Ñàéòû ñ èíôîðìàöèåé î ëîæíûõ äðóçüÿõ ïåðåâîä÷èêà (ìåæúÿçûêîâûõ îìîíèìàõ, ïàðîíèìàõ, àíîëîãîíèìàõ) è î ïîäîáíûõ ÿçûêîâûõ ÿâëåíèÿõ Links to sites about "false friends"
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Yuri Dolgopolov (Þðèé Àëåêñååâè÷ Äîëãîïîëîâ) A Collection Of Confusible Phrases. False ‘Friends’ and ‘Enemies’ in Idioms and Collocations.
Ýòî ñëîâàðü "ëîæíûõ äðóçåé" â îáëàñòè èäèîìàòèêè, îïóáëèêîâàííûé âïåðâûå â 2004 ãîäó. Äëÿ ñòóäåíòîâ, ïðåïîäàâàòåëåé, ïåðåâîä÷èêîâ è âñåõ òåõ, êòî õî÷åò â ñîâåðøåíñòâå îâëàäåòü áîãàòåéøåé ôðàçåîëîãèåé àíãëèéñêîãî ÿçûêà. Ñîäåðæèò îêîëî 7,000 åäèíèö, ñíàáæåí èíäåêñîì è âêëþ÷àåò îáøèðíóþ áèáëèîãðàôèþ.
Èçä. Llumina Press, 2004 (524 ñ.) èçîáðàæåíèå îáëîæêè (ôàéë 185 ÊÁ)
Èíôîðìàöèÿ îò àâòîðà ýòîé êíèãè: ÀÍÍÎÒÀÖÈß: Íîâûé ôðàçåîëîãè÷åñêèé ñëîâàðü àíãëèéñêîãî ÿçûêà "A Collection of Confusable Phrases. False 'Friends' and 'Enemies' in Idioms and Collocations" ýòî óíèêàëüíûé, ïîëíûé ñëîâàðü "ëîæíûõ äðóçåé" â îáëàñòè èäèîìàòèêè, ò.å. âûðàæåíèé î÷åíü áëèçêèõ ïî ëåêñè÷åñêîìó ñîñòàâó, êîòîðûå, òåì íå ìåíåå, èìåþò àáñîëþòíî ðàçíûå çíà÷åíèÿ. Ñëîâàðü ýòîãî òèïà ïóáëèêóåòñÿ âïåðâûå è ïðåäñòàâëÿåò íåçàìåíèìîå ñïðàâî÷íîå ïîñîáèå äëÿ ñòóäåíòîâ, ïðåïîäàâàòåëåé, ïåðåâîä÷èêîâ è âñåõ òåõ, êòî õî÷åò â ñîâåðøåíñòâå îâëàäåòü áîãàòåéøåé ôðàçåîëîãèåé àíãëèéñêîãî ÿçûêà.
Î ÑËÎÂÀÐÅ: Êàê ïîêàçûâàåò îïûò, îäèí èç ñóùåñòâåííûõ ôàêòîðîâ, çàòðóäíÿþùèõ îâëàäåíèå àíãëèéñêîé ôðàçåîëîãèåé, ñâÿçàí ñ íàëè÷èåì â íåé ÷ðåçâû÷àéíî áîëüøîãî êîëè÷åñòâà óñòîé÷èâûõ ôðàç è èäèîìàòè÷åñêèõ âûðàæåíèé î÷åíü áëèçêèõ ïî ñòðóêòóðå, ëåêñè÷åñêîìó ñîñòàâó è îáðàçíîé íàïðàâëåííîñòè, êîòîðûå, òåì íå ìåíåå, èìåþò àáñîëþòíî ðàçíûå çíà÷åíèÿ. Òàê, ñëåäóþùèå øèðîêî óïîòðåáèòåëüíûå è âíåøíå ïîõîæèå ôðàçû, êîòîðûå ëåãêî ìîæíî ïðèíÿòü çà âàðèàíòû îäíîãî è òîãî æå âûðàæåíèÿ, ñîâåðøåííî íå ñîîòíîñÿòñÿ ïî ñìûñëó: keep one's head #keep up one's head; bring one's mind to something #bring something to mind; fight for something #fight over something; do something over #overdo something; hold an appointment #keep an appointment; lose one's head #lose one's mind; act as an angel #act like an angel; action man #man of action. Âåðîÿòíîñòü íåïðàâîìåðíîãî îòîæäåñòâëåíèÿ òàêèõ âûðàæåíèé è å¸ íàïðàâëåííîñòü îáóñëîâëåíà êàê ñòåïåíüþ èõ ñõîäñòâà, òàê è ÷àñòîòíîñòüþ óïîòðåáëåíèÿ êàæäîãî èç íèõ.
Ñ äðóãîé ñòîðîíû, èìååòñÿ çíà÷èòåëüíîå êîëè÷åñòâî âûðàæåíèé, êîòîðûå, èñõîäÿ èç èõ ëåêñè÷åñêîãî ñîñòàâà èëè îáðàçíîñòè, ìîãóò áûòü îñìûñëåíû êàê ïðîòèâîïîëîæíûå ïî çíà÷åíèþ, êàêîâûìè îíè íà ñàìîì äåëå íå ÿâëÿþòñÿ: absence of mind #presence of mind; in low water #in deep water; find oneself #lose oneself; for a moment #not for a moment; snap to it #snap out of it.
abandon ship give up the ship abandon ship – 1.
leave the sinking ship: The order was given for all on board to abandon ship.
2. (also: jump ship) leave
an organization, a cause, etc., because one thinks it is about to fail: For
weeks he worked eighteen-hour days, pleading with his staff not to abandon
ship. give up the ship – quit
trying and surrender; admit defeat: If you are sidetracked by small setbacks
don’t be discouraged and give up the ship.
abide someone abide with someone abide someone – (negat.) dislike
smb. very much: In fact, I can’t abide him. Whenever I see him on
television, I’m inclined either to mutter angrily at him or to change the channel.
abide with someone – (liter.) remain
or stay with a person: If the American dream is to come true and to abide
with us, it will, at bottom, depend on the people themselves.
absence of mind presence of mind absence of mind – the
mental state of preoccupation, which causes one to do smth. without realizing
it: Through absence of mind he walked out of the shop and left his
purchases on the counter.
presence of mind – mental
alertness which enables one to act quickly in an emergency: With great presence
of mind he grabbed the child and pulled it out of the path of the oncoming
car.
accommodate someone to something accommodate someone with something accommodate someone to something – adapt
or adjust a person to smth.: One of the solutions of it [housing for low income
people] is to accommodate people to the multi story residential
building.
accommodate someone with something –
provide a person with smth., especially as a favor: It was
very good of you to accommodate me with the ticket for my journey.
accurate in something accurate with something accurate in something –
free from mistakes in what one says or does: He was basically careful and accurate
in his quotations and references to sources.
accurate with something –
careful about smth.; treating smth. with responsibility: When writing a
composition, be accurate with your quotations.
achieve peace win the peace achieve peace – achieve
a state in which a nation or community is not at war with another: Neutrality
is essential if we are to play a constructive role in achieving peace.
win the peace – (of a country
defeated in war) undergo successful reconstruction: As the
doubters predicted, we may have had enough troops to win the war – but not
nearly enough to win the peace.
Achilles of England, the English Achilles, the Achilles of England, the – the
name given to the Duke of Wellington (1769-1852).
