Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: flat as a pancake (used idiomatically: yes)
When the chickens are flat as pancakes , then again the tractor must have been faster than them .
Idiom: follow suit (used idiomatically: yes)
I wonder what sort of flowers they have ? Although my plants have although my plants have never been inclined to follow suit . Mm . Still I 'm a patient sort he says .
Idiom: fight tooth and nail (used idiomatically: yes)
Legislators recently told the government to make the request because crocodiles have proliferated and are a menace to people near rivers . A government scheme allowing its controversial City Technology Colleges to train teachers has been welcomed by Teesside 's Macmillan College . The college , which employs a number of staff without qualified teacher status , ‘ has been fighting tooth and nail’ to enter the licensed teacher scheme operating in other state schools . In December Education Secretary Kenneth Clarke listened sympathetically to the CTC 's case when he visited Macmillan College in Middlesbrough . Now he has announced that the UK 's 15 CTCs will be able to train and award qualified teacher status to staff employed as licensed teachers .
Idiom: in the loop (used idiomatically: no)
She could n't catch it up on her bike , that was certain . Then she remembered . The lane wound in wide loops all the way to Applewick , but by footpath there was a short cut across a field , through a wood , and then across another field , which came out only a few yards beyond the low bridge . If she really raced on her bike over the footpath , she might just manage to get to the low bridge before the van reached it . There was just a chance , anyway , that she might stop it before it crashed against the arch .
Idiom: true to form (used idiomatically: yes)
Jed did everything by the book , sounding the warning horn before every pull and staying well clear of Diane and the gun . The launched clays zipped across the window of sky , and Diane followed each with a two - foot lead before squeezing the trigger . And then , if everything ran true to form , the undamaged clays would sail down to a landing somewhere out of sight . Diane scored five hits out of twenty , which was the limit that she 'd set herself because of the cost of the cartridges . Afterwards they went scouting for clays that could be re - used ; some cracked on landing , but others had come down whole .
Idiom: donkey work (used idiomatically: no)
Just plug in a couple of speakers and one mains socket and the whole thing springs to life . All the programmable units in the rack come with special presets unique to Utopia , and a preset chart helps identify exactly what is going on and how to set the levels . Hence the donkey work is taken out of learning how to set everything up . The sounds produced by this rack are certainly impressive , although I must say that to try and get away from the overall processed sound was almost impossible . I could n't find a way round it and when someone came in and said , ‘ that sounds great , but can you get me a pure sound where I can actually recognise what guitar is being played , whether it 's clean or distorted?’
Idiom: over the hill (used idiomatically: yes)
And there 'll be little change this afternoon , although in Argyll and the Western Isles , it will become a little brighter , if not exactly sunny , Again , temperatures will be near or just below the seasonal norm , around nine or ten celsius , forty eight to fifty fahrenheit , the east coast staying a bit colder due to the light easterly breeze . The cloudy conditions will persist through the evening and overnight with just the occasional spot of drizzle , mainly over the hills . Temperatures overnight will hold at around four or five celsius , forty one fahrenheit in general , but there will be some ground frost in sheltered parts of Argyll . And , there may be just a teeny bit more in the way of sunshine for the weekend .
Idiom: for a song (used idiomatically: no)
Like all unit trusts , you pay start - up fees of around five per cent , and annual management fees of about 1.5 per cent . Two reliable firms are : Save & Prosper Japan Growth Fund : 0800 282101 and M&G Japan and General fund : 0245 266266 . GOING FOR A SONG : Most shares in Japan DID YOU KNOW ? THE Library of Congress — America 's largest — has more than 400 miles of bookshelves .
Idiom: call off the dogs (used idiomatically: no)
I was returning along a path and , when passing an isolated croft , a man and his sheepdog emerged . He shouted something unintelligible and ordered his dog to go and get me — which it did , giving me a painful nip on the back of the calf . Using strong language I seldom use , I yelled to the man to call off his dog . For months afterwards , I had a purple weal the size of a half - crown . Lesson : never let an unfriendly sheepdog get behind you .
