Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: in the lap of luxury (used idiomatically: yes)
In a speech that blended music - hall style with soap - box rhetoric , the veteran left wing MP for Bolsover , said : ‘ For too long the Labour Party has been trying to follow in the wake of Mrs Thatcher 's agenda . We have to escape from the time warp in which , unfortunately , some people are still caught after three election defeats in a row.’ Mr Skinner insisted : ‘ There will always be a need for socialism , whether in Britain or anywhere else , so long as there are millionaires living in the lap of luxury and other people living in cardboard boxes , so long as we have a system which allows the poor countries of the world to hand over $ 50 m to the rich.’ He maintained there was only one way to resolve differences within the party leadership over Labour 's policy towards a privatised water industry : ‘ Take water back without compensation.’ However , Mr Skinner firmly supported Neil Kinnock 's rejection of electoral pacts with other parties to help to defeat the Tories .
Idiom: in the sticks (used idiomatically: no)
Esther , at the end of the meal , expressed her satisfaction with her new companions by inviting them to go with her to visit a friend already attending the college , an Old Girl of her school . They accepted with alacrity the prospect of a glimpse of the world inside , and all three of them went along dark portrait - hung corridors and up panelled staircases to the room of one Flora Piercy , a second - year History student of considerable sophistication , who offered them a glass of wine . Had they known how rare such a commodity was in a woman 's college at that date , they might have been even more astonished , but in a sense , looking round Flora 's room , with its bright scatter cushions and Picasso prints and posters for plays at the ADC , with its invitations on the mantelpiece , with its gas fire and clutter of old shoes , with its romantic piles of what looked like lecture notes and essays , with its candle in a pewter stick and its wilting rose in a vase , they were beyond astonishment . The glass of wine went quickly to each head , for Alix 's family was teetotal , and Liz 's alcohol consumption to that date comprised perhaps three glasses of brown sherry and one ( celebrating her A levels with her teacher ) of Liebfraumilch : Esther seemed better connected with drink as with friends , but even she became confiding under the mild influence . They shared their dreams and aspirations , encouraged by the benevolent , admonitory , tutelary spirit of ample broad - faced Flora .
Idiom: take a shine to (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ The voice of George Sanders gave the character the right blend of conceit , disdain and intelligence that we were looking for.’ The Jungle Book , certificate U , is showing at the Ipswich and Colchester Odeons , The Hollywood Cinema , Lowestoft and The Cannon Cinema , Bury St Edmunds . Baloo the bear takes a shine to his mancub friend Mowgli in The Jungle Book . Tests may explain shooting tragedy on ‘ jinxed’ film set A POST - MORTEM examination may help explain the shooting tragedy that killed the son of late Kung Fu star Bruce Lee on a U.S. movie set which has suffered a spate of accidents .
Idiom: walk of life (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ It is important we get these things right but basically we just want to add to the enjoyment of the displays . And , of course , we are all looking forward to this summer 's exhibition on masks , which opens in August.’ The Guides come from all walks of life and include a student , a research chemist and a music critic . They have all undergone training in communication skills and must be able to do general tours of the Museum , as well as theme and exhibition tours . ‘ It is a rewarding job and a good guide is someone who can make the topic fun but at the same time get their facts right .
Idiom: with open arms (used idiomatically: yes)
The consultant may , on the other hand , be able to suggest to the head teacher that an invitation be extended to other support staff with such specialist qualifications , from within the school or the school services , to act as co - consultants , with a view to developing their own consultative skills . A co - consultant already in touch with the school as part of his traditional remit may in this way be able to extend it through remaining in regular group consultative contact long after the initiating consultant 's commitment has ended — and may of course himself become an initiating consultant with his other schools . Schools have welcomed such arrangements with open arms . Thus , where a group is to be set up , the range of different structural possibilities needs to be outlined so that the school can decide on the structure that may best meet its needs . Preparing the ground for setting up a group : a consultative training exercise in its own right
Idiom: out of the question (used idiomatically: yes)
The ball control is absymal . We 'd be better off with Rocastle and Mickey Thomas than what we 've got now . ‘ The title is out of the question , it 's a hopeless cause , and it 's too late into the season for any new player to make a difference . However , I would like to see Roy Keane at Highbury.’ Mr Davis 's brother Richard , also a season ticket holder and shareholder , agrees .
