Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: round the clock (used idiomatically: yes)
The wind we had waited for so long quickly rose to gale force , and drove us on a desperate roller - coaster ride for five days and nights . Our rotten mainmast began whipping sickeningly to and fro and required five men constantly clinging to its lee mainstay to cushion the strain . The prahu 's very short timbers — designed to give flexibility — were now moving so violently against each other that the water pouring between them required the hand - pumps being manned round the clock . Four men were needed to hold down the steering oars , which bucked in their harnesses like panicked elephants . Their supporting beams ran through our tiny cabin , and we could put our feet up on them and feel the entire ship squirming and stretching like the spine of a fish .
Idiom: man of god (used idiomatically: yes)
Peter , half hearing , said , ' Oh , I 'm desperate all right , ' and gave a little barking laugh , and set off across the bus station to the car park , grasping Laura 's luggage . Dear heaven , Laura thought , trotting after him with her string bag and her blanket . Dear merciful heaven , is this what happens to a thwarted man of God ? She cast her eyes skywards , muttering soft curses . A man , passing her , took one startled look and reflected anew what a very unwise policy was the current one of closing nineteenth - century asylums and turning the inmates loose into an alarmed and inadequate society .
Idiom: get stuck in (used idiomatically: yes)
I was n't left to ramble through this new realm for long . Edward brought me a box of Louisa 's file cards and a scholarly Latin dictionary . ‘ Time you got stuck in,’ he said . ‘ You 've seen how much there is to do.’ The plain fact was I had not grasped the magnitude of Edward 's task when he first unfolded it to me .
Idiom: hold someone's hand (used idiomatically: yes)
During this time Doctor Cheatle came from Burford every day and Giles Aplin every second day . When Anna eventually opened her eyes Carrie was with her . Holding the gipsy girl 's hand , Carrie answered as many of the questions that crowded Anna 's confused mind as she could . When Dolly arrived at Handley Farm and informed Seb that Anna had regained consciousness he left his work and hurried to the cottage to speak to her . He found Carrie seated by the bedside , but was distressed to find that Anna would not talk to him .
Idiom: for good measure (used idiomatically: yes)
' Our relationship is totally platonic , ' she stated . ' I think of him as the big brother I never had . ' For good measure she added : ' I would n't marry a man I did n't love , whether it was a dustman or the King of England . If he asked me I would turn him down . ' While their romance cooled - off , Charles still asked Sarah to attend his 30th birthday party at Buckingham Palace in November 1978 .
Idiom: on the ball (used idiomatically: no)
The trust has now drawn up detailed plans and claims a living museum at Bletchley Park could attract at least 100,000 visitors every year . In part two . On the ball … Bobby kicks soccer hopefuls into shape . Off the peg … the clothes fit for a future king .
Idiom: under the table (used idiomatically: yes)
Where 's the Adjutant?’ ‘ Adjutant 's orders , sir . He 's under the table.’ ‘ Come out , Perkins.’ ‘ Yes , sir .
Idiom: over the hill (used idiomatically: no)
So erm this happens quite regularly . And it even happens where the clays which overlie the chalk , the tertiary clays which you can see for example in the top of the cliffs at Newhaven , and if you look back at the cliff from the western breakwater for example you can see clay sitting on top of chalk . Those clays in fact go right across the hillside there , and they cause a lot of problems because they slope inland , and over Ritchie Hill , coming out of Newhaven , the road there is nearly always during the winter months broken by cracks which open up , and has in fact been subject to considerable reconstruction this last summer . In fact there 's a road at , near Wadhurst , at a place called Best Beach Hill , which slips so regularly that in fact the County Council decided it was hopeless trying to keep it open , and it was closed in oh about nineteen seventy . And it 's quite interesting to , to go and look at that road now and see just what it 's like .
Idiom: call someone's bluff (used idiomatically: yes)
One Palace source says : ‘ There was never any question of her leaving . I hate to say it but Diana played it brilliantly . She called their bluff.’ Observers believe a bargain was struck and a compromise reached in which Diana would get increased freedom and yet appear to toe the Palace line . And that is how matters have been left .