English Achilles, the – the
name given to John-Talbot, first Earl of Shrewsbury (1373-1453): This man was
John Talbot, known as the English Achilles, and hero of countless
battles.
act as angel act like an
angel
act as angel – act
as a sponsor for a firm, organization, etc.: It was agreed that he should act
as angel to the enterprise.
act like an angel – be
a very good actor; be an excellent performer: She sings and acts like an
angel and is extremely pleased because Wolfgang has served her
extraordinarily well.
day.
action
man
man of action action man – (coll.) a
person who makes a show of being very vigorous and energetic: I had very little
in common with the sort of larger-than-life action man I played in film
after film.
man of action – smb.
who does things and is not content to just meditate or talk: Foscolo was
intended for a man of action and strife: ease and fortune unnerved and
demoralized him.
actual time real time actual time – the
time to be compared with the standard or expected time: The actual time
of its [Indian summer] occurrence and the character of the weather appear also
to vary for different regions.
real time – 1. the
time during which a process or event occurs: The real time of Christ’s
birth can no more affect the proper use of this system than that of any other
indifferent event.
2. said of the processing of data which occurs as it is generated: A
higher speed in computers means that they can more easily engage in activities
in what we call ‘real time’. Note: Neither expression is equivalent in meaning to the
phrase true time – the time according
to the position of the sun: True (nonrelative) time can only
be measured by using a constant, such as the objective speed of light.
Adam and Eve on a raft
Adam and Eve on a raft and wreck them Adam and Eve on a raft – (US sl.) two
poached eggs on toast: There were Zepps in a cloud (sausages and mashed) and Adam
and Eve on a raft.
Adam and Eve on a raft and wreck
them – (US sl.) two scrambled eggs on toast: You ask for
scrambled eggs on toast, and the waitress says to the chef, ‘we need an Adam
and Eve on a raft and wreck them’.
add in something add on something add in something –
1. put or pour smth., especially in recipes: Add in the flour a little
at a time.
2. attach or include smth., usually in the middle of a calculation:
Before you finish the totals, please add in these new figures. add on something –
attach smth., usually at the end of a calculation, list, etc.: She wrote me
rather a cold letter, even the inquiry about my health looked as if it had been
added on as an afterthought.
add to taste add to the taste add to taste – (in recipes) add
in the amount preferred: Tear small pieces from the Hungarian pepper and add
to taste; these small peppers are very hot, so begin with just a few
pieces.
add to the taste – improve
the taste (of a dish): What is of little doubt is that all those spices not
only add to the taste but are good for your health.
address oneself to someone address someone address oneself to someone –
speak or appeal to a person: Even Mrs. Delvile evidently desired her absence;
since she preferably addressed herself to any one else who was present.
address someone – 1.
= address oneself to someone: The
Education Secretary had to address a hostile crowd of teachers.
2. speak to a person using a nickname or a title: Don’t address
me as ‘Colonel’; I’m only a major.
Admiral of the White White Admiral Admiral of the White – (UK hist.) admiral
of the White Squadron (one of the three divisions of the Royal Navy made in the
17th century): Admiral of the Red, used to hold the center in an engagement. Admiral
of the White, used to hold the van.
White Admiral –
any of several butterflies of the genus Limenitis:
He had seen a white admiral circling higher and higher round
an oak tree, but he had never caught it.
admit of something
admit to something admit of something –
leave room for smth. such as a possibility, explanation, etc.: A careful,
detached study of his available statements, as found in the official
publications, will admit of no other conclusion.
admit to something – agree,
often reluctantly, that smth. is true; confess to smth.: Just over a third of
the juveniles admitted to owning a firearm.
Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning
with the phrase admit something –1. = admit to something: He admitted owning a car which
had an index number identical to one Miss Mallalieu had noted.
2. have room for smth.; allow smth.to enter: A commodious harbor,
which admits only one ship to enter it at a time.
admonish someone for something admonish someone of something admonish someone for something – reprove
a person on account of smth.: They are frequently admonished for their
failure to act quickly.
admonish someone of something – bring
smth. to a person’s notice as a warning: A gallows erected on an eminence admonished
the offenders of the fate that awaited them.
advise someone of something advise someone on something advise someone of something – give
a person information or warning about smth.: The motoring organizations have advised
motorists of thick mists on the mountains.
advise someone on something – give
a person recommendations or advice about smth.: John makes a good living advising
on interior decoration and lighting.
after a time after time after a time – when
a short time has elapsed: I didn’t care for the place at first, but after a
time I got to like it.
after time – later
than a stipulated time: We cannot wait for anyone who arrives after time.
after the manner of someone in the manner of someone after the manner of someone – (of a
painting, etc.) executed in conscious imitation of smb.’s
manner or style: In those days, I painted human interest subjects, after the
manner of Mr. Rockwell. But I still hadn’t found myself as an artist.
in the manner of someone – (of a
painting, etc.) indicating resemblance to smb.’s manner or
style rather than conscious imitation: They acquired Joan Miro pictures of the
1940s painted in the manner of a 4-year-old struggling to come to terms
with the human face.
again and again every now and again again and again –(also: time and again) habitually;
repeatedly: I was absorbed in ‘The Cloud on the Sanctuary’, reading it again
and again.
every now and again –(also: now and again) occasionally;
from time to time: Every now and again the ear could catch the sudden
splash of pike meeting pike.
agree on
something agree to something agree with something agree on something –
1. have the same view about smth.: Musicians rarely agree on the way a
piece of music should be played.
2. decide on smth.: We’ve agreed on Spain for our holiday next
year. agree to something – (of a
suggestion, statement, etc.) view smth. with favor;accept smth. that has been proposed:
Neither the people, nor their representatives, would agree to the plan.
agree with something –
1. concur with a person in an opinion or statement: I think that it is great
what Martin has done and agree with his last comment.
2. (of two versions, accounts, etc.)
be similar or fully correspond: This bill doesn’t agree with
my calculations.
ahead of one’s time before one’s time ahead of one’s time–(of people, new ideas, etc.)being too advanced to be accepted by one’s contemporaries:
Women and men who are ahead of their time can lead the present into the
future.
before one’s time –
1. before a person was born, had arrived, etc.: There was at one time a little
cinema, but that was before my time.
2.prematurely; before
the due or expected time: His poverty, and continual harassment by the
authorities had made him old before his time.
3. =ahead of one’s time: Robert Owen, with his
enlightened ideas on working conditions in factories, was before his time. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the
phrase not before its time – used
as an understatement of smth. thatshould
have been done long ago: At last they are installing electric light
in the main streets of the town, and not before its time.
ahead of time before time ahead of time –(usually showing approval) earlier than
expected: The homework was finished ahead of time so he went out to
play.
before time – prematurely;
before the due or expected time: So far was prepunctuality carried, that Her
Majesty was ten minutes before time.
aim at something aim for something aim at something – 1.
point the weapon or object in the direction of smth.: He aimed at the
far wall and squeezed the trigger.
2. plan or hope to achieve smth.: We are aiming at a higher
production level. aim for something – = aim at
something 2: Professionalismis all about aiming for the best.
air
boat
inflatable
boat
air boat – (also: air-boat) 1.
a seaplane with a boatlike fuselage: The second class [of seaplanes], variously
termed ‘flying-boat’ and ‘air-boat’, consists essentially of a long
boat-shaped hull, wherein the passengers’ seats are contained.
