts of 200 fathoms ( 400 m ) were sunk near the coast through porous rocks which contained a lot of water . Long underground galleries of 3 km or more made it possible to mine under the sea .
Idiom: get the better of (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Give Llandudno time to recover,’ he pleaded . Local MP Sir Wyn Roberts , the Minister of State for Wales , said he will be making a personal report to the Prime Minister this afternoon at the Welsh Tory conference at Llangollen . He added : ‘ We 're in the midst of a critical floods situation but from what I hear we 're getting the better of it . It 's important to keep people as calm as possible , as severely distressed as some may be , and I was impressed when I saw children going to school as normal today . ‘ I want to give the impression to the rest of the world that things are bad but we are holding our own.’
Idiom: turn someone's head (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Kelly!’ Ibn Fayoud turned away from the girl , smiled warmly and held out his arms as if greeting an old friend . Kelly managed to turn her head in time for his kiss to miss its target on her lips . ‘ I 'm so happy you could make it , my favouritejockey.’ Leaning away slightly as Ibn Fayoud enveloped her in his gowns and aftershave , Kelly found herself looking at a smiling Annie .
Idiom: strike a chord (used idiomatically: yes)
On 16 March details of those companies which the judges considered had even better marketing stories to be told will be revealed . It is worth tuning in . Hitting the target : The army 's emphasis on a caring attitude struck a chord Penetrating approach to printing Three Englishmen ventured north , bought into , and are now building up the 200-year - old Scottish printer Pillans & Wilson .
Idiom: fill someone's shoes (used idiomatically: yes)
' Dammit , this is n't personal . ' ' It sounds very personal to me , ' she snapped . ' Of course , I realise that as far as you 're concerned I ca n't possibly hope to fill my predecessor 's shoes , but I do happen to be very good at my job . ' He gave her a steady look . ' Why do I get the feeling that you 're deliberately misunderstanding me ? '
Idiom: out of the blue (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ There was a lot of talk about the time when she and Kate —’ ‘ Kate was just trying to defend herself . Ursula leapt at her , completely out of the blue . We were damned unlucky , actually . If only the photographers had n't been there , we might have been able to hush it up.’
Idiom: on and off (used idiomatically: yes)
Otherwise a loss would have been recorded . Derbyshire is probably in the most parlous state of all the first - class counties . Kim Barnett 's team has a degree of success to its credit , which has yet to be translated into prosperity on and off the field . Gate receipts dropped by 40 per cent . Facilities within the pavilion at the County Ground in Derby continue to be problematical , and all depends on the success of the proposed ground development scheme , which will comprise a multi - purpose sports hall , undercover seating , catering and hospitality boxes .
Idiom: song and dance (used idiomatically: no)
These ideas are no better illustrated than by Massine in his The Three - Cornered Hat . The success of these two means of communication is largely due to the nature of De Falla 's score , which is somewhat like that of Stravinsky fur The Firebird and Petrushka . De Falla borrowed elements from Spanish folk song and dance for all the descriptive passages . Narrative dance is used in the conversations between the Miller , his Wife and their canary , and between the Wife and the Corregidor , which are based on flamenco music . This is usually performed extempore , following the whims of the singer , musician and/or dancer .
Idiom: few and far between (used idiomatically: yes)
A good portion of yesterday 's volumes reflected activity by market makers , getting their trading books just as flat as possible . Yet sterling 's stable performance , another slight easing of money market rates , rampant rumours of a favourable opinion poll and a firm performance among government issues all converged to tempt in the odd overseas bargain hunter , helping dealers convince themselves that the world is not about to come to an abrupt halt after all . Features were few and far between , although Reuters came under pressure from the outset . With plenty of stock said to be on offer , the market price quickly dropped back 36 to £ 11.05 in the wake of Wall Street 's decline . An announcement that its Globex system for the Chicago futures pits will begin trading on July 25 did nothing to help sentiment , with UBS Phillips & Drew advising clients to sell into any price strength .
Idiom: have it both ways (used idiomatically: yes)
All the increases that he has just quoted — in the number of pupils staying on to the fifth and sixth years and in the number of social workers — are down to the fact that all the regional authorities in Scotland are controlled by the Labour party and they see as their spending priorities the need to create educational opportunities for young people and to provide home helps for old people . Now the Secretary of State is telling them that he will cut their budgets next year to stop them increasing the number of educational opportunities and social workers . The Secretary of State can not have it both ways . Mr. Lang The hon . Gentleman is seeking to disguise the fact that under the Government in which he served the quality of service under the headings that I have just listed was vastly inferior to the quality of service provided under this Government .
