[shoot the breeze] or [bat the breeze] or [fan the breeze] or[shoot the bull] {v. phr.}, {slang} To talk. Jim shot the breezewith his neighbor while the children were playing. Come into thekitchen and
[up and about] or [around] {adv. phr.} Recovered and able to moveabout; once again in good health after an illness. My sister wasill for several weeks, but is now up and about again.
[hot number] {n.}, {slang} A person or thing noticed as newer, better, or more popular than others. The boys and girls thoughtthat song was a hot number. The new car that Bob is driving
[talk up] {v.} 1. To speak in favor or support of. Let’s talk upthe game and get a big crowd. 2. To speak plainly or clearly. Theteacher asked the student to talk up. Syn.:
[out of work] {adv. phr.} Having no income-producing job;unemployed. When too many people are out of work, it is a sign thatthe economy is in a recession.
[draw and quarter] {v. phr.}, {literary} 1. To execute someone in the barbaric medieval fashion of having him torn into four pieces by four horses tearing his body in four different directions. The captured
[roughhouse] {v.} To play very wildly; be running around as youngboys usually do. “Stop roughhousing this minute,” Grandma cried.”Your father will be home soon.”
[keep back] {v. phr.} To refrain or be restrained from entering;remain back. The police had a hard time keeping back the crowd whenthe astronauts came to town after walking on the moon.
[tut-tut] {interj.}, {informal} Used to express mild disapproval. “Tut-tut,” said the teacher. “You shouldn’t cross the street withoutlooking.” Tut-tut, put that piece of candy back. You’ve alreadyhad three pieces.
[come out for] {v. phr.} To support; declare oneself in favor of another, especially during a political election. Candidates for the presidency of the United States are anxious for the major newspapers to come