2. a shallow-draft boat driven by an airplane propeller: While the
public sleeps, a Pandora’s Box is opening to release a flood of hovercraft, air
sleds and airboats on the long-suffering landscape of crowded Southern
Ontario. inflatable boat – inflatable
rubber boat (for use in an emergency, etc.): The crewmen had to be pulled from
the freezing water by colleagues in an inflatable boat.
air gun air gunner air gun – a gun in
which compressed air is used to propel the charge: Darned if he didn’t up with
this here air gun and plunk me with a buckshot it carried.
air gunner – an
aircrew member whose job is to operate a gun: Too old for piloting in 1939 he
became an air gunner with 235 Squadron Coastal Command.
air letter airmail letter air letter –(also: aerogramme) a sheet of light paper
forming a letter for sending by airmail: An air letter is written on a
special form supplied by the Post Office.
airmail letter – a
letter to be sent by air: Aerogrammes are less expensive than an airmail
letter and have the same delivery time.
all but anything but all but – almost;
nearly: We’re all but finished now. We’ll be ready in a moment.
anything but – (used as an
understatement) not at all; the opposite of smth.: My father
was anything but pleased when he heard my story.
all day and every day all the days of one’s life all day and every day – during
the whole of one day and for a number of days afterwards: We had glorious
weather for our cruise, sunshine all day and every day.
all the days of one’s life – for
as long as one will live, or has lived: They had known only oppression and
bitter poverty all the days of their lives.
all eyes all my eye all eyes – (coll.) watching
eagerly and attentively: She was all eyes as I unwrapped the package.
all my eye – (UK sl.) utter
nonsense (also: all my eye and Betty
Martin): I told him about a secret process, but he knew it was all
my eye.
all hands and the
cook all the world and his wife all hands and the cook – 1.
(Nautical) everybody on the ship:
Martin threw on the engine, while all hands and the cook sprang to take
in sail.
2. everyone from a particular group of people who can possibly work and
contribute: Soon he was rearing his family, and all hands and the cook
were busy as bees in making and caring for the home. all the world and his wife – everyone
without exception (of an assorted group of
people); everyone of importance:So
much has been heard of Hardelot lately that its name must be familiar to all
the world and his wife.
Note: Neither expression is equivalent in meaning to the
phrase Uncle Tom Cobley and all –
a whole lot of other people (used
at the end of a list of names): When he had a dream, neither God, my
mother, my teachers, the nuns, the parish priest, the relations, the neighbors,
nor Uncle Tom Cobley and all could distract him from the dream.
all in one piece all of a piece all in one piece – (also: in one
piece) without injury; unharmed: My orders are just to get
him to London in one piece. After that, he’s someone else’s worry.
all of a piece – of
the same kind or quality; in agreement or harmony: It’s all of a piece
here. The men effeminate, the women unsexed.
all right for
you
all right with you all right for you – usually
said by a child who is angry at a playmate: All right for you, John. See
if I ever play with you again.
all right with you – (also: all
right by you) suits you; is acceptable to you: ‘All right
with you, Bertie?’ ‘Oh, Christmas!’ he said. ‘I suppose so.’
all the time all the while all the time – 1.
through the whole period; continuously: Sue said she knew it all the time.
2. very often; many times: Ruth talks about her trip to Europe all
the time.
3. first and last; essentially: You probably are a politician all
the time, which is why you never get to behave badly. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase all hours – unusual hours
(very late or very early): It is dark: it must be all hours.
all the while – = all the time 1: Mary went to college in
her home town, and lived at home all the while.
all the way all the way live all the way – (US coll., of
hamburger, etc.) with all available extras, such as mustard,
relish, onions, etc.: I’d like one double cheeseburger – all the way.
all the way live – (coll.) very
exciting; excellent: Man, this place is all the way live.
all well and good it’s all very well all well and good – is
used to express approval of a possible event or situation: If he offers to work
on Saturday morning, all well and good, but I will not ask him to.
it’s all very well – is
used to imply sarcastically that a seemingly acceptable suggestion, etc. may be
unsatisfactory: It’s all very well for the doctor to tell me I need a
month’s holiday; but who’s going to look after business?
all-red line thin red line all-red line – (UK hist.) a
telegraph-line lying throughout in British territory (also: all-red route): Green tells of an interesting story
of Fleming’s advocacy of a Pacific Cable and the All-Red Line.
thin red line – (UK) 1.
(dated) the British army (used with the implication of its supposed
invincibility): Napoleon Buonaparte soon found that in the ‘thin
red line’ he had more than met his match.
2. is used of the heroic resistance of few against many: England’s thin
red line of intellectual royalists is being overrun by ‘progressive’
reformers who deliberately sabotage old-fashioned academic virtues. Cf.: thin blue line – a line of policemen; the
protective power of the law: You’ve heard about the thin blue
line that protects property and the owners of property.
allied to something allied with something allied to something – (of a nation) related
to another nation or connected by common origin: This group of nations is
closely allied to the Eastern and Southern Asiatics.
allied with something – (of a
nation) having joined forces with another nation: Britain was
allied with the United States many times in history.
allow for something
allow of something allow for something – take
smth. into consideration: It will take thirty minutes to get to the station, allowing
for traffic delays.
allow of something – admit
of smth.; leave room for smth.: There are more than ten other important issues
on the agenda, whose settlement allows of no delay.
Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the
phrase allow something – permit
smth.: Do not allow smoking in the car when non-smokers are
in it.
ally oneself to someone ally oneself with someone ally oneself to someone – unite
or affiliate with a person: She sought to ally herself to the older
members.
ally oneself with someone – unite
with a person in opposition to smb. else: The professor allied herself with
John against the committee.
along the line
along the lines along the line –
at some point during the course of a situation or activity: Somewhere along
the line your strategy has gone badly wrong.
along the lines – (also: on the
lines) 1. following a certain pattern:The Communist leadership organized the
country along the lines prescribed by the Soviet Union.
2. is used to indicate a general trend or direction of an argument,
etc.: Some people might argue along the lines of ‘Now is not the time to
talk about alternatives’.
amuse oneself with something be amused by something amuse oneself with something – do
smth. which helps to pass the time pleasantly and not become bored: The women amuse
themselves with a game something like jack-stones.
be amused by something – think
smth. funny and usually laugh because of it: I was highly amused by a
comment Bernard Shaw made once.
and no mistake there’s no
mistaking
and no mistake – without
any doubt (used after a statement to
emphasize the idea implied): It’s boiling hot today, and no
mistake!
there’s no mistaking – it
is impossible not to recognize: There’s no mistaking the sect’s women by
their downcast looks and black poke-bonnets.
See also: make no mistake about it /
there’s no mistake about it.
angel-water
holy water angel-water – a
perfume or cosmetic in which a plant Angelica (Herba
angelica) is a chief ingredient: Angel-water, an excellent
perfume: also a curious wash to beautify the skin.
holy water – water
blessed by a priest, used in the Roman and Greek ritual: Before the High Mass
on Sundays the celebrant sprinkles the people with holy water.
answer for
something answer to something answer for something – be
accountable or responsible for smth.: The dull monotony of institutional life
has much to answer for in the evil habits contracted by these girls.
answer to something – 1.
respond to smth.: The birds after answering to the call, darted off
again.
2. be suitable or satisfactory for smth.: We’ve been able to find the
solution that answers to our needs.
