Значение идиомы word of mouth
[word of mouth] {n. phr.} Communication by oral rather than writtenmeans. The merchant told us that the best customers he had wererecommended to him by word of mouth.
Значение идиомы out of the swim
[out of the swim] {adj. phr.} Not doing what others are doing; notactive in business or social affairs. Mary had to stay home andtake care of Mother while she was sick, and soon felt
Значение идиомы play politics
[play politics] {v. phr.} To make secret agreements for your owngain; handle different groups for your own advantage. In order toget elected, he had to play politics with both the unions and thebosses. Mary
Значение идиомы runner-up
[runner-up] {n.} The person who finishes second in a race orcontest; the one next after the winner. Tom won the race and Jackwas runner-up. Joan was runner-up in the contest for classsecretary. Compare: SECOND-BEST.
Значение идиомы no wonder
[no wonder] also [small wonder] {adj.} Not surprising; to beexpected. It is no wonder that the children love to visit thefarm. The Browns didn’t go to the fair. Small wonder – theydislike large noisy
Значение идиомы rule the roost
[rule the roost] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be leader or boss; be incharge. Jim is very bossy; he always wants to rule the roost. Who rules the roost in the Smith’s house? Compare: WEAR
Значение идиомы iron horse
[iron horse] {n.}, {informal} A railroad locomotive; the engine ofa railroad train. In its first days, the iron horse frightened manypeople as it roared across country scattering sparks.
Значение идиомы keep a civil tongue in one’s head
[keep a civil tongue in one’s head] {v. phr.} To be polite inspeaking. He was very angry with his boss, but he kept a civiltongue in his head. The bus driver began yelling at
Значение идиомы lit up like a Christmas tree
[lit up like a Christmas tree] {adj. phr.}, {informal} To be drunk. On New Year’s Eve Ned was lit up like a Christmas tree. Compare:THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND.
Значение идиомы lose touch
[lose touch] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail to keep in contact orcommunication. – Usually used with “with”. After she moved toanother town, she lost touch with her childhood friends. Compare: OUTOF TOUCH.