Idiom: there's no such thing as a free lunch (used idiomatically: yes)
Nature does not differentiate between species , and has arranged the life cycle of gut parasites to match the optimum opportunity to infest a very new and , immunologically ' naive ' generation . In addition , all other competing species will also have a maximum intake demand during the same period . Truly , there is no such thing as a ' free lunch ' , every decision has its own inherent problems . In general , if there is a freedom of choice , it is better to follow the theory that a natural balance has evolved , than to fight it . Perhaps this also comes nearest to the philosophy of Rare Breed Conservation .
Idiom: famous last words (used idiomatically: yes)
' There is n't very much difference in standard between the Third and Fourth Divisions . My squad is strong enough to do well , ' said Gray . Famous last words . Gray 's view seemed to be vindicated , however , on the first trip , to Bournemouth , when the promotion winners won 2–1 , with goals by home defender Alex Watson and Jimmy Willis proving decisive . After beating Huddersfield in the home leg of the first round Rumbelows Cup Mitch Cook scoring Bobby Gould brought former First Division giants West Brom to Feethams .
Idiom: fall short (used idiomatically: yes)
A generation or so ago , New Critics and Scrutineers did assume that scrupulosity and rigour were selfjustifying ends in criticism . Since then much theoretical work has been directed at this short - sighted empiricism , uncovering the pattern of cultural or ideological assumptions that supported it . Norris falls short of isolating or defining the actual end to which Derrida 's scrupulous and rigorous readings are directed . This is perhaps inevitable since deconstruction resists teleology , and it is this resistance that has enabled its enemies to call it nihilist . Leaving intellectual content aside , there is an obvious contrast between Norris 's manner , which is in the best English academic tradition , clear , cautious , attentive to evidence , moving from one conclusion to the next , and Derrida 's exuberant obfuscation .
Idiom: keen as mustard (used idiomatically: yes)
Cooperation while the other side defects ( CD ) is worst of all . Mutual defection ( DD ) is what the general staff would like to see . They want to see their own chaps , keen as mustard , potting Jerries ( or Tommies ) whenever the opportunity arises . Mutual cooperation was undesirable from the generals ' point of view , because it was n't helping them to win the war . But it was highly desirable from the point of view of the individual soldiers on both sides .
Idiom: few and far between (used idiomatically: yes)
With so much going on at the office , it is a wonder that Mr Lawrence has much time left for anything else . He has , says a friend , a taste for fast driving and also has a private pilot 's licence — he has been known to take friends on duty - free trips to the Continent . But those trips will probably be few and far between over the next two years since his already groaning workload was increased still further last month when he took over from Hugh Collum , finance director of SmithKline Beecham , as chairman of the 100 Group of finance directors . Mr Collum 's two years as chairman saw the 100 Group 's profile rise significantly , and Mr Lawrence intends to capitalise on his efforts . ‘ It 's very important for preparers of accounts to have a voice , and only the top 100 companies really have the resources to cope with the amount of time and effort that takes .
Idiom: old hat (used idiomatically: yes)
GALAXY LITE Order Code : 8170 Total Disks : 1 One of the well known and most popular Shareware programs Galaxy Lite is easy to use and full of features which make it ideal for those new to word processing and old hats like myself . It supports all modes of display and many different printers with an easy to use installation routine . You can also print documents in the background while editing a second document which saves you from waiting around while your printer catches up with your typing speed .
