Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: strike a chord (used idiomatically: yes)
AMERICAN Pie star Don McLean arrives in Britain next month for a 20-date tour including a concert at London 's Royal Festival Hall . McLean , hailed as America 's ' poet laureate ' , kicks off in Birmingham on October 25 . Recently he played an outdoor show for 6,000 bikers in America and when he struck the opening chords of Vincent they turned tearful and sang along . Amis and wife part NOVELIST Martin Amis , 44-year - old son of writer Kingsley Amis , has parted from his wealthy American wife Antonia Phillips after ten years of marriage , today 's Daily Mail reported .
Idiom: do the right thing (used idiomatically: no)
A worthwhile person is always clear : she never loses her grasp on what is going on , gets confused , or is at a loss for an explanation , or at the very least a coherent understanding of what is going on . If she does , that means she is not good enough or bright enough , and ought to feel guilty . A worthwhile person is always confident : he does not feel uncertain about the effects of his actions or doubt his ability to do the right thing . If he does , that means he is not good enough or strong enough , and ought to feel inadequate . A worthwhile person always feels comfortable : she never gets agitated , apprehensive , shy , embarrassed , tongue - tied , scared or anxious .
Idiom: all hell broke loose (used idiomatically: yes)
Bogie was very cool and returning insults with a smile while Mayo was rising in anger and waiters were circling warily around taking up action stations . Suddenly Bogie threw a full glass of scotch into the man 's face while simultaneously Mayo hit the man on the head with her shoe . The large man 's friends rose from their table and the waiters formed themselves into a solid phalanx , and all hell broke loose . Ann suggested we get under the table and I was n't about to argue but the table was too small so we crawled on hands and knees to hide under a larger table . Soon after Bogie joined us and I asked him what was going on .
Idiom: pull a face (used idiomatically: yes)
Left to their own devices , she knew only too well her arms would even now be snaking up round his neck , her lips parting to invite his plundering mouth . ' You think so ? ' Utterly ignoring her struggles to free herself , he slid one hand beneath her hair to cup the back of her neck , and pulled her face to within a couple of inches of his own . ' Ah , what a pair of lovers we shall make , my Aurora ! ' ' Never ! '
Idiom: carry the can (used idiomatically: no)
The great bulk of those who thronged Emmett place last night wanted to see the film , and they outnumbered protestors by a minimum of ten to one . Extra security was designed to prevent trouble inside the Opera House . One man was evicted when he was discovered to be carrying two small cans of paint . What was unpredictable about the protest was a devastatingly subversive counter protest by a small group who said they were present ' on behalf of the acolytes of Our Lady of Ballinspittle ' and who said they wanted to ' protect the rights of blasphemers and heretics and Nobel prize - winning great novelists ' . As the small group of less than one hundred people genuinely opposed to the showing of the film sang hymns and said the rosary , the group of luridly dressed and made up ' acolytes ' loudly parodied their prayers with phrases like ' General Franco pray for us'and ' General Pinochet stand by us . '
Idiom: take someone to task (used idiomatically: yes)
Shadwell was leaning back against the wall and Eva was angry with him , making hard gestures with her fists . Many bitter shades of disgust and pain and dejection passed over his face . At one point Eva turned and gesticulated towards me , as if she were taking him to task for something he 'd done to me . Yes , Shadwell had let her down . But I knew that nothing would ever discourage him ; he 'd never give up wanting to be a director , and he 'd never be any good .
Idiom: take liberties (used idiomatically: yes)
In 1962 , he landed an inside job on the Observer sports desk and moved to London . With encouragement from the paper 's enlightened sports editor Clifford Makins —‘he was a widely read man with respect for The Word , who believed that sports writers who are insular are doubly boring’— and a chance opportunity to write a boxing piece , McIlvanney was on his way , armed with Makin 's almost religious guidelines . ‘ He used to say that the first obligation as a sports writer was not to be in the least boring ; that you had to try and retain the excitement of the event in your writing — without taking liberties with the truth or manufacturing drama.’ This was a time when British sports coverage was being obliged to shed its amateur gentleman ethos . McIlvanney therefore was ideally placed to reflect the changing relationship between sport and society , bringing an invigorating attitude an new , direct style of writing to bear , as ‘ play’ suddenly got serious .
