Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: keep tabs on (used idiomatically: yes)
God , thought Madame , when she added up the night 's takings , one week I should write down who 's having who as well as who 's drinking what . There would be two columns in the ledger : Tonight 's Takings , and Tonight 's Givings . Sitting up straight - backed on her stool , she could flatter two men at once and still be watching a third in a mirror ; she could keep tabs on the whole shifting choreography at once . She could confess , absolve and advise two erring lovers in the same weekend without either of them knowing that the other had collaborated with her in engineering their reunion . And now she seemed to be planning a new use for those skills as I watched her gaze , fixed on Boy , or shifting from O to Boy .
Idiom: clean house (used idiomatically: yes)
Out of sorrow and ugliness emerged freshness and grace . Depravity and a wasted body and spirit could give birth to health . In taking refuge with a submerged class , which by its toil serviced the spotlessly clean houses of Dutch society , he was laying down a challenge to his privileged friends and relatives . It was this implied indictment that was soon to bring so much wrath down on his head . Yet he was no revolutionary .
Idiom: break someone's heart (used idiomatically: no)
Whatever Jenny was involved in at any given moment took up the whole of her . If she even fried an egg , she directed upon it the beam of her concentration , almost praying it would not break . Now Jenny 's heart was broken and Jenny had no will or energy to contemplate anything else . But none of this was in Sara 's mind as she patted Jenny 's arm , seeking for some words of comfort . " I thought he loved me as much as I loved him . "
Idiom: cut and thrust (used idiomatically: no)
It made a high arc , vanishing against the sun as she flung it as far as she could . She dreamed that night of the car theywere in , the open - top funtime roadster , plunging towards that treacherous bend . The blonde hit the brakes too late and the wheels cut and thrust into the water , screaming . The car bucked and lunged against the flowered banks , shaking the two ofthem loose like dolls as it turned over and over . She woke with the tortured sound of ripped metal flailing against earth and stones .
Idiom: look the part (used idiomatically: yes)
But they had kept her too long and she had n't wanted to appear rude because they were nice people , and now she was very , very late . Robyn headed the jeep up the by now familiar track to the barn and tried to get herself into the right frame of mind . Poise was going to be the order of the day — poise and sophistication ; she had taken great care to look the part , now all she had to do was feel that way too . There were cars , many of them , along the track , parked in a haphazard sort of way . Robyn slowed the jeep with a puzzled frown , considering .
Idiom: state of the art (used idiomatically: yes)
HelpDesk requests are stored in an historical database , which can be searched for effective answers to future reader queries . The HelpDesk Request screen provides Client History and Inventory buttons which will allow us to view past specific requests for support as well as the configuration of the machine on which the problem was experienced . Such state - of - the - art software will enable Double Glazing to cross - reference problems that we all experience in the Windows environment , and provide timely and accurate fixes and work - arounds . Watch out for a regular HelpDesk feature in Double Glazing — starting next month ! Making Windows work for you .
Idiom: pull a face (used idiomatically: yes)
No problem . I will carry out any order given to me by such an illustrious coroner of the city.’ Cranston pulled a face and he and the friar walked as fast as dignity would allow from that loathsome place . When the great gate of Newgate slammed behind them , Cranston leaned against it , gasping for clean air , his great body quivering like a beached whale 's . ‘ Thank God!’ he spluttered .
Idiom: open someone's eyes (used idiomatically: yes)
I wait for Agnes and , if I really pretend , she will come and stand with me . Oh , then I am young again and , for one of the few occasions in my life , deeply in love . I open my eyes and think of my riches . Before God , I 'd give them all up just to see her again , just to touch her ! Good Christ , will no one cry for poor Shallot ?
Idiom: open someone's eyes (used idiomatically: yes)
And you 're to be a man ! " said the child , opening her eyes , " and are never to come back here ; but first , we 're to be together all the Christmas long , and have the merriest time in all the world . "
Idiom: to the hilt (used idiomatically: yes)
Scottish international Durie was axed for the Boxing Day draw at Norwich because he was n't ‘ in the right frame of mind’ . The £ 2.2 million striker was cleared two weeks ago by a Football Association appeal panel of feigning injury in a clash with Coventry defender Andy Pearce . But Durie still feels uncomfortable at the club who backed him to the hilt in wiping out the damaging ‘ cheat’ slur . If Durie does not start in today 's home game with Premier League bottom club Nottingham Forest , Spurs may sell him . Scottish champions Rangers are still keen on 27-year - old Durie who has scored just 10 League goals in 47 appearances at Spurs .