Idiom: small potatoes (used idiomatically: no)
According to Friedersdorf , ‘ We knew we had to get our bills enacted before the Labor Day recess.’ Again in contrast to the Carter administration , the Reagan legislative liaison office mounted an efficient operation . According to Mark Siegel , who worked in the Carter White House , With Reagan in the executive mansion the atmosphere was different ; members of congress were pleased to have their telephone calls returned ; where possible they were provided with assistance and they were carefully plyed with the ‘ small potatoes’ of presidential patronage . Tip O'Neill is instructive on the differences between the two administrations in these matters : Being ‘ helped out’ in one 's district was a matter of the greatest importance to members of the House of Representatives , the forum where Reagan 's legislative strategists would face their severest test . Not only were the Republicans in a minority , in recent years the House had become a less disciplined and more individualistic legislative body .
Idiom: foam at the mouth (used idiomatically: yes)
Ampullaria glides along on the muscular foot , by means of muscular waves passing along its under surface . This same technique can be used by a snail floating upside - down at the surface ; the foot gains sufficient purchase on the surface film to make steady progress . Foaming at the mouth ? One item not suitable for an Apple Snail tank is a filter with exposed foam . The snails will eat the foam , presumably for the microflora living on it , or perhaps by mistake .
Idiom: catch fire (used idiomatically: yes)
-Reuter . Soviet ship fire . Two Russian seamen died but 80 crew members were rescued yesterday when a Soviet fish factory ship caught fire in the Bay of Biscay , the British coastguard said . -Reuter . Benin reforms .
Idiom: on the skids (used idiomatically: yes)
All her troubles . What did Nick Morley know of her troubles ? A race lost , a father murdered , a career on the skids — they were no more than the opening scenes of a nightmare which was engulfing her . Alone in the fiat , she had shuddered with something approaching fear . What would her father have done under these circumstances ?
Idiom: in the red (used idiomatically: no)
It has been argued that the dilute nature of the nectar in such flowers deters some bee robbers that may be unable to concentrate it : the birds would prefer concentrated sugars . It has more frequently been suggested that dilute sources will promote visits to many nowers and thus out - crossing , though it is difficult to see how such a mechanism could arise , and perhaps it is more satisfactory to surmise that visits by a pollen - dusted vector to several flowers on one plant are promoted , leading to cross fertilization of more . Nectar flow in the red - flowered Brownea rosa - de - monte ( Leguminosae ) of the Panama forests is known to be influenced by interference from stingless bees and lepidopteran larvae , though , in general , flow in this species decreases through the day during which any flower is presented . Although the inflorescences last just 1 day , their production tends to be synchronized within localized groups of trees . Other nectar - thieves include tamarin monkeys in north - eastern Peru : these feed on nectar of the bird - pollinated Symphonia globulifera ( Guttiferae ) .
Idiom: come to think of it (used idiomatically: yes)
You 'll find your ticket downstairs by the time you check out . ' Coleman sighed . ' Come to think of it , ' said Donleavy , ' maybe it 's not too smart to get a US entry stamp in your passport right after this . You better fly back via Canada and go in on your Leavy ID . ' Donleavy tried to make up for it later by arranging a champagne thank - you weekend for the Colemans at the DIA 's expense in an exclusive little Georgetown hotel , but by then they were almost too tired to enjoy it .
Idiom: leave someone in the lurch (used idiomatically: yes)
and the family was due back from church . Her mind was on the gardener 's boy , who 'd left her in the lurch the Friday before : without his reference , leaving only a collar stud behind
Idiom: over the top (used idiomatically: yes)
The ball from Gascgoine to Ball the other night when he scored his great goal was a little dink just over the top , outside of his fort and it was a little one over the top of there was n't it ? One touch in the net . That 's a clever ball over the top . Not a great big 60-odd ball that is gon na be straight on the centre of the Z. That ai n't over the top that 's — that 's a crap ball .
Idiom: with a will (used idiomatically: no)
You are the source of all wisdom and light . Enlighten our minds to receive your guidance so that you may lead us unto true wisdom . May all that we say and do in the service of this county , whether as elected member or as officer , be in accordance with your will and for the good of your people . Amen . Yes we 've got about two hundred people outside .