3. match or correspond to smth.: He doesn’t answer to the description
of the missing man.
answer someone answer to someone answer someone – say
smth. to a person in response to a question: I didn’t know how to answer her.
answer to someone – be
responsible or accountable to a person: If John cannot behave properly, he’ll
have to answer to me.
ant’s pants have ants in one’s pants ant’s pants – (Austral. sl.) the
height of fashion: You always think it’s the ant’s pants, and then
something better comes along.
have ants in one’s pants–(coll.) 1. fidget constantly because of extreme nervousness:
Why can’t you stand still, do you have ants in your pants?
2. be impatient or restless: The boss has ants in his pants and
wants us to have it all ready for him on Tuesday morning.
anxious about
something anxious for something anxious about something –
uneasy about smth.; disturbed about what may happen: And then, too, all the
time you were so worried and anxious about the food and the serving.
anxious for something – wishing
smth. very much; eager to get or obtain smth.: An incredible silence reigned
among the people, anxious for the event, and lost in suspense.
Note: The above distinction equally applies to the nominal
phrases anxiety about something
and anxiety for something.
any day any time any day – 1. on
any one day from now: This, too, is something that may happen any day
now or that could be a few years off.
2. (coll.) is used to
express one’s willingness or preference: I’d work with Mr. Murphy in Canada any
day rather than stay in here with that new boss.
3. (coll.) without doubt:
Why you are a good deal better-looking than her, Barbara. You are, any day. any time – 1. at a
time which may be very soon: That woman’s going to give birth any time
now.
2. at any time one chooses: He’s in a private ward, so you can get in any
time.
3. no matter when; whenever: Any time you’re stuck for a meal
come around.
4. is used in response to an expression of thanks: ‘Thanks for helping
me.’ ‘Any time.’
any one anyone any one –
whichever one (person or thing) you choose: Join the Disc of the Month Club,
and we will send you any one of these magnificent stereo recordings.
anyone – any
person;anybody: Is there anyone
so wise as to learn by the experience of others?
apply oneself to something apply to something apply oneself to something – put
all one’s energy and time into smth.: If you apply yourself to the job
in hand, you’ll soon finish it.
apply to something – 1.
turn to (an organization) for help, support, etc.: You must apply to the
proper office for permission.
2. affect smth.; be relevant to smth.: These policies apply only to
very large companies.
approve of
something
approve something approve of something – 1.
be willing to accept smth.; support smth.: Her father will never approve of
her marriage to you.
2. like or admire smth.: The wine was the very same which they had all approved
of the day before. approve something – formallyconfirm or sanction smth.: The minutes of
the meeting were read and approved.
apt at doing something apt to do something apt at doing something – able
to do smth. efficiently: He is very apt at picking up a new subject.
apt to do something – having
a tendency to do smth.: Babies who are small at birth are apt to grow
faster.
arm in arm hand in hand arm in arm – with
one’s arm under or around another person’s arm: Sally and Joan were laughing as
they walked arm in arm down the street.
hand in hand – 1.holding hands: Molly and her future
stepmother wandered about in the gardens hand in hand, like two babes in
the wood.
2. (fig.) in close
association; together: It provides a unique mix of a professionally educated
workforce working hand-in-hand with volunteers.
art
work work of art art work – (also: art-work) a
fine painting, piece of sculpture, etc.: They dreamed of great art-works,
lovely compositions, impassioned song.
work of art – 1. = art work 1: Whether buying stocks or works
of art he adopted the same technique.
2. is used to hyperbolically designate smth. skillfully made: His own
papers were works of art on which he labored with loving care.
as a last
resort
in the last resort as a last resort – as
a last means; when everything else has been tried and failed: The imprisonment
of a child should be used only as a last resort.
in the last resort – ultimately:
He was worried about his production figures. In the last resort it was
the human factor that counted.
as a
man
like a
man
as a man – 1. (of a group of people) acting unanimously
and at exactly the same time (also: as one
man): They came forward as a man to welcome their leader.
2. in respect of smb.’s personal character: The stature he acquired
both as a man and a leader gave added impetus and credibility to the
movement.
3. in the manner appropriate to men, as opposed to women: I went in
dressed as a man. like a man – 1. in
the manner of a brave, honest, and independent man: I think, if you haven’t the
guts to act like a man, you ought to leave this girl alone.
2. feel in one’s normal
condition of mind and body: What is it that will make him feel like a man
again, the king of his castle, and the leader of his domain.
as a matter of
fact fact of the matter is, the as a matter of fact – in
reality; in actual fact: As a matter of fact, the more he thought of
this development, the more certain he was that he must not let it interfere
with his judgement.
fact of the matter is, the – the
essential or important thing is: The fact of the matter is that she only
married me because Zeeman wouldn’t get a divorce, and she was punishing him.
as a reward for something in reward for something as a reward for something – is
used with reference to smth. given to a person to reward him: I receive as a
reward for my services a post, with which I am well satisfied.
in reward for something – is
used with reference to the reason for reward: He was presented with a gold
watch in reward for his services.
as a whole on the whole as a whole – considered
in its entirety: To judge the lines and angles of a figure requires analysis
which is difficult because the observer is engrossed in the appearance of the
figure as a whole.
on the whole – in
general; from every point of view: Some parts of your essay could be improved,
but on the whole it is a good effort.
as good as as well as as good as – practically;
almost: He as good as promised me the job.
as well as – in
addition: We will travel by night as well as by day.
as
hell
like hell as hell – (coll.)
extremely; very much (used to intensify
adjectives): Nobody believed him of course, and this made him sore as
hell.
like hell – 1. (exclam.) not at all; on the contrary (used to emphatically contradict a statement):
‘I’ve quite enjoyed it here.’ ‘Like hell I have,’ she added under her
breath.
2. (coll.) recklessly;
desperately (used to intensify verbs): I
just fired when something came into my sights and then turned like hell
as something fired at me!
as it was as it were as it was – 1. in
the circumstances; as the situation was: If we had been able to find a taxi, we
should have caught the train. As it was we were late.
2. already; by that time: We couldn’t afford it. Taxes were much too
high as it was. as it were – in a
way; so to speak: He was, as it were, the missing link between the
artist and the commercial public.
ask another
ask me another ask another – is
used as an expression of boredom or a protest against a worn-out joke: ‘I
say, Joe, when’s a door not a door?’ ‘Oh, ask another.’
ask me another –
is used to tell that one does not know the answer: ‘Are you fond of birds,
uncle Nic?’ ‘Ask me another, Greta!’
ask for someone’s hand ask someone for a hand ask for someone’s hand – propose
to a woman: I’ve told him I have asked for your hand in marriage and
that you’ve rejected me.
ask someone for a hand - 1.
ask smb. to help in what the person is doing: Sometimes you feel a bit stupid asking
someone for a hand.
2. ask (the audience) for applause: Clifford asks for a hand for
Sandra Bullock, but Sandra says she isn’t finished yet.
assimilate something into
something assimilate something to something assimilate something into something
– adapt smth. making it part of a larger group: The costs of assimilating
a traffic artery into an existing urban area are themselves a massive
community burden.
assimilate something to something – make
smth. like smth. else: The laws of the defeated country were assimilated to
those of the stronger country.
associate with someone be associated with someone associate with someone – spend
a lot of time in smb.’s company (especially if that person is objectionable):
Those extra-moralists refuse to associate with a convict legally
pardoned.
be associated with someone – be
connected in people’s mind with smb. because of common interests, etc.: He was
associated with, although he never joined, the British environmentalists.
at a distance in the distance at a distance – 1.
not too near: This is where you get truly wonderful views of the Acropolis –
seeing it at a distance, the Parthenon grows more impressive.