Idiom: make a move (used idiomatically: yes)
Should she go downstairs , outside and ask him what he wanted ? No . Let him make the first move . She was suddenly aware how ridiculous she was becoming . Why should there be anything sinister about him ?
Idiom: walk of life (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ If DJs gave either side enough spins and all curry eaters bought it , I believe I could really hit the big time,’ said Peter , who lives in Bargoed , Mid - Glamorgan . I recently sang live at the Asian Pop Awards ceremony and I got a real buzz realising I was before my own people . ‘ But I believe I have the talent to entertain people from all walks of life , including British pop fans.’ He added : ‘ I 'd really love to get into the Guinness Book of Records . That would be magic for me because when I arrived here , aged nine , I did n't speak one word of English .
Idiom: sticky fingers (used idiomatically: yes)
You just have to be patient and allow her all the time she wants in which to ‘ say her piece’ . Bearing in mind that the elderly often most enjoy visits that are on a one - to - one basis , during which they can ventilate their anxieties and have the undivided attention of a sympathetic listener , it is not always a good idea to arrive with several young children in tow , if they can be happily parked elsewhere . Most old people love children , but usually in much smaller doses than their parents realise , and more often in your home , where spills , sticky fingers and noise are more easily dealt with , than in theirs . The most popular visitors to old people are the good listeners , who concentrate with interest on what they are saying , making the occasional encouraging comment . It is unfortunately very easy sometimes to let the eyes wander — and the mind as well— if an elderly person is running the gamut of a whole list of troubles , some of which may seem more like minor irritations .
Idiom: think twice (used idiomatically: yes)
It 's not much but it 'll help.’ It was amazing how people did rally round at times like this . They did n't bother much at other times unless asked , and then they often had to think twice . But now the Captain was on his knees beside the coffin praying . When he 'd finished he stood up and asked Dad the time of the funeral so , he said , he could be there with the other brothers and sisters and the band .
Idiom: in the hole (used idiomatically: yes)
With only one opponent behind me , showing A-2 - 4 - 5 and declining to change , I knew I had it sewn up both ways . His hole card must be worse than a five for a goodish low , or a second ace for a well - concealed high . No way could he have the miracle three in the hole , to match my equally flukey hand . He had changed one card ( or was it even two ? ) before the off , and had not since played powerfully enough . I bet the max , and prepared to count the spoils .
Idiom: song and dance (used idiomatically: yes)
Venue And do n't forget that a week of American music is still in full swing at Belfast 's Rotterdam Bar , while Queen 's is playing host to a major roots festival this weekend . Featuring music , song and dance , the ‘ Harvest Festival at Queen 's’ features the likes of Sharon Shannon , Begley and Cooney , The Voice Squad , Ten Wheels For Jesus , Cathal Hayden and many , many more . It gets underway tomorrow ( Friday ) . A major new venue for live music is now up and running in Bangor .
Idiom: in the saddle (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Walk your horse forward till I bid you halt,’ ordered Owen . ‘ You only , my lord.’ He had half - expected that the response would be a thrust of the long spurs and a head - down gallop for the open , and those ahead had orders to bring down the horse if Isambard tried it ; but instead he stirred gently in the saddle and brought his mount edging forward in obedience to the order , dancing restively past the quivering arrow , and almost abreast of Owen 's hiding - place . ‘ Enough ! And now dismount.’
Idiom: same difference (used idiomatically: yes)
Why did she want to sit next to you ? No a fucking bitch okay . Alright the same difference . really fucking bitch and I hate her . She she you know she was slagging me off like anything right .
Idiom: on thin ice (used idiomatically: no)
I made it clear on 27 November that we intend to bring forward proposals for Sunday trading once the legal position is clear . Mr. Randall The right hon . Lady is skating on thin ice . Mrs. Rumbold Not at .
