Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: on the square (used idiomatically: yes)
EVEN IN THE BEST OF WEATHERS the view from the officers ' mess of 16th Division 's Cambridge Barracks was dispiriting . At seven o'clock on a chilly Saturday evening in November , the shroud of darkness enveloping it was a kindness as far as Captain Roddy Simcox was concerned . As he gazed out over the still wet cobblestones , all he could see was the glimmer of lights — lights on the barrack square , lights on the sentry posts at the main gates , lights in the barrack huts , and beyond them the lights of the hospital 's east wing . There was a hint of menace about the scene , an unnatural stillness in which the Captain was aware of his body 's answering tension . He felt that something was waiting out there , that to venture beyond the lights ' pale embrace for whatever reason — necessity , whim or duty — was to take one 's life in one 's hands .
Idiom: take stock (used idiomatically: yes)
After all , if you have hurt each other , your husband or wife may take quite some convincing that you truly mean it when you say you are really going to change . But give yourself you must , for selfishness must be conquered . Taking stock All this takes time and a great deal of patience and application . It means taking stock of what is important in your life .
Idiom: under the wire (used idiomatically: yes)
And with the advent of television , the cinema chains virtually abandoned the B - movies overnight ; it was shattering for the younger actors and writers who cut their teeth on the second - string movies churned out by the studios . Without this kind of back - up , you ca n't learn your craft , you ca n't get audience exposure , you ca n't get practice and more importantly , you ca n't fail … ’ Jack Nicholson almost crept under the wire before the studio system was finally extinguished at MGM . As mail boy , he had picked up the habit of addressing everyone by their Christian name , whoever they were . Why not ?
Idiom: in a fog (used idiomatically: no)
' Too old to be young , too young to be old ' , they are in a kind of limbo . ' I still have a smooth face , a body without apparent faults … but no one wants to undress me any more , ' she laments . ' To grow older for a woman is to be more and more wrapped in fog . ' Maybe . Nevertheless , it seems to me that more than a few Frenchwomen are carrying powerful foglamps , and are doing a good job of raging against the dying light .
Idiom: pull a face (used idiomatically: no)
‘ If you ask me , you look fit for anything — even a face to face with you - know - who!’ ‘ Jake?’ Shiona smiled and pulled a face . ‘ Yes , I 'm feeling a whole lot better . I think I 've finally managed to come to terms with that débâcle.’
Idiom: all the rage (used idiomatically: yes)
The only horrible memory of the nineteen fifties that even today makes me wince was that teaspoonful of cod liver oil followed by the concentrated orange juice that was spooned on us before leaving for the school in the morning and off you went with your flask of tea and your sandwiches in your school bag . School meals were only to begin some four years later . At break time we would all troop down to the village shop for a bottle of Garden 's lemonade of a bag of what was all the rage in those days , potato crisps . None of your exotic flavours in those days and the salt I remember came in a small piece of blue paper in the bag . By the mid - nineteen fifties many Orcadians had begun the task of modernizing their homes by building new ones a process which over the past three decades seems to have gone on with ever increasing frenzy .
Idiom: time will tell (used idiomatically: yes)
There was something sad about the exchange — and a finality that he , by no means , approved of or desired . There was still the possibility that when they did meet outside , it would be a beginning , and not the end that neither wished for , but both half - expected . ' Time will tell , ' he said . ' Whatever happens when you go out , ' she said after a silence , ' you must mind your health . Do n't be like poor Vincent .
Idiom: raise hell (used idiomatically: yes)
Secret chambers abound within , one of which is said to contain the skeleton of the Monster of Glamis . This is variously thought to have been a half - man , a half - beast , or a deformed child of one of the Earls of Strathmore . Many other GHOST sightings have been reported at Glamis Castle , including a Grey Lady who haunts the chapel , thought to be the sixth Lady Glamis who was wrongly burned alive as a witch ; a tongueless woman wandering the grounds frantically trying to speak ; a tiny page hovering by the gate ; and the wicked first Lord Glamis , a rake who continues to raise merry hell with his drinking and gambling . Glamis Castle is most famous for its association with Macbeth , and Shakespeare 's hero is said to still bemoan the murder of King Duncan , appearing to walk on the roof , taking a route known as The Mad Earl 's Walk . Glashans
Idiom: up to snuff (used idiomatically: yes)
Rosie Fortinbras had proved to be of minimal use as a source of information . She had known Nancy for years , of course . She and Carlo were staying a night , possibly two nights , because Carlo had n't felt up to snuff all the summer ( here young Carlo groaned wearily and leant against a wall in confirmation of his feeling considerably below snuff ) . Had she met Mr Kettering ? Well , of course , absolutely everyone knew Buck .