Idiom: shrinking violet (used idiomatically: yes)
Great if you 've got good legs but need to hide any extra bulges ! COLOUR MAD There 's no danger of being a shrinking violet in this technicolour multi - print baggy T - shirt and matching shorts . POP ART PAIR Tightly - fitting with a bold design , these shorts are bound to get you noticed !
Idiom: fall from grace (used idiomatically: yes)
The advantage that Paisley enjoyed of being master of his own house has already been mentioned . But he remained only one of three competitors for the leadership of the loyalists . The competition was soon simplified with the fall from grace of William Craig . Craig was an intriguing character . A Lurgan solicitor who could speak menacing words in a slow quiet voice , he had come close to the leadership of the Unionist Party , had held cabinet office and retained good links with the paramilitaries and the workers ' leaders who had planned and organized the 1974 strike .
Idiom: cut and thrust (used idiomatically: yes)
Cricket : Yorkshire puddings face a championship bout Frank Keating gets a sneak preview of the war of words between two battling Tykes . NEXT Tuesday evening , Yorkshire Television were hoping to transmit a debate on the latest calamities befalling the county : Brian Close , chairman of the club 's cricket committee , versus the representative for the Wakefield district , Geoffrey Boycott . Last night Brian Walsh , the Yorkshire chairman , did his best to put a block on the whole sorry business , but not before enterprising Guardian hacks were able to obtain a leaked copy of a classic example of the high - class cut and thrust of the debate . It begins with John Helm of Yorkshire TV introducing the speakers : Helm : Right , gentlemen , we have n't won a championship title since 1967 , but both of you know the rules — three falls or one submission and any knockdown and the one still standing retires to a neutral corner . Close ( growls with gum - chewing menace ) : If he wants to jive , he 'll fall in five !
Idiom: grind to a halt (used idiomatically: no)
Capacity utilisation for these five factories is thus only 44.2 per cent . The output of the Mwatex Mill was only 4.8 million sq.metres compared to the existing capacity for the mill of 45 million sq.metres . The mill experienced an acute power problem during the year following the breakdown of its four generators , grinding the mill to a complete halt between October 1982 and March 1983 . Even after repair works on the generators had been done , only two of them operated satisfactorily forcing the factory to work on only two shifts instead of the usual three . Mutex also experienced power problems and shortage of spare parts , while shortage of fuel oil used in the boilers affected both Mutex and Mwatex .
Idiom: up in the air (used idiomatically: no)
This summer it was the scene of the first mass occupation of a plant by strikers in the USA since the 1930s , and has been the focus of much of the non - violent direct action during the seven - month strike . THE gates of Moss No.3 were the scene of mass demonstrations during the summer as strikers attempted to stop the coal trucks getting into the plant . They sat down in the road and , when the state police dragged them away , they threw jackrocks under the wheels of the ‘ scab’ trucks ( a jackrock is a couple of sharpened nails welded together so that no matter which way they land , they always have a point sticking up in the air ) . For these acts and for occasional bouts of stone - throwing , the UMWA has been fined more than $ 30 million by the courts . ‘ When seven miners were killed in an accident at their McClure No.1 mine in 1983 , Pittston was fined $ 47,500,’ Gene tells us , ‘ and they fine us $ 30 million for demonstrating peacefully in defence of our communities.’
Idiom: out of line (used idiomatically: yes)
He said that ICAS members were in a special and privileged position as a result of the Institute 's size , and its education and training system . ‘ In our relatively small classes , lifetime bonds of friendship and mutual trust are formed , and these contribute to the loyalty of our members to their Institute and the profession . In simple language , it is much harder for our members , coming from a close - knit professional community , to step out of line.’ Since the profession 's livelihood depended on the public having confidence in its members ' integrity and professional ability , he warned , those who did break the rules would be dealt with swiftly , effectively and fairly . ‘ Scottish chartered accountants have no time for rotten apples in their professional barrel.’
Idiom: forbidden fruit (used idiomatically: yes)
As far as the children are concerned , I would say that children , always break the rules ! If it 's there . If there 's a tree they will climb it , forbidden fruits always taste the sweetest . And I think , that the more you forbade , forbid the thing , the more attractive you make it to a child . But maybe you can educate people out of it rather than ban ?
