Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: get off the ground (used idiomatically: yes)
In the drawing the arrow moving towards the target suddenly wilts and collapses . When things go badly wrong , is it best to abort the mission , cut one 's losses and use the resources more effectively elsewhere , or go on trying ? There is a difference between a project which never gets off the ground and one which suddenly goes bad . The natural tendency is to try harder with the project that has gone some distance . Yet it would be possible to argue exactly the opposite case .
Idiom: turn heads (used idiomatically: yes)
He began counting to himself as he had always done , even as a child , when under stress . Thirty seconds and he would turn off the road . He sensed the growing tension in Mariana and felt her turn her head so that she could no longer see the wall of cloud less than half a mile to their left . Dark whips flicked at them . The motor cycle shuddered as a squall spat a tongue of rain across the highway .
Idiom: spot on (used idiomatically: yes)
The old prejudices still remain though , and at the end of the day far too few people really applauded this season 's winner . Nicholas Knightly was the name that a lot of fashion editors were instead catching up with . After a fair few spot - on write - ups in the last few months , now the fashion pack moved in on him . Nicholas you see , makes good copy : he 's 23 , just out of college , financed by a mystery backer ( rumoured to be Virgin ) and sports a Soho crop . He also seems to want to be the Nineties Coco Chanel , so street fashion bods can rest easy .
Idiom: rough and tumble (used idiomatically: yes)
Once or twice , when gesturing him into the dining - room for supper , he 'd laid a hand on his shoulder . Once or twice , while the boy was squatting on the floor polishing the linoleum surround , he had playfully touched his head , as in passing one might pat the head of a dog . There was a game they 'd played a few times when Edith was out of the house , a rough - and - tumble sort of thing , perfectly harmless . There was Blind Man 's Buff , and a thing called Find the Penny , in which he himself stood like a statue in the centre of the sitting - room while the boy searched him all over , rifling through his pockets for a hidden coin . A perfectly harmless little game it was , and had afforded both of them amusement .
Idiom: drop someone a line (used idiomatically: yes)
Upon checking our records , we were disappointed to note that you have not renewed your standing entry that finished on 2nd June 1990 . As we pride ourselves on our service we would certainly like to hear from you if there is any reason for not renewing your entry . What ever the reason is , Mr Heaps , please drop us a line to tell us about it . Use the enclosed reply paid envelope ( no stamp needed ) . If you have already posted a renewal or a new coupon since we prepared this letter thank you .
Idiom: in the red (used idiomatically: yes)
Keep perfect time , have a passionate kiss , take a balloon trip and have your favourite magazine delivered to you ! Kiss - A - Glam We 've chosen the ultimate seductive gift — the world 's first renewable lipstick , in passionate red . All Club Members will receive an Endless Kiss lipstick in Eternal Poppy , to give their lips prolonged pulling power . These new lipsticks contain thousands of colour fluid capsules which are released every time lips are pressed together — from drinking , or even from kissing !
Idiom: take heart (used idiomatically: yes)
Despite all the problems and uncertainties , Francis remains confident . He is especially encouraged by the performances of Leeds and Celtic in overcoming deficits against Bundesliga opposition in European competition already this season . Francis added:’ We can certainly take heart from what Leeds and Celtic have done and , having already played Kaiserslautern , I 'm still convinced we can win through.’ St George 's Hall a £ 60,000 setting for Hamlet By Sue Cocker Daily Post Staff
Idiom: in tandem (used idiomatically: no)
But ultimately , the pragmaticist may do well to remain agnostic , whatever semantic theory is assumed for working purposes . The point here , however , is that whatever kind of semantic theory is adopted , many aspects of meaning in a broad sense simply can not be accommodated if the theory is to have an internal coherence and consistency . From what we now know about the nature of meaning , a hybrid or modular account seems inescapable : there remains the hope that with two components , a semantics and a pragmatics working in tandem , each can be built on relatively homogeneous and systematic lines . Such a hybrid theory will almost certainly be simpler and more principled than a single amorphous and heterogeneous theory of semantics . So the notion that pragmatics might be the study of aspects of meaning not covered in semantics certainly has some cogency .