2. a long way away from smth. in time: Remembering this disaster at
a distance, I now feel sure that it was not her fault. in the distance –
far away: A sliver of an island appeared in the distance. The plane made
a wide turn and continued its slow descent.
at a draft on draft at a draft – drink all of
smth. during one continuous action of swallowing: He drank
half a pint of beer at a draft.
on draft – (usually of beer) served
from a barrel and not sold in bottles: We had no beer on draft and a
handful of bottled beers.
at a glance at first glance at a glance – notice immediately
without having to look carefully: When I warm up for a road race I can usually
tell at a glance the newcomers to the sport.
at first glance – (also: at first
sight) when first seen or considered: This arrangement
pleases at first glance, but soon fatigues the eye by its uniformity.
at a good
price
at a goodly price at a good price – 1.
sell at a fairly high price:
Again, it’s wise to look far enough ahead in order to use the market to your
advantage and sell at a good price.
2. buy at a very low
price (also: at a great price):
He lends people hospital beds, which he happened to get at a good price. at a goodly price – 1.
buy at a fairly high price: He
purchased the fabric at a goodly price, which drove up the cost on the
finished product.
2. = at a good price 1: The
Venus, being a rare and beautiful example of Roman sculpture, might well be
sold at a goodly price.
at a heat in heat at a heat– (coll.) at a single intense effort or
action: The new articles having been ‘thrown off at a heat’, stood
particularly in want of re-revision.
in heat – (of animals) in
the state of sexual excitement during the breeding season: ‘I’m no bitch in
heat,’ she said between tight teeth, ‘take your paws off me.’
See also: at a white heat / in a
dead heat.
at a moment
at the
moment at a moment – at
one point in time (out of many):He
looked up from the desk, caught her at a moment when, against her will,
tears had filled her eyes.
Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning
with the phrase in a moment
– 1. in a very short time: The
maids are busy preparing your room but they will be done in a moment.
2. =at a moment: He forced the responsibility
of two lives upon me, and, in a moment of indecision, I failed them. at the moment – 1.
at present; just now: There are twenty two residents in a large converted
private house, and at the moment many of them share a room.
2. at a specific point in time: That gentleman was really ruined, and
that at the moment when he was about to attain his end.
at a price at the price at a price – 1. at
a high cost; very expensive: There’s fresh asparagus in the shops – at a
price!
2. at the cost of much effort and sacrifice: Such is Ford’s grip on the
market, though it is one obtained at a price. at the price – 1.
at the cost indicated: Other wines difficult to beat at the price
include three wonderfully good dry whites from Hungary.
2. (of) at the expense of
smth.: The issue will be whether the government will introduce the harsh
measures at the price, it may be, of its own popularity.
at a push at one push at a push – (coll.) if
compelled by need or circumstances: We can sleep seven or eight people in the
house at a push.
at one push – with
one act of pushing: Do not press the shutter at one push, or otherwise
the photograph may be blurred.
at a stretch
on the stretch at a stretch – 1.
continuously; without interruption: It was impossible to work for more than an
hour or so at a stretch.
2. by making a special effort; by stretching one’s resources: We have
provided food for only fifty people, but we might be able to make it do for
sixty at a stretch. on the stretch – 1.
tightened and extended: By the inspiratory effort the elastic tissue of the
lungs is put on the stretch.
2. = at a stretch 1: He
tells me that the Finns recite their poems six or seven hours on the stretch,
spelling one another, as we say in New England.
3. (coll.) using
exaggerated statements: He’s always on the stretch... He never tells the
truth except by mistake.
4. in the state of nervous tension: The insects whirred and buzzed and
the noise… kept Harry’s nerves on the stretch.
5. using one’s utmost powers: Me and my stoker were on the stretch
all the time, doing two things at once – attending to the engine and looking
out. at a stroke at the stroke at a stroke – suddenly
and with a single action or effort: Some companies were currently in trouble
because Mr. Heath changed strategy at a stroke.
at the stroke – at
exactly the time stated or agreed upon: We agreed to meet for lunch, and he
arrived at the stroke.
at a
time
at one time at a time – 1.
simultaneously at any one time: We present items, three at a time, and
ask informants to pick the one that is most different from the other two.
2. is used of a particular period of time: She grew up in the capital at
a time when its artistic life was at its most febrile and brilliant. at one time – 1. =
at a time 1: Let’s start the
dance again, all at one time.
2. at some time in the past: At one time most school teachers
were men. Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the
phrase at times – at distinct
intervals of duration; now and then: Our work is cut out for us,
even though it can be heartbreaking at times.
at a
trot
on the trot at a trot – at a
pace faster than a walk: He looked both ways along the main road, then set off at
a trot in the general direction of the Stones’ household.
on the trot – (coll.) 1.
moving from place to place: Two days on the trot carrying a big bag took
its toll on me at only eighteen.
2. running away from prison, the police, etc.: I eloped with one of the
boys and we went on the trot from the approved school.
3. busy moving from one task to another: I’ve been on the trot all
morning and I’m exhausted.
4. one after the other; in succession: For three matches on the trot,
he was really energetic and successful.
at a
walk
in a walk at a walk – at the
ordinary gait: He watched her as she went past at a walk, the
black Labrador and he both gazing wistfully.
in a walk – (coll.) 1.
do smth. quickly and without much
thought: If you bother me too much, I’ll leave you in a walk!
2. do smth. easily and
without effort: The whole thing… gets back to Duncan. If I can break down
Duncan’s identification I can win the case in a walk.
at a
word in a word at a word – at
smb.’s word or phrase by which an order is given: At a word from the
guard they all splashed into the water and washed their faces thoroughly.
in a word – (introductory or
parenthetical) briefly; in short: Another morning came, but
no wife. In a word, she was never heard of more.
at all events in any event at all events –
anyhow; at any rate: Our landlady may be a bad cook, but at all events
she does her best.
in any event –
whatever may happen: I hope to go tomorrow; in any event I shall go
before Saturday.
at all hours at any hour at all hours – continuously,
especially at unusual or irregular times: Here, at all hours of the
night, may be heard the rattling of latch-keys in their respective keyholes.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase at all times – on all
occasions; always: The accessibility of Italy upon this side was at
all times a matter of anxiety to her rulers.
at any hour – at
any time; whenever one chooses:The
knowledge that he might at any hour be called upon… stimulated his
studies of his duties.
See also: at any one time / at any
time.
at an
end
at the end at an end – 1. of
smth. used up or exhausted: I must warn you that my patience is almost at an
end.
2. be finished; be over: When a checkmate is obtained, the game is at
an end. at the end – 1. in
the last part of smth.: I think the film’s a bit weak at the end.
2. in the farthest part of smth.: The tube is very short and closed at
the end. Note:The expression is not equivalent in meaning
to the phrase in the end – 1.
finally; ultimately: Between two
and three months were spent in the drafting of a document which in the end
was rejected.
2. taking one thing with another; as
things turn out: In the end, boys and girls don’t communicate
the same way.
at any cost
at any price at any cost – regardless
of how much effort or sacrifice is needed: In plain English, it is murder, and
it must be stopped at any cost. You understand?
at any price – 1. = at any cost: Peace at any price
will not be a long peace. There will be more price to pay, over and over
again.
