Gooogr/pie_idioms huggingface dataset:
Idiom: lay down the law (used idiomatically: yes)
Ron Sharlott was sixty seven . He used to work on a farm and wanted to be buried in a country church . Begbroke seemed ideal but then the vicar started laying down the law . The wooden crosses he said broke church regulations . But today the Church of England apoligised to the family saying’ our concern must always be for people before regulations , especially during times of greiving.’
Idiom: with a vengeance (used idiomatically: yes)
Both events crystallized a peculiar Latin ~ American phenomenon : the temptation to empower a new , local Caesar . This “ Caesarism ” is not a new idea . Instead , it marks the return of a practice that had seemed to have been consigned to history ’s dustbin which has now returned with a vengeance . In 1919 , the first edition of Democratic Caesarism , by the Venezuelan historian and sociologist Laureano Vallenilla Lanz , was published and widely circulated across the continent . Vallenilla claimed to be seeking an effective ( as opposed to the formal ) constitutional system for his country .
Idiom: tit for tat (used idiomatically: yes)
He also claimed it was the largest open system to be employed at a statistic office in Europe , and announced that the company planned to use it as a reference site for national accounting offices in both East and Western Europe . A project to computerise the national accounting system of Romania is currently under way , though Ruman expressed caution regarding his company 's chances of winning that account . The announcement of the deal in the ballroom of the Statistics Office in Budapest was temporarily hijacked by the European Community 's ambassador to Hungary , Hans Beck , who used the occasion to dish out European Community tie pins , lecture the local press on the absence of a ' Hungarian Way ' , and launch a fierce attack on Hungary 's decision to retaliate with tit - for - tat measures against an import ban on meat products introduced by the European Community two weeks ago following the discovery of foot and mouth disease in Italy . However Hans Beck also spoke up in defence of the European Community PHARE programme in the face of attacks from local critics , many of whom view it as a means of circulating funds from the European Community to Western economic advisors and consultancy firms , delivering few tangible benefits . Beck claimed that a stage had been reached where more cash could now be devoted to physical rather than intellectual aid and indicated that funding for the computerisation of Hungarian institutions would increase in priority .
Idiom: come unstuck (used idiomatically: yes)
If Somerset should opt once more for a batsman , my instinct tells me the favourite would be Richie Richardson . He has affectionate links with the county and indeed played for the 2nd XI and a local club after being brought over originally by Viv Richards , a fellow Antiguan . Chris Tavaré , who has struggled for batting form for much of the summer and come unstuck with some of his third - day declarations , will be back next year . He must be favourite to stay in charge . But it 's a valid question to ask who may later succeed him .
Idiom: all the rage (used idiomatically: yes)
The head of Gulf Resources is Aviva 's deputy chairman , Graham Ferguson Lacey , the evangelical preacher who recently bought Land 's End and John O'Groats . Mr Ferguson Lacey has an image problem in the City , dating from an number of unsuccessful ventures in the 1970s . City Diary : FT chief 's home is all the rage THE ultimate indignity has befallen Richard Lambert , editor of the Financial Times , following its backing of Labour last week . Under the headline ‘ Red Ed 's Home’ , the Sun newspaper has pictured Lambert 's ‘ £ 300,000 pad’ in Islington , owned by his ‘ loadsamoney wife Harriet [ who]owns half the neighbourhood’ .
Idiom: part company (used idiomatically: yes)
So it 's admirable evidence for what I call the minor claim of the punctuationalist school , of the empirical claim . It does n't prove that it 's always true , but it 's a jolly good case where it clearly , I think , is true . erm I can not see , and this is where I part company with Peter Williamson to some extent , I can not see any reason why his data should be regarded as showing that when the sudden change did take place it took place for any reason other than natural selection within a single population . It 's important that , for those of you sort of who are more into the sort of detailed arguments that are going on , it 's significant that whatever else was the case , this did not happen as a result of a single major mutation which was then established by selection , because Williamson 's got lots of intermediate populations . He 's got the original population , then he 's got a whole series of intermediates , then he 's got an end population , so there is nothing there are no hopeful monsters about .