Idiom: cross swords (used idiomatically: yes)
I asked idly . ' Like Medusa, 'said Geoff . ' She 's already crossed swords with Eileen Harman . ' ' With Eileen ? ' Eileen Harman , the Chief Executive 's secretary , was a good friend but an uncomfortable foe .
Idiom: come the acid (used idiomatically: no)
If I had the wherewithal to live in comfort , I would n't fritter it away . I do it only to augment my income.’ ‘ Not very successful , then , are you?’ came the acid response . ‘ Oh , get along with you ! I 've no patience .
Idiom: do me a favour (used idiomatically: no)
That 's what depresses me . It also makes me wonder if I 'm not a drag on you , Sophie . The farming bills do n't amount to much as the ones who do call me in always think they 're doing me a favour and consequently should n't be charged much . So the time I spend with them would be more profitably employed here in the surgery.’ ‘ You 're talking rubbish,’ Sophie laughed .
Idiom: sign of the times (used idiomatically: yes)
The Queen should not , in your opinion , abdicate in favour of Prince Charles ( 61 % ) , and those of you who answered the question , ‘ Is there any member of the Royal family you 'd rather see as the future king / queen?’ , chose the Princess Royal ( placing her way out ahead of the Princess of Wales ) . What worries women most in the 90s is their husband or partner losing his job . This is a real sign of the times and completely eclipses global fears about ecology or famine . Another major worry for women is being left on their own . Pollution ranks among the top three concerns for 28 % .
Idiom: on the carpet (used idiomatically: yes)
Her trunk had been placed at the foot of her bed , whose curtains , in harmony with those at the window , were of heavy glazed chintz patterned with flowers . There was a chaise longue upholstered in velvet , a plump dressing - table stool to match it , a bureau with a padded chair . Rows of silver and china objects filled the mantlepiece and the top of the dressing - table ; there were looking - glasses there and two , framed in mahogany , fixed to the wall , either side of a great gleaming wardrobe so that everything was magnified by reflection , the cushions , the lamps , the fire , the flowered fabrics , the rugs laid on the carpet . It was wonderfully luxurious — and slightly stifling . She had only been there a few minutes , revelling in the multiplicity of objects and fabrics , when a little maid crept in and indicated shyly that she would unpack .
Idiom: behind the scenes (used idiomatically: yes)
A new campaign team headed by John Wakeham , the Secretary of State for Energy and a close political associate , was appointed to replace what had generally been regarded as the ineffective one used in the first ballot . Finally , later in the day , on her way to the House of Commons , and after she was known to have met a group of senior party figures , she vigorously reiterated her determination to fight on . Much , however , already had and was to happen behind the scenes . On the evening of 20 November the Prime Minister 's swift decision to fight on plunged the Conservatives into almost total disarray . This was exploited by the Labour Party which , anticipating such a situation , had tabled a motion of no confidence in the government .
Idiom: with a will (used idiomatically: no)
I phoned some of these former volunteers , and once I had ten committed names , I knew the project was ' on ' . The next job was to prepare an estimate . With the best will in the world , an amateur path builder has to get professional help . Dave Holladay , path engineer for Sustrans in Scotland , immediately offered his expertise . We had a meeting on site , and Dave thought the best idea was to clear the overhead vegetation first ( volunteers ) , then cut the path with a bulldozer and let the lorries drive right through , dropping their loads of chippings as they went .
Idiom: nuts and bolts (used idiomatically: yes)
The computer translates this motion into musicianship . The conductor program sets most of the controls on automatic pilot . The computer takes care of the nuts and bolts of the composition , the component Dr Mathews calls its predetermined part . This is the part that the composer intended the musicians to follow , no matter what . In western music , he believes this consists of the piece 's sequence of pitches .
