Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: beg the question (used idiomatically: yes)
In such an archetypal world , where ‘ good’ is constantly and insecurely balanced in an eternal struggle against ‘ evil’ , the objective explication of the rituals and symbols which surround and mystify police work can seem tantamount to a treasonable act . In 1979 , James Anderton , the Christian moralist chief constable of Greater Manchester , described the greatest threat to law and order as stemming from ‘ seditionist … interested groups who do not have the well - being of this country at heart and who mean to undermine democracy’(Thompson 1979 : 380 ) . In the light of such a polemic stand , it begs the question whether the revelation of how crime figures are manipulated by the police to sustain institutional beliefs ( see Chapter 5 ) could be said to undermine democracy or be classified as sedition . For Anderton vehemently rejects the idea of any internal evaluation which might explore the moralities or philosophies of policing : ‘ there is simply no room in the management and organization of police operations for vague , academic dissertations’(Police Review ; 90 , 19 November 1982 : 4684 ) . In his 1977 annual report , Sir David McNee , then commissioner of the Metropolitan Police , urged that ‘ the libertarian should beware’ .
Idiom: have been around (used idiomatically: yes)
FIRST Daughter Chelsea Clinton , 12 , is following the hottest trend in footwear by stepping out in Birkenstocks . Birkenstocks are the most comfortable shoes available , according to wearers . ' They follow on from the Beatnik look and have actually been around since the Sixties , ' a spokesman for the Natural Shoe Store in Covent Garden says . ' They are particularly comfortable because they have a moulded instep . They have become incredibly trendy .
Idiom: on the game (used idiomatically: yes)
I do n't want this match to end up like the last two Tests . ' England 's players have been left in no doubt about their need to improve . Fletcher said : ' Our batting department has let us down in both Tests , although everyone has been working hard on their game and how to combat their spinners on turning pitches . ' As individuals , the batsmen have all made at least one score , but we have got to start putting it together as a team . ' England are ' considering more options ' in their team selection .
Idiom: on and off (used idiomatically: yes)
You know like you can have your enters in Yeah but not showing your tabs , not showing those Ts , but there , can you put them on and off ? On the screen Er , yeah , how 'd you do it ?
Idiom: all over the place (used idiomatically: no)
Yeah . Yeah . Well those ramblers and all over the place , mm . Mm . It looks to me as if it 's going to blooming rain again .
Idiom: put your foot down (used idiomatically: yes)
sit down please Richard I do n't where 's your shoe?you've lost your shoe , oh is that it ? , there it is , put your feet down , let 's have your shoe back on , you put your foot rest up and stop clanging it please that 's how it goes you want it just like that , we 'll have to put it up if you 're gon na carry the milk back for me right let 's clip you in who do I fasten in ? ,
Idiom: in the clear (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Half - past five,’ he said softly . Ruth opened the door and went outside . There were stars in the clear , dark sky , and a white frost over the moor . It would have been easier to set off in the daylight but it was n't possible . They had a long walk over the moor to Bingley and Alfred Carter could n't afford to wait for them if they were late .
Idiom: call it a day (used idiomatically: yes)
Nor is the powerful Watsonian short of leadership experience , having skippered Watson 's College , Scottish Schools ( notably to a shock win over the England Schools in 1980 ) , Watsonians , Cambridge University , London Scottish , the Anglo Scots , the Barbarians at the Hong Kong Sevens and , also last season , the senior aide in the official Scottish trial when his gifts of inspiration by personal example almost turned the tide . Gavin Hastings ( left ) celebrates his part in the World XV 's First Centenary Test victory over hosts New Zealand with David Sole , who he is tipped to succeed as captain of Scotland . His well - being is of even higher importance to Scotland now that Peter Dods , such an admirable understudy with 23 caps , had decided to call it a day . The Scots are grooming a dashing 20-year - old wing - cum - fullback , Ken Logan of Stirling County , as a future last line . He became the first from his club to be capped , in the Second Test of the recent tour of Australia in Hastings ' injury absence , and he played for Scotland ‘ A’ against Spain in Madrid on September 12 .
