Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: have it easy (used idiomatically: yes)
As Edmund says . ( Othello , IV.i.45 ) ) . Shakespeare 's villains have it too easy , one sometimes feels . Edmund 's predictions of the success of his plots are , like Iago 's , accurate . The ' credulous father ' Gloucester is easily manipulated into setting a guard to catch Edgar ( King Lear , 11 . i.17 ) , and Edmund , who has been ' sheltering'Edgar ( that is , keeping him locked up , where he can not confront his father ) , dupes him into fleeing , so that Gloucester can order him to be pursued and killed ( 56–63 ) .
Idiom: grin and bear it (used idiomatically: yes)
He was always in trouble . He was joyful , absurdly joyful . And it was n't a sort of ‘ grin and bear it’ kind of happiness . Paul did n't keep a stiff upper lip because that was the way that he thought that Christians should behave . He was joyful , because that is the way God wanted him to be , and because that is the way that God wants us to be .
Idiom: sweetness and light (used idiomatically: yes)
As Les and I walked into their tiny , barely furnished house , his wife greeted us , and his little girl held up her arms for me to lift her . She sat on my knee as we talked . At first , all was Christian sweetness and light . Then Les began to tell of his experience of life . He described how it felt to discover he was an illegitimate child , when his mother called him a bastard ; how he left home at 14 to find work in the Durham coalfields — hating his parents , hating the world , ripe for enlistment in the class struggle .
Idiom: for a song (used idiomatically: yes)
The house looked the same , Sara thought , standing for a moment outside the gate and looking up at it . The virginia creeper was a little more luxuriant perhaps and the wood - work had been newly painted and was whiter than she remembered . Her stepfather , Robert Simpson , had bought the battered and bomb - damaged house for a song just after the war . Now it was worth five times what he paid for it , a fact on which he often dwelt with satisfaction . The front door opened and Mrs. Butler , smiling a welcome , stood on the threshold .
Idiom: go it alone (used idiomatically: yes)
You can therefore start at payroll , or start at personnel information if you already have a good payroll system , or just cover the planning systems if accurate personnel information is already available . The more these systems are developed in concert and in a logical sequence , the more likely you are to have a successful implementation , and therefore reap the considerable benefits possible . Because personnel tends to be low on computer departments ' priority lists , you are very likely to have to go it alone , at least initially . It is therefore important that you take a route which is likely to succeed . A piecemeal approach using micros will seem attractive at first , but may soon founder , when you realise that it is a shared information system which you actually need .
Idiom: with a will (used idiomatically: yes)
ANYONE who thinks the 44-game season is worth preserving should have heard the Thistle assistant manager , Gerry Collins , describe this disappointing match as ‘ an end - of - season - game’ . In the middle of March — with both teams on the fringe of the relegation area — and ten games left ? In fairness the players went about their tasks with a will , if little wile . The need to avoid defeat was obvious , hence the draw was probably a fair result , as neither side deserved to win . Both Collins , and Saints manager John McClelland , expressed themselves happy with a point , but there was no doubt they were unhappy with the performances .
Idiom: doom and gloom (used idiomatically: yes)
Those who cynically exploit the current problems of the NHS and yet who purport to support its purpose ought to pause and reflect upon the effect of some of their activities in creating a mood of pessimism about its future . The deficiencies of the NHS need to be dealt with away from the headlines … It is certainly true that the climate for attracting new recruits to the professions is not improved by continued reporting on the doom and gloom aspects of working in the NHS . The rolling stone effect of perpetuating negative thinking , rather than positive constructive action , is to lower morale at a very critical and potentially exciting stage in the development of nursing . Nursing into the 1990s
Idiom: in hot water (used idiomatically: yes)
He thinks it came in the pure stuff , transparent crystals.’ ‘ But Sir Thomas would notice if there were crunchy crystals in his food,’ Auguste objected . ‘ Ah , but these crystals melt in hot water . And,’ Rose paused , ‘ it dissolves easy as anything in alcohol . Suggest anything to you?’
