Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: take someone for a ride (used idiomatically: yes)
' It has n't done my reputation a whole lot of good either , ' Polly blazed at him . Tears of fury and frustration blurred her vision , and she blinked them away . ' It 's not a pleasant feeling to find out you 've been taken for a ride by someone you trusted . ' Nathan regarded her without speaking . His face was totally devoid of expression , but the intensity of his gaze told her his mind was working with the speed and emotionless precision of a computer .
Idiom: out of pocket (used idiomatically: yes)
Though the onus of proving entitlement to the benefit claimed is normally on the claimant , in a number of cases the burden of proof is placed on the adjudication officer to satisfy the tribunal on the balance of probabilities of particular facts . One example is disqualification from receiving unemployment benefit following the termination of employment as a result of misconduct ( Commissioner 's Decision R(U)2/60 ) . Attendance at the tribunal need not result in a claimant being out of pocket because the cost of transport to the tribunal and of any loss of earnings is reimbursed by the tribunal . Similar costs incurred by witnesses reasonably called to support the claimant 's case will also be met out of public funds . The Decision
Idiom: not on your life (used idiomatically: yes)
What this meant in practice was that we overplayed the Health Service , we underplayed almost everything else , and then got into an awful muddle over proportional representation . So were the trade unions to blame ? Not on your life . I visited thirty eight constituencies during that campaign and I 'm convinced of one thing . If we 'd fought that election on the trade union agenda , we would have won a lot more votes than the campaign issues chosen by the professionals .
Idiom: go all the way (used idiomatically: yes)
Both were aged 61 and were retired . Mr James had to pay to swim but his wife got in free because the local council who ran the centre had a policy that anyone of state pension age did not have to pay . Mr James claimed that this was unlawful sex discrimination and his case went all the way to the House of Lords . The decision was that it was unlawful direct discrimination because Mr James had been treated differently than if he had been a woman . The importance of that case in the employment context can be seen in the following example .
Idiom: over the top (used idiomatically: yes)
Begin what seems to be a front kick , then change it at the last moment into a high roundhouse kick . Is the guard comprehensive , so that no immediate openings are visible ? If so , provide an opening yourself and as the opponent goes for it , rock back and punch over the top . Snap punch to bring the opponent 's attention high … Maintaining effective pressure
Idiom: fall short (used idiomatically: yes)
This is occurring spontaneously , but not at a rate which significantly affects the dense clusters further north . Such situations are replicated elsewhere : even in Tanzania , with its 24 million people , as much as one - third of the cultivable area is under - populated . The facts that much farmed land falls short of its potential and that in large areas of Africa population levels are low , do not alter the fact that innovators in the tradition of Chipimbi continue to succeed in achieving important increases in productivity . On a farm two miles from Ngaoundere , in northern Cameroun , Alhaji Hamayadji Giwa cultivates , with the support of his two wives , three hectares of sweet potatoes , bananas and ground - nuts . The sweet potatoes are all of a specific variety , namely TIB 1 , which is the product of breeding work carried out at IITA in Nigeria in the 1970s .
Idiom: take stock (used idiomatically: no)
Further formal monitoring should then be reserved for a defined mid - point and the trial end . Mid - point should be confined to a standards inspection reproducing that conducted pre - trial . At the end of the trial a closing stock should be taken , a further inspection made and staff should be asked for their views on each product under trial . Informal monitoring may be conducted throughout the trial together with discrete observation of staff behaviour about which notes may be written . As far as possible monitoring should be undertaken by the person in charge of the trial except where specialist techniques or material are needed such as bacteriological monitoring for disinfectant performance .
Idiom: the die is cast (used idiomatically: yes)
She turned the light on and got out of bed . She was shaking with fear . The moment she spoke to Rachel the die would be cast , and she would have to go along the road of sensible health planning and operations and anxieties and reality . She would have say goodbye to passion and secret joy . She put her knickers on , and almost smiled , because even now she would not go to Rachel without them .