Idiom: go hand in hand (used idiomatically: yes)
Building effective institutions is equally important . For illiberal democracy and crony capitalism flourish where the institutional framework is lacking or corrupted . Both have the same poisoned roots , so it is not surprising that they go hand in hand . The higher the degree of a democracy 's illiberality , the higher the degree of corruption , moral hazard , opportunism and rent seeking behaviour ; the more corrupted the economy , the more stunted democracy is likely to be . By illiberal democracy I mean a system where , though governments are elected in free ( but not always fair ) elections , they still fail to respect the basic principles and values of " constitutional liberalism , " including the rule of law , division of power , an independent judiciary , and respect and protection of human ~ rights and freedoms .
Idiom: small print (used idiomatically: yes)
READER ADVICE AT YOUR SERVICE Make the most of the recipes in BBC Good Food with our guide to the magazine small print and tips on food safety and freezing Nutrition notes Regular readers will have noticed that a number of our recipes are now followed by an assessment of their nutritional content .
Idiom: state of the art (used idiomatically: yes)
AEA Petroleum Services has now established itself in Texas . The resources of Boffin Inc the Dallas based oil and gas software house have been combined with those of AEA . The new company will be known as AEA Boffin International Inc and will supply state of the art software and support to the US market and worldwide . Paul Wood from Petroleum Services at Winfrith handles the link with AEA Technology . Although small , the company has 2,000 clients in over 70 countries .
Idiom: blood and guts (used idiomatically: yes)
It is a C format in April . Shaun Hutson Heathen ( Warner ) Moving away from the mainly blood and guts stuff , this is a more involved horror thriller which should help expand his market . Literary fiction now , and Jeanette Winterson Written on the Body ( Vintage )
Idiom: make the grade (used idiomatically: yes)
PEOPLE POWER LETTER OF THE WEEK Three cheers for our kids who made the grade I AM sick to death of people decrying this year 's GCSE results . I 've seen my daughter work continually over the past two years — and I mean work — to achieve her grades .
Idiom: every trick in the book (used idiomatically: yes)
THE recession has sparked a boom in electronic bugs as firms resort to dirty tricks to keep ahead of their rivals . Corporate spies are now spending £ 50 million a year on eavesdropping devices . ‘ Companies are using every trick in the book to stay one step in front of their competitors,’ said Paul Carratu of corporate investigators Carratu International . Ghost haunts ward angels TWO exorcists were called in to a drive a ghost from a hospital ward after frightened nurses refused to work there .
Idiom: in no uncertain terms (used idiomatically: yes)
Though I could n't go so far as to say that service was included as all the waiters seemed interested in was getting the lights off so they could dance with Sorrel . Little Gino , whose ambition had always been to be taller than four foot ten , had got a little too interested when it was his turn and even in the candlelight we could all see that he 'd deliberately got his charm bracelet tangled in one of Sorrel 's suspenders . The miniature St Christopher on it had a brief treat before Sorrel cooled him off in no uncertain terms . The blue - rinsed grandmother from Iowa —‘just passing through Lunnun to catch a few shows’(like anglers collect trout)— I had drawn as a dancing partner clapped louder than anybody . ‘ I 've always wanted to do something like that,’ she confided to me .
Idiom: rub someone the wrong way (used idiomatically: yes)
' Oh , but I do . I 've never felt so well protected . Unless you 've been calling my bluff since day one , you should be able to see off any mere mortal who rubs us up the wrong way . ' ' Hey , Rainbow , what 's keeping you ? Are you actually having to go out and grow those blasted coffee beans ? '
Idiom: in the black (used idiomatically: yes)
The small group of riders spied them and altered their course to meet the patrol . In minutes they stood facing each other across a few feet of upland grass , the fresher horses of Jinneth 's escort stamping impatiently . She was dressed in black , as always , making Riven wonder sourly if she were mourning someone , but there was a bright smile on her face as she took in the battered condition of Murtach 's patrol ; the bandaged Hearthwares , the clawed mounts and the weary eyes of them all . ' My lords Murtach and Ratagan , ' she said gaily . ' You have been sorely missed from the council chamber .