Idiom: rise to the occasion (used idiomatically: yes)
But as the West German cities of Bremen and Hanover said they could take no more refugees , Berlin was still offering a warm welcome . ‘ After all we are not just one people , we are also one city,’ said one West Berliner , who described the last 24 hours as ‘ simply unbelievable’ . Another added : ‘ Now what the politicians have always called for has happened , we must rise to the occasion.’ Bulgaria celebrates Zhivkov 's fall . By Mike Power and Denise Searle in Sofia
Idiom: spot on (used idiomatically: yes)
But things turned Oxford 's way after sub Gary Bannisetr came on and in the 71st minute solid tackling gave Mickey Lewis the chance to put Joey Beauchamp through . He finished with perfection . 9 minutes later Jim Magilton found Trevor Aylott in acres of space ; his finishing too was spot on . 2 - 1 ; Portsmouth 's first defeat in 8 games . United 's good work continues .
Idiom: off the hook (used idiomatically: yes)
He stood up , refusing Tweed 's offer of coffee . At the door he looked back at Newman . ‘ If you found someone such as I have just described it would let you off the hook.’ ‘ So I 'm still your number one suspect?’ ‘ Let 's just say , Mr Newman , that in so many murder enquiries the culprit turns out to be the person who discovered the body .
Idiom: up in the air (used idiomatically: yes)
Whether or not Tom gets the job in Boston is still very much up in the air .
Idiom: turn the corner (used idiomatically: yes)
Just think what a story it might make . ' ' You ought to write a book . ' He turned a difficult corner skilfully . ' Perhaps I shall , one day . I think the heroine would have to be someone like you , an Irish leprechaun . '
Idiom: go to the dogs (used idiomatically: yes)
' Ayeaye ! ' he sniggered . Mary shook her head . ' Going to the dogs , if you ask me . ' ' Fergus , people like you have been saying that since somebody invented the wheel . Things get better .
Idiom: on the cards (used idiomatically: no)
DOWNING Street insists that President-elect Bill Clinton is not angry with the British Government and so is not snubbing John Major by refusing to meet him in Washington later this month . If that is so , Mr Clinton has the disposition of a saint . He is entitled to be so furious with the way the Home Office and Conservative Central Office behaved during the presidential election that Mr Major will never even make it on to his Christmas card list . It is a basic rule that governments never get involved with other nations ' politics . That is carried to such an extreme that we will recognise dictatorships and ignore the coups which bring some despots to power .
Idiom: make history (used idiomatically: yes)
Since the quarrel which put the kingdoms of France and England at odds with each other was based upon historical differences , it was only reasonable that history should also have been used both to emphasise the differences between them , and to allow each to show itself how its own history and its own characteristics had developed . By treating his subject as widely as possible , by seeing it in terms of the history of war , rather than as the more narrowly defined military history , the modern student will come to understand it in its many facets and complexities . In so doing he may come as near as he can ever hope to an understanding of war as people of the late Middle Ages knew it , no easy task even in the most favourable conditions , but one which can not be attempted with any hope of success without a proper appreciation of the many threads which make up history . Not the least is the role which individuals played in war . Without them , there can be no history .
Idiom: on board (used idiomatically: yes)
Very good . North Sea oil . North Sea oil came on board and suddenly we had a product which people wanted to buy . In order to buy the oil off us , they had to pay sterling and so hence the demand for sterling goes up and suddenly we were viewed as a very rich economy . Ironically the price of sterling went up so high that it made it very difficult for us to sell our other manufactured goods and many people are now of the belief that because of the North Sea oil price rises , this had an adverse affect on our economy , making it more difficult for us to sell manufacturing goods because the pound was very strong against other currencies .
Idiom: down the road (used idiomatically: yes)
A motorcyclist with a red helmet is riding a blue motorcycle down the road
Idiom: coals to Newcastle (used idiomatically: yes)
Cornelius spoke to many interesting people on the radio set . He spoke to a motor cycle messenger who had once been a roadie for King Crimson . A trucker named Keith who was delivering coal to Newcastle . A radio ham called Tony and an ambulance driver who had just picked up a man with bandaged fingers who was suffering from exposure . Cornelius would have liked to have spoken more with the ambulance driver but the signal faded away .