Idiom: by heart (used idiomatically: yes)
The production control team rehearse the bulletin and tell Charlie via an earpiece how long she has to talk for . At the same time she presses a button to change the weather maps and with her foot , she controls a prompting device . It 's reflected on a mirror so at home it appears as though she has learnt the information off - by - heart . Charlie explains that some people blame her when the weather does not turn out as they had hoped . The Department provides all the information for the weather on 2 of Sweden 's TV channels .
Idiom: come to a head (used idiomatically: yes)
This was taken to be a response to the open call by ASEAN foreign ministers for the continued US military presence in the region . However , Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen , present as a guest , denied that China was seeking regional hegemony and offered to shelve the sovereignty issue and proceed with the " joint development " of the Spratlys . The Spratly Islands were claimed by three ASEAN members — Brunei , Malaysia and the Philippines —and by China , Taiwan and Vietnam ; the dispute had come to a head in early 1992 after China and Vietnam awarded contracts separately to Western companies to drill for oil in the disputed archipelago [ see p. 38768 ] . In the latest incident , Vietnam demanded that China remove a marker stone erected on July 4 by a landing party of soldiers and construction workers on Nan Xun , a reef in the Spratly islands some 600 km east of Vietnam . The Vietnamese government claimed that this was a violation of its sovereignty .
Idiom: go to the wall (used idiomatically: yes)
Have him come too . ' ' Of course , Excellency . ' He got up from the desk , then went to the window wall and stood there . He was still standing there , his back to them , when they entered . T'ai Cho cleared his throat .
Idiom: force someone's hand (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ You 're confusing me,’ she managed to say , rubbing a hand over her eyes . She felt strong fingers catch hold of it , grasping it firmly and pulling it away from her face . ‘ Do n't hide from me,’ he murmured , excusing his action yet failing to release her wrist after he 'd forced her hand down , his thumb moving over the inside of her wrist as if by accident . ‘ I like to watch the expressions flitting across your face,’ he went on . ‘ You have a very expressive face .
Idiom: cut corners (used idiomatically: yes)
Baker has also said that every system must be compatible , through its head end , with the trunk networks laid by British Telecom and its private sector competitor , Mercury . As an incentive for investment , the government will give 20 year licences to operators who install ‘ upwards - compatible-’ or adaptable , systems . Operators who cut corners will get a licence for only 12 years . Although these requirements are now clear , classification of other technical issues await the White Paper and the technical report by a working party set up last year by the Department of Industry . This group , under the chairmanship of Dr Toni Eden , has been drafting standards for every service that is likely to be piped down a British cable system .
Idiom: in my book (used idiomatically: yes)
145 polarisation Polarisation is one of the most natural habits of mind . It arises directly from the pattern - making nature of mind , as I described in my book Mechanism of Mind . It is not just perversity . It may indeed be exaggerated by our traditional dialectic habits of clash and argument , as I have suggested elsewhere in this book , but it does not arise from them . In order to create distinct patterns the mind has to separate things sharply one from the other , just as a driver seeks to separate the road from its borders even in dim light .
Idiom: win the day (used idiomatically: yes)
Taken at such a speed both flanking movements all too easily sound gabbled and thick . Not though , from Levitzki . His lightness of finger and transparency of texture win the day , while the slow movement shows him a poet to his fingertips . Scarlatti and Bach reveal his ear for tonal colour , and miniatures as unlike as Beethoven 's Ecossaise in E flat and his own ear - tickling Valse amour confirm him as a charmer of the first order . It is Liszt who nevertheless looms largest in the anthology , and in whose music I found it most easy to understand Crimp 's belief in Levitzki as ‘ one of this century 's master pianists’ .
Idiom: have a ball (used idiomatically: no)
I ca n't believe he had the balls to ask the boss for a raise .