Idiom: turn the corner (used idiomatically: yes)
Scores of one and 25 in the first Test at Calcutta were in line with his dismal average of 17 , but in the first innings of the second Test in Madras , he at last showed signs of mastering the Indian spinners . Initially hesitant on the turning pitches England have encountered throughout India , Hick clearly decided at Madras to be more positive and take the attack to the bowlers . He made 64 going in at number three , and although that was followed by a second - innings duck , a corner had been turned . Yesterday , back down the order , Hick reacted to England 's latest batting crisis with a confidence many had feared he could never show at top level . Warming up by straight - driving Rajesh Chauhan for four , he then took 12 from one over from the off - spinner — an off - drive , a full - blooded swing over midwicket and a dismissive pull as the bowler wilted under the assault .
Idiom: paper over the cracks (used idiomatically: yes)
Until September 23rd the Sun passing through you opposite sign of Virgo is almost certain to create disagreements in matrimonial or partnership affairs , and someone somewhere is bound to spotlight your failures or indiscretions . However , if you are a typical Piscean , then unexpected events or developments which took place around the time of the lunar eclipse in Aquarius on August 6th should have made you realise that you are now going through a phase when you must take certain drastic actions to safeguard your long - term comfort and security . When dealing with all forms of joint undertakings this month , you must beware of papering over the cracks and trying to save someone else 's bacon . The truth of this statement will be apparent around the 29th , when the Sun in Libra is due to be challenged by the planet Uranus . Aries ( 21 March to 20 April )
Idiom: buy time (used idiomatically: yes)
Since then , however , Meciar appeared to be more reluctant and declared in the same Le Monde interview : " We do n't want independence . We are being pushed into it . " The Washington Post commented that " some politicians wonder , however , if Meciar 's shift is a genuine retreat , or a tactical manoeuvre intended to buy time and lay blame for an eventual split on the Czechs " . 1968 letter inviting Warsaw Pact forces into Prague On July 16 Havel read out a 1968 letter found in Moscow and sent to him by Russian President Boris Yeltsin , inviting Warsaw Pact forces into Prague .
Idiom: have been around (used idiomatically: no)
The six - cylinder Healey was always known as one of the bigger - engined he - man British sports cars of its generation ; the Cobra , with its lightweight , cast - iron ' small - block ' Ford V8 , the classic example of the adage ' there 's no substitute for cubic inches . ' In a way they were both already dinosaurs by the mid ' 60s , as legislation began to put more emphasis on efficiency and sophistication than on simplicity and brute force . The Cobra had only been around since 1962 , but the Ace , on which it was based , dated back to 1953 , when it had been launched at Earls Court . That was the same year in which the first of the classic Austin - Healey line , the four cylinder 100–4 went into production , having been adopted by Austin from a Healey design shown at the previous year 's show . By 1964 , when John Chatham 's pleasingly original example tested here was built , the ' big ' Healey had reached 3000 MkIII designation , with 2012cc in - line six - cylinder BMCC series power ; in early 1965 , the ' small'Cobra — like John Atkins ' beautifully prepared and much - raced JA11 — had a 289cu ins ( 4.7-litre ) Ford V8 ( in place of the 260 with which the car was launched ) and the original worm - and - sector .
Idiom: hit home (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ He was simply unable to make the decision so I asked him , ‘ What do you want from your life?’ He was shocked and unable even to reply . Then something hit home about the division between his life and career’ , says Roderick . ‘ A fundamental shift deep inside took place . Since then his way of working has changed .
Idiom: crocodile tears (used idiomatically: yes)
Levies on the payroll will not have that effect . My hon . Friend the Member for Battersea ( Mr. Bowis ) made the sort of eloquent and well - informed speech that we have come to expect from him every time . He had trouble with one phrase , when he referred to the’ genuine crocodile tears’of Labour Members . Mr. Leighton It was a bogus sham .
Idiom: beggars can't be choosers (used idiomatically: yes)
Commentary Russian museums Beggars ca n't be choosers : better to depend even on dubious private money than a criminal state From the academic who first alerted the world to the war trophies still in the former USSR , a Realpolitik for the survival of its museums in the face of a new law which may force their break - up MOSCOW .