Idiom: out of the loop (used idiomatically: yes)
Jury watch Spitfire pilot 's death plunge A VIDEO of a Spitfire plunging to the ground in flames when a stunt went wrong was shown to an inquest jury yesterday . Pilot David Moore , 47 , of Downend Horsley , Glos , was flying too low to pull out of a loop in front of horrified crowds , the South Manchester coroner heard . Verdict : accident . Patient dies as doctors try to save her looks
Idiom: out of the picture (used idiomatically: yes)
Johnny Dee nodded enthusiastically . ‘ It 's a real unholy stonker of a plan . With Rex and Woodchip out of the picture and the forces of darkness set loose upon the land , how can we fail ? What do you think , Ed?’ Ed pulled his fingers from his newly - refitted ears .
Idiom: in the works (used idiomatically: yes)
The ethologists had a very different approach , deriving from a different set of questions and of methods . Both Konrad Lorenz and Nicko Tinbergen , and most of their followers , were led to a study of animal behaviour by a passion for natural history . There has consequently been a much greater emphasis in their work on the study of animals in the wild , on the differences between species , and on the adaptive significance of behaviour . This set of preoccupations led the ethologists to assume a more complex and extensive set of genetic endowments underlying behaviour . In particular , they argued for the existence of ' innate releasing mechanisms ' and ' fixed action patterns ' — concepts that are best explained by examples .
Idiom: take root (used idiomatically: yes)
Next to nothing , though , is being said about the Commission ’s more important , and more integral , proposal : the 20 % spending commitment for projects and initiatives that can stimulate resource - efficient business , protect Europe ’s collective , boundary - less environment , and ensure a better future for families across the continent . The dividends promised by a “ green ” MFF ( which recently received the support of the European ~ Parliament ) are at ~ least threefold : a higher share of jobs in one of the world ’s fastest - growing economic sectors ; lower energy bills for households throughout Europe ; and help in achieving the reductions in greenhouse - gas emissions to which all EU states have agreed as part of their “ Europe 2020 ” commitments . The green potential within EU spending has already taken root . In France , for example , social housing organizations have rapidly deployed € 320~million of EU money in the last few years to improve energy efficiency in existing housing stock .
Idiom: put the boot in (used idiomatically: yes)
Another common diversion is getting into a fight , and , again within the context of ‘ doing nothing’ these fights are important and exciting occasions . They are not particularly violent fights and participants are rarely hurt . When asked , ‘ What sort of fights?’ , one of the lads replied , ‘ Well , not real fights , as some of them might be quite matey … when you put the boot in , you put the boot in , but we are friendly after , like’ . The youths studied — and you might like to consider the extent to which their experiences and expectations are commonplace — and are aware that in their leisure time they are doing nothing , are bored with it . Essentially they want something to happen , and their street activity can best be understood as an attempt to maximize the chances of something interesting happening .
Idiom: in stitches (used idiomatically: no)
Sections that have been saved to disk from other designs can also be imported on to the current grid , so a completely new pattern could be created simply by combining various sections from other designs . One of the important things to take into account when designing single bed Fair Isle patterns is the length of the floats . DesignaKnit has a very helpful function which lets you decide what the maximum allowable float length ( in stitches ) can be . Any floats that would exceed this length are then indicated on the screen so that you can adjust them if you wish . Should you decide that you would prefer to knit your design in jacquard rather than Fair Isle , DesignaKnit can automatically separate all the colours for you in the way that is required for your particular knitting machine .
Idiom: on someone's mind (used idiomatically: yes)
Two Funerals and Our Freedom MOSCOW – My great - grandfather , Nikita ~ Khrushchev , has been on my mind recently . I suppose it was the 50th anniversary of the so - called “ kitchen debate ” which he held with Richard ~ Nixon that first triggered my memories . But the funeral last week in Budapest of General Béla ~ Király , who commanded the Hungarian ~ Revolution ’s freedom fighters in 1956 , and this week ’s funeral in Warsaw of the philosopher Leszek Kolakowski , whose break with Stalinism that year inspired many intellectuals ( in Poland and elsewhere ) to abandon communism , made me reconsider my grandfather ’s legacy .