Idiom: cut the mustard (used idiomatically: no)
‘ Many of the victims can not afford to celebrate Christmas because of the actions of the banks . ‘ This is the harsh truth behind the banks ' glossy and expensive advertising campaigns . ’ Why not cut the Mustard ? By Jaci Stephen WADDINGTON Games 's proposal to axe Reverend Green from the board game Cluedo is a bad one .
Idiom: take it from me (used idiomatically: yes)
He 's managed to get himself sacked from the Shakespeare School of English . Now that has to be a first . I do n't know how much Oliver 's told you about the Shakespeare School , but take it from me that place is tacky : how it got its registered status I shudder to think . I went there once . It 's in what was obviously quite a nice terrace at one time , early Victorian or something , with big fat columns holding up the porches and railings on the street and steps leading to the basement .
Idiom: over the top (used idiomatically: yes)
I mean , an incident happened last week er the fitter went up They asked the fitter if they could track the belt up on the top . So the lad went up and tracked it . He come back to me he says , it 's spilling over the top because the chutes are blocked up he says I 'll tell the track driver , the track driver says , Oh well get the to clean that up . I said , like hell you will . Like hell you will .
Idiom: give head (used idiomatically: yes)
The Right School ? To find the right school in your area The ‘ Education Year Book’ stocked by your nearest reference library lists every local education authority ( LEA ) in the country . It gives head office phone numbers . Phone the LEA office and ask them to send you school prospectuses by post . A detailed prospectus is one of the signs of a good school .
Idiom: take it on the chin (used idiomatically: yes)
Let tears file down our folds of skin ; And should your undertakers smile , Just take it on the pointed chin . David Morton Tim Hopkins
Idiom: keep a low profile (used idiomatically: yes)
This is the most upbeat I have been for more than a year.’ Not that you would notice . This week in Georgia he has been keeping a low profile , wrapped up in his own game plan , which is how he best enjoys life , it seems . Single - minded — selfish even — and pre - occupied are the descriptions most used of him . While someone such as Ben Crenshaw will inquire routinely with a smile , even of a stranger : ‘ Hi , how are you?’ as he makes his way through the Augusta clubhouse , Faldo moves along swiftly and silently .
Idiom: game on (used idiomatically: yes)
Does the Action Replay Cartridge Mark VI have a reset switch ? How many games does the infinite lives cheat facility work on ? Using the freezer facility , can I put all my games on blank tapes to load faster ? If it 's written in BASIC , yes , but if it 's in machine code you can only PEEK individual addresses . If you 've got an Action Replay cart you can disassemble and display machine code routines , but not with an ordinary reset switch .
Idiom: lend a hand (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Chewing gum,’ she informed Bridget , picking at it with her fingernails as she did so . Bridget made a sympathetic comment and then went off to busy herself with another chore . Without thinking , I got up and went over to see if I could lend a hand . ‘ Have n't you got some of that special stuff you can freeze it with?’ I asked .
Idiom: in the dock (used idiomatically: yes)
With coughing , he opened his eyes and began groaning which was at least some sign of progress , and I started looking about to see how we were going to get out of what appeared to be uncomfortably like a prison . Another door , Harry had said , down by the river 's edge : and in fact , when I looked I could see it , a once - painted slab of wood set in brickwork , its bottom edge barely six inches above the water . Across the whole end of the building , stretching from the ceiling down into the river , was a curtain of linked metal like thick over - sized chicken wire , presumably originally installed to keep thieves away from any boat in the dock . Beyond it flowed the heavy mainstream , with small eddies curling along and through the wire on the surface . The dock itself , I well understood , was deeper than usual because of the height of the river .