Idiom: in the blink of an eye (used idiomatically: yes)
Lightning flashes , Sparks shower , In one blink of your eye You have missed seeing . ( Mumon )
Idiom: fall from grace (used idiomatically: yes)
The Welshman kicked the ball away and referee Dangaard dismissed him for a second bookable offence . But while United were now reduced to ten men during that last desperate half hour of extra time they survived magnificently to force themselves into the dramatic penalty spot finale in the rain . DOWN'N OUT POOR Mark Hughes slips up as he tries a shot in Moscow — and soon he had fallen from grace completely . Pic : ALBERT COOPER Eagles ' new plumage
Idiom: drive someone up the wall (used idiomatically: yes)
Oh God ! What ? Nearly drove me up the wall ! Why did he ? All night !
Idiom: fall on deaf ears (used idiomatically: yes)
Meanwhile working at Long Lartin remains a depressing business … It 's a problem that shows no sign of disappearing — while we were at Long Lartin there was another skirmish which left two prisoners seriosuly injured . The POA says previous appeals for extra staff have fallen on deaf ears ; if the same happens this time , they fear they 'll soon have a riot on their hands . A chemicals company has been fined eight thousand pounds after admitting that a fire which destroyed its factory was started when a worker used a blowlamp to unblock a pipe . Factory inspectors say somebody could easily have been killed .
Idiom: as a rule (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Welcome , Sir Thomas.’ Mr Multhrop smiled nervously . He did n't as a rule greet all his guests , but this was different . It was a rehearsal for the reception of the Prince of Wales this evening . Sir Thomas , preoccupied , took no notice .
Idiom: on the money (used idiomatically: yes)
you are only entitled to spend the amount of money that you have put into the current account : If you spend more , you are spending the bank 's money . If you ask your manager first and he agrees , then an overdraft is a convenient and economic way of borrowing money . You will pay interest charges on any money that is overdrawn ( which may be higher if the overdraft has not been formally arranged ) and usually the bank will charge fees to cover administration costs . It is worth remembering that interest rates will vary , and you may be charged for cashing cheques and other transactions , which can increase the costs . An overdraft can be a cheap way to borrow if you have a regular monthly pay cheque which will take you out of the red so you can stop paying interest until you overdraw again .
Idiom: on the back of (used idiomatically: yes)
Jackboots beneath the serge Television . By Hugh Hebert THERE was one point when the hair on the back of my head began to lift . Not at Paul Hill 's remembrance of beatings past , when he could hear the sound of steel - tipped boots running to take part in the fun , and once heard a principal medical officer , no less , telling colleagues : ‘ Do n't walk his face , do n't walk his face.’ Not even the time he was dunked head first in a tub of dubious liquid , and brought up gasping for breath : ‘ Make him sing God Save the Queen!’ they shouted .
Idiom: rare bird (used idiomatically: yes)
The rain is going to continue overnight with heavy rain in places and mists developing over the Cotswolds and the Chilterns . It 's going to be mild though with fresh south - westerly winds preventing the temperatures falling below eleven degrees celsius , that 's fifty - two degrees fahrenheit .. Still to come : Britain 's rare birds have their best breeding season for years , plus a look at the day 's financial and sports news . First though , it 's National Asthma Week this week , which er this year is taking as it 's theme , A Lifeline for New Asthmatics . Dr Barbara Hunt from the University of Oxford has a grant from the National Asthma Campaign to research the links between dust mites and allergic asthma .
Idiom: face to face (used idiomatically: yes)
Freelance cameraman Andy Styczynski , 32 , spotted the elusive bachelor at the wheel of a white Rover Montego — and chased after him in a VW Golf GTi . The photographer cut into private land owned by Gilbey 's Team Lotus motoring bosses at Ketteringham , Norfolk . And moments later the two met face to face — as their cars crashed into each other on a winding single - track road . Last night police confirmed they were investigating the accident . They had a report that Gilbey hurried off to the Lotus HQ , laughing as Styczynski shouted : ‘ Are you going to sort out this mess , mate?’