Idiom: over your head (used idiomatically: yes)
Peppermint , for example , is extremely powerful , whereas sandalwood is very mild . Inhale the vapours for about five minutes , but no longer than ten . To trap the aromatic steam more efficiently , drape a towel over your head and the bowl to make a tent . Compresses A compress is a valuable way of treating muscular pain , sprains and bruises as well as reducing pain and congestion in internal organs .
Idiom: in broad daylight (used idiomatically: no)
Meanwhile , a woman shop assistant was bound and gagged and forced to lie face down while thieves raided a jewellery shop . WALLINGFORD / Oxfordshire The attack happened in broad daylight at M - G - J jewellers in Wallingford . A police helicopter was used in the search for the two men who were both white and wearing overalls . Police are hunting a sex attacker who cut a nurse 's hair and clothes with a pair of scissors before indecently assaulting her .
Idiom: lend a hand (used idiomatically: yes)
Now that the attentions of the KGB have vaporised ( they forced him to store or hide his machines , they may have helped him defect ) , the urge is to fly again . Ivars needs help with a Hobson or a Zenith carburettor , correct camshaft timing and much more . Shuttleworth Collection have supplied a copy of the engine manual — who else can lend a hand ? A warm welcome awaits anyone who wishes to visit Latvia and it seems that a number of aircraft will now be dusted off and returned to flight . Ivars has spoken of a Soviet based in the country who has been building what he terms a ‘ Sky Bug’ but what we in the FlyPast office think must be a Flying Flea of sorts .
Idiom: have words (used idiomatically: no)
' It 's what you 're in for , is n't it ? ' Dot looked at the other children 's beds . They all had this word . Everybody was here for the same thing to be done to them . ' What time ? '
Idiom: on the rocks (used idiomatically: no)
On covered surfaces soil and vegetation maintains a continuous presence of moisture on the rock surface while organic decay increases the quantity of organic acids and the abundance of carbon dioxide ; both increase the aggressiveness of the water percolating on to the rock surface . ( Aggressivity refers to the propensity of water to dissolve calcium carbonate . ) The resulting solutional forms tend to be rounded and less sharp - edged than those formed on bare rock . A second factor is lithology . Karren are best developed on relatively massive and uniform , mechanically strong and impermeable limestones in which there is a sharp contact between soil and rock .
Idiom: as a rule (used idiomatically: yes)
As a rule , expulsions ordered by the military authorities were executed quickly ; relief organizations and lawyers thus had no opportunity to intervene on behalf of the refugees affected .
Idiom: cold comfort (used idiomatically: yes)
I would add to that the outrageous claims made by Labour that the Tories were going to privatise the NHS . This was clearly untrue and must have cost votes . Cold comfort I do n't usually read NSS . I needed some comfort after the election result so I turned to it for some like - minded thought .
Idiom: back to the drawing board (used idiomatically: no)
And secondly the idea that the cells of a sexually reproducing body cooperate with each other only because meiosis is scrupulously fair . To sum up , we have seen three reasons why a bottlenecked life history tends to foster the evolution of the organism as a discrete and unitary vehicle . The three may be labelled , respectively , ‘ back to the drawing board’ , ‘ orderly timing - cycle’ , and ‘ cellular uniformity’ . Which came first , the bottlenecking of the life cycle , or the discrete organism ? I should like to think that they evolved together .