2. (negat.) is used to
emphatically state that under no circumstances will one accept or do smth.: I’m
going to leave you. I can’t stand my father-in-law at any price.
at any one time at any time at any one time – on
each separate occasion:These
were what were known as ‘bottle shops’, and could not sell less than a bottle
of spirits at any one time.
at any time – 1.
at any given moment: The navigational system enabled our bombers to know
exactly where they were at any time en route to Germany.
2. at a time which may be very soon: We may need the trucks at any
time. I’ll phone if I want you to roll them.
3. at any time one chooses: Anyone is welcome to join in at any time
during the day.
4. no matter when; whenever: If at any time you have questions,
please feel free to call. See also: at all hours / at any
hour.
at arm’s
length close at hand at arm’s length –
1. as far away from one as one can reach with the arm: The curtains fell
together as the girl and the man stood at arm’s length from one another.
2. away from close contact or familiarity: Deep inside she does have a
bit of affection for him, but their rivalry has her keeping him at arm’s
length. close at hand – 1.
very near; in close proximity: The monks were always mindful to establish
themselves where there was water close at hand.
2.on close inspection:
He was found, close at hand, to be no mean acrid man; but at heart a
healthful, strong, sagacious man.
3. (of an event, etc.) coming
on shortly: This was the moment at which the fortunes of Montague reached the
meridian. The decline was close at hand. at
best at one’s best
at best – even
under the most favorable conditions: He can only tie the score, at best.
at one’s best – of
smb. in the best state or condition (at the peak of one’s talent, etc.):
Although he was not at his best, he won the match.
at call
within call at call – (also: on call) 1.
(of a doctor, etc.) available if
required: She served as president, then followed that with twenty-eight years
as treasurer, always at call, and handling the money carefully.
2. (of a bill, etc.) repayable
on demand: As a first step, I secured my vast property, so that the income
would be certain, and always at call. within call – of
smb. near enough to be summoned by calling: Captain Ross was still away on
duty, and there was nobody except the native servants within call.
at command in command on command at command – of
smth. ready to be used; at one’s disposal: A constant supply of hot water is at
command over the whole house.
in command – 1.
having the authority to command: Like all those who are seldom in command,
the master was proportionally tyrannical and abusive.
2. having control over a situation: He was looking more relaxed and in
command than ever before. on command – at
the order given: On command the mother ship would have oriented itself
and determined when to launch its subsatellites.
at full length
at great length at full length – 1.
with the body stretched out and flat: He never walked again, but was drawn
about lying at full length in a sort of bed-carriage.
2. describing smth. thoroughly
and in detail: The purism of modern times and your fastidious delicacy would
not allow me to give this story at full length. at great length – = at full length
2: He went on at great length about his favorite
hobby.
Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning
with the phrase at length – 1.
= at great length: He dwelt at
length on the very considerable opposition in France to the entry of the UK
into the Common Market.
2. after a long time or pause:At length he spoke again, softly, as if he was debating with himself.
at full strength in full strength at full strength – 1.
(of machinery) operate at maximum
capacity: Make sure the outside of the screen is clean and have the demister
operating at full strength.
2. (of a group of people) in
large numbers; with all its members present: The company is at last working at
full strength. in full strength – (also: in full
force) = at full strength 2: The ‘Bumming and Gassing Company’
were out in full strength, the novelty of labor being a new experience
in their existence.
Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the
phrase with all one’s strength –
using as much physical effort as one can: He looped the rope over
the branch and pulled with all his strength.
at full
time
in the fullness of time at full time – reaching
the specified or usual mass or dimension: Under magnification the cells of the
Zuckerkandl bodies at full time resemble the larger cells described.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
adverbial phrase full time – usedof the number of hours normally allotted to
daily or weekly work: All the factories we visited were running full
time.
in the fullness of time – at
the proper or destined time: If, in the fullness of time, your children
and your in-laws become friends, that might be just great.
at
hazard on the hazard at hazard –1. at random; without plan: The following
examples were selected at hazard.
2. at stake; in danger: Their worldly interests were at hazard. on the hazard – = at hazard 2:
Messala’s whole fortune was on the hazard.
at high
pressure
under high pressure at high pressure – 1.
(of matter) being strongly
pressed: Steam and oxygen at high pressure are introduced at the lower
end of the gasifier.
2. (fig.) acting with
great energy and speed: As for Robert, he, of course, was living at high
pressure all round. under high pressure – 1.
= at high pressure 1: Like most
of the organic superconductors already known, the new material loses its
resistance only under high pressure.
2. (fig.) when strongly
persuaded or compelled: It is increasingly recognized that working under
high pressure for sustained periods results in stress.
at home
on home ground at home –relaxed and comfortable because one is
thoroughly familiar with smth. one is doing: Melanie is equally at home
singing oratorio, spirituals, jazz or performing in musical theater.
on home ground – (also: on one’s own home ground) 1.
in the area where one works or lives (with
the implication that it makes a person feel confident and secure):
Students benefit by experiencing interviews with prospective employers on
their own home ground, without too much of a disruption of their studies.
2. = at home: Godber is on
home ground, writing with cold-eyed affection about the Yorkshire mining
communities of his formative years. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with
the phrase on one’s native soil –
in the land of one’s birth: I am looking forward to going back to
France and standing once more on my native soil.
at home in something at home with something at home in something – relaxed
and comfortable because one is familiar with a particular subject: It is
difficult to feel at home in a foreign language.
at home with something – feeling
easy and confident about using smth.: From the day we arrived he was completely
at home with the camera.
at home to someone at home with someone at home to someone –
prepared and willing to receive visitors: Mrs. Hill is not at home to
anyone except relatives.
at home with someone – 1.
on friendly terms with a person: Leopold described his charm as ‘magnetic’ and
said ‘he was at home with everybody.’
2. comfortable in a person’s company: His genial manner made me feel
quite at home with him.
at
interest
with interest at interest – (of money) borrowed or
lent on the condition that interest is to be paid: A sum
placed in a bank at interest and not to be drawn before a set maturity
date.
with interest – 1.
(of money) paid with interest
included: The company will return your original investment to you with
interest.
2. with increase or addition: The boys make monkey faces at me and I
return the compliment with interest.
at
large
in large at large – 1. at
liberty; not in confinement or captivity: They felt also that Hannibal was
still at large, and it might not be well to drive him to despair.
2. unemployed; without an occupation: Are you at large or have
you any other occupation?
3. (of people) in
general: Did the people at large approve of the government’s policy?
4. without definite aim; at random: A single stroke well aimed returns
a better result than a score which are delivered at large.
5. at great length; in detail: My mother and I talked at large
on the subject. in large – (also: in the large) 1.
on a large scale: Are they pledging allegiance to a piece of cloth rather than
their friends, family, and neighbors: their community in small and in large?
2. as a whole: Much of the information needed to produce a uniformly
precise map will be missing. However, it is only the picture in the large
that will suffer.
at last at the last at last – at the
end of a long period of time; after much waiting or delay: It is an uplifting
thought that truth is to be told at last in a radical and
attention-compelling manner.
at the last – 1.at the last moment: From a certain point
of view, it might be said that I betrayed Joan, that at the last, I made
use of her.