Idiom: keep a low profile (used idiomatically: yes)
As a works convenor , I work along twenty shop stewards , and I can tell this Congress that the message that they 've given to me from the people from the people that have elected them , is that they 're sick and tired of the perpetual bleating of the T U C about how they have to abide by the laws , when the only laws that are there are the laws that are bringing this movement down . There comes a time when natural justice supersedes any law made by any government , and that time 's now . No longer the excuse of keeping low profile actions , hoping for a Labour government because if we have n't got the guts to stand up and fight the government that made these laws , then we 've got no right to challenge a future Labour government that inherits 'em . Brothers and sisters , I say to you that the message that must leave this Conference is one that says to all trade unionists , we will fight any oppressive legislation used against us . All our brothers and sisters , when they need us , whatever the cost , wherever the place , we need no one to do the job for us .
Idiom: rise to the occasion (used idiomatically: yes)
In many cases , the cohesiveness of opposition movements that come to power in the wake of a political upheaval may not be what the international media presume it to be . Indeed , some components of these so - called " democratic coalitions " may not be democratic at ~ all . Some leaders , such as Nelson ~ Mandela , rise to the historic occasion , against all odds .
Idiom: do the trick (used idiomatically: yes)
For his own paddling Andy has just changed from the AeroQuatic to the Dagger Crossfire and can now do brilliant 360s without paddles . It is a disappointment to him to see the way canoeing is marketed and perceived , particularly the view that people ca n't be coached after a certain level . They do n't want to be able to do better tricks or be more safe . Passive safety should be developed . Try throwing away your paddles whilst surfing , paddling only on one side for 2 km or filling the boat and trying to paddle .
Idiom: confirmed bachelor (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Some neighbours of ours in Scotland had unnaturally cosmopolitan views about the best way to bring up their daughters and they had all been sent to stay with family friends in both Paris and Florence when they were about seventeen . ‘ One of the daughters , Fiona , who was always known as ‘ the pretty one’ , had struck up a great friendship with Mama , who had been invited back to Scotland . Now , Fiona was thought to be a suitable bride for my father - just the right age , pretty and vivacious enough it was thought to appeal to a man who was beginning to be known as a confirmed bachelor.’ He stopped then and Julia supplied a prompt . ‘ And he caught sight of your mother and fell desperately in love,’ she suggested .
Idiom: prodigal son (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ Then that 's all God wants . He wants you to come back to Him , contrite , beggin ' forgiveness . Like the prodigal son.’ He paused . ‘ Say an Act of Contrition now , and I 'll give you absolution.’
Idiom: set eyes on (used idiomatically: yes)
Personally , I think you should be counting your lucky stars.’ His lips curled into what was unmistakably a predatory smile . ‘ You could have , after all , been stranded with someone you 'd never set eyes on — someone who was n't the least bit hospitable . Are n't you relieved you 're in this situation with a familiar face ? After all,’ he added provokingly , ‘ this is old ground ; we 've gone through this before , have n't we?’
Idiom: throw caution to the wind (used idiomatically: yes)
It seemed inconceivable that a mere punt trip could end in death . Even after the pole struck Dennis on the head and he disappeared from sight , I remember thinking that he would pop up at any moment alongside the boat , like a coot . If either Karen or I had had any idea that it was possible for someone to drown so quickly , we would no doubt have thrown caution to the wind and dived in . Not that this would have made the slightest difference to the outcome . The simple fact of the matter is that we should never have been there in the first place .
Idiom: turn heads (used idiomatically: yes)
Instead of using a jack to take the weight , Jos turned his back on the front bumper , bent his knees and lifted the two leading tyres clear of the ground . His muscles , though not as taut as those of a young man , bulged with the effort . Turning his head towards Mungo with difficulty he said : ' Saves time . ' Mungo thought of Jos , all those years ago , earning himself a watch by heaving uneven weights , surrounded by admirers .
Idiom: in a nutshell (used idiomatically: no)
And what did we get in return ? He 's depressed ! … Denmark 's a prison and he 'd rather live in a nutshell ; some shadow - play about the nature of ambition , which never got down to cases , and finally one direct question which might have led somewhere , and led in fact to his illuminating claim to tell a hawk from a handsaw . ( Pause . ) GUIL : When the wind is southerly .
