Значение идиомы play down
[play down] {v.} To give less emphasis to; make seemless important; divert attention from; draw notice away from. Thenewspaper stories played down the actor’s unattractive past. Asalesman’s job is to emphasize the good points
Значение идиомы win hands down
[win hands down] {v. phr.} To win conclusively and without externalhelp. The opposition was so weak that Dan won the election handsdown.
Значение идиомы survival of the fittest
[survival of the fittest] {n. phr.} The staying alive or in actionof the best prepared; often: idea that those living things best ableto adjust to life survive and those unable to adjust die out.
Значение идиомы turn to
[turn to] {v.} To begin working with much energy. All the boysturned to and cleaned the cabin in a few minutes. Mary turned toand studied for the test. Syn.: FALL TO.
Значение идиомы hatchet man
[hatchet man] {n.}, {colloquial} 1. A politician or newspapercolumnist whose job is to write and say unfavorable things about theopposition. Bill Lerner is the hatchet man for the Mayor’s Party;he smears all the other
Значение идиомы goal line stand
[goal line stand] {n.} A strong defensive effort right in front ofthe goal line. A goal line stand by the home team held the visitorson the two-yard line.
Значение идиомы sponge on
[sponge on] or [off] {v. phr.} To exploit parasitically; dependupon for support. He is already forty years old, but he refuses togo to work and sponges off his retired parents.
Значение идиомы cream of the crop
[cream of the crop] {n. phr.} The best of a group; the top choice. May Queen candidates were lovely, but Betsy and Nancy were the cream of the crop. The students had drawn many
Значение идиомы the likes of
[the likes of] {informal} Something like or similar to; somethingof the same kind as. I have never seen the likes of John. Itwas a chocolate sundae the likes of which Mary would never see
Значение идиомы listen in
[listen in] {v.} 1. To listen to a radio broadcast. We foundthem listening in to the president’s speech. 2. To listen to the talkof others, often to talk that is not intended for your