Idiom: on ice (used idiomatically: no)
Initially it was just Marr and Rourke appearing with Billy Bragg but in Newcastle Morrissey and Joyce consented and a short Smiths set was performed . In many respects the Red Wedge Tour must have helped alleviate some of the frustration and downright weirdness that was bubbling away in Smithdom . With their album completed and , due to legal problems , on ice , The Smiths found themselves in a state of dangerous inactivity . Speaking about this period sometime later to Record Mirror 's Eleanor Levy Johnny Marr seemed reflective , in an optimistic kind of way . ‘ I did n't realise the kind of effect the lay off because of the court case would have on us .
Idiom: to the hilt (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ The only difference between this and other games is that we did n't put goals on the end of the performance . ‘ Maybe this is one we should n't have lost , either . But Barnsley worked very hard , right to the hilt , and they held on.’ Newcastle had lost just one League game away from home before this and they started with all the confidence of a four - match winning run behind them . After just six minutes , Kevin Scott crashed a Kevin Sheedy free kick against the bar .
Idiom: rub shoulders (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Odd?’ said Vernon . ‘ Not exactly odd,’ amended Harcourt . ‘ I just mean they 're not exactly the sort of people she 'd be rubbing shoulders with if she was working in a bank . And there 's been a resurgence of interest in religion , you know . It 's a reaction to the war .
Idiom: to boot (used idiomatically: no)
The Government , he says , must go back to the days when school meals were available for every child . The dramatic drop in school meals take - up prompted the 19 authorities to find the cash for the TV ads . Mike Jones , from West Sussex , who launched the campaign , said yesterday : ‘ The old image of custard and cabbage that 's soggy and cold to boot is wrong . ‘ School dinners have moved into the 20th Century — with food which is healthy and nutritious.’ Range
Idiom: too clever by half (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Round the corner somewhere,’ said Joe . ‘ Think I 'm simple , do you?’ said Dolly . ‘ No such thing as a simple woman,’ said Joe , ‘ they 're all too clever by half.’ ‘ Oh , ' ave you been done down by one , Joe?’ ‘ Not yet,’ said Joe , and grinned .
Idiom: lay odds (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Guy seems to change his women the way he changes his socks,’ Virginia muttered acidly , her heart aching . Lucy 's gaze was very direct . ‘ You 're in love with him , and I 'll lay odds he 's besotted with you . I 've seen the way he looks at you , Virgie ! I think you 'll find all Guy needs is the right woman.’
Idiom: take the floor (used idiomatically: yes)
From the outset , Joan Templeman had some difficulty growing accustomed to the fact that living with Richard Branson seldom meant actually being alone with him . Branson 's living arrangements had always been a moveable feast , a reflection of the lack of boundaries between his work and private life . The house in Denbigh Terrace , which was his home during and after his marriage to Kristen Tomassi , had been progressively colonised by the office ; Nik Powell took over the first floor ; board meetings were conducted in the lounge ; paperwork spilled into the bedrooms . When , late in 1978 , Kristen and her boyfriend Kevin Ayers announced that they were leaving England to live in Spain , Branson took the opportunity to buy Ayers ' houseboat , the Duende , moored on the Regents Canal , a short distance from his old boat . Branson 's relationship with his former wife remained highly civilised .
Idiom: have been around (used idiomatically: no)
The second element of the debt - relief package would be more innovative : If Greece ’s economy performs well , the generous extension of maturities can be clawed back or the interest rate raised . A formula for this could be linked to the debt / GDP ratio – a scheme with advantages that transcend the Greek case . The idea of linking debt relief to a country ’s debt / GDP ratio has been around for a while , but has never gained significant acceptance . Applying it in Greece would be a highly visible test ; if successful , it would set a valuable precedent . Why bother ?
Idiom: up in the air (used idiomatically: yes)
So she was happy . ( Lawrence 1913 : 96 ; in Visser 1969 : 1438 ) The non - assertive character of the first three is quite obvious : the conditional clause leaves the actualization of dare up in the air in ( 31);(32 ) implies " she did n't dare ignore him any more than that " ; ( 33 ) is a sort of indignant rhetorical question implying that he should n't have dared take the native 's part against her . ( 34 ) shows that the word now can , astonishingly enough , sometimes carry a negative implication : in this sentence it implies " not before " , the import here being " She had n't dared finger his pots before the present moment " . All the uses of need and dare as full modal auxiliaries involve therefore a non - assertive quality whereby the needing or daring are not asserted but denied , questioned , conceded , represented as mere possibilities rather than as real events .
