American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms

bend one's elbow

hand. see CROOK ONE'S ELBOW.

bend over backwards Also, lean over backwards. Exert oneself to the fullest extent, as in Dad bent over backwards so as not to embarrass Stasia's new boyfriend. This phrase transfers the gymnastic feat of a backbend to taking a great deal of trouble for someone or something. [c. 1920] Also see under FALL ALL OVER.

bend someone's ear

Talk about a matter at tedious length; monopolize someone's attention. For example, Aunt Mary is always bending his ear about her financial problems. This term may have come from the much older to bend one's ear to someone, meaning ''to listen to someone," although the current phrase implies a less than willing audience. [Colloquial; c. 1940]

benefit

hand. see GIVE THE BENEFIT.

bent on Also, bent upon. Determined, resolved, as in Jamie is bent on winning the math prize.

This phrase, first recorded in 1762, always uses the past participle of the verb bend in the sense of "tend toward."

bent out of shape

1. Infuriated, annoyed, as in Don't let Paul get you bent out of shape?

calm down. 2. Shocked, astonished, as in That conservative audience was bent out of shape by his speech. [Slang; second half of 1900s] Also see IN GOOD CONDITION (SHAPE).

be off

1. Leave, depart, as in I'm off to the races; wish me luck. This phrase, first recorded in 1826, was once commonly used as an imperative, meaning "go away"??

as in Be off or I'll call the policebut today is rare in this context. 2. Be in poor condition; be stale or spoiled; not work properly. For example, This milk must be off; it tastes sour, or The kitchen clock is off by at least five minutes. [Early 1900s] 3. Be free from work, school, or some other regular occupation, as in The secretary is off today, but perhaps I can find it. [Mid-1800s] 4. Decline, as in

The industrial stocks are off 50 points today. This usage, nearly always applied to securities or other prices, was first recorded in 1929, the year of the great stock market crash.

be on

1. Be taking medication or an illegal drug, as in Are you on some antibiotic? or He was definitely on narcotics when it happened. [1930s] 2. Be in favor of something or willing to participate, as in

We're going dancing after the play?

are you on? [Colloquial; late 1800s] 3. Be engaged in some action, especially on the stage, as in

Hurry up, you're on in five minutes. [Late 1700s] 4. Perform extremely well, as in I can't return

Dan's serve?

he's really on today. [Slang; second half of 1900s] 5. Be scheduled, as in Is tonight's rally still on?

[Colloquial; second half of 1900s] 6. be on one. Be at one's expense, either as a treat or the butt of a joke. For example, This round of drinks is on me, or He enjoys a good laugh, even when the joke's on him. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s] 7. not be on. Be unacceptable, not allowable, as in I can't believe you'd cancel; that's just not on. This usage is more common in Britain than America. [Colloquial; 1930s] For a synonym, see NOT DONE. Also see BE ON TO.

be oneself

1. Act in one's usual fashion; be in one's normal physical or mental state. For example, Peter's finally recovered from the accident and is himself again, or I was completely distracted; I just wasn't myself. 2. Act without pretense; be unaffected, sincere. For example, I really enjoy their company because I can be myself with them.

be on to

1. Be aware of or have information about, as in They can't pull that trick again; we're on to them now. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s] 2. Discover something important or profitable, as in The researchers claim they are really on to something big. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]

berth

hand. see GIVE A WIDE BERTH TO.

beside oneself

In a state of extreme agitation or excitement, as in She was beside herself when she found she'd lost her ring, or Peter was beside himself with joy?

he'd won the poetry award. This phrase appears in the New Testament (Acts 26:24): "Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning makes thee mad." [Late 1400s]

beside the point Also, beside the mark or question. Irrelevant, off the subject. For example,

Whether you had insurance is beside the point; the accident is your fault. These terms came into common use in the mid1800s. Also see NEITHER HERE NOR THERE.

best

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with BEST, also see ALL FOR THE BEST; ALL

THE BEST; AS BEST ONE CAN; AT BEST; AT ONE'S BEST; COME OFF (SECOND-BEST); DO ONE'S BEST; GET THE BETTER (BEST) OF; GIVE IT ONE'S BEST SHOT; HAD BETTER (BEST); HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY; MAKE THE BEST OF IT; ON ONE'S BEST BEHAVIOR; PUT ONE'S BEST FOOT FORWARD; SECOND BEST; SUNDAY BEST; TO ONE'S (BEST) INTEREST; TO THE BEST OF ONE'S ABILITY; WITH THE BEST OF THEM; WITH THE BEST WILL IN THE WORLD. Also see under BETTER.