2. during the final period of an event or activity: Ah, but you never
saw him at the last. He was so patient and grateful – not at all what he
used to be. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase at the latest– of smth. that must happen at or before a particular
time and not after that time: Changes will become necessary by the autumn
at the latest.
at low water in low water at low water – when
the tide is out and far from the shore: Filey Brig is a remarkable ridge of
rocks, projecting nearly half a mile into the sea and perfectly dry at low
water.
in low water – in
financial difficulties: He was in very low water when I saw him last
week – he even asked if I could lend him some money to pay the rent.
Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the
phrase in deep water – (also: in
deep waters) 1. in serious difficulties;
in trouble: I have not suffered as you have. But – I have been in
rather deep water too, in another way.
2. = in low water: Our
business has found itself in deep water during the last year and may
have to close down.
at
need
in need at need – in time
of need: Armstrong was careful to allow his young heroes the support of older
men whose experience could be called upon at need.
in need – requiring
help:Many elderly people who are
in need fail to apply for a supplementary allowance, because they are
inclined to regard it as some kind of charity.
at night in the night at night – is used
with reference to the night time:I
want to work for a newspaper, and study journalism at night.
Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the
phrase by night –used with
reference to the conditions under which smth. is done in the night time:
In order to avoid the heavy traffic on the roads, some people prefer to travel by
night. in the night – during
the night immediately past: She’s exhausted. The baby woke up three times in
the night.
at no
time
in no time at no time – on no
occasion; never: This organization has at no time been an official
subdivision of the British Labor Party.
in no time – very
soon; very quickly: Our private lessons by professional instructors will have
you phobia-free and swimming in no time.
at one in one at one – in
agreement: Here is an inner core of Evangelism in which all true believers are at
one.
in one – 1.
combined; together: He is President, Chairman and Secretary in one.
2. in a single piece: The cloth is of no use to me if it is in several
pieces; I need it all in one.
at one time and another at one time or
another
at one time and another – (also: one
time and another) from time to time; occasionally: And he
wanted again the robust, moral exchange of love and passion such as he had had
at first with her, at one time and another.
at one time or another – 1.
= at one time and another: But I
lost that job, it was alright, I deserved to lose it, I was a dickhead – but
haven’t we all been at one time or another.
2. one day; sooner or later: Whilst a thorough understanding of the
phenomenon is not required they should have a little background since all are
likely to meet it at one time or another.
at one’s fingertips to one’s fingertips at one’s fingertips – (also: at
one’s finger-ends) said of facts, information, etc. readily
available (as a result of thorough knowledge): Thanks to an excellent filing
system, he has all the figures at his fingertips.
to one’s fingertips – (also: to
one’s finger-ends) completely; thoroughly: Frank was a
gentleman to his fingertips. He was always good to meet and has a word
for one and all.
at one’s time of life in one’s lifetime at one’s time of life – at
one’s age, especially middle age: If I can’t bear a bit of pain at my time
of life I’m no sportswoman.
in one’s lifetime – for
the duration of one’s life; while a person is alive.: In my lifetime, four
things have happened to revolutionize farming.
at
play
in play at play – 1.
playing games:Those who were at
play, were gleesome and noisy as other children.
2. engaged in gambling (playing cards, etc.): This gentleman has been at
play at that there gaming-house over the way. in play – 1. used
of smth. said or done for amusement and not intended to be taken seriously:
Don’t be offended; I only said it in play.
2. said of factors actively involved; having influence: Mighty forces
are in play in the present round of negotiations. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrasein
full play–in full action or operation; acting with full force:
The usual bustle was in full play.
at
quiet
on the quiet at quiet – at
peace; in a state of calm or repose: The lives of the poor people arrested were
saved, and the country remained at quiet.
on the quiet – done
privately or in secret: If my boy ever gets married on the quiet and
plays the fool, I’ll break his blethering neck for him.
at rise at the rise at rise – (Theater) at
the moment when the rising curtain discloses a scene: At rise we see an interview
room with a desk and simple furnishings.
at the rise– (of) at the start of
smth.; at an early stage in smth.: The book accurately portrays American cities
at the rise of industrialism. Note: The expression
does not correlate in meaning with the phraseon the rise– 1. on the increase: The
stealing of intellectual property is on the rise and there are very few
copyright laws out there to prevent these things from happening.
2. (of
prices)going up: Now,
with warmer weather and an improving economy, gas prices are on the rise.
at
sea on the sea at sea – 1. (of a ship) far away from land: If he
knows the Morse code, he may listen to messages from ships at sea.
2. (also: all at sea) perplexed;
confused: The job was new to me, and for a few days I was quite at sea. on the sea – 1. floating on the surface of the sea: On
the sea and large lakes ice seldom forms smoothly. Early storms break it
and pack it in confusion.
2. situated on the coast, close to the sea-side: The duke abandoned the
city of Benevento and went off to another city, which was situated on the
sea. Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the
phrase in the sea – in the waters
of the sea: These fish are found in the seas along the North
Atlantic coast of America.
at short hand in short hand at short hand – in
the short term; quickly: The demo failed because the problem could not be
solved at short-hand.
in short hand – ofa quick way of writing which uses signs
instead of letters or words: She certainly didn’t want to take him down in
short hand.
at
sight in sight at sight –(also: on sight) 1. shoot a person immediately on seeing him:
Had we shot Jodl at sight, that precious piece of evidence would never
have been obtained.
2. reading music without
previous study: That pianist can read the most difficult music at sight.
3.of drafts, etc.to be paid at once on presentation: I’ll
give you a check at sight on the Pennsylvanian Bank. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase at first sight – (also: at
first glance) when first seen or considered, usually with the implication that
one’s first impression is probably wrong:At first sight it
seems, that the proportions are broken, but attentively peering in the works,
you can see exact outlines expressed in movements.
in sight – 1.
within view: The small jet began to lose height, and soon airport buildings, a
runway, and taxi strips were in sight.
2. in one’s mental or spiritual vision: His sagacious mind immediately
recognized and caught on to the only plan of salvation in sight.
3. of smth. likely to happen soon: That such a development is not now in
sight does not offer conclusive proof of technical infeasibility.
at someone’s back on someone’s back at someone’s back –
1.said of smb. pursuing or
chasing a person: The enemies were at his back.
2. said of smb. giving support or protection to a person: He knows that
he has the head of the Department at his back. on someone’s back – 1.
said of smb. annoying or causing trouble to a person: All he wants to know is
who’s going to be Sheriff. That’s the person who’s going to be on his back.
2. said of smb. being a burden to a person, causing him expense, etc.:
Well, we’re the backbone of the country, but you see, Bob, there’s too many
people on our backs.
at someone’s
command under someone’s command at someone’s command – 1.
at smb.’s word or phrase by which an order is given: He presented, at her
command, a rose that he gathered.
2. ready to be used; at one’s disposal: Never was his inventive force
more flexible and more at his command. under someone’s command – under
smb.’s charge or control: The editorial policy of the Daily Mail was under
his total command.
at someone’s
service in someone’s service at someone’s service – 1.
being ready to help a person: I
am at your service whenever you should need my advice.
2. ready to be used; at smb.’s disposal: My car is at your service
to take you around Rome and its surroundings. in someone’s service – working
as a domestic servant: Miss White has been in our service for five years.
at the back of something on the back of something at the back of something – 1.
behind smth.: At the back of the house there was a large garden.
2. in the part which is farthest from the front: a room at the back
of the house; a door at the back of a building.
3. responsible for smth., especially smth. bad: I suppose Mr. Tillotson
is at the back of the plan to demolish those fine old buildings. on the back of something –
1. on the reverse side of smth.: On the back of the letter was a
diagram.