Idiom: hit the jackpot (used idiomatically: yes)
Speed star Lyric Fantasy , who recently changed hands for 340,000 guineas , will remain in training with Richard Hannon . What a team TODAY racing experts hit the jackpot at Sedgefield yesterday . Racing Editor Henry Rix consolidated his lead at the top of the national tipsters ' table with 7-1 nap Cheeky Pot , and the same horse rewarded Top Shot followers with a 14 point profit . Our excellent placepot feature Pot Luck proved successful at Market Rasen , yielding a £41.10 return to an £8 stake .
Idiom: no time like the present (used idiomatically: yes)
And its totally new , silky texture feels so beautiful , you 'll feel the comfort and immediate relief of dry skin symptoms the moment you smooth it on . Try it today . There 's no time like the present for beautiful skin . LONDON 'S MOST IMPORTANT JEWELLERY SALE . JUNE 20TH .
Idiom: come to a head (used idiomatically: yes)
NIGERIA Religious riots Several weeks of demonstrations in the northern state of Katsina by a group loyal to the local Shi'ite Moslem leader , Mallam Yakubu Yahaya , came to a head in April . The sect had objected to an article published in a local magazine in December 1990 , which they considered blasphemous . On April 4 , the state governor , Lt .- Col . John Madaki , a Christian , was reported to have threatened to execute Mallam Yahaya in public if the demonstrations continued , and on April 17 some 2,000 protesters called for the death of Madaki .
Idiom: pecking order (used idiomatically: no)
This arrangement requires a certain amount of restraint and co - operation on the part of the dominant males , but it clearly has compensatory advantages . It is employed by a wide range of species , with slight variations . In some cases there is a strong peck - order operating within the group of males , and sometimes also within the group of females . With certain carnivores , only the dominant male copulates with the females . He never gives the other males a chance .
Idiom: to the tune of (used idiomatically: yes)
WASHINGTON , DC – The recent departure of Robert ~ Diamond from Barclays marks a watershed . To be sure , CEOs of major banks have been forced out before . Chuck Prince lost his job at Citigroup over excessive risk - taking in the run - up to the financial crisis of 2008 , and , more recently , Oswald ~ Grübel of UBS was pushed out for failing to prevent unauthorized trading to the tune of $ 2.3~billion . But Diamond was a banker supposedly at the top of his game . Barclays , it was claimed , had come through the 2008 - 2009 crisis without benefiting from government support .
Idiom: walk free (used idiomatically: yes)
GLASGOW RANGERS : Goram , McPherson , Gough , Brown , D Robertson , McCall , Ferguson , Durrant , Huistra , McCoist , Hateley . Two cleared of killing sex session blaze twins TWO men walked free yesterday after being cleared of the manslaughter of twin teenage girls who died in a barn blaze . Unemployed Wisdom Smith , 19 , and student Daniel Winter , 19 , were released from the dock at Bristol Crown Court on the seventh day of their trial after a jury returned formal not guilty verdicts on the direction of the judge . Smith , of Bishop 's Cleeve , near Cheltenham , Gloucestershire , and Winter , of Cheltenham , were also formally cleared on a joint charge alleging arson .
Idiom: sleight of hand (used idiomatically: yes)
If we accept it , as many people seem to with enthusiasm , then we would have to include the rats , mice , dogs , cats , and numerous other creatures used in the laboratory , in our outcry over the revelations about the sale of microcephalic infants . The argument will have done its work . Yet it will strike others as suspicious , if well meaning , sleight - of - hand . Three difficulties present themselves : 1 .
Idiom: speak volumes (used idiomatically: yes)
Confidence increases . The way you move , sit and stand will show you have a greater body awareness and pride . Your body language will speak volumes about your happy state . 4 Inhibition decreases .
Idiom: get cracking (used idiomatically: yes)
But lunchtime Right . We 'll have to get cracking . what d'ya mean lunchtime ? Well lunchtime I 'm going to go in and pop back to get things .
Idiom: get away with murder (used idiomatically: no)
He was thinking that perhaps he ought to warn Rain where the MacQuillan case was leading . At its mildest , it could be unfortunate if she blundered upon realization of the killer 's identity . And if the man were as confident of getting away with MacQuillan 's murder as Wickham believed him to be , she could put herself at risk . He borrowed the pub telephone and called her , but got no answer . He shrugged it off , not convinced that his concern was necessary because she was unlikely to see the man that evening and in the morning there could be an arrest .