Idiom: rock the boat (used idiomatically: yes)
I was stuck with that age even though at least a year had gone by . I remember I suggested it might be fun if Susan developed a crush on Ian , but they would n't allow that either . I suppose the reason was one of policy really — they had the youngsters hooked and they wanted to keep them in that position by not rocking the boat . Part of the problem was that I was only in my twenties when I did it , and therefore still quite young in their eyes . I did n't have a big name in the business as I 'd been concentrating just on working , so I was n't a star and could n't force through any changes .
Idiom: round the clock (used idiomatically: yes)
' Four ? That many ? ' ' It 's a round - the - clock surveillance . ' The Under - Secretary turned to Major Calder . ' Is Butler that important ? '
Idiom: go it alone (used idiomatically: yes)
Travel came when Mr Smythe left Sedbergh School and the security of the family home in Sunderland for a three - year apprenticeship at the Arosa confectionery school in Switzerland . After passing out top of his class he signed up for his National Service and travelled around Europe , first with the King 's Dragoon Guards and then as an officer in the Catering Corps . Back in civvy street he landed a job at the Strand Cornerhouse in London ; from there a number of jobs with skilled confectioners allowed him to accumulate the experience needed to go it alone . It is these highly - skilled experts who make up the 85-year - old association and exclusive club over which Mr Smythe now presides . ' Membership of the association is limited to 60 confectioners .
Idiom: win the day (used idiomatically: yes)
Her will has directed that the income from Patrick 's work , estimated at £ 10,000 a year , should be used to support a middle - aged poet , to be chosen by the estate 's trustees . Apart from that , Peter Fallon , her agent and proprietor of the Gallery Press , says there are plans , approved by the estate , to republish Kavanagh ‘ to correct the many errors that appear in many published books’ . Desmond Egan , an ebullient man known in the enemy camp as Desperate Ego , is confident that he and Dr Kavanagh will win the day . ‘ A lot of people fell around the place laughing when they heard about the middle - aged poet bit,’ he says . ‘ I certainly did .
Idiom: break someone's heart (used idiomatically: yes)
They did it twice and each time they scored in the left corner , and each time Barnes converted from the touchline . Those 12 points broke the deadlock of one of the dourest dog fights even Gloucester has seen . They also broke Gloucester 's hearts , because with rather less than five minutes of extra time to go , the home side were leading 18–15 . The delight of the Gloucester supporters was in no way diminished by the fact that Barnes had missed three easy kicks at goal , any one of which would have wrapped up the game for Bath . With David Sims off injured , Gloucester 's supply of ball dried up late in the game and they were also playing into the cold wind .
Idiom: blood is thicker than water (used idiomatically: yes)
Poor old Alfie ! Could n't take it , I suppose — Matthew on top of everything else . I know there was n't much love lost between them but , as they say , blood is thicker than water ; even doctors know that.’ ‘ You said ‘ on top of everything else’?’ Rees sat back on his haunches .
Idiom: in this day and age (used idiomatically: yes)
A PROFESSIONAL pick - pocket who targeted pensioners has been jailed for 27 months by Liverpool Crown Court . Dennis Clark yesterday told John Turner , 30 , that society would be outraged if he did not send him to prison . ‘ There is enough trouble for pensioners in this day and age without them having to go out and meet people such as you waiting to prey on them like jackals.’ Turner , of Maria Road , Walton , had pleaded guilty to the thefts . The offences involved stealing a purse from an 82-year - old holiday maker on a bus in Southport and a wallet from an man aged 84 on a bus in Moreton , Wirral .