Idiom: out of order (used idiomatically: yes)
Mr Jimmy Airlie , secretary of the Ford union side , said : ‘ We expected to get a favourable majority . This exceeded even our expectations.’ Mr Jack Adams , chairman of the union side , said that action would have to take place within a 28-day period from yesterday 's anouncement or it would be ruled out of order . He thought the big strike vote was partly due to Ford 's record profits last year of £ 673 millions . The company is likely to be affected by a series of unofficial stoppages before any official action begins , as it was in the lead up to negotiations when Ford 's final offer was rejected last month .
Idiom: in the dock (used idiomatically: yes)
A WEST Belfast man threw a coffee jar bomb at a police / Army mobile patrol before escaping with an accomplice , Belfast Crown Court was told . Stephen McMullan ( 23 ) , of New Barnsley Crescent , is one of the so - called Ballymurphy Seven , who deny attempting to murder security forces at the junction of Springfield Road and Divismore Crescent , on August 2 , 1991 . Also in the dock are Brendan McCrory ( 26 ) , of Dermothill Road ; Hugh McLaughlin ( 20 ) , of Ballymurphy Drive ; Anthony Garland ( 19 ) , of Divismore Crescent ; Michael Beck ( 20 ) , of Ballymurphy Crescent ; and 18-year - olds Ciaran McAllister , of Divismore Park , and Daniel Pettigrew , New Barnsley Crescent . The seven deny attempting to wound security forces , and causing an explosion and actual bodily harm to a local man , who had to be taken to hospital with head injuries when the coffee jar device exploded . Police and soldiers escaped with minor cuts and bruises .
Idiom: play games (used idiomatically: yes)
Move on to the next question , and so on through the paper . The reason for this policy is that it is relatively easy to obtain the first few marks ( say 10 per cent ) for an examination question . It is essential , therefore , that you attempt the required number of questions , in order to play a winning game . I : Individual Questions The answering of each individual question in the time you have allowed must be planned like a military exercise .
Idiom: beg the question (used idiomatically: yes)
Since marriage has an ' essentially heterosexual character ' , the criteria used to assess ' womanhood ' must , Ormrod J. asserts , be biological . For , he reasons , only a biological female ' is naturally capable of performing the essential role of a woman in marriage ' . Besides begging the whole question by using the word ' heterosexual ' , the tautology of this explanation is striking . All that Ormrod J. is in fact saying is that there has to be a woman in a marriage , because someone has to perform the essential role of a woman in the marriage , and this essential role is to be a woman , biologically so determined . This may be a valid conclusion .
Idiom: hold the line (used idiomatically: yes)
Yeah . Okay ? But I 'd 've thought that , that generally speaking , we should have been able to at least hold the line . Cos if we have n't then all of our assumptions into why we 're doing things like auto - offs and it improves the outgoing costs and then we 've got better reta better information and better screens and all that sort of stuff , I mean it blows every single assumption we 've made in a way . You know that you 've got , the fact that you can get current statements at the press of a button from July onwards , we should be able to say that means that on the teams that have n't got ta control the work going round to quotes and back again , having it typed and back again ,
Idiom: hold someone's hand (used idiomatically: yes)
I have never been to Cornwall . I would not go.’ Alexandra was holding her hands so tightly , the one gripping the other , that she could feel bone grind on bone . ‘ Oh may I go ? Just once , just to see her , just to meet her ?
Idiom: out of this world (used idiomatically: yes)
Daisy said dreamily , ‘ I think he looks a dish . He must have been a knock - out when he was young . And though he 's anti - hospital , his manners are out of this world.’ She looked over my head and smiled . ‘ Ah , here 's Corporal Wix .