Idiom: on the make (used idiomatically: yes)
What will it cost to adjust my car to unleaded petrol ? Some garages will adjust your car free of charge when it has its next service . The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders states that conversion costs between £ 5 and £ 35 , depending on the make and registration of your car . Even if it costs you £ 35 , the price differential on leaded petrol will virtually allow you to recoup the cost of adjustment within one year . How will unleaded fuel affect the performance of my car ?
Idiom: for the time being (used idiomatically: yes)
Police admit they 've run out of leads , the Incident room is being closed and the inquiries scaled down . Male speaker We still have a detective sergeant and a couple of local officers working on it , but for the time being we 've run out of anything to go on . We 're not giving up hope . Voice over
Idiom: on a roll (used idiomatically: yes)
I think that 's a silly decision by Vic but I expect he 's got the unions on his back . He says it 's a good idea to recharge the batteries before the big scene . I think if you 're on a roll you better go with the flow . It 's all right , honey , I do n't really talk like that , I do it to irritate Matt , though it usually does n't because he 's so thick - skinned and thinks everyone else talks like that anyway , so I guess I do it for my own private amusement . ‘ Hey , Matt,’ I say to him , ‘ We 're on a roll , let 's go with the flow’ , and he nods like some old prophet in The Ten Commandments .
Idiom: lame duck (used idiomatically: yes)
Despite these plans , though , Bush is likely to have just as difficult a time with the new Congress . Republicans are likely to pick up seats in the House , so he might have more leverage there , but this will be counter - balanced by the probable increase in the number of Democratic seats in the Senate . As a lame duck , he will even have to contend with an unruly Republican contingent in Congress , as the fight to succeed him will begin immediately . And what is certain to provide fuel for a partisan battleground next year , if he wins , is the string of tax cut proposals on his agenda . Draconian spending cuts through a cap on welfare and other non - discretionary ( entitlement ) spending , which would lead to nearly £ 300bn worth of savings over five years , defence cuts , a domestic freeze and the taxpayer check - off which could result in a maximum of $ 50bn in spending cuts , would make up the shortfall created by his proposed tax incentives .
Idiom: do the trick (used idiomatically: no)
Oh do n't leave it behind ! Oh gosh ! Ah you 're doing my trick . I 'm dreaming . That 's my prerogative walking off
Idiom: under the influence (used idiomatically: yes)
The paucity of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria that is usually seen with this type of gastritis makes it difficult to argue that the increased synthesis derives from inflammatory cells . If gastric mucosal epithelial cells are the main source of LTB 4 , enhanced synthesis could simply be a consequence of the hyperplastic epithelium characteristic of chemical gastritis . Conversely , these hyperplastic features could be taken to imply epithelial remodelling possibly under the influence of a chemical mediator . Our data raise the possibility that LTB 4 is a candidate for this role as it is plausible that LTB 4 contributes to the vascular changes and oedema that characterise type C gastritis . If NSAIDs directly enhance leukotriene synthesis this may also contribute to mucosal injury .
Idiom: ride high (used idiomatically: yes)
Vega admitted that it was reminiscent of those halcyon days except that‘compared to the Clash audience , these guys are just a stream of piss!’ ‘ I actually found the crowd quite exciting,’ Vega told Sounds , ‘ It 's just a shame that the audience , the promoters and Pop Should Eat Itself ( sic ) could n't handle me!’ AZTEC CAMERA , currently riding high in the charts with ‘ Good Morning Britain’ , will play a one - off date at London Brixton Academy on December 20 — the last date of their current world tour . They are presently in the US . SWERVEDRIVER release their second EP through Creation Records next week .
Idiom: go public (used idiomatically: yes)
But nationally and locally because it seems that the answer to crime is , the decision was reached with the Chief Constable and the chairman of the police committee with very little reference to and the deputy and we were not consulted on whether or not it should take place or ask what problems we would encounter we were told it was taking place . In fact it 's only recently we had anything on paper telling u in fact we 've had nothing on paper other than police committee minutes . And er er sort of phone call one afternoon at half past four from the deputy , oh by the way , in fact if we had n't been talking to any Brummies on a we would 've been interviewing people and telling them that they 'd got a three year and these are all points that are gon na be brought up next week , but I do n't see there is any possibility of them doing an about turn because they 've gone public on it . And they went public on it before consultation . I L O 's than C P O 's .