Idiom: behind bars (used idiomatically: yes)
A Gulf war hero will be flown back to his ship tomorrow to face disciplinary action after going absent without leave . A year ago he saved an American battleship from being destroyed by an Iraqi missile . Now he 's behind bars at a Scottish naval base . His parents blame the effects of his wartime experience . Gargy Patel reports .
Idiom: rock the boat (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ They are . So do me a favour , Merrill . Do n't rock the boat.’ Merrill infused a note of boredom into her voice . ‘ I 'm beginning to feel that I 've been here before,’ she murmured .
Idiom: every man for himself (used idiomatically: yes)
And be about five or six of us left then , and we were just getting ready to get off when we got hit by the second big blast , which caused most of the burns to all of us then . And at that stage it was too late to go down the rope so it was just instinct more than anything else that we just jumped over the side from where we were then . And er after that it was just well every man for himself I never really saw any of the guys except for the o one guy who was on the platform with me at the time . I saw him when we got picked up off the I mean it was half a lifeboat we were left sitting on . When we got picked up and he was on it with me then .
Idiom: in my book (used idiomatically: yes)
Now it has resurged to become the world 's most dynamic economy since launching its transition to a market economy in 1979 . What drove these fateful changes ? In my recent book Demystifying the Chinese Economy , I argue that , for any country at any time , the foundation for sustained growth is technological innovation . Prior to the Industrial ~ Revolution , craftsmen and farmers were the main source of innovation . With the largest population in the world , China was a leader in technological innovation and economic development throughout most of its history because it had a large pool of craftsmen and farmers .
Idiom: off the wall (used idiomatically: yes)
Make it his responsibility . Oh you do n't understand ! In the meantime the men have took the water heater off the wall . They 've put it from that wall , and they 've stuck it on to this wall . Oh let 's connect it up see if it works .
Idiom: lose heart (used idiomatically: yes)
This miracle shows a picture of the Church . The boat is the Church and the storm is the persecution of the Church . Those who lose heart and cry out in despair are reminded that Jesus is in command and that he will steer the little ship of the Church into calmer waters . In the meantime they must keep their faith . The Feeding of the 5000 ( Mark 6:30–44 )
Idiom: get stuck in (used idiomatically: no)
Greek for ‘ headless reptile’ ) . Brachiosaurus was even heavier than Brontosaurus and had front legs longer than its rear ones , the opposite of Brontosaurus . Most of the sauropods ( like Brontosaurus ) had graviportal ( weight - carrying ) feet with thick elastic soles , with the foot expanding on tread - impact with the ground , similar to a modern elephant , to keep the animal from getting stuck in soft ground . For many years paleontologists were obliged to work with the swamp - dweller model of the sauropods . The obvious lightness of the skeleton meant that this kind of existence for an air - breathing semi - aquatic animal would have been particularly inappropriate , because of the buoyancy of their air - filled bodies .
Idiom: on the rocks (used idiomatically: yes)
We ca n't carry deadweights in our tribe.’ The Doctor had had enough . He shouldered his way through the crowd and joined Witcher on the rock . ‘ Oi!’ Witcher cried , his dreams of empire crumbling .
Idiom: at loggerheads (used idiomatically: yes)
Teenagers often make inappropriate responses to conflicts such as aggression , withdrawing , sulking , tantrums or destructive behaviour . Negotiation could sometimes defuse these situations and produce more acceptable consequences for both parties . At a time of crisis when teenagers and their parents ( or brothers and sisters ) are at loggerheads , angry and resentful , contracts provide an opportunity for the family to take stock and to break through vicious circles of retribution and unreason . Although it probably sounds odd that I am suggesting negotiating a written agreement with your teenager , psychologists have been using business - style contracts to resolve family conflicts for some years now . Contracts , it may be thought , are the domain of lawyers or salesmen — far too cold and commercial to apply to human relationships .
