Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: beggars can't be choosers (used idiomatically: yes)
of steam . The Saturday shift always seemed to drag on endlessly for the elderly night watchman and he envied people who did not have to work at the weekends . Beggars ca n't be choosers though , he thought philosophically as he got up , removed the boiling kettle from the gas ring and emptied it into a small china teapot . Being a night watchman had its compensations , he had to admit . There was no foreman to watch over him and he could please himself when he made his walk around the yard .
Idiom: follow suit (used idiomatically: no)
FEARS of a price war among Britain 's tour operators sparked off a fall in holiday shares yesterday . Shares in Owners Abroad and Airtours fell on the news that market leader Thomson Holidays is to cut prices on some packages . Last year , Thomson reduced its prices — which cut profits — forcing Owners Abroad to follow suit with price cuts . But the two tour operators , Owners and Airtours , have already taken steps to ensure bigger business . Airtours has linked up with Pickfords and Owners last week took a large slice of German - owned Thomas Cook .
Idiom: see the light (used idiomatically: yes)
. Now er See all the flashing lights of the vehicles there , they 're they 're so incensed they 're flashing their lights all over the shop at him er as he goes Mm . through .
Idiom: down and out (used idiomatically: yes)
He is one of the few artists to make a successful transition from music to movies . Unlike Sting , Dylan and Bowie , Waits has never looked like a rock star overreaching himself . Over the years he has appeared in The Stone Boy , The Outsiders , Rumblefish , The Cotton Club , Paradise Alley and , most memorably , as the down - and - out DJ in Jim Jarmusch 's Down By Law and the jinked hobo in Hector Babenco 's Ironweed . More recently he has turned up in The Fisher King and At Play in the Fields of the Lord , and he has a small role in Coppola 's forthcoming Dracula . This summer brought a welcome return to music with his soundtrack to Jarmusch 's Night on Earth , which is followed this month by Bone Machine , his first studio album for more than five years .
Idiom: go it alone (used idiomatically: yes)
Obama 's decision attests not only to his judgment , but also to her character . Clinton 's primary challenge as secretary of state was to recast the very nature of US involvement in global affairs . The go - it - alone America of the years of the war on terror had alienated its closest allies , and had proven insufficient both to resolving the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan , and to creating a structure of peace for an Asia struggling to cope with China 's new power and assertiveness .
Idiom: cheek by jowl (used idiomatically: yes)
Against Darwin 's five years in Beagle , Wallace had spent four years exploring the Amazon basin , followed by eight years , largely alone , travelling throughout the Indonesian islands expressly seeking a solution to the evolutionary divergence of species . He collected what was to amount to over 125,000 species of flora and fauna , many of which were entirely new to science . He lived cheek - by - jowl with the peoples of the region , absorbing their environment and languages . He sailed with the Bugis tribe to the haunts of the Greater Bird of Paradise , and one night , delirious with fever beneath the volcanoes of Ternate , he had a sudden vision of the entire dynamic of natural selection . Many of the explorers of the time were afflicted and often killed by malaria , or the " ague " as it was called .
Idiom: break ranks (used idiomatically: yes)
The release of the Frenchmen , Jean - Louis Normandin and Roger Auque , by the Revolutionary Justice Organization on John 's birthday took place against a backdrop of bombings and embassy sieges in Paris and Teheran . There were allegations of a huge cash deal and changes in France 's Middle East policy to accommodate Iran . There had also been rumours that Germany had paid a ransom to get two of their hostages out a few months earlier , and what with Germany breaking ranks , Irangate and now this suspected deal for the French hostages , British newspapers were of full moral outrage at the weakness of other countries and their capitulation in the fight against terrorism . It was the final straw for me as well . When I watched the TV news and saw Auque and Normandin waving to the crowd on their release , something snapped .
Idiom: rise and shine (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ I 've been around,’ she said as they moved out onto the floor . It was hopeless . Maybe one day , she was thinking , her head and her hormones might agree over something ; and on that day the sun would rise and shine all morning , and fish would leap in the river , and all of her bills would turn out to be rebates . ‘ Listen,’ Pete said , and she sensed a deliberate change of track . ‘ I 'm not sure how to say this , but I want to ask you something .