Idiom: change hands (used idiomatically: yes)
Thus , payment for work carried out now might be made several months later and it is convenient for the debt to be expressed and for the payment to be made in money terms rather than in terms of some commodity . For example , a sub - contractor on a building site may agree to do some work for the developer in return for a certain sum of money to be paid when the work is finished . Both parties to the agreement know how much money will change hands at the agreed date in the future . Once again , if there is inflation , money performs less efficiently as a standard of deferred payment . Some contracts , however , have cost - escalation clauses allowing the passing on of any increased costs .
Idiom: man of god (used idiomatically: yes)
It would be impossible to better Paul 's summary of the practical and devotional potential of the Bible : " Your mind has been familiar with the holy scriptures , which can open the mind to the salvation which comes through believing on Christ Jesus . All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error , for re - setting the direction of man 's life and training him in good living . The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God , and fit him fully for all branches of his work . " THE BIBLE AND SOCIETY Sir Frederick Catherwood
Idiom: shut the door on (used idiomatically: yes)
Tavett was free to go where he liked and there were no grounds to hamper him . He looked increasingly more like a confused and inadequate witness than a killer . Even so , Wickham was not ready to shut the door on the possibility . He had absolutely , however , set his face against accepting help from Ruby Dobby although she had arrived on the second floor that morning full of promises if not promise . She had laid siege to the typists ' room for some minutes before Marshall had persuaded her downstairs .
Idiom: come of age (used idiomatically: yes)
‘ In fact I love it when a woman takes the initiative sexually . I have the scars to prove it!’ It seems the lost little boy behind the chicken mask has finally come of age . Great Escapes BRITANNIA Sailing has bracing winters weekends sailing around Southampton for £ 69 .
Idiom: on the nose (used idiomatically: yes)
Tim Roberts , prosecuting , said Mr Taylor accidentally bumped into Elstob in the street . Elstob then turned on him , punching and kicking him . He said : ‘ He then carried out his threat to bite Mr Taylor on the nose.’ A passing taxi driver intervened . Police believed Elstob was under the influence of drink or drugs .
Idiom: have a few (used idiomatically: yes)
I have a few icons next to the clock that have disappeared . This happens because the programs are not running . Try to start them again .
Idiom: short shrift (used idiomatically: yes)
At the so - called Punk Festival at the 100 Club in September 1976 , a girl was struck in the eye by a flying splinter of glass . The Pistols were already banned from most established London venues ; punk rock 's reputation for violence was now beyond redemption . Malcolm McLaren got short shrift when he first called on Virgin records in the summer of 1976 , one stop among many in his search for a recording contract for his new protégés . Virgin were in a period of acute stagnation , desperately in need of a change . What nobody at Virgin knew was quite what form that change should take .
Idiom: steer clear of (used idiomatically: yes)
Such close contact with the facts of life certainly drives the lessons home , but a blunder can be costly , and it is not always easy for a beginner to put two and two together and deduce the root cause of his error . A succession of avoidable mishaps can so sap morale and resources , that it becomes impossible to see the wood for the trees , and your energy is exhausted reacting to emergencies . At such times you need to turn to a wise and experienced adviser who might well have steered you clear of the mistake had he been consulted earlier . If you have done your practical training on a farm near your own holding , you will have friends and advisers nearby who understand the problems indigenous to the locality . Nevertheless , knowledge and skill can be acquired more quickly through a well - planned training programme , and you would be well advised to consolidate your early practical experience through further training before committing yourself to the full responsibility of your own farm and livestock .