Idiom: cut corners (used idiomatically: no)
Once reached , the Bower forms a solid haven from which to tackle the final , most demanding , section of the crack . Impressively placed and considerably exposed , it hangs on the vertical right wall of the corner with a straight drop to North-West Gully , an uninterrupted 150ft ( 45m ) below . I remember my father giving me specific advice on just how he climbed the crux section of the corner crack above ; ‘ When you get to the steep bit — you 'll know it when you get there — just face right and use the square cut holds on the edge . Like little dominoes they 're small but quite positive . An amazing lead for the ‘ 20s .
Idiom: on the shelf (used idiomatically: yes)
This point is well illustrated in ' The Disappearance ' after the death of one of the main characters at the very end of the book . Despite an unhappy ending , ' The Disappearance ' contains a lot of energy which made me come away from the book feeling hopeful and while I learnt more about the characters , I also found I learnt more about myself and my feelings towards family life and friends . Rosa Guy is also very descriptive and emotional in her writing , one of my favourite descriptions is on pages 53–54 which tells us how Mrs Aimsley has all her glasses set out on shelves and the higher the shelf , the more expensive the glass and of course not being used to drinking out of glasses , Imamu takes the most expensive type from which to drink milk and syrup and after washing and drying it , he put it back on the shelf , but as he takes his hand away , the glass tips over and falls , smashing on the sink . The reason I like this section is because I like the way Mrs Aimsley thinks , the more expensive her glass , the better a position it deserves on one of her shelves . One of my favourite emotional scenes in this book is on page 79 when Mrs Aimsley suddenly changes her views on Imamu , especially after it was her who decided to bring Imamu into her family after sitting in court listening to Imamu on trial for murder .
Idiom: get to the bottom of (used idiomatically: yes)
Then I went back in and did it again . What you made , made a mistake . In er , , you know , we only reversed when we got to the bottom of that last machine , and why had the guy back , erm , went over it , and go through it again , luckily it was only three high . So you had , would anybody of , if they were going to do it again , do it differently ? No , oh yes , nick all the cards and played myself on the tune
Idiom: face to face (used idiomatically: yes)
It would have been simpler to post the cheque . Yet she could n't bring herself to leave . The prospect of coming face to face with the man who had figured so prominently in Elise 's diary before her accidental death was just too intriguing to pass up . Accidental death ? That was the word that Merrill balked at .
Idiom: rub shoulders (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ I ca n't believe this could happen here,’ said one . ‘ You think you buy into somewhere crime can not reach and then it hits you with the worst kind.’ The wealthy rub shoulders in the village centre with its quaint olde worlde shops comprising almost entirely estate agents . Ian Spiro was a novice in this league but still acted like he was in the big time , joining Lomas Santa Fe Country Club where membership costs ‘ tens of thousands’ . The houses are set acres apart and noisy neighbours are never a problem .
Idiom: play games (used idiomatically: no)
The coordinator Rebecca Johnson says they failed to re - establish contact with the vessel , which had been protesting against the resumption of nuclear testing on the island . We have still not been given any kind of direct word , we 've not been back in direct communication with them . The Soviet Authorities seem to be playing a slightly odd game , they 're putting out information through a TAS er press agency release that says that everybody 's back on the ship and being taken to Murmansk where an enquiry will be held . But when we talked directly with them , they refused to confirm this , they refused to put us in touch with the ship , they refused to confirm whether or not er the four activists who were walking to the test site had been apprehended , whether they 're safe , whether they 're being held separately , and so on . We 're asking for er communication back with the ship and we 're asking for some straightforward answers from them .