Idiom: with a view to (used idiomatically: yes)
4.2.3 Edinburgh garden We should acquire portable dataloggers for data collection in the Edinburgh garden in 1993/94 . These should be used to prove the technology , with a view to introducing them in the other gardens between 1995 and 1997 . 1993/94 £ 4000 1995/96 £ 4000
Idiom: down and out (used idiomatically: yes)
Last night a group of small children sang ‘ L'Internationale ’ , uncertain about the words , out of tune , but with an authenticity and optimism that is no longer possible in Europe . A double bill in the afternoon . I sit next to a down and out who has salvaged h is lunch from the bins . He reaches into his bag , brings out a sandwich , then stands up and inspects it is the projector beam to see what it contains . He has a classic sense of gastronomic order .
Idiom: lose heart (used idiomatically: yes)
On sixty eight minutes , City fell further behind when long cross from the far side reached Bernie McConnell who sent a looping header over Roberts for his second goal of the game . City tried hard to get back into it but their task was always going to be maintenance , although Paul Hackett struck a good goal in a move involving several players , to reduce the area on seventy four minutes . So not a good day for City , but they should n't lose heart , as the score line the home side , and on another day might well be reversed as they were not that much difference in the goals . Final score ; Shenley and Lowton five , Oxford City two . John Shepherd reporting .
Idiom: on the money (used idiomatically: yes)
The West , euphoric from its victory over communism and its seemingly unstoppable economic growth , failed to implement necessary structural reforms ( Germany and Sweden were rare exceptions ) . Instead , Western prosperity relied increasingly on debt . But the economic crisis has made it impossible to maintain a good life on borrowed money . Americans and Europeans are beginning to understand that neither they , nor their children , can assume that they will become wealthier over time .
Idiom: up to no good (used idiomatically: yes)
Apart from the potent drives and desires surging through you there 's a loved one 's wants and wishes to be considered as well . Having your suspicions is one thing , proving them is another . Do n't be too quick to condemn or criticise people you think are up to no good or are getting special treatment for one reason or another . Be patient , tolerant and bide your time . Things are n't so clear cut and straightforward as you think Wednesday and that message is best illustrated by looking at your financial affairs .
Idiom: as good as new (used idiomatically: yes)
He took a long time to answer the door and his painful movements towards and into his armchair explained why . He registered my look of concern . ‘ It 's all right , Chris , I 'll be as good as new in a week or so . I could n't stand that hospital any longer , and I 'm much happier here at home . There 's another bottle in the fridge ; would you like to open it?’
Idiom: hit home (used idiomatically: yes)
To be concerned about the fate of historic buildings when thousands of people were being uprooted was not necessarily to pity the plumage and forget the dying bird . Undoubtedly , the Prince of Wales ' unprecedented public denunciation in April 1989 of Ceauşescu 's demolitions in Bucharest and his plan to ‘ systematize , rural Romania represented genuine revulsion at the human consequences of the Conducator 's policies . Prince Charles 's remarks also hit home when they were repeated to Ceauşescu himself . Ceauşescu 's decision to immortalize his rule in stone , or rather concrete and imitation marble , made clear the anachronistic , even archaic nature of his rule . However , he was not alone : at about the same time Saddam Hussein began his project of rebuilding Babylon on its original site .
Idiom: make tracks (used idiomatically: no)
Finally , remember when buying your curtain fixture to allow extra length to enable your curtains to be drawn back beyond the sides of the window , where possible . TRACKS AND POLES Tracks are made from either plastic , aluminium , steel or brass , and in general those made of metal are stronger . They can be coated with a white , gold , silver or brass finish , either plain or decorative . Some can be fitted with finials , most can be fitted into the wall or ceiling and are usually bought complete with all the necessary fixtures and fittings .