Idiom: on the horn (used idiomatically: yes)
A GNAT settled on the horn of a Bull , and sat there a long time . Just as he was about to fly off , he made a buzzing noise , and inquired of the Bull if he would like him to go . The Bull replied , " I did not know you had come , and I shall not miss you when you go away . "
Idiom: off the mark (used idiomatically: yes)
Whitechapel , who did n't get the trip at Ascot last time , has place prospects . 2.35:KEEN Hunter finished just two lengths runner - up to Mr Brooks in the Prix l'Abbaye at Longchamp on Arc weekend , but is worth opposing over today 's extra furlong . I fancy SPANIARDS CLOSE , who was given plenty to do and stayed on strongly to finish second to Ashtina off a high mark in a hot handicap at Ascot early last time . Blyton Lad did n't get the best of runs when runner - up to Hamas in a Listed race at Newmarket three weeks ago , but is more effective over the minimum trip on a stiff track . 3.05:THE lightly - raced HIGHLAND DRESS made an impressive belated debut at Newbury last month , and was not disgraced when unsuited by the slow gallop at Newmarket eight days ago .
Idiom: on the button (used idiomatically: yes)
The builders , unfortunately , were still upstairs , and her classes were still conducted to the loud clank of hammering with attendant dust . When Sara got out of her car , she noticed a man on the doorstep of the house . He was pressing hard on the button and standing patiently for the door to open . Sara hesitated . She herself was going to use her own entrance .
Idiom: few and far between (used idiomatically: yes)
After going to Sheffield University she worked in a London store and trained to be a pilot in her spare time . In 1930 she set off on her first solo long distance flight and broke the record from England to Australia . The difficulties were considerable for aircraft were still primitive with open cockpits , and airfields were very few and far between . She set many long distance records over the next few years , culminating in the England to Capetown and return record in 1936 in the Percival New Gull . There are many mementoes of her life in the collection — everywhere she went she was feted and given souvenirs of her visits to distant parts of the world .
Idiom: make ends meet (used idiomatically: yes)
It is understandable when pensioners who come to see me ask,’ Who won the war ? What crime have we committed that we should have to live in this way?’ They have to struggle desperately every day to make ends meet . I welcome the changes affecting cold weather payments . I understand that the payments will be triggered automatically so that people on income support will not have to apply for them .
Idiom: with a vengeance (used idiomatically: yes)
There is even evidence that plants have senses , although we have no real conception of what those senses might be . The subject as a whole is a mystery for the reason which we touched on earlier in the context of ESP : we can never share another person 's experiences . The same is true , but this time with a vengeance , when it comes to animals and plants . We can look at the way other creatures behave and from our observations infer the senses to which they are responding , but our inferences may be misleading us . For example , does an animal recoil from a naked flame because it can feel the heat or because it can ‘ see’ the heat — or because it has some completely different sense that alerts it to the danger ?
Idiom: to the letter (used idiomatically: yes)
In its way , this view of Leapor 's last wishes is almost breathtaking . With a gesture to the conventions of deathbed narratives , Landry reads Freemantle 's account as if it were a twentieth century novel . Reference to Freemantle 's letter shows that although Philip and Anne Leapor both attempted to break their daughter of the habit of writing verses , toward the end of the poet 's life some accommodation was reached : ' But finding it impossible to alter her natural Inclination,[her father]had of late desisted and left her more at Liberty'[vol . 2 , p. xxx ] . Leapor 's poetry makes clear that she suffered many distressing lectures from her father , yet if the poet and her father had reached an understanding , indeed , if they intended to use the money from the subscription to buy their freehold and have security for their life together , Landry 's interpretation of this episode is simply captious . The same attempt to represent fathers in Leapor 's writing purely as tyrants , can likewise be seen in her interpretation of ' The Unhappy Father ' which will be discussed below .
Idiom: behind bars (used idiomatically: yes)
Casabona then took the teenager on a long car drive . At one point the pair had sexual intercourse in the vehicle , said Mr Kellett . The judge , Mr Justice Humphrey Potts , said he would have put Casabona behind bars for two years but he had already served an equivalent term on remand . ‘ For your age you have a bad record . Unless you make a fresh start today the future is going to be bleak for you,’ said the judge .