Idiom: have a heart (used idiomatically: no)
They have got it wrong . Help to put it right . All must have heart . Tomlinson , John Major 's government seem to be twin spirits , who know exactly the price of everything but the value of nothing . Can no one rid us of these medalling and wilful misfits .
Idiom: out of the question (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Would n't think of it , Colonel dear.’ There was steel in the endearment . ‘ Quite out of the question till we 've seen Charles and given him his hamper … from the divine Mona . You would n't like her to be furiously angry with you next time you pop in.’ The Colonel 's vain attempt to get a word in was so sharply smothered and he looked so rattled that Clarissa sat down again .
Idiom: give something a miss (used idiomatically: yes)
In the busier areas these are often large , bustling places serving food and drink . Like most British national trails , many continental distance routes assume that walkers are travelling light and seeking a roof over their heads each night . Some people love the atmosphere of refuges ; others , myself included , would rather give them a miss . Although usually quite reasonable priced , the cost of using them tots up to a considerable amount over several days . Expense , though , is not what turns me off .
Idiom: stand up and be counted (used idiomatically: yes)
Remember colleagues , it was our union under the leadership of Will Thorn that pushed for and formed the Labour Party . We should not allow John Smith and his hitmen to take it from us . For fourteen years we have been bashed by the Tories , we have been led by a pound of poof T U C and as now it 's time to stand up and be counted . If the Labour Party , if the Labour Party want our money then we want some influence and we do n't , and we , and if they do n't want to represent the views of our members they can do without our money . The link with Labour has got to be more than just signing a cheque .
Idiom: sick to death (used idiomatically: yes)
He was just a hat and a cloak levitating in the grey plume of his own breath , but when he called we came . That much is certain — we came . ROS : Well I can tell you I 'm sick to death of it . I do n't care one way or another , so why do n't you make up your mind . GUIL : We ca n't afford anything quite so arbitrary .
Idiom: in the final analysis (used idiomatically: yes)
However , to classify this secondary discourse in a pejorative sense is to remain blind to the dynamic configuration of Nizan 's narrative technique . The object of the following analysis is not to carry out a Stalinist witch - hunt of the text in order to pillory a deviant , existential , petty - bourgeois discourse ensconced illegitimately at the centre of Nizan 's literary production . The object is rather to demonstrate that the success of Nizan 's writing technique is ultimately dependent on the interaction of two different but , in the final analysis , mutually dependent discourses . These two discourses are at times indistinguishably fused , at times distinctly separate . Separate or fused , they contradict and complement each other simultaneously .
Idiom: off the record (used idiomatically: yes)
Sadly , they did n't let me — you do n't have to put this in here — but they did n't let me finish correcting the proofs , cos one of those things , four times is enough . But I was rewriting that to try to get the lines to work and all of those things , and they mess it up a little bit , which annoyed me . Another funny story , also off the record is that that lay in a drawer for two years because they thought it was controversial , they thought it was which I find hilarious . I mean it 's interesting what you say about not having the text to work with . I mean that 's our — we design books , and we design journals , and we set up and we take on new journals and can we ever extract any copy from the editorial board — we know it 's going to be about Plant Sciences , but no idea what length of headline and how much technical gump is going to go into it , or we take something on
Idiom: to say the least (used idiomatically: yes)
In May 1989 , Austin Currie took his commitment to Thatcherism a stage further . He joined the right - wing Fine Gael party in the Irish Republic and was elected to the Dail for the Dublin West constituency . The move was , to say the least , bizarre . One day , Currie was the SDLP 's spokesman on the economy , the next he was a Parliamentary candidate for a Party whose economic policies are more Thatcherite than Thatcher herself . Nobody in the SDLP criticised Currie for his espousal of Thatcherism or for the fact that he stood against and defeated a Labour candidate to get into the Dail .
Idiom: every last (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Take it as you want . But between men , if you understand me . You go before the Marshal and I 'll deny every last word . Like you yourself once did , ten years ago.’ Ebert narrowed his eyes .