Idiom: put down roots (used idiomatically: yes)
The two upstairs bathrooms also have blue carpets with whisper grey suites . Books , horses and a garden brimming with flowers are the lasting impressions of Lavender Cottage . The feelings of contentment run deep ; Monica Dickens has finally put down her roots . Main picture : From the outside , Lavender Cottage looks every bit the country idyll Top : The original concrete garden path was bricked over to complete the cottage garden scene
Idiom: friends in high places (used idiomatically: yes)
An attempt to bring the imam of Yemen into alliance was vetoed by India , but he played tribal politics better than the craftiest of sheikhs , cheaply keeping the peace with well - placed bribes . At the same time , offering low rents to those who would agree to build in stone , he laid out a town which after seven years had a population of 25,000 , served by a free port . Haines had no friends in high places and his requests for administrative help were unheeded . He was a virtual dictator but had to write every letter himself and took no leave for fifteen years . When auditors did arrive they found a deficit of £ 28,000 , for , in the absence of a bank , Haines had used the Treasury for political and administrative expenses without keeping proper records .
Idiom: claim to fame (used idiomatically: yes)
Put the two cases together and you have something approaching an explanation . ‘ Rugby is a religion down here,’ offers Paul Marshall , senior partner of the firm in question and president of the South Wales District Society , by way of excuse . Abersychan RFC 's main claim to fame is that it produced Bryn Meredith who , at 34 games , is Wales ' most capped hooker . A member of the Pontypool and District League , Abersychan has always been over - shadowed by its more famous neighbour , the Pontypool club itself . Broomfield and Alexander , a seven partner firm based in south Wales , had been the club 's auditors for many years when it hit financial difficulties .
Idiom: no great shakes (used idiomatically: yes)
But let me be Carruthers , Hannele . History means nothing to the English . At school I was no great shakes at it , or anything . I 'm ignorant.’ It was a lifeline he was offering , a last throw to save the mood , enjoy the bed and sunlight .
Idiom: watch this space (used idiomatically: yes)
Hopefully people will come to my show and laugh a bit too.’ Future projects include further explorations in collage and a trip later this year with a friend to South America with a view to producing some articles and a book for publication —‘with an unusual edge’ , adds Dawson mysteriously . More he will not say — watch this space … = MARJ CLAYTON Marj Clayton is a Canadian born , 26 year - old travel photographer now based in London .
Idiom: lay down the law (used idiomatically: no)
[ F5 ] ) Thus the ideology of gender difference was just as fundamental as that of class in securing the social order . In fact patriarchy , class , and hierarchy all presupposed a law of gender difference which was at once divinely , naturally , and socially laid down , the law descending from the first through the second to the third . As we shall see , it is against and ( again ) in terms of this metaphysic that dress violation occurred . Not surprisingly then , class and gender anxieties interrelated .
Idiom: take heart (used idiomatically: yes)
At a lunch on polling day — not at Mark 's Club — he assured fellow guests that the Conservatives would win an overall majority of 20 seats . Another seer who forecast a Tory majority — without compromising his impartiality — was Sir Robin Day . MR Oliver Letwin , the Conservative candidate for Hampstead who lost to the somewhat more primal Miss Glenda Jackson , should take heart . Mrs Thatcher has credited him with helping to win the election . This is not because Miss Jackson 's presence in the Commons will ensure that Labour never forms the Government , but because Mr Letwin is one of the people credited with having invented the poll tax .
Idiom: jockey for position (used idiomatically: yes)
Though he was deliberately sending himself up , he was also stating a simple fact . Quite apart from all the pictures in the papers , she had seen it for herself at the presentation . The girls from the office had swarmed about him like bees around a honey jar , jockeying for position , anxious to be noticed . Nathan 's smile was slightly crooked . ' But you have n't .
Idiom: turn heads (used idiomatically: no)
Not an allegory , just a leaf , one leaf . ' A novel where actions get unhooked from their ( or any ) waking rationale : The prince too looked at the German , turning his head and collar towards him and putting on his pince - nez , though without the slightest curiosity . And words as well as actions : ' Suppose you had lived on the moon , ' Stavrogin interrupted …
Idiom: see red (used idiomatically: yes)
One all the score last time round . Joey Beauchamp , claimed the point for Oxford . When Swindon and Leicester meet , they often see red . At the County Ground , it was Julian Joachim who was sent off , for taking a swip at Colin Caulderwood . It was a dress rehearsal for next months 's play offs .