Idiom: to say the least (used idiomatically: yes)
But minutes later , when the trio had left , the 89 year old lady discovered that her purse had been taken from a bedroom of her terraced home in Albany Road , Prescot . Last night a detective investigating the theft said that , although this type of crime was becoming increasingly prevalent , it was the first time he had heard of a baby being used as a decoy . Det Con Steve Roberts added : ‘ It is unusual to say the least , the fact that one of these women was holding a baby at the time.’ The three called on the victim who lives alone shortly before 9 pm on Monday night . They claimed their car , which they parked outside the house , had broken down .
Idiom: look the other way (used idiomatically: no)
His wife kept on at him , you see , wanting more gear about the house . He 'd already turned a blind eye when a couple of his lorries got hi - jacked . Well , you ca n't call it a crime , can you , looking the other way in a cafe when somebody 's nicking your vehicle from a lay - by?’ Cullam closed the porthole , keeping his head turned . ‘ They paid well , this bad company .
Idiom: right as rain (used idiomatically: no)
‘ It 's not broken , is it?’ asked O'Hara , studying the swollen foot . ‘ Merely a sprain,’ said Vernon . ‘ I shall be as right as rain in no time.’ He turned to tell Lily to put the kettle on , but she had fled into the scullery to tidy herself up . O'Hara was looking round the room , trying to see the imprint of Stella .
Idiom: dog tired (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ You 're suffering a delayed reaction from that appalling business on the autobahn are n't you?’ ‘ No . But a few minutes ago I said I was dog - tired and hungry . I also said that was when I was likely to make a major mistake . I think I was just on the verge of making one.’
Idiom: through thick and thin (used idiomatically: yes)
US Sun Chemical Corporation exploited the weakness of the pound yesterday and snapped it up for just under £ 15 m , or 167.5p a share . The offer represented a massive 120 % premium on the middle market price of 76p so directors did not have to think twice about taking it . Usher 's share shot up 85p to 165p , rewarding shareholders who had held on through thick and thin . Scrap reactors first plea By Liz Dolan
Idiom: pecking order (used idiomatically: yes)
You 're right at the head of the pecking order , when the cash generation starts you 'll be first in line ? Er , we will , but the pecking order er , the pecking order is the subject of agreement and it 's public . Er , but I mean clearly the , the debt and the guarantees are paid down first and so for the reason we are high up in the pecking order , because we provided the er , the loans and the guarantees . Yes ? Following that up when , when can your long suffering shareholders er , expect to see any return on the B Sky B stake and a follow up on that ?
Idiom: follow suit (used idiomatically: yes)
Without such targets , the international community will not take the necessary action to address climate ~ change , and developing countries will not have confidence that industrialized countries are willing to take the lead on solving a problem that they caused . There are some positive signals in this direction . For example , the European ~ Union has agreed to a climate and energy package with which it will be able to reach its target of a 20 % emission reduction over 1990 levels by 2020 ( 30 % if other industrialized countries follow suit . within the United ~ States , President Barack ~ Obama has indicated his intention to achieve an 80 % reduction of greenhouse ~ gas emissions by 2050 , and to return US emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 . Other countries , such as Russia and Japan , will announce their mid - term targets in the course of this year . Second , clarity is essential on the extent to which major developing countries can undertake nationally appropriate mitigation actions beyond what they are already doing .
Idiom: get the better of (used idiomatically: yes)
He could not help overhearing , in April 1986 , that North was about to go to Tehran , and asked Earl about it ; considering they were sitting side by side on the sofa , he said , it was bizarre to have one man briefed and the other not . Earl reluctantly asked North to bring Coy ‘ into the box’ , and it was the last one he was brought into . He seldom let his curiosity get the better of him again . Even those who were most curious , or who had bosses who would have been extremely interested to know , forbore to ask North questions . Even as it was , they heard more than they wanted to know .