Idiom: hold the ring (used idiomatically: yes)
Put another way , the state is seen as divorced from any one class and is not regarded as the cohesive instrument of the economically powerful ( there is no ruling class ) ; the state is not a biased " establishment " serving only itself ; and the very fragmentation of the state provides for multiple access points for all interest groups . Government provides the " arena " where all major group disputes are debated and resolved . It also acts as a " referee " of the group struggle : it holds the ring and secures the public interest by restoring the balance and moving in when one group goes too far , and it also protects the interests of the inactive and inarticulate . All of this is at odds with a left perspective on the " capitalist state " . 14 The outcome of interest - group activity is roughly equitable .
Idiom: round the bend (used idiomatically: yes)
Some of the corridors were straight , or at least ran straight for many metres . But most of them were curved , or meandering . At least one long passage must have been a spiral , because they had walked far enough round a uniform bend to accomplish two circles . That passage , like a few others , had ended at a stairway : up or down were the only choices . The Doctor had assured them that they were now on the same level as they had started on , but Francis was n't convinced .
Idiom: catch someone's eye (used idiomatically: no)
It is important . Mr. Gummer There is a great deal that is important , but the hon . Gentleman may catch your eye later , Mr. Deputy Speaker . In trying to negotiate we must give considerable credence to the particular problem of the most difficult areas . Therefore , I commit myself in the negotiations to support the special financial help for farming in the less - favoured areas .
Idiom: walk of life (used idiomatically: yes)
Anyone for croquet … it 's the latest popular sport ORMSEBY Hall , on Teesside , is among croquet clubs nationwide which open their doors and lawns to the public this weekend in a bid to put over the message that this is a sport for all . Visitors will be encouraged to have - a - go themselves as the club , now in its fourth season , dispels the myth that croquet is a genteel Sunday afternoon past - time . Mr Charles Waterfield , secretary , says the game attracts people from all walks of life . ‘ Vicars and old ladies are beginning to be in a minority . The best players tend to be very young , students in their early 20s , he said .
Idiom: leave well alone (used idiomatically: yes)
All this is now due to change and it is , not surprisingly , the smaller , less profitable and traditionally - run tenanted houses that are in the front line for disposal . There are still some genuinely old pubs remaining , as yet untouched by crass modernisation , which appeal to our true instincts of heritage and our craving for some sense of permanence and continuity in a fast changing world . By far the best service that can now be done to these pubs , both for ourselves and future generations , is to leave well alone . The Wellington Inn , Alma Terrace , York ( David Gamston ) . The Church Inn , Newton Road , Lawton , near Manchester : above , cement render and plastic windows ; below , partitions and other historic features removed from the interior in its conversion to a single - room bar ( Claire Hunt ) .
Idiom: grist to the mill (used idiomatically: yes)
But what he has told me I found rather interesting — in the circumstances , ' he added pointedly , confirming her suspicions . ' Do n't worry , I wo n't get any idea that you 're interested in me ! ' she replied in a weak attempt to say something in her own defence . ' I know anything you discover will only be grist to your mill ! ' Already her entire body seemed to be turning to fire and ice , and it was all she could do not to let her trembling knees fold , collapsing her at his feet like a rag doll — which was exactly where he probably imagined she should be . His hold on her arm seemed to be doing nothing to him at all .
Idiom: with a view to (used idiomatically: yes)
However there is evidence to indicate that Ulster 's share of the world 's seed potato market is declining because of a failure to respond to changing customer needs in existing markets , and an inability to penetrate new markets . The research is focused on developing a suitable model of an export marketing system for Northern Ireland 's seed potatoes . A detailed study of the world 's most successful seed potato exporter — the Netherlands — is being undertaken with a view to modelling the Dutch export marketing system , taking account of the different structure and conditions prevailing in Northern Ireland , and the experiences of the Scottish and Irish Republic 's industries . Award Title : Egalitarianism in British industry : a study of harmonisation policies and practices
Idiom: at a pinch (used idiomatically: yes)
MIXING MASSAGE OILS If you intend to mix only enough oil for a single massage , use a 5 ml plastic medicine spoon ( available from chemists ) to measure the vegetable oil . An ordinary teaspoon will do at a pinch , though they generally hold less than 5 ml . Essential oils need to be diluted at a rate of ½ to 3 per cent , depending on the person 's skin , the strength of the essential oil and the condition for which it is being applied . The lowest concentrations ( ½ to 2 per cent ) are used for facial oils , children , and for those with sensitive skin .