Idiom: dead wood (used idiomatically: yes)
And how , as the continents and oceans shift and slide , so too are creaturely minds and instincts automatically adapted , for they are all linked to that same sea of shifting Mind . So could there be , in the Mind itself , an autumn when old habits are shed and a springtime when old growth is renewed and new shoots flourish ? Just as we have the ebb and flow of seasons , each with its own appointed purpose ; just as the rest of night follows the activity of day , so too could there be vast seasons of the Mind , spanning aeons , which hold the world in balance , removing dead wood , and vitalizing and renewing harmony between all forms ? This is an interesting subject , tackled more fully in Natural Creation … Or Natural Selection ? , but is introduced in the next short chapter where we take a brief diversion to present something of the vast integrated cycles by which life is maintained upon our planet .
Idiom: pick holes (used idiomatically: no)
' Well , you 've got a nice sunny day for it , Icarus ' Whatever you do , do n't mention anything unpleasant about your trip . Pick little holes , by all means , if your shower tap was a little stiff or the beach a trifle shingly , but never voice real criticism . You may be doing your readers a favour but you will never be invited on a freebie again . Ever .
Idiom: over my dead body (used idiomatically: yes)
The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating . Mr Tim Janman MP : a clarification . IN YESTERDAY 'S parliamentary sketch ( page 5 ) , Mr Tim Janman MP ( Conservative , Thurrock ) was reported as saying that Britain would take even one refugee from Hong Kong ‘ over my dead body.’ Mr Janman has asked us to make it clear that , as he wrote in last Saturday 's Sun , he recognises that both crown servants and substantial investors in Britain have an existing right to come here and that though at present he advocates the strict exclusion of all others , he would cease to do so if the Chinese were to attempt ‘ a Tiananmen - style crackdown’ in Hong Kong in 1997 . Kent Opera goes into liquidation after Arts Council grant withdrawn .
Idiom: pass the time of day (used idiomatically: yes)
On two sides were boxes containing new shoes , while on the third were dozens of repairs awaiting collection . Emily was turning over their labels , to the accompaniment of Mr Zamoyski 's hammering from the back room . She and Mungo had already passed the time of day with him . Suddenly Emily grew tense . She was holding a white slip - on shoe with a strapless back .
Idiom: on the side of the angels (used idiomatically: yes)
There are more good people about than the world gives credit for . ' ' So where does that place Deanes ? On the side of the angels or the other lot ? ' Markby chuckled , his customary air of self - deprecation returning . ' I ca n't say , ' somewhere in the middle ' , can I ?
Idiom: by dint of (used idiomatically: yes)
As a result of the Viney Revolution fee income per year has increased four - fold to over £ 4 m . , based on over 150 assignments annually . The structure of ownership allows the individual consultants a high level of personal profit ; they can receive almost half of the billings . This rapid growth has been achieved by dint of strong and imaginative leadership pushing the firm into new areas , reflecting an almost evangelical aim to break down the old - boy network and cut out the dead wood from British industry . The firm 's estimated successful assignment completion rate of 80 % compares well with other leading firms . Heidrick and Struggles places a strong emphasis on research , employing as many researchers as consultants , and has successfully promoted researchers to become consultants .
Idiom: hold someone's hand (used idiomatically: no)
Another part of year 10 is that you go on work experience for two weeks . For my work experience I went to the local primary school where I was a classroom helper with the reception class . One thing I thought was nice was that one little boy , was more noisy than the others but it started thundering once and he came and held my hand as he was scared . It was the summer when I was there so they were then starting to go swimming in the school pool . I have now started to do babysitting for a number of people .
Idiom: left and right (used idiomatically: yes)
No French troops troubled the road to Mons ; it seemed that the Belgian countryside slept under its summer heat . The relieved Prince grunted an acknowledgement , then leaned forward to gaze critically in the mirror . He twisted his head left and right before looking anxiously at Rebecque . ‘ Am I losing too much hair?’ Rebecque pretended to make a careful inspection , then shook his head reassuringly .