Idiom: under the influence (used idiomatically: yes)
He said : ‘ He then carried out his threat to bite Mr Taylor on the nose.’ A passing taxi driver intervened . Police believed Elstob was under the influence of drink or drugs . Mr Taylor was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital where he received seven stitches to his nose . Brian Sommerville , for Elstob , said he had been drinking and could not remember the attack .
Idiom: wide of the mark (used idiomatically: yes)
Julia resolved to double - check everything she typed today and stay late , if need be , to get up to date . The amount of work was formidable . The idea that a diocesan office might be a gentle or leisurely introduction to office practice was wide of the mark . She sorted out the in - tray left for her by Miss Coldharbour : audio tapes for Canon Wheeler , drafts for Miss Coldharbour and a plain manilla folder marked ‘ urgent’ . She opened it and read the note on top .
Idiom: settle a score (used idiomatically: yes)
A wave of military , government , and diplomatic defections , led by his long - time ally First Armored ~ Brigade Commander General Ali Muhsin al - Ahmar , rocked his regime . But , although al - Ahmar announced that he was appalled by the use of force and vowed to defend the constitution , his decision was anything ~ but altruistic . The disgruntled general , who has long - standing ties to the type of jihadists that the United ~ States is battling in Yemen , merely sought to settle a score with the president ’s family . The relationship between al - Ahmar and Saleh extends to their youth , with Saleh ’s mother having had a second marriage to al - Ahmar ’s uncle . Though they are not half - brothers , this frequent , if mistaken reference , indicates their closeness .
Idiom: pecking order (used idiomatically: yes)
A groundswell of media opinion is pushing for Gavin Hastings as captain and his off - the - field credentials — particularly the manner in which he has created a happy spirit in the Scottish camp — give him a head start over England 's Will Carling . It also should not be forgotten that Hastings has toured New Zealand three times in recent years — for the World Cup in 1987 , with Scotland in 1990 and the World XV last year — an experience which Carling can not match . The other Scots who must be high in the current pecking order are Gary Armstrong , Kenny Milne , Scott Hastings , Damian Cronin , Doddie Weir , Tony Stanger , Paul Burnell and Craig Chalmers , with Andrew Reed a good fringe candidate . Should victory be achieved over England next month , others could come into contention too , though for all the Scottish aspirants , there will be an agonising wait until the final round of championship matches is completed on 20 March , the Scottish campaign finishing a fortnight earlier . ‘ The forwards did go well , but you have to wonder just how good the Welsh side were’ Jim Telfer
Idiom: rank and file (used idiomatically: yes)
Cynthia Cockburn calls this " studied hypocrisy " , arguing that as things stood no woman could expect to earn the same wage as a man , because of the Factory Acts among other things , and links it with the undoubtedly fiercely held view among many compositors that women really had no right to " leave the home " anyway . It is possible to nuance this view slightly as regards the Edinburgh union leadership . There may just have been some hope of effecting change through organization , especially when the numbers of women were still low ( about 300 at the end of the 18805 ) , though the means chosen were not welcomed by the rank and file of the men 's union . Although unfortunately details of the projects are tantalizingly hard to ascertain , at least two attempts were made after 1888 by the Edinburgh Typographical Society to set up a women 's union , The first , in the late 1880s , is referred to only in the retrospective " statement on the Female Question " , published in 1904 ; Miss Black of London [ who must have been Clementina Black]a lady who was well - known for her efforts to improve the social condition of her sex , offered to make an endeavour to organise the female compositors in Edinburgh , with a view to remedying the evils complained of by the journeymen . The branch committee favourably entertained Miss Black 's assistance , but on it being remitted to a general meeting of the Society , it was rejected on the grounds that if the females were organised , their position would be improved as an industry for females , which would result in great accession to their numbers in the printing trade in Edinburgh . "
Idiom: to the letter (used idiomatically: yes)
Dear FURTHER EDUCATION I refer to your letter dated 6 July 1993 and would advise that after consideration , I have decided that I can not grant permission for day release . I must further advise that if you decide to proceed with evening classes the Department will not meet the cost of your course . Yours sincerely