Idiom: sick to death (used idiomatically: yes)
Want me to slap her ? He said , he was going to throw this car thing at my hi fi thing . See that fucking knife Mark , I ought to stab you or him with it , I am sick to death of yous . All yous do is fight and ruck and fight do you ever see a house like it Albert ? And what 's wrong with you now ?
Idiom: beat swords into ploughshares (used idiomatically: yes)
We can imagine our animals reproducing by sending off nonsexual spores , single cells that , mutations aside , are genetically identical to one another and to all the other cells in the body . The complicated organs of an advanced animal like a human or a woodlouse have evolved by gradual degrees from the simpler organs of ancestors . But the ancestral organs did not literally change themselves into the descendant organs , like swords being beaten into ploughshares . Not only did they not . The point I want to make is that in most cases they could not .
Idiom: for good measure (used idiomatically: no)
They were hopelessly bitty , and the real mistake was on page 3 , with a hopeless attempt at humour in a picture story headlined THE POPE 'S HOROSCOPE . There was a large picture of the Pope in tarmac - kissing mode and the story of how the paper had entered his birthdate on the British Telecom horoscope service . For good measure the piece whined about the cost of the call . Behind the scenes Pilger , still fuming from the Kennedy Hotel showdown , was working separately . He did not think people wanted harmless fun on Sunday .
Idiom: as the crow flies (used idiomatically: yes)
At Abu Hamed the river turns back on itself and runs south - west for some 200 miles before it turns again and reasserts its northerly course . It is a considerable diversion . Following the river , it is almost 1,000 miles from Wadi Halfa to Khartoum while as the crow flies it is less than 500 . The railway , built by Kitchener in 1897 as part of the reconquest of the Sudan , takes the shorter route and cuts across the desert . The much longer route along the river , which we chose to follow , has neither a railway nor any proper roads .
Idiom: early bird (used idiomatically: yes)
Should the head be removed accidentally by a farmer 's hedge cutter , or purposely by a political hooligan , the stout stalk can be recycled . Experience in 1989 showed that it makes an excellent garden stake . Politicians seem to work on the assumption that the early bird catches the voter . Not content with 8 am and 8.30am press conferences , Mr Peter Allen , Liberal Democrat candidate for Langbaurgh , this week announced daily press conferences at 7.30am . However he has at least promised the bleary - eyed hacks that they can attend an informal chat over breakfast .
Idiom: fall on deaf ears (used idiomatically: yes)
Asked one angry betting shop punter : ‘ Why is it only afterwards that we hear of a betting coup ? ‘ If bookmakers know the pattern of the betting , as they claim , why keep it to themselves?’ Calls for BOLA , the bookmakers ' association which represents the majority of High Street betting shops , to reveal the coups that failed have fallen on deaf ears . Hackney racing manager Michael Marks , who said he found nothing wrong with the running of the race , will remember Black Thursday for other reasons . Treble
Idiom: on the horn (used idiomatically: no)
Christ ! I found myself looking at toupees the other day , horrible things , rat skins!’ ‘ My son,’ said Alex , ‘ you are on the horns of a dilemma.’ ‘ And they are digging holes in me britches , which were n't very thick to start with,’ said Derek mournfully . It was time for more cappuccino and a cheering change of topic .
Idiom: free and easy (used idiomatically: no)
However , one aspect of the making that does tend to give prospective rocking horse makers the most apprehension is the carving of the head . It is in the carving of the head that the expression and character of the horse is defined , and the rest of the making will seem quite straightforward by comparison . Choose a close - grained timber that is knot - free and relatively easy to carve . Jelutong is ideal ( though perhaps a little too soft for some tastes ) , as it basswood . Many traditional rocking horse carvers used pine , particularly yellow pine , and sycamore , lime or mahogany can be used successfully .