Idiom: in the can (used idiomatically: yes)
His pride in being able to cook three hot meals a day for two of us , on just one litre of meths in six days , was shattered when one pensioner told us that two weeks was more her time scale for such a luxurious amount of fuel . They exchanged recipes like a pair of old women and we departed . Food was mainly dehydrated but Pete would pep up meals by mixing in spices and niceties he kept in redundant Kodak film cans . On miserable days when both of us were low , he would delve into the depths of a pannier and give me a mini Mars bar or some peanuts . The old man looked after me well .
Idiom: on the hoof (used idiomatically: no)
He shot her a grin and she thought of what he 'd been to her in the last week and a half . Everything good about this whole horrific mess , he 's given me . To the others I 'm just meat on the hoof . Yet Jezrael knew he 'd been one of them for longer than she 'd been on Mars . She thought of the jokes they 'd shared , bundled up chastely in her bed , and she wondered what it would have been like if they had made love .
Idiom: crystal clear (used idiomatically: yes)
Stephen looked exhausted when he returned home at seven that evening and tossed the local newspaper and a back edition of an American gossip magazine into her lap . Christina recognized film star Ross Milton and his mistress immediately , even though the photographs were very blurred . There was one of them caressing on the beach at Crystal Springs , and another of the glamorous couple wrapped around each other in the crystal - clear water of the hotel beach . The article began : ‘ Sun , sand and sex for Ross Milton on vacation at Crystal Springs Resort , Barbados . Deena Milton has left their Beverly Hills home and has started divorce proceedings.’
Idiom: have a ball (used idiomatically: yes)
And of course I 've seen her blazing in that dress of hers when she kicked off against someone . Madame kicking off ? Well , for instance ; one night Stella went crazy and assaulted a visitor who had called Stella II a skinny black bitch right in the middle of her rendition of ' Te Amo ' , and he meant it , right there in the middle of his number — well Madame not only showed her approval of the assault by conspicuously buying Stella drinks every night for the whole of the following week ; as soon as she saw the fight starting she got off her stool , yanked out the plug on the sound system , hitched up that frock , got straight up on the stage while they were still on the floor ( she knew Stella would sort him out ) and she went into an unforgettable aria of abuse against this stranger which culminated in her eschewing all her usual magnificence of phrasing and just standing there shouting fuck off at him , screaming fuck off , if you do n't like it you can fuck off , E , X , I , T , there it is , you came in through it and now you can fuck off out of it , fuck off out of it why do n't you you stupid bastard ( and by now of course someone had dragged Stella off and we were all up on our chairs cheering while the disgraced stranger made his slow and humiliating exit through the parting crowd)why do n't you just piss off and insult someone who does n't have the balls to answer back because you 've picked the wrong girls here darling , fuck off that 's it , fucking fuck off , fucking fuck off right through my front door and do n't you ever , do n't you ever , do n't you ever step on my fucking frock again . God she was heaven when she went off like that . No one goes off like that any more .
Idiom: behind someone's back (used idiomatically: yes)
Bitter fury made her whip around to examine the cool , detached expression in the grey eyes of the offending member of the party . ‘ Are you crazy ? Do n't you realise what he 's doing behind your backs?’ ‘ Ginny , we want you to be David 's godmother , too … ’ Charles 's beatific smile had only faded a fraction .
Idiom: all along (used idiomatically: yes)
I see . though that again is questionable . The implication has been all along that they 're using the same United States manufacturing source but in fact there are one or two discrepancies here , erm , because the value is so high , I 'm actually sort of going through and looking at everything pretty closely , and they 've changed the basis so wow , . Cos we 're talking of the same product , one , one , quotes ninety six dollars and the other quotes a hundred and thirty seven dollars . That 's a different .
Idiom: sit tight (used idiomatically: yes)
It was , after all , the dealer who manipulated the client , by giving him advice which was often biased to suit the requirements of his firm . Despite being an ignoramus , the dealer who lasted even a matter of weeks would have a certain animal intelligence , as well as the true smooth operator 's knack of twisting information to support the argument his firm insisted he presented . At any given moment , he could present a convincing case for the client to sell British Telecom shares , reinvesting the proceeds , or to hang onto them and sit tight , or else to double up , or even to buy more shares in a distinctly dubious OTC stock , while hanging onto British Telecom . If he sounded logical and authoritative enough , the dealer would usually have his way . To achieve this was a gift , and had little to do with how much he really knew .