Idiom: green light (used idiomatically: yes)
The third question to which we sought an answer was the function of Hitler 's public persona in an explanation of the radicalization of the ' Jewish Question ' and genesis of the ' Final Solution ' . Here it seems important to distinguish between Hitler 's image as portrayed to and perceived by the mass of the population , in which anti - Semitism was no more than a subsidiary component of the ' Führer myth ' , and his image as viewed from within the Nazi Movement and sections of the State bureaucracy , where his ' mission ' to destroy the Jews functioned as a symbolic motivating force for the Party and SS , and an activating and legitimating agent for government initiatives to ' force the pace'in finding a ' radical solution'to the ' Jewish Question ' . It is in this last capacity that Hitler 's image as perceived by his loyal ' following ' — functioning within the framework of ' charismatic politics ' — played its crucial role , as not only the leaders of Party and State , but those in responsible intermediary positions — whether for ideological reasons or for a variety of careerist or other motives little related in essence to principled hatred of Jews —'read ' Hitler 's vaguely expressed ' intent'as a green light for radicalizing actions which developed their own dynamic and momentum . For the top and intermediate Party leadership , Hitler 's image stood therefore in far closer relationship to reality than it did for the broad mass of the population . In private or semi - private conversation and ' confidential ' addresses to the Party faithful , Hitler left no doubt of his feelings on the ' Jewish Question ' .
Idiom: on the fiddle (used idiomatically: no)
We drove up the drive and came to the back door ; there were no police there either . The door was open , and as there was no reply to our knocking , we walked in and along the corridor which I knew led to the main living quarters . In a room at a corner of the house a man fiddling with coffee cups looked up briefly , said good morning , and carried on fiddling . We continued unimpeded until I saw ahead of me the drawing - room where I had interviewed Mountbatten , and sitting on one of the sofas with his back to us the unmistakable profile and balding head of Prince Charles . Had I been an IRA man , I could have pulled out my little Luger and shot him dead — a thought so unnerving that the next day I wrote to his private secretary to suggest improved security .
Idiom: over the top (used idiomatically: yes)
The guitar 's dimensions do limit its penetrating power , but what you get instead is a sparkly , ultra - fast response that clearly articulates fingerpicked notes as fast as you can spit them out . This is one of those guitars that imparts a whole new sonic quality to even the oldest of the old faves — bizarre , but addictive . Cosmetically , the NY-5 is a bit over the top . The ‘ rope’ binding around the front and headstock is very tasty , as are the snowflake fingerboard inlays ( although they could have been installed straighter ) but I 'm not at all sure about the classical - style rosette complete with touches of green and fluorescent pink . The nut is scalloped ; some players like it , but to me it 's an ugly feature .
Idiom: come to terms with (used idiomatically: yes)
Silence . Straight between the eyes . I think the problem with a clear remit I ca n't really come to terms with that , precisely , competitive . How do you know your competitors clear remit ? Or do we tend to build things in because we 've already done that type of job and we know the job and things in subconsciously where ?
Idiom: by leaps and bounds (used idiomatically: yes)
The ground from a golfer 's point of view is everything that can be desired and when finished will provide a first rate course , whose sporting nature will certainly not detract from its attractiveness . A good golf course is one thing that will bring visitors to Henley in larger numbers , and increase the demand for residential sites in the neighbourhood . That this is so is borne out by the fact that seaside towns with golf links handy have gone ahead by leaps and bounds.’ The hole distances are then given but bear no resemblance to the course as opened 18 months later . Although James Braid is correctly credited with the course design , the Sandwich Professional was also involved for both their names appear on the first year 's accounts published in July 1908 for ‘ laying out , and advising as to links’ , their respective fees being £ 15 6s . 6d . and £ 5 .
Idiom: light at the end of the tunnel (used idiomatically: yes)
•A version of this article first appeared in Caterer & Hotelkeeper 's sister publication Baking Update . TRICON II LIGHT at the end of the TUNNEL The Cassons are now coming round to Tricon 's point of view , but still need a bit of convincing . Janet Harmer reports on the action they still need to take to meet their projected targets
Idiom: take the count (used idiomatically: yes)
He was more than prepared to trade blows with the former circus act Benichou . A crisp third right hand from Hoko brought Benichou to his knees . He got to his feet at five but had to take the mandatory count of eight . The pace did not slacken in the fifth . Hodkinson , encouraged by his corner , was now making all the running .