Idiom: bite someone's head off (used idiomatically: yes)
Incidentally , they 're all still being careful about alcohol . I was trying to ply Fagg with extra claret and he almost bit my head off.’ ‘ But he 's always biting your head off , is n't he?’ said Pooley . ‘ Not today , other than just now . In fact , he grunted something complimentary about it being dashed public - spirited of me to come back so soon .
Idiom: duck soup (used idiomatically: yes)
It 's duck soup for a girl of easy virtue to find a new man .
Idiom: strike a chord (used idiomatically: yes)
That the wrong route was cited is bad enough , but the inclusion of unchecked rumour is inexcusable , and unfortunately turns error into fact . No matter how much Ross protests in magazines , they are only transitory statements , while the guide is a permanent tablet of stone where history , now made , is reprinted wholesale in the next edition . Ross 's experience struck an identical chord with me , for John Sheard and I had exactly the same experience on the first ascent of Face Route where the second , hanging on a sling to remove gear , was observed by a member of the establishment and a rumour immediately started that was rapidly translated into guidebook writer 's ' fact ' . Ross explains the process precisely in pointing out that most guidebook history is written from the editor 's perspective , and he believes what he wants to believe . This means in practical terms that friends and club are OK , and are to be believed , while ' outsiders ' of all kinds are not , nor are they worth contacting to check information .
Idiom: make waves (used idiomatically: yes)
A spokesman for the Derry Baha'is said : ' The fact that these documents have been brought into the open is very important . ' We hope that the British and Irish governments will take this opportunity to tell Iran that such behaviour is not acceptable . ' Making waves after a scare A YEAR ago , Classic Tracks BCR had just over 30,000 listeners — the smallest audience of any station in the area . It had also lost around £ 300,000 pounds and was staving off a visit from the official receiver .
Idiom: go to town (used idiomatically: yes)
A DRUNKEN mother was found slumped on a bench in a busy town centre street with her four - year - old daughter , Darlington magistrates were told yesterday . Ann Marie Stephenson , 39 , in Northgate , Darlington , said she was so drunk she was unable to give coherent answers to questions , the court heard . Geoffrey Cardwell , defending , said Stephenson had gone to town to buy presents and had bought a bottle of vodka . Stephenson , of Harrowgate Village , Darlington , admitted being drunk in charge of a child . The case was adjourned to March 3 .
Idiom: at cross purposes (used idiomatically: yes)
He had turned away from her a little and she could not see his face . She waited , forcing back tears she thought might irritate him further , watching his implacable shoulders . At last he said , ‘ We have got ourselves thoroughly at cross purposes have we not?’ ‘ I hope not — any more,’ she said in a low voice . ‘ But — but I should go now .
Idiom: get the boot (used idiomatically: no)
Like if you thought about how you walk — you know , moving your legs and all that — it 's real hard . I try it for a bit , thinking real hard about walking . I walk real slow , feeling my body all heavy , like I got big boots on . I suppose when babies learn to walk it 's like this — you know , one foot in front of the other real slow and wobbly . I try walking like that for a bit .
Idiom: in the works (used idiomatically: yes)
About clinker buildings and Saxon landscapes , which repeatedly crop up in his works .
Idiom: break ranks (used idiomatically: no)
Hopes for a liberal alliance between US power and European democracy had been dashed . But the overthrow of Tsardom in March 1917 raised the possibility of a more radically democratic alliance for peace between popular movements in Europe and the new Russian government . For the first time since the outbreak of war , the Revolution had brought to power a Government prepared to break ranks with the Allied stance of no peace without victory . Instead the Provisional Government , following the lead of the Petrograd Soviet , called for negotiations for a general peace ‘ without annexations or indemnities’ . Pacifism , Revolution and the Labour Party , 1917–18
Idiom: up and running (used idiomatically: yes)
Encina services include two - phase commit , a structured file server , a transaction monitor and client - to - host communications . A key feature missing from the list is IBM 's DFS Distributed File System which , it says , wo n't be available until June . According to IBM , DFS — which enables an assortment of files on a network to look and act as if they were local — is up and running in the labs and is scheduled for beta test by the end of the first quarter . IBM cites rescheduling problems as the reason for the delay . The price of the base DCE license costs from between $ 150-$2,400 depending on the number of components chosen .