Idiom: with a vengeance (used idiomatically: no)
Forty years ago there were about six inmates for each officer . In 1986–87 there were approximately two and a half inmates to one officer . The principle of least eligibility , not withstanding the massive prison building programme , seems to operating with some vengeance . We noted earlier that in 1989 the certified normal occupation ( CNA ) of the prison system had reached 45,286 . The average prison population of 48,600 thus represented an average overcrowding of 8 per cent .
Idiom: at the end of the day (used idiomatically: yes)
till then , it 's everything 's in the air , okay ? Ok , right - y - oh But if you 've got any more questions , I mean do n't hesitate to come back , because at the end of the day I 'd rather you know too much than not enough not enough , that 's it well I mean if you 've been in , you sat the opposite way
Idiom: over the hill (used idiomatically: yes)
Washington DC estate agents have already been flooded with business — from Republicans who know their time is up , to Democrats chomping at the bit to get settled in . After a 12-year reign it wo n't be easy for the Republican workers to start over again . Many of the political appointees who will find themselves ' displaced persons ' tomorrow arrived in Washington DC as ambitious thirtysomethings and are being tossed - out over - the - hill in their late forties and early fifties . One of the best known of the departing faces , the State Department 's Margaret Tutweiller , is more fortunate , with a new life already lined up . She will stay with the man at whose side she has been for years , Secretary of State James Baker .
Idiom: in tandem (used idiomatically: yes)
Despite some very inhospitable weather , causing the cancellation of racing on five different occasions , the series , which started the previous November , proved popular and very well attended over the five months . Competition has been healthy rather than intense , and results are that close in some of the classes , that the overall winners will not be known until the Sunday evening . Kicking off in tandem with the start of the summer series on Saturday , April 4th is the club 's Royal Yachting Association based training programme which offers a wide and comprehensive selection of courses up until the end of October . Further details can be obtained from the chief instructor John Davenport . ATHLETICS
Idiom: in the black (used idiomatically: no)
Quick Gran , bury the telly Jane Moore THE TV was blaring in the corner , displaying EastEnders in black and white . Clutching his mono TV licence , the householder seemed nervous as the TV licence enforcement officer approached the set . With one twiddle of a button , the colour flooded back into the faces of the soap stars on screen and the owner sprang back in feigned amazement .
Idiom: piping hot (used idiomatically: yes)
Add the herbs and heat gently for 3–4min , stirring constantly . 3 . Add the shelled eggs to the pan , stir well and continue to heat for 2–3min , until the eggs are piping hot — do not overcook , otherwise they will become rubbery . 4 . Stir in the pine kernels and season the pasta to taste with salt and pepper .
Idiom: do the trick (used idiomatically: yes)
Voice over The tell - tale signs of erosion here inside the cylinder head , plus obvious coking up all evidence of damage caused by unleaded petrol , used by unsuitable cars . Many of the cars being repaired have been converted to accept unleaded according to manufacturers guidelines which suggest a quick correction of engine timing will do the trick . That , say mechanics is not enough . Male speaker
Idiom: keep your powder dry (used idiomatically: no)
yes oh my Lord I think there are I think I 'm not I think bound ny anything you have said this afternoon , it 's just , if you 're able to indication or you , if you want to keep your powder dry you 're perfectly entitled to do so my Lord I 'm happy to give an indication and yes
Idiom: go overboard (used idiomatically: yes)
Why tamper with a successful formula ? The stopwatch may suggest otherwise but so what . To my mind we 've gone overboard on fitness . Not that is is n't important . Of course it is .
Idiom: speak volumes (used idiomatically: yes)
British Gas has dubbed the project Armada but one group of partners has named their discoveries after Elizabethan heroes Drake , Hawkins and Howard — hardly the favourites of the original invasion fleet . At the same time , another partnership , following a tradition to name its finds after women , has chosen the name Maggie despite pressure to keep the fields all male . Questor Column : Speaking volumes about Patten AT Books Etc in Victoria Street , opposite Victoria Station yesterday , I spotted Chris Patten , the Conservative chairman who , in the wake of losing his seat in the General Election , has now been offered the governorship of Hong Kong . I do n't know how seriously he is considering the offer , but he was buying every book in the shop on the subject of the Far East .