best bib and tucker

One's finest clothes, dressed up, as in The men were told to put on their best bib and tucker for the dinner dance. Although wearing either a bib (frill at front of a man's shirt) or a tucker (ornamental lace covering a woman's neck and shoulders) is obsolete, the phrase survives. [Mid-1700s] For a synonym, see SUNDAY BEST.

best-laid plans go astray, the Also, the best-laid schemes go astray. Even very care

ful designs or projects do not always succeed. For example, Mary spent all afternoon preparing this elaborate dish but forgot the most important ingredient?

oh well, the best-laid plans go astray. This particular turn of phrase comes from Robert Burns's poem "To a Mouse" (1786): "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley [go often astray]." It is so well known that it is often abbreviated to the best-laid plans.

best of both worlds, the

Benefits from two seemingly opposed alternatives, as in Jenny taught in the morning only and worked on her book afternoons, so she had the best of both worlds. Charles Kingsley used this idiom in Westward Ho! (1855): "Make the best of both worlds." Also see MAKE THE BEST OF

IT.

best part of something

Nearly all of something, the majority, as in The dentist was late; I waited for the best part of an hour. The adjective best here does not concern quality but quantity. [First half of 1500s] Also see

BETTER HALF, def. 1.

best shot

hand. see GIVE IT ONE'S BEST SHOT.

bet

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with BET, also see BACK (BET ON) THE

WRONG HORSE; HEDGE ONE'S BETS; YOU BET YOUR ASS.

bête noire

A person or thing that is particularly disliked. For example, Calculus was the bête noire of my freshman courses. This phrase, French for "black beast," entered the English language in the early

1800s. For synonyms, see PAIN IN THE NECK; THORN IN ONE'S FLESH.

be that as it may

Nevertheless, it may be true but, as in Be that as it may, I can't take your place on Monday. This phrase has its roots in be as be may, used from Chaucer's time for about four centuries. [Mid-1800s]

be the death of

Cause the death of something or someone, as in This comedian is so funny, he'll be the death of me. Although this phrase can be used literally, meaning "to kill someone or something," it has also been used hyperbolically (as in the example) since the late 1500s. Shakespeare used it in 1 Henry IV (2:1): "Since the price of oats rose, it was the death of him."

be the end of one

Be one's downfall, as in His heavy drinking may well be the end of him, or That math assignment will be the end of me. This phrase originally alluded to something that would cause someone's death. Today, while it may be used seriously (as in the first example), it more often is used more lightly (as in the second).

be the making of

Be the means or cause of progress or success, as in Marriage will be the making of him. This idiom, using making in the sense of "advancement," was first recorded about 1470.

bet one's ass Also, bet one's boots or bottom dollar or life. hand. See YOU BET

YOUR ASS.

bet on the wrong horse

hand. see BACK THE WRONG HORSE.

better

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with BETTER, also see AGAINST ONE'S

BETTER JUDGMENT; ALL BETTER; ALL THE BETTER; DISCRETION IS THE BETTER PART OF VALOR; FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE; GET BETTER; GET THE BETTER (BEST) OF; GO ONE BETTER; HAD BETTER (BEST); KNOW BETTER; SEEN BETTER DAYS; SO MUCH THE BETTER; SOONER THE BETTER; TAKE A TURN FOR THE BETTER; THINK BETTER OF; YOU' D BETTER BELIEVE IT. Also see under BEST.

better half

1. Also, better part. The larger amount or majority of something, as in I won't be long; the better half of this job is complete, or I have spent the better part of my life in this city. Sir Philip Sidney used the first term in Arcadia (1580): "I . . . shall think the better half of it already achieved." The variant appears in a well-known proverb, DISCRETION IS THE BETTER PART OF VALOR.

2. Also, my better half. One's (my) spouse, as in I'm not sure if we can go; I'll have to check with my better half. Originally this expression meant "a close friend or lover," and by the 16th century it referred to either a wife or lover. Sidney used it in this way, again in Arcadia: ''My dear, my better half (said he), I find I must now leave thee." Today it tends to be used lightly for either husband or wife. [Late 1500s]

better late than never

Being tardy is better than not at all, as in We've been waiting for you for an hour?

but better late than never. This phrase, first recorded about 1200, appears in several early English proverb collections, often with the added but better never late. Today it is often used in exasperation over a delay, as in the example.

better off

In a more favorable position or financial circumstances. For example, They were better off flying than driving there, or They were better off than most of their neighbors. This phrase is the

comparative form of WELL OFF. [Mid-1800s]

better part of

hand. see BETTER HALF, def. 1.

better safe than sorry

Being careful may avoid disaster, as in I'm not taking any short-cuts?

better safe than sorry. This cautionary phrase appeared as better sure