Idiom: in broad daylight (used idiomatically: yes)
Obviously the eldest girl had been shopping : the folding pushchair had a shelf under the seat lumped high with plastic bags . Instinctively he slowed down . They were unlikely to be in real danger , the Whistler stalked at night , not in broad daylight , and no vehicle had passed him since he left the coastal road . But the child looked grossly overburdened and ought not to be so far from home . Though he had never seen their cottage he seemed to remember that his aunt had told him that it lay about two miles to the south .
Idiom: see stars (used idiomatically: yes)
It was still dark . I gazed upwards and could see a few stars twinkling in the sky , one seemed much brighter than the others . ' You see that star , Taff ' See how much brighter it is . ' I looked at Taff sitting opposite me in the gloom , his hands wrapped around his hot mug of tea , his shoulders hunched forward . He was silent for a few moments , then he raised his head , took a couple of gulps of tea and remarked very slowly , Jesus Christ , Piper , you must be bloody bomb happy !
Idiom: grasp the nettle (used idiomatically: yes)
For our third tasting we received many exciting samples from both Europe and the New World . Again it came as no surprise that the winners were in all the higher price bracket . We chose as the venue , where else but , the Champagne Hotel of the north where Ian Corner , David Chell and their staff are bravely grasping the nettle of recession whilst continuing to perform as you would expect from Manchester 's top City Centre Hotel . Ian Corner is no stranger to New world wines , as a former resident of the Seychelles and South Africa , he is one step ahead of us . David Chell and chef Peter Marshall have weaved wonders with wine list and menu and our post - potation luncheon was testimony to their skills .
Idiom: crystal clear (used idiomatically: yes)
Gas production in the Middle ~ East will triple , and more than double in Africa , where there are large low - cost reserves . The trend by which consuming countries grow steadily more reliant on energy from a small number of producing countries threatens to exacerbate energy - security worries . The supply stand - off between Russia and Ukraine of 2009 made these worries crystal clear in Europe , where gas imports are set to rise to 86 % of demand by 2030 , from 57 % in 2006 . Of ~ course , increasing import dependence does not necessarily mean less energy security , any more than self - sufficiency guarantees uninterrupted supply . Yet greater short - term insecurity seems inevitable as geographic diversity of supply is reduced and reliance on vulnerable supply routes grows .
Idiom: hit home (used idiomatically: yes)
So I realized I could do an act based on what it is like to be me . ‘ Everything I do is honest and is undercut with this idea that we can ll relate to what I 'm talking about . It makes me really happy to come up with an observation that I know will hit home . A lot of what I talk about on stage , I can see people thinking : ‘ Thank God I 'm not alone.’ At least I 'm hoping they 'll do that .
Idiom: behind someone's back (used idiomatically: yes)
This means that , whenever you move , everyone in the circle must move . They should do whatever you do . You then go through a number of activities , such as clapping your hands behind your back , squatting down , pretending to jump rope ( skip ) , doing a monkey imitation , and so forth . After about half a minute , tap the person on your left who has now received the power and he then leads through the same activities you did , plus some new ones such as touching toes , jumping in the air , hopping and so on . After another half a minute , the power is passed to the third person and so on until everyone has had a turn at passing the power .
Idiom: game on (used idiomatically: no)
Wimbledon must have lost about 30 balls cannoned over the stand roof . As always Vinny will get a huge ovation . Incidentally I am planning to go to the Blackburn home game on the 23rd October . Anyone interested ? Email me personally .
Idiom: on the ball (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Men like Jamieson hate women , Cameron . Or maybe they just hate women who are n't totally in awe of men , women who are n't under their control.’ She runs her hands up my legs to my buttocks again , sliding her fingers between my cheeks , touching my anus and making me go up on the balls of my feet , then her hand runs back down my legs . ‘ Maybe men like that should have it happen to them,’ she says . ‘ Rape ; assault .