Idiom: to say the least (used idiomatically: yes)
Alsace is the only stronghold for the grape outside its native Germany , but its fashionable blandness is causing it to give way to Pinot Blanc . Hay is the most obvious taste association , striking you first on the bouquet , where it mingles with the scent of crumbled biscuits , and when it comes to flavour , it is met by a faint dusting of icing sugar . Pinot Noir red Alsace wines are unusual , to say the least , but if you get a chance to taste one , take it ! The are produced from Burgundy 's top grape , making them light and vibrant wines . Cherries and strawberries are scents that you 'll find on the bouquet and in the taste .
Idiom: take heart (used idiomatically: yes)
For this reason I have been convinced for some months that interest rates are too high and that they should start to be reduced at once . A few days later Britain formalised the relationship between her currency and those of the other members of the EEC , in particular the Deutschmark , by joining the European Exchange Rate Mechanism . I can only say I took some heart in all of this from the following interchange which had taken place on 1 May between my good friend Sir Patrick McNair - Wilson ( Member of Parliament for the New Forest ) and the prime minister , Margaret Thatcher . Referring to the meeting which had just taken place in Dublin , Sir Patrick addressed the House of Commons thus : May I warmly congratulate my right hon . Friend both on her statement this afternoon and on all the ways in which she works for the British interest both in Europe and elsewhere in the world ?
Idiom: up for grabs (used idiomatically: yes)
Well any you know what does it mat You know how how how any age ? Er you know I think i er it 's all up up for grabs really . I mean once you can eat and drink . Yes .
Idiom: to the bone (used idiomatically: no)
Lawrence added : ' Payton has never fully recovered from the FA Cup replay with Portsmouth . Going on as substitute has not helped him . ' We have been down to the bare bones before . I had only 13 fit players against Manchester United in the Rumbelows League Cup . ' Two games against Barnsley have been tight this season and we must be on our guard .
Idiom: steal the show (used idiomatically: yes)
Now there would be 18 million . ‘ The popularity of American wrestling has shown there is a market . ’ Regal Fox steals show Ray French Bradford N 21 , Widnes 10 .
Idiom: nine times out of ten (used idiomatically: yes)
Next time you develop an ache , lump , pain , or tenderness in part of your body , see whether you can find the same thing on the other side . My father learned a lot of anatomy this way , comparing one patella with the other , and fondling his soft tissues in anxious searches for symmetry . Nine times out of ten , using this tactic , you discover that there 's nothing to worry about . If your right nostril , thumb , rib cage or knee feels the same as the left one , then you can relax , confident that the machine is OK . The only tricky areas are , of course , anything amiss dead centre — or , of course , anything wrong with the brain .
Idiom: out of line (used idiomatically: yes)
The words of Roy Bliss rushed in his ears . ‘ Do n't be too trusting . Maybe her infatuation with you is genuine , but maybe — just maybe — she 's Roquelaure 's insurance policy in case you ever step out of line .’ D'Arcy said darkly : ‘ I do n't want to interrupt your cosy get - together.’ Chantal 's expression froze .
Idiom: on the back of (used idiomatically: yes)
The coalition of Christian - democratic workers in Baden - Wuerttemberg warned against a saving plan on the backs of the " little people " .
Idiom: like a bat out of hell (used idiomatically: yes)
Alarm brought her to her feet as Naylor Massingham instructed Jimmy unceremoniously , ‘ Out ! ’ ‘ Yes , sir!’ Jimmy replied quickly , and went , like a bat out of hell . ‘ I 've just been speaking to Drewer,’ rapped Naylor . ‘ When , in answer to his assumption that there was to be an early wedding , I asked what was going round the grapevine now , he told me it was pure speculation on his part , stemming from the fact that you 'd just handed in your resignation.’
Idiom: tie the knot (used idiomatically: no)
The woman 's parents are still alive and healthy in their 90s . Royal rebel to marry PRINCESS Stephanie plans to tie the knot with her former bodyguard after Christmas . The royal rebel caused ructions in Monaco after giving birth to son Louis Robert last week . The boy , who bears the surname of his fish wholesaler father Daniel Ducruet , is said to have no claim to the throne and is not even a royal .