Idiom: hot air (used idiomatically: yes)
not quite what I 'm thinking of . Politicians are renowned for producing ? Hot air . Hot air , right . .
Idiom: by heart (used idiomatically: yes)
Three ones are three , and so on We also had to learn a great deal of poetry by heart — poetry which I can still recall all these years later . By the time that you were ready to go up into Standard Three , you had to be proficient to the twelve times table but it did not stop there for later on you had measurement , area , weight and many others . One which I found to be of great value in my business life , until the advent of decimalisation , was learnt in Standard Four , in the usual sing - song fashion .
Idiom: short and sweet (used idiomatically: yes)
Ah oh , oh , shame . presentation . Short and sweet . Think he got the message . Did you get the message other groups ?
Idiom: tell tales (used idiomatically: no)
Someone nudged Pascoe twice , the second time more violently . When he turned , he saw that he was backed up to a young man with crinkly hair and a baggy silk suit , sleeves turned back to mid - forearm . He was standing with three friends and telling a tale in which he 'd conned some adversary into covering a dubious investment . The young man was the star of his own story . In telling it , he cackled like a corncrake and waved his arms about .
Idiom: bang to rights (used idiomatically: yes)
Not content with that dereliction , you have allowed five months to pass without responding to three more recent submissions . A prompt reply I would have deemed a common decency , you being a fellow screenplay writer , though I must say I have never cared for your work , finding it , at once , both florid and superficial . ( I read Matthew 's Sura 's piece last month and I thought he caught you bang to rights . ) Please return the more recent screenplays , namely Decimator , Medusa Takes Manhattan and Valley of the Stratocasters , immediately . He signed and sealed it .
Idiom: off the mark (used idiomatically: yes)
So , with that understood , let us proceed to lot number one.’ A lady in a straw hat put up her hand . ‘ A little quick off the mark there , madam,’ smiled the auctioneer . ‘ Please wait until I start the bidding.’ ‘ I wanted to ask a question,’ said the lady .
Idiom: mean business (used idiomatically: no)
Suffolk county surveyor Jeffrey Stansfield said yesterday that the project was the ‘ number one’ priority . ‘ The orders will be published very early next week . This is a massive step forward and signifies to the public that we mean business.’ The announcement follows the county council being sued for £ 2.2 million because of delays in building the bypass . Thirteen landowners from Kesgrave are planning High Court action against the authority after giving a cash injection of £ 1.9 million .
Idiom: on the run (used idiomatically: yes)
Until then , goodnight . An escaped prisoner who faces charges of disposing of the body of a Swindon man , has given himself up . Tyrone Evans , who 's twenty - eight , spent four days on the run after escaping from Sutton magistrates court . He gave himself up at High Down Prison , in London . He 's charged with dismembering and disposing of the body of Stephen Davison , from Swindon ,
Idiom: live a lie (used idiomatically: yes)
An we try , Wid so little time fe chilling Like we living a lie . Money meks a dream become reality Money meks real life like a fantasy
Idiom: crystal clear (used idiomatically: yes)
In fact we do n't believe in making any cuts at all . DARTINGTON CRYSTAL The difference is crystal clear . Only Volkswagen can do this . With our ingenious roofrack , you get more than a practical convertible .
Idiom: in business (used idiomatically: yes)
When I eventually returned to Vienna to make music , I was completely relaxed within myself . RO By 1947–8 you were all more or less back in business — Furtwängler , Böhm , Knappertsbusch , and others . Erich Kleiber also reappeared from South America . He has always had a high reputation in England and the Covent Garden Orchestra were obviously eager to work with him in the 1950s .