Idiom: spot on (used idiomatically: no)
He was into his stride early in the session , dipping under world champion Ayrton Senna 's record pole time set last year and finally settling for a best lap of 1min 15.703sec , at an average speed of 127.799 mph . Mansell 's Williams team - mate , Riccardo Patrese , in the other FW14B , could not compete with him on this form and , struggling with oversteer , recorded a quickest lap of 1–17.591 , 1.8sec slower . That was still good enough for second spot on the overnight grid . The expected and long - awaited revival of Honda Marlboro McLaren , who introduced their new MP4/7As , complete with fly - by - wire technology , did not materialise and , during a disappointing session , Senna span off . Gerhard Berger was fifth quickest , with Senna back in ninth .
Idiom: out and about (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Oh , Beth ! Must I go and work in that shop ? I 'd rather be out and about , finding my customers in the market - square or the boulevard.’ ‘ You want to learn all there is to know about selling flowers , do n't you?’ ‘ Yes … but … ’
Idiom: over the counter (used idiomatically: no)
Yes , it is ; it 's only seven pence ; the other is seven pence ha'penny.’ ‘ Aye , I thought so.’ The tobacco weighed out into the two separate tins he passed over the counter to her , he said , ‘ That 'll be one and tuppence ha'penny , eh lass?’ ‘ Yes , you 're right , sir,’ she said , ‘ one and tuppence ha'penny.’ He picked up the tins ; then , leaning towards her , he said , ‘ Nice to be served by a pretty face .
Idiom: in the hole (used idiomatically: yes)
I gave him a final wave just before we turned into the approach road leading to the village . I was pleased to be on the move again . It had been a long time living in a hole in the ground , let's hope things get better . At least , I hope that the next slit trench is more comfortable , with fewer mosquitoes , and a minimum of mortaring . The advance was a distance of about five or six miles , passing through Bavant , a small village now occupied by No. 6 Commando .
Idiom: white hat (used idiomatically: yes)
We had an annual swimming display at school , and this always ended with someone pretending to fall in accidentally , fully clothed , and being rescued by someone who dived in from the side , again fully clothed . The school entered large numbers of girls for Royal Life Saving Society 's bronze and silver medals . Non - swimmers wore coloured bathing hats ; those who could swim at least a length wore white hats , those who had passed the bronze medal wore black caps , and a very few wore silver for the silver medal . There was a wood in the school grounds , and we were allowed to walk in it in fine weather , keeping to the paths . The first week I was at the school , I attempted to climb a tree , and was reproved by a horrified prefect .
Idiom: body blow (used idiomatically: no)
The fact we were chatting about a programme on Radio 4 while standing on a dainty platform hundreds of feet tall seemed not to bother him . It was bothering me immensely . So I wrapped up the conversation as rudely as someone on Newsnight trying to silence a politician , just as he dealt me a social body blow . Would I mind taking his photo on this slab with the ridge spreading out behind him ? ‘ Not at all,’ said my mouth .
Idiom: break the bank (used idiomatically: yes)
He said : ' We should be having swimming training , there are ducks on the pitch . ' In Birmingham water caused an explosion in an electricity sub - station which cut supplies to 3,000 homes . Five couples were marooned in their caravans on a holiday site at Offenham near Evesham , Worcs , when the Avon broke its banks . At Frampton Cotterell near Bristol , Avon , a canoeist was plucked to safety after being swept away in the fast - flowing River Frome . The man , in his 20s , clung to an overhanging tree when his damaged craft was in danger of carrying him to his death over a raging weir .
Idiom: set eyes on (used idiomatically: yes)
By the time the season began , Topaz was more than ready to take her place in society . Lady Angela Hardwicke , an elderly and extremely eccentric female with ginger hair , had taken to her at once . " Confound it , Lovat , " she had said upon first setting eyes on Topaz . " How in God 's Name did you snare a creature like this ? I declare she 'll outshine every woman in London and make you the envy of every man who meets her .
Idiom: over your head (used idiomatically: yes)
Help you make sense of your dreams . SEXUAL RELATIONS AT COLLEGE If you 've worked your way conscientiously through all the preceding chapters , sorted out the roof over your head , sussed out the teaching staff , discovered your way round the library and begun to develop good study habits , you may well be forgiven for thinking you wo n't find much time or space or energy left for anything like sex or love . Not so . Though the three or four years of your student existence will seem in retrospect to have flown by , one of the delights of this period of your life is the way in which the days — and nights — really do expand to let you fit in nearly all the things you want to do — and more !
Idiom: out of the question (used idiomatically: yes)
The loss of numerical superiority by protestants would result in the collapse of their statelet . Disappearance of their dominance would lead to a unified Ireland or else the restructuring of a new statelet with smaller geographical boundaries in which their dominance was again reassured . In any case , repartition is not out of the question . Recent work on the religious demography of Northern Ireland by Compton and Power ( Compton 1985 ; Compton and Power 1986 ; Ford 1986 ; Commins in Clancy , et al . 1986 ) indicates a separating out of protestant and catholic , with the catholic population drifting westwards and vice versa .