Idiom: on the money (used idiomatically: yes)
That son of his … what was his name ? … Arnold Thomas , yes , that was it . Well , the story was that Arnold Thomas was the ambitious one , while the old man was content to live on the money he got from leasing the land to them as paid the price , usually folk who wanted a storage area or distribution centre . At one time , Mr Jarvis the coalman paid a pretty penny just to park his waggons there . But Arnold Thomas smelled a bigger profit from the up - and - coming developers who were looking to build back - to - backs for the mill - workers .
Idiom: in the club (used idiomatically: yes)
The ordinary people are interviewed because they are representatives of the group which we are studying , and as such their characteristics , opinions , and so on are only of interest because they can be added together to present the general picture of the group itself . To interview only one club member and then say that he could be taken as representative of the whole club membership — perhaps several hundred in number — could not be substantiated . But on the other side , it is not necessary to interview everyone in the club if the proper statistical sampling rules are obeyed and if proper tests of significance are applied to results obtained . The sample survey is a fully recognized method of enquiry in common everyday use by sociologists , economists , psychologists , public opinion pollsters , market researchers and many other bodies . The sort of interviews to be used will depend largely on the theoretical orientation of the survey being made .
Idiom: make ends meet (used idiomatically: yes)
They are thus highly visible . They are the ‘ stylish ageing’ , but they are not a majority . Many of their pees are much less visible because they are cares trapped at home or are struggling to make ends meet . In spite of their being only a minority of the pensioner population , affluent , active , newly retired people are slowly changing public attitudes . They are not seen as ‘ old’ .
Idiom: go to the wall (used idiomatically: yes)
COMPANY failures in England and Wales have soared to their highest level since the recession started more than two years ago , according to new figures out yesterday . Businesses are collapsing at the rate 76 a day with a total of 7,014 company insolvencies in the three months to the end of September , according to the British Chambers of Commerce . The number of businesses going to the wall was 21pc higher than the previous quarter and 20pc up on the same period a year ago , underlining the renewed strength of recession since the spring . Individuals becoming insolvent also jumped 9pc to 9,470 in the third quarter a rate of 103 a day . The BCC said the figures on company failures , drawn from the Department of Trade and Industry , ‘ underlines the deep sense of instability in the business community’ .
Idiom: word of mouth (used idiomatically: yes)
Oh , would it not be a superb revenge ! Stevenson , you 're a cure for dull aches , you really are.’ Day followed day and no letter , no word - of - mouth message , came from John . Nora 's anger , so hot in Ireland , turned cold and hard . She was damned if she was going to make the first conciliatory move ; it would blunt the point of all she had done in Waterford .
Idiom: behind the scenes (used idiomatically: yes)
Everyone at some point has dreamed of being seen by millions and now YOU have the chance ! We 've teamed up with Channel 4 's top show Brookside to bring you an exclusive competition that gives you the chance to be seen on screen in Merseyside 's favourite soap . You will see where the dramatic storylines are shot and go behind the scenes during a hectic recording schedule as well as in front of the cameras . Not only will you will be present during a recording at the Pizza Parlour but you will also be in shot and you will be seen on screen reading a copy of the Liverpool Echo when the episode is broadcast ! It goes without saying that it will be a day to remember , as our lucky winner will be treated like a star .
Idiom: have a heart (used idiomatically: no)
If she thinks once of Edgar Linton , she thinks a thousand times of me ! He ca n't love her as I can ! And Catherine has a heart as deep as mine!’ ‘ Catherine and Edgar are very fond of each other!’ said Isabella suddenly . ‘ Do n't speak of my brother like that!’
Idiom: bite someone's head off (used idiomatically: yes)
But it 's all him . Toinette , with her silly female House and Garden ideas of austere good taste , calling it ‘ cluttered’ . I could have bitten her head off . The feeling that someone lives all his life in it , works in it , thinks in it , is it . And we thawed out .
Idiom: have a heart (used idiomatically: no)
Marvel Matt HOW proud Karen Costen must be of her two-year-old son who battled on after being given two weeks to live and has finally had a kidney transplant . It was a story that must have touched the whole nation 's hearts . — True Brit