2. in addition to smth.; immediately following smth. (usually of an unfortunate event): The
child had the measles, and then on the back of that came the scarlet
fever.
at the bottom of something
in the bottom of something at the bottom of something – 1.
in the lowest part outside smth.: I stood there at the bottom of the
steps.
2. in the part farthest from the front: The poor relations were seated at
the bottom of the long table.
3. being the real cause of smth. undesirable: Greed lies at the bottom
of our ecological predicament. in the bottom of something – in
the lowest part inside smth.: The fish we had caught were flopping about in
the bottom of the boat.
at the
conference
in conference at the conference – 1.
in the course of the conference: A good deal of discussion at the conference
has been about pluralism.
2. attending a conference: The gays at the conference were all
people who had ‘come out’ – that is, openly declared themselves to be
homosexual. in conference – busy
at a meeting to discuss smth. or exchange views: Qwilleran went to see the
managing editor, but Percy was in conference with the publisher.
at the cutting edge of
something
on a knife-edge of something at the cutting edge of something –
(also: on the cutting edge of something) involvedin the most advanced developments in a
particular field: It is unrealistic for any designer to expect to be at the
cutting edge of the fashion industry for anything longer than fifteen
years. on a knife-edge of something –(also: on a razor’s edge of something) on
the brink of smth. bad or dangerous: The expansion of trade hasn’t closed the
gap between those who live on the cutting edge of the global economy and the
billions who live on the knife’s edge of survival.
at the end of the day late in the day at the end of the day – (coll.) after
one has considered all the relevant facts: The question at the end of the
day is whether the house is actually worth that amount.
late in the day – 1.of actions takensomewhat late and consequently not fully
effective: It’s a little late in the day to start talking about policy
changes.
2. at almost the last possible time: It was the pensioners’ vote late
in the day which influenced the election of Mr. Simmons.
at the heart of
something
in the heart of something at the heart of something – at
the basis of smth.: The two-stage module is at the heart of the American
plans to land two men on the moon.
in the heart of something – in
the central part of smth.: The Verbas, another Bosnian river, rises in the
heart of the country.
at the outside
on the outside at the outside – at
the highest possible figure: This woman is young, I suppose at the outside
not thirty.
on the outside – 1.
on the outer side or surface: Make sure the contents are clearly labeled on
the outside.
2. (sl.) out of prison: The
funny thing is – on the outside, I was an honest man, straight as an
arrow. I had to come to prison to be a crook.
at the same time in the same time at the same time – 1.
coincidentally; concurrently: The punched-card method reduced the cost of
processing information and at the same time accelerated the speed of
producing data.
2. at the same moment; simultaneously: The same stock may be quoted at
the same time in the exchange markets of distant places.
3. nevertheless; while saying this (used
to express reservation): Give them my best wishes. At the same
time I must say I do not envy the girl. in the same time – taking
the same amount of time: A black stone-ware teapot will radiate away 100
degrees of its heat in the same time that a pot of polished metal will
radiate only 12 degrees.
at the side of
someone
on the side of someone at the side of someone – (coll.) of
smb. compared with another person: She is quite clever at the side of
other girls.
on the side of someone – giving
support to smb. in a conflict, dispute, etc.: He told her that despite Callas’
harsh nature, she was always on the side of her students.
at the sight of someone in the sight of
someone at the sight of someone –
on seeing a person: Does running away at the sight of the police give
officers reason enough to stop and search you on the street?
in the sight of someone –
1. near enough to be seen by a person: One man that was convicted of hiding
Russians was brutally killed in the sight of the townspeople.
2. in smb.’s opinion; as regarded by a person: In the sight of
the world, they were a happily married couple.
at the time of
something
in the time of something at the time of something – at
the particular point of time: I was in India at the time of my father’s
death.
in the time of something – (also: in
the times of something) during the period associated with
smth.: The payment of annates had originated in the time of the
crusades, as a means of providing a fund for the holy wars.
at the top of the
tree up a tree at the top of the tree –
as high as possible in one’s career or profession: You’re asking us to believe
that a man absolutely established, right at the top of his particular tree,
is going to commit forgery.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase on top of the world –
extremely happy: Eva was on top of the world about the play.
up a tree – 1. (coll.) in trouble or difficulty; in a
predicament (also: up a gum-tree):
The news that no hotel accommodations were obtainable left me rather up a
tree.
2. (sl.) alcohol
intoxicated: Only two glasses of booze and he was up a tree for sure. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the
phrase out of one’s tree – (sl.)
crazy; mad: Regardless of my personal feelings however, I do believe
that Bill was out of his tree when he made this decision.
at the view of someone in the view of someone at the view of someone– at the sight of smb.;
on seeing a person:He tried not
to laugh out loud at the view of his son, standing in front of him
dressed like a woman.
in the view of someone – 1.
near enough to be seen by smb.: She stood in the view of everybody and
uttered that strange and incredible prediction.
2. in the opinion of a person: In the view of the magistrate,
the offence was not a serious one.
at this minute this minute at this minute – (also: at the
minute) at present; just now: She’s feeding the baby at
this minute.
this minute – at
once; immediately: You don’t have to make a decision this minute.
at this time this time at this time – 1.
at present; now: A local man is under suspicion but there isn’t enough evidence
to justify an arrest at this time.
2. at some specified time in the past: He must have been engaged at
this time in some such absorbing pursuit. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase at this time of day – in
present circumstances; when things have reached the stage they now have:
It’s no good changing our minds at this time of day; we ought to have
done that before.
this time – on
this occasion: With the new scroll placed on the bulletin board all may see who
made the honor roll this time.
attach oneself to someone attach to someone attach oneself to someone – associate
oneself with a person; become smb.’s constant companion: Fred seems to have attached
himself to a much older woman.
attach to someone – (of blame,
fault, etc.) become fixed onto a person: A lot of guilt attaches
to Henry for his part in the plot.
attempt at something attempt on something attempt at something –
an effort to do smth.: The author states that this publication is the first attempt
at a representation of our knowledge about vitamins and avitaminoses.
attempt on something –
an act of trying to achieve or accomplish smth. difficult: When Sir Malcolm
Camp-bell makes his next attempt on the world’s speed record, he will be
using a true ‘jet-propelled’ speed-boat.
Austral
English
Australian English Austral English –
the variety of English spoken by most inhabitants of Australia and New Zealand:
In 1793 Austral English was barely born.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
noun Austral – the language of the
Austral Islands(an archipelago
in theSouth Pacific inhabited by
Polynesians). Australian English – the
variety of English spoken by most inhabitants of Australia: There is Australian
English, and American English, and Indian English – recognizable… as a
matter of idiom and accent.
autograph
book
autographed book autograph book – a
book in which signatures of famous people are collected: As I turn the pages of
my dog-eared autograph book now, each name encapsulates its own little
bit of history.
autographed book – a
book bearing the author’s own signature: In this first edition autographed
book, Captain Eugene Cernan describes his personal involvement in mankind’s
reach for the moon.
autographed copy autographic copy autographed copy – a
copy of a book, etc. signed by the author: On the day of its publication, Hank
had gone jubilantly to Isobel’s back door, armed with an autographed copy
for her and her husband.
autographic copy – the
original copy written by the author: The Library of Congress houses the autographic
copy of the Declaration of Independence with corrections by Thomas
Jefferson himself.
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