Idiom: a hair's breadth (used idiomatically: yes)
One , an innings of 499 : the other , a knock which went on for the little matter of 970 minutes . If the weight of figures — not to mention that of a young nation 's hopes and dreams — threatened to submerge this crisp - cutting , inordinately patient , technically impeccable batsman , there was precious little to submerge . At 5′ 6″ and 9 ¼ stone , Hanif was the slightest of all postwar Test leaders , beating Hassett by a hair 's breadth . If , at 57 , he looks frailer than ever , a recent major intestinal operation is to blame . He certainly keeps busy , editing a cricket magazine and running around as a sports manager for Pakistan International Airlines .
Idiom: for a song (used idiomatically: yes)
Oxfam is the thrifty man 's chain - store , and the branch at 202b Kensington High Street is its menswear flagship . Since this shop has the reputation of being the best for designer clothes , its customers tend to pay more than at other branches — but still only a fraction of the retail price . There for a song clothes from Hugo Boss , Yves Saint Laurent and , more rarely , Cerruti 1881 . The record price for a suit was one hundred pounds , and that was brand new , passed on by a lunatic who changed his mind as soon as he had taken it home . Shirts that left Comme des Garçons with a one - hundred - pound price tag will be knocked down for a bargain price ; and a man 's shirt that looks good on a woman will cost more than the men - only variety .
Idiom: take a back seat (used idiomatically: yes)
Erm , we had the Rio conference in nineteen ninety - three , erm , we 'll still doing very little about it . We the local authority , I think people of Wiltshire expect us to be the lead agency in promoting sustainability and environmental , highlighting environmental issues , throughout the county . Erm , not just taking a back seat , we need to actually promote these . Erm , I recognise that erm , within the report it does state erm , that there is the cost of it , and erm , and in Lancashire it may have cost three million pounds etc , it does n't say what it specifically was . Since having said that erm , I 'm not immediately looking erm , for high expenditure , but I would hope that possibly one particular area , or w er , council , erm , as it were could start operating the system , erm , on a trial basis , and preferably erm , not one which is erm , under planning and highways , though planning and highways and environmental officers would need to help them .
Idiom: up in the air (used idiomatically: yes)
He pointed to one or two of the maroons who accompanied him . ‘ once we have the weapons , they , 11 handle them.’ ‘ There was a time,’ one said , with a choking laugh , ‘ I could splinter a hazelnut tossed up in the air at five hundred yards . I was that deadly!’ ‘ We 'll train others , too.’
Idiom: by and large (used idiomatically: yes)
The third characteristic envisaged for the polytechnics , namely that they should have an ‘ applied philosophy’ , means that their courses should have a vocational orientation and be designed with specific career outlets in mind , thus distinguishing them from many university courses which are sometimes described as ‘ pure’ . Another aspect of the applied philosophy of the polytechnics is that they should maintain close contacts with industry and business . In these respects , it can certainly be claimed that the polytechnics have by and large measured up to their original specification . The great majority of their courses , whether in business and management studies , the sciences and technologies or in the social sciences , prepare students for specific career outlets ; thus modern language courses for the most part give attention to the practical application of the language with a view to the student 's ultimate employment , for example as an interpreter , while courses in social science often include options in such areas as community work , social planning , industrial relations , and public administration . In addition , a proportion of the courses offered are sandwich courses , either of the ‘ thick’ or ‘ thin’variety , though there has been some decline in the relative proportion of sandwich courses available over recent years .