Idiom: on the make (used idiomatically: yes)
The 1989 Law Society survey showed that ‘ the image of solicitors amongst the general public is good but not outstanding.’ In comparison with accountants , bank managers , NHS doctors and estate agents , they were found to be as easy to talk to as bank managers and easier to talk to than all the others bar NHS doctors , to be easier to understand than accountants and estate agents , to be more efficient than accountants and estate agents , to be more hardworking than accountants , bank managers and estate agents , to be as dependable as bank managers and more dependable than accountants and estate agents , to be as up - to - date as accountants and more up - to - date than estate agents . Solicitors were found to be ‘ mainly on the make’ or ‘ after your money’only less so than estate agents and to be regarded as reasonably honest . In conclusion , the Survey indicated that its results demanded an emphasis on improvements in practice management and that the service could be faster and more responsive to users ' needs . It is interesting to note the different sorts of problems brought to lawyers in law centres and other advice agencies .
Idiom: collect dust (used idiomatically: yes)
Jordan went into his bedroom and came back with his gun . Fowler took it , opened the breech and looked down the twin barrels . The gun was clean and well - oiled , but in places the oil had begun to thicken and to collect dust . ‘ You do n't appear to have used this for some time.’ ‘ Not since early summer when I shot a couple of rooks to keep the birds off my peas.’
Idiom: hand in glove (used idiomatically: no)
You never mentioned that you were watching us.’ Fran sat up straighter , feeling the flurry of unease that ran along her spine as once again she wondered what Luke had overheard of that conversation . All night long the thought of his being hand in glove with Harry Martin had lingered at the back of her mind . It would be easy enough to ask him straight if there was any truth in it , so why did n't she just come on out and ask ? Because she did n't want to hear that it was true !
Idiom: in the works (used idiomatically: yes)
Recently , Tom has stopped seeing anything worthwhile in his work .
Idiom: turn the other cheek (used idiomatically: yes)
It is worth examining some of this testimony . JESUS AS FREEDOM - FIGHTER Later Christian tradition has emphasised the image of a meek , lamb - like saviour , who eschews violence and bids one turn the other cheek . As we have seen however , the Messiah — for Constantine and the fourth - century Roman Church , as well as for Jesus and his contemporaries — was a very different figure : a stern martial leader and liberator , quite prepared to assert his right by force and , if necessary , to employ violence against his enemies . There is , of course , a solid enough basis for such an image in the Gospels themselves .
Idiom: rule of thumb (used idiomatically: yes)
Constructing a stable representation of the environment from this ever - changing view is the function of spatial learning and it is therefore likely that the inclusion of objects into an animal 's representation of allocentric space will depend on their geometric stability . Our findings suggest that this inclusion is the primary determinant of whether a landmark will be used to predict where something else is located . The rule - of - thumb that ‘ if it moves , do n't use it as a landmark’ does not prevent a moving object from acquiring associative strength ( as a century of maze studies with randomly placed discriminative cues has long established ) . Instead , associative strength becomes attached to the object and can , in the present case , only trigger approach or avoidance of the landmarks themselves ( the phenomenon of autoshaping ) . The dissociation further implies that rats can detect relative spatial proximity even under circumstances in which they do not represent it in memory .
Idiom: off the record (used idiomatically: yes)
By Mike Watkinson CANADA 'S Daniel Wesley won the BSAD - ADT London Wheelchair marathon at his third attempt , following a sprint finish on Westminster Bridge in which the first four competitors all achieved times inside Frenchman Farid Amarouch 's 1991 course record . Dave Holding , the British No 1 , looked capable of repeating his 1989 triumph until Wesley produced a devastating finish on Birdcage Walk which enabled him to slice 70 seconds off the record . Holding just beat Heinz Frei , Switzerland 's world record holder , for second place . Cardiff student Tanni Grey won the women 's event after a tremendous duel with housewife Rose Hill , of Milton Keynes , the pre - race favourite .
Idiom: make someone's day (used idiomatically: no)
Sean , you could n't have been that shit - faced that you could n't go upto the Roger and ask him whether he was Roger or not ? It happens to me every day when people come upto me and ask me whether I 'm Clint Eastwood or not . I say I am , and then ask them to make my day:- ) . I will post my comments on the game later , which I saw in my local on Sky . James .