Idiom: clutch at straws (used idiomatically: yes)
' Did you see anything of Terry ? ' Carrie asked them anxiously , and they only said that they had not seen him without saying how ridiculous the question was . They had both been asked about other men who were in France and answered patiently , knowing that the distraught women who asked them were only clutching at straws . Sarah had been surprised at Mrs Fitzgerald 's calmness but Anne told her that her mother and Maureen spent every possible moment in church and it seemed to comfort them . Joe came home on leave and this brought even more comfort to his mother .
Idiom: put a sock in it (used idiomatically: yes)
In Sailors Three ( 1940,Three Cockeyed Sailors in US ) , Tommy Trinder and his companions get drunk and end up on a German ship which , more by mishap than demon cunning , they occupy and deliver to their commander . The amateurishness of Will Hay does n't stop him winning over some Nazis , giving the others a good lesson in the English way of doing things , and bringing home their secret weapon in The Goose Steps Out ( 1942 ) . But the apogee of imaginative anti - Nazism comes in Let George Do It ( 1940,To Hell with Hitler in US ) , when George Formby , who otherwise divides his time between playing his ukulele and trying to crack the code a bandleader is using to broadcast messages to the Germans , dreams a sequence in which he flies over Berlin in a Zeppelin , lands at a Nuremberg rally and challenges the Führer himself , ‘ You , Adolf , put a sock in it.’ Similar themes were treated more romantically in Carol Reed 's Night Train to Munich ( 1940,Gestapo : Night Train in US ) and Leslie Howard 's Pimpernel Smith ( 1941,Mister V ; The Fighting Pimpernel in US ) . The latter features a seemingly placid English schoolmaster who is , in fact , smuggling refugees out of Europe .
Idiom: against the grain (used idiomatically: yes)
Symphony No . 3 ; IRELAND : These Things Shall Be ; The Forgotten Rite ; April IRELAND , JONES , HALLE CHOIR & ORCH . /BARBIROLLI I have to say straight away that the three star grading is highly personal decision that goes against the grain of usual standards . The wartime Hallé ensemble and intonation are not always of the purest quality , and despite excellent remastering , the mono sound of Baxi 's Third Symphony was never exactly ingratiating , although an amazing amount of detail does register — not least the gleaming anvil stroke in the first movement . But I know of no other performance that encapsulates the charmed essence of this infuriatingly diffuse music with such surety and projection .
Idiom: eat your heart out (used idiomatically: no)
He was like a man fearing his moment had come , he said , covering his eyes in silent prayer — yet astonished to find the lion in the same pose . ' Then the lion looked up and said ' I do n't know about you , mate , but I 'm saying grace before meals . ' Eat your heart out , Billy Connolly . Eventually , Mellor gave a nod towards the good work done by the Press Fund — then made his excuses and left . His car turned out of Amen Corner and down Ave Maria Lane .
Idiom: think twice (used idiomatically: yes)
Even if rates do fall again , unemployment may not fall with them . Many big firms face a worldwide drop in demand . Those that depend on recession - battered Germany , France 's biggest export market , have been hit hardest ; they will think twice before hiring and investing again . Those that have lost a share of their markets to cheap competition from Britain and Italy , whose currencies have fallen since leaving the ERM , will think three times . Officials already say they are willing to discuss more flexible ways of operating the ERM , in order to bring sterling and the lira back into the fold .
Idiom: to say the least (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ He wanted to set me up in a flat he said he owned . He said he would provide me with male clients for sex therapy . ‘ I was a bit unsure about the offer , to say the least . ‘ He took me to a few parties but I was uneasy about him . He told me he was a bit of a swinger but he never said he was married .
Idiom: cut the mustard (used idiomatically: yes)
I had just taken another look at Debonair — at Vron , my future stepmother . My future stepmother has a pair on her , no doubt about it . She could even cut the mustard in one of the magazines specifically featuring chicks with big tits . I replaced Debonair and picked up Lovedolls . Take it from me , they do n't come much dirtier than Lovedolls , not in England , not legally .