Idiom: in hot water (used idiomatically: yes)
Paul Curran —title pointer VETERAN keeper Declan McIntyre hit back last night at the Finn Harps boo - boys . McIntyre landed in hot water for an alleged V - sign to the fans after last week 's disappointing home draw with Athlone Town . But he protested : ‘ Nobody goes out to play badly and sometimes mistakes are made . ‘ I do n't mind being criticised for my football nor indeed do the other players but personal abuse is something else .
Idiom: run out of steam (used idiomatically: yes)
In part , it was part of a wider decline in the authority of national institutions from the monarchy to the police ; satire and culture criticism reflected the process and took it further . But it was also clear that the governmental machine had failed to revive the economy or reform social institutions in the 1950s . Its Keynesian ethos was running out of steam . The feebleness of the Wilson government 's attempts to deal with national economic growth or industrial relations in the 1960s discredited the ideals of the planner and central state still further . The National Plan and In Place of Strife both led to nothing .
Idiom: by the back door (used idiomatically: no)
Guardian , 3 August 1991 . Critique of what is claimed to be a new , over- positive stereotype of ageing which denies its problems . Selling by the back door by Roger Jarman . Housing , August 1991 , pp 18–19 , 21 . Claims that the legislation designed to protect council - owned elderly persons dwellings from Right to Buy is being undermined — see elsewhere in this Circular .
Idiom: pull strings (used idiomatically: yes)
He made the decisions , he passed the laws . His ministers were just yes - men , puppets . So , when he died , the puppets had no - one to pull their strings anymore . They panicked . And I used that panic to my benefit .
Idiom: Pyrrhic victory (used idiomatically: yes)
This reality may be the most difficult one of all to accept . That the Community is now striving for political and monetary union reflects the successful hijacking of the SEA by the federalists . It may prove to be a Pyrrhic victory . For the internal market programme is by no means completed ; on the contrary , much remains to be done . For Britain , the country with the most open market and one of the best records in implementing EC directives , the refusal by other member states to end these protectionist tendencies is very serious indeed .
Idiom: touch wood (used idiomatically: no)
‘ I see you could even carry out a Caesarean delivery,’ she remarked . ‘ So far we have n't had to.’ Jill touched wood . ‘ This is Duncan West , by the way.’ She paused to introduce Lindsey to the young man who was checking the various monitors and equipment .
Idiom: without fail (used idiomatically: yes)
I wonder what the good doctor and his housekeeper make of her — and what story she has concocted to explain her presence there ? But he said nothing of this , merely noted down her address , sighed a little at it , and made his latest recruit promise to visit him once a week with her piece . ' Without fail , ' he said sternly . ' And if you are too tired to write you must come to see me in any case , and then I shall know you are safe . I have a good mind to ask you to serve full - time on my reporting staff , but I am selfish enough to want you to go on writing for me these exposés of low life , particularly the way in which such misery afflicts women .
Idiom: have a heart (used idiomatically: yes)
The doctors were diverted into believing that it was related to my stomach . They did not refer me , and strangely I did not insist ; as patients do not want to hear bad news . " Thank goodness , I 'm not having a heart attack " was my reaction . A barium meal confirmed a hiatus hernia but the chest pain continued to infiltrate my left arm . I was so overjoyed with the diagnosis that I celebrated with a huge meal , a bottle of champagne and a large cigar .
Idiom: keep up appearances (used idiomatically: yes)
My Mam was a very attractive , passionate , extrovert womon who lived her life for my Dad and for all of us . Unremitting poverty , seven children and a husband unable to do hard physical work because of a series of minor heart attacks , caused my Mam to have a ‘ mental breakdown’ when I was seven years old ; the treatment for this breakdown included her having twenty electric shocks in a two - year period . Her life was a ceaseless round of hard work , of struggling to make ends meet , of keeping up appearances and yet her lion - like spirit showed through . My Mam was ‘ the boss’ at home but outside that house she was merely a wife and mother , never a person in her own right . I would have cut my throat rather than grow up to be like my Mam .