Idiom: on the same page (used idiomatically: yes)
One of the most common ways relatives and friends seek to relive the souls of their loved ones in Purgatory is by paying for masses to be offered on their behalf . Concerning this practice Loraine Boettner in his book ‘ Roman Catholicism’ wrote ( P. 223)‘It is due in no small measure to this doctrine of purgatory that the Roman Catholic church has been able to … build magnificent cathedrals … even in regions where the people are poor.’ Later on the same page he makes this challenging statement ‘ If any of us actually had the power to release souls from purgatory and refused to exercise that power except in return for a payment of money he would be considered cruel and unchristian — which indeed he would be.’ Can the living , by prayers , payments and good works release the souls of those said to be in ‘ The Popular Purgatory?’ I want to answer that by looking at what I call ‘ The Proper Purgatory.’
Idiom: with open arms (used idiomatically: yes)
Firstly , the AS/400 is a pig of a machine for C - based tools vendors to work with , even with IBM 's help , and performance has been a problem with the product . This is being redressed in version 5.87 , which has a complete new expression engine inside and is scheduled for release next month . Secondly , the IBM Agent market does not welcome untried and untested ( new ) products with open arms , and Cognos has been attempting to prove itself in this market . Its tactics up to now have been to in direct sales and in bringing existing value - added resellers ( typically Hewlett - Packard Co , Digital Equipment Corp and Data General Corp channels ) into the AS/400 market . The slog , however , is slow and the ghost of RPG is proving hard to lay to rest .
Idiom: strike a chord (used idiomatically: yes)
But when it looked at the boys , Edwardian England was invariably moved . ' Without a trade , without a craft , without any values — scrap iron that does not count , rubbish fit only for the waste heap ' is how Canon Henry Scott Holland summed up the problem : ' We the public have used him up : he is no more to us now than a squeezed orange . ' Or , to strike another chord of apprehension , as expressed in the Report of the Prison Commissioners for 1907–8 : ' He drifts , and the tidy scholar soon becomes a ragged and defiant corner loafer . ' Whichever way it was phrased , Edwardian Britain considered that in the problem of ' boy labour ' it faced a crisis of some magnitude in the social reproduction of steady work disciplines and skills . These feelings of dwindling authority and social discontinuity which focused on the young were informed by the wider political insecurities of this anything - but - carefree era which was plagued by engulfing fears of national decline and incohesion .
Idiom: out to lunch (used idiomatically: yes)
Merrill hugged her jacket around her more closely as they turned into the wind and crossed the road to a small wine bar . ‘ And you ? Do n't you have a boyfriend to take you out to lunch?’ Rob asked idly , with a sideways glance at the cloud of dark hair streaming behind her . ‘ You should have.’
Idiom: out of line (used idiomatically: yes)
I suggested they try again and this time ask for the man who had signed my receipt , and please — come back to me and tell me what they say . Perhaps it will come as no surprise to my readers to hear not only that all knowledge of selling me a coffin was denied but even that they were now , or ever had been , coffin - manufacturers . The funeral directors ' lobby is very strong ; I suppose it was naïve of me not to have realized before that they would clamp down hard on any wholesaler who dared to step out of line and supply the public direct . Perhaps they would feel differently if , instead of an average order of ten or twenty coffins , one of the superstores came up with one for a thousand . With so much interest in my activities , it seemed only fair to try to help others to have a go also .
Idiom: on board (used idiomatically: yes)
THE LATEST joke in Tokyo is that the leader of the Socialist Party , Takako Doi , slipped on a pachinko ball . She is nursing a chipped elbow and an image that has been dented by allegations of party members taking kickbacks from the barons of pachinko , a form of pinball which is a national passion . Ms Doi is an avowed addict of what might be described as watching hundreds of tiny steel balls clatter through a maze of pins on a vertical board . Pachinko is a £ 3.8bn - a - year industry which has a Svengali - like hold over a quarter of the adult population . Some admit they like it because the noise of hundreds of machines helps numb the mind after a hard day at work .
Idiom: as the crow flies (used idiomatically: yes)
ELTERWATER TO GRASMERE ( Optional ) As the crow flies , Elterwater and Grasmere are only two miles apart , so it would be easy to miss out this day 's walk if you wanted to shorten the complete circuit . All you need to do is cross the ridge separating the two villages and continue on to Day 11 . The main route for Day 10 is a fairly short walk in any case , as is Day 11 , so if you 're feeling fit you could combine the two .