[in mint condition] {adj. phr.} Excellent; as good as new. Grandma seldom uses her car; it is already ten years old, but it isstill in mint condition.
[just what the doctor ordered] {n. phr.}, {informal} Exactly whatis needed or wanted. “Ah! Just what the doctor ordered!” exclaimedJoe when Mary brought him a cold soda.
[allow for] {v.} To provide for; leave room for; give a chance to; permit. She cut the skirt four inches longer to allow for a wide hem. Democracy allows for many differences of opinion.
[run-down] {adj.} In poor health or condition;weak or needing much work. Grandma caught a cold because she wasvery run-down from loss of sleep. The houses near the center ofthe city get more run-down every
[surefire] {adj.} Without fail; effective; bringing actual results. During a campaign the only surefire way to get the sympathy of thevoters is to mingle with them in person.
[walk away with] or [walk off with] {v.} 1. To take and go awaywith; take away; often: steal. When Father went to work, heaccidentally walked off with Mother’s umbrella. How can a thiefwalk off
[feel one’s oats] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To feel frisky or playful;be eager and excited. The horses were feeling their oats. Whenthey first got to camp, the boys were feeling their oats. 2. To
[come to grips with] {v. phr.} 1. To get hold of in close fighting. After circling around for a minute, the two wrestlers came to grips with each other. 2. To struggle seriously with.
[of a piece] {adj. phr.} Of the same kind; in line. – Usually usedwith “with”. His quitting the job is of a piece with his droppingout of school.
[Christmas card] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen’s band radio jargon} A speeding ticket. Smokey just gave a Christmas card to the eighteen wheeler we passed.