Idiom: hard cheese (used idiomatically: yes)
For a cheese that is mild and firm , yet tasty with bread or biscuits , Dutch Edam is often the first choice . It will be on the shopping list when there are young children in the family , because they find the cheerful red rind appealing . And it is ideal for those who want to watch their weight without forgoing flavour as it is lower in calories than most popular hard cheeses . However , now is the time to discover ways of creating simple and delicious dishes with Dutch Edam , such as our Carrot and Butter Bean Souffles — a stunning starter for a dinner party the Chicken and Edam Salad ; a light and healthy lunch dish , and the Creamy Scrambled Eggs and Nut and Cheese Potatoes for warming winter snacks or suppers . QUICK CHICKEN AND EDAM SALAD
Idiom: to the bone (used idiomatically: yes)
Marks said : ‘ So they made you up to DI.’ ‘ Not before time.’ Marks had grown greyer , more hairy , more stringy in the years - since their last meeting but he was the same man , shrewd , cynical , and a cop to the bone . ‘ Serious Crimes Squad : you chaps are like Canute these days , trying to hold back the tide.’ Kersey , who preferred to do his own job - knocking , was curt : ‘ Perhaps , but I have n't got my feet wet yet.’
Idiom: go to the wall (used idiomatically: yes)
You 're guessing and speculating . " Timothy Gedge shook his head . It had upset him at the time , but you had to get over stuff like that or you 'd go to the wall . He smiled . You had to keep cheerful , he said , in spite of everything .
Idiom: bums on seats (used idiomatically: yes)
That makes you like censors then No well that 's that 's a debateable that 's a debateable point but I think that would that is the policy of the board . Talking about bums on seats here . Well we could I mean there are many ways there are many ways that we could actually fill this building apart from putting Jimmy Jones on there 's lot 's of things perhaps we could really put on which we would . .
Idiom: cut and dried (used idiomatically: yes)
I 'll take that as a compliment , I think.’ ‘ Of course , we do n't have to consider the whole of space - time . Some of the universe is pretty much cut and dried . All of the past , for instance . Although that 's still rather small , compared to the future .
Idiom: with a view to (used idiomatically: yes)
Subject Area : UNKNOWN This study will examine the past and current role of National Research Laboratories in both the defence and science/ technology ‘ systems’ with a view to informing policy debate on their future roles . National Research Laboratories are large , publicly owned defence research and development establishments . Through their size , funding and concentration of personnel they are central scientific and technological establishments .
Idiom: pigs can fly (used idiomatically: yes)
No . Not now , no not Pigs can fly can they ! now , not Elliel . Da I mean once he sort of re I mean that 's why all the fuss with Jean stopped because that
Idiom: save someone's skin (used idiomatically: yes)
The Smolensk open - air market was flooded in April with leaflets declaiming ‘ Down with the Yids — save Russia!’ On 13 May three Jews were robbed and killed 10 versts from the village of Liozno , and the perpetrators were allowed to get away . At least a portion of the jewish population was saving its skin by allying with the Party , for in April we discover 400 Jewish delegates in Minsk speeding up the fight against Zionism and proposing the closure of their religious schools in Belorussia , a notion which had become a reality by September according to the central press . No doubt the local Party authorities were helped in their divide - and - rule policy by Orthodox allegations that the Living Church had arisen due to‘Jewish agitators’ . Although Catholics are not cited in the Smolensk Archive with reference to the taking of church valuables , their activity can be traced from other sources .
Idiom: in light of (used idiomatically: yes)
to ' ring - fence ' appointments to the above posts by restricting applications to existing permanent staff currently working on Community Charge within the Exchequer Division , Finance Department and the Regional Assessor 's Department ; and ( f ) to keep the structure and grading arrangements under review in the light of experience . 4 . FINANCE COMMITTEE DECISION
Idiom: off the hook (used idiomatically: yes)
Even then I stopped short of making a complaint . Hugh Ritchie , the Departmental Officer one rank above Mr S — , a kind and gentlemanly character with whom I always had rapport , sent for me and asked why I wanted to leave . He would not let me off the hook until I had confessed that I could no longer work with my boss . Ritchie admitted that the offending officer got on his nerves too , and begged me to reconsider and to allow him to intervene . I was persuaded against my better judgement to withdraw my request for a transfer .