Idiom: on the money (used idiomatically: yes)
The revenue demanded and received payment of the sum by way of tax alleged to be due under regulations subsequently held by your Lordships ' House to be ultra vires . The payment was made under protest . Yet the revenue maintains that it was under no legal obligation to repay the wrongly extracted tax and in consequence is not liable to pay interest on the sum held by it between the date it received the money and the date of the order of Nolan J. If the revenue is right , it will be enriched by the interest on money to which it had no right during that period . In my judgment , this is the paradigm of a case of unjust enrichment . As in so many other fields of English law , the occasions on which recovery is permitted have been built up on a case by case basis .
Idiom: in business (used idiomatically: yes)
The company 's board , management , and employees are focused on addressing the problem that the company was established to solve , and it measures its success and impact accordingly . Profitability serves the company 's need to cover its costs and its desire to grow , not investors ' wish to make money . The entrepreneur and investor in a social business is motivated by the desire to do good rather than to do well . This kind of business has no place in our economic framework ; only profit - maximizing companies do . While their proliferation has brought economic growth , jobs , and prosperity , it has also created today 's environmental , energy , food , and financial crises , in addition to widening income inequality and large pockets of poverty .
Idiom: bite your tongue (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ And still miss him?’ ‘ Yes.’ ‘ I 'm sorry , Ellie , but can you bear just to bite your tongue when he sounds off about him ? It 's a lot to ask , I know , and my son can be very forceful sometimes.’ ‘ Forceful?’
Idiom: in the long run (used idiomatically: yes)
MILAN – The debate about improving economic governance within the eurozone is shedding new light on the system ’s weaknesses . It was already evident when the Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992 that a monetary union without something similar in the fiscal domain would be unsustainable in the long run . Then , for the common currency ’s first decade , that fundamental flaw was papered over . Now the eurozone – with a centralized monetary policy , run by the European ~ Central ~ Bank , alongside 27 national fiscal policies – has come to look like a mockery of economic common ~ sense .
Idiom: green light (used idiomatically: yes)
If the project goes ahead , 200,000 hectares of East German land could be planted every four years , employing many East German farm workers threatened with job losses . The oil will work with the Elspeth engine , which operates with virtually any vegetable oil . If the project gets the green light , engines will be produced in Nordhausen , formerly in East Germany , where motor workers are also currently threatened with redundancy . Financial Times 11 October Energy
Idiom: stay the course (used idiomatically: yes)
Conditions were appalling and winds were so high some rafts were brought to a halt . Voice over But despite the appalling conditions , most crews stayed the course and out of 72 rafts competing , 59 made it to the finish at Chepstow . The winners were the Different Strokes team from Hereford , who last took the trophy in 1988 . There was jubilation that a local team had come first .
Idiom: green light (used idiomatically: yes)
I 'll talk about the reservations in a few minutes , but the Lancashire Region supports any amalgamation initiatives with any union which is here in the country . Indeed , that 's already our policy . But , and it 's but , supporting the document today does not give the C E C the green light to rush into any amalgamation with the Transport and General Union and carve up the G M B. Now colleagues , I 've been a member of the G M B for twenty five years . I 've been an activist for over twenty years in this organization .
Idiom: on board (used idiomatically: no)
A Nigerian military aircraft carrying at ~ least 12 people has crashed in the southeast part of the country . Military officers are among those who were on board . Some on the plane are believed to have survived the crash . The air ~ force plane was flying from Nigeria 's capital , Abuja , to Obudu near Nigeria 's southeast border with Cameroon .
Idiom: swings and roundabouts (used idiomatically: yes)
So if somebody gets H I , yes , because gets , takes out a policy at twenty five , gets diagnosed H I V at thirty , and they 're still living , they have n't actually got full blown aids , and they can live for a hell of a long time afterwards , they 're paying their W O P premium for a long , long time . You could have somebody on twenty five , who when they 're twenty six er , contracting a debilitating disease , never goes back to work , and we pay their premiums until they die at sixty . It 's the swings and roundabout argument is n't it ? Yes , O K. Yes , it 's a bit difficult really .