Idiom: break the back of (used idiomatically: yes)
Our first and chief objective must be to prevent war by the maintenance of the Allied deterrent , to which we have begun to make our own substantial contribution . It is our belief that given the deterrent , given the robust faith on the part of the free world in the strength of their institutions , and given continued growth of NATO 's defensive power , global war can be prevented . In the deterrent must be included an effective early warning system and the ability of the forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to hold the line by land , sea and air until the nuclear counter - offensive has broken the back of the enemy assault . In the military strategy devised by the Chiefs of Staff to support the Eden Government 's Defence policy , the Services were to fulfil four roles : contributing to the Allied nuclear deterrent ; exerting influence in the Cold War ; dealing with outbreaks of limited war ; and playing an effective part in global war , if the deterrent were to fail . There was to be a modest reduction in their strength from 800,000 to 700,000 in all ranks .
Idiom: up and running (used idiomatically: yes)
But to commuters and shoppers in Manchester , already used to the avenues of poles carrying overhead power lines and the herringbone - brick trackbeds in the streets , trams they are and trams they will remain . The Railway Inspectorate gave safety clearance for the first section of the 20-mile network just 27 months after design and construction started , although the opening was postponed several times because of engineering problems , staff training and general fine - tuning . A city centre derailment and an apparent suicide on the track did not help , although the system is now up and running well before the June contract deadline . Services were due to start on the Bury - Manchester Victoria line at 6 am . They will be followed at phased intervals by the rest of the network .
Idiom: that makes two of us (used idiomatically: yes)
She took it for granted that he would know who Julian was . ' He 's stood me up . ' ' That makes two of us . I was meant to be meeting someone too . ' ' It 's turned out rather well . '
Idiom: pick up the pieces (used idiomatically: yes)
LEONARD MORL / World War Two Pilot Voice over Mark Bottomley is picking up the pieces of his life after being beaten around the head with a piece of scaffolding . But it 's been a slow and confusing process . For months , no - one told him he was still suffering from the effects of his head injury .
Idiom: all along (used idiomatically: yes)
The replay was ordered by the FA after K 's goalkeeper Adrian Blake was felled by a coin thrown from the crowd during Peterborough 's 9-1 replay win last Wednesday . But Kelly , who fears the 2pm kick-off will seriously threaten the chances of his part-timers , was back on the rampage yesterday . ‘ It was an absolutely ridiculous decision , ’ said Kelly , who has maintained all along that there should not have been a re-match . ‘ They are trying to humiliate and belittle us . If we were to win , it would be the most unpopular victory in the history of the Cup .
Idiom: in light of (used idiomatically: yes)
Appleyard and Lintell 's research in San Francisco showed how residents ' privacy diminished in heavily trafficked streets , their network of acquaintances shrank , their sense of personal territory was restricted and their interest in the street was curtailed by its streams of traffic . To many the street now has a negative connotation , as phrases such as 'streetcrime ' and ' on the street'might indicate . The word ' street ' is ' used as a metaphor for what is aberrant and fearful in the light of social norms . ' Yet a living street is a multi - functional place , with its interest provided by its contrasting uses . It is , for example , a public space and yet a private one too , as an extension of the adjacent buildings .
Idiom: way to go (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ By this method we believe that we will get a more appropriate range into the stores , and that those titles with be maintained in stock at all times . This is something we did not enjoy before the agreement . Looked at objectively , this has got to be the way to go.’ Adrian Bourne : ‘ We were not getting the best range of stock into Dillons’ Joanna Mackle of Faber echoes this .
Idiom: pull a face (used idiomatically: yes)
HOW 'S ABOUT FAT , THEN : The Duchess gets as far as raising a leg but then decides exercise is just too much effort and takes the rest of the sunbathing session lying down HO HUM , LOOK AT MY TUM : Despite all her holidays , diets and workouts Fergie just has n't got the stomach to really fight the flab and win the battle of the bulge LEG 'S TALK ABOUT THIS : Fergie tries the inch - pinch by grabbing a handful of flesh on her leg to see just how wobbly it is — and pulls a face as she discovers the weighty truth FOR JOHN BRYAN THE FALL FROM GRACE WAS JUST ONE WEEK AWAY NO LONGER WOULD HE BE ONE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY 'S ANOINTED . ALL THAT WAS NEEDED WAS ONE FINAL PUSH
Idiom: turn heads (used idiomatically: yes)
And then he sensed someone or something standing next to him . He felt a warmth . He could turn his head , and he could see ! It looked like a white light . But there was a figure standing there .
Idiom: way to go (used idiomatically: no)
Oxford University is n't renowned for moving with the times , but it 's taking this equal opportunities business really rather seriously . It 's just opened Mansion House , its first ever nursery , allowing student mums to concentrate on more profound subjects , than feeding bottles and dirty nappies . This young man has a long way to go if he 's to earn a PhD in Biology like his mum . She 's one of several who 'd be unable to study if it were n't for the nursery . Mansion House has only 24 , but it 's seen as the first step to putting the University at the forefront of childcare provision .
Idiom: play games (used idiomatically: yes)
All of this is necessary to decide on what game to play and who plays against whom .
Idiom: one of those things (used idiomatically: yes)
and we could take the journey time or we could take the wheels of the tyres off We could have one of those things like in Saint Trinian 's ca n't we ? I 've got it , I 've got the laugh on record I thought you 'd be
Idiom: by the book (used idiomatically: yes)
Our pH is 7.4 to 8.0 and all our fish seem fine . I would bet you any money that by the time you receive this reply your pool will have cleared of its own accord . You have done everything by the book and your water is spot on , but green water is truly a natural part of maturation and nothing to worry about in itself . Do not carry on with large water changes , however , as these only perpetuate the problem . Instead resolve to buy a UV .
Idiom: on the level (used idiomatically: no)
This concerns the division of a given change in aggregate demand between price responses and output responses . If the result is a mixture of the two sorts of response , in what proportion will they be combined ? These problems assume major proportions when allowance is made for the possible dependence of the level and rate of change of money wages on the level of aggregate demand . Enter the Phillips curve . 6
Idiom: give and take (used idiomatically: yes)
He also evoked that little - heeded history of give and take that links Europe with the African continent : from the Ife culture to the history of Carthage to the influence of Africa on modern European art .
Idiom: first up (used idiomatically: no)
At its Forum 92 European user conference , held on the shores of Lake Como in Italy , Informix also began to talk about near - and mid - term plans for its current 5 . x series products . Releases of Informix 6.0 software will begin next year , the firm said . First up will be 4GL++ , which , the company claims , is an object - oriented development environment featuring object language functionality , mixed procedural and event - driven programming and visual class libraries for user interface independence and code reuse along with multi - media connectivity . 4GL++ is due next year , although the company did n't say when , and will be added to its range of application development tools , which currently include Informix - SQL , Forms , Menus , 4GL / GX , Graphical 4GL , 4GL / RF and TP / Toolkit . Graphical 4GL is also to be enhanced next year with support for Windows and Motif : each will come with the ability to re - target applications for other environments .
Idiom: kiss of life (used idiomatically: yes)
Then decide if you still want to learn how to do it . You are allowed to try to pump breath into the patient through a handkerchief , if that helps . Put that way , who would be high on the list of people women would n't like to get the kiss of life from ? Kilroy Silk ? Could any TV presenter or politician stop talking long enough ?
Idiom: work to rule (used idiomatically: yes)
Mr Chris Humphreys , London secretary of Nupe , said : ‘ It is obvious that Kenneth Clarke intends to try and starve our members back to work . The Government can not pretend to be concerned with security at army barracks and then , without regard for the soldiers , put them on the streets of London as easy targets for the terrorists.’ Management yesterday began suspending ambulance staff in retaliation to the unions ' work - to - rule tactics . Mr Clarke said the armed forces would be withdrawn as soon as the unions agreed to provide a normal emergency service . The action taken in London had an immediate affect elsewhere as ambulance crews began to protest at the Government 's intervention .
Idiom: first off (used idiomatically: yes)
but what are their key tasks , what are the things they 're actually paid to do ? From that we can then build up the job spec , you know the training needs like the , a little example we and then we can look at competency . How competent are people in their keys tasks , they 're the ones we should vote on first off . If they 're performing below standard , we 've got a gap performance gap , that needs training good identification of training , but identifying exactly where they are performing and how . If they 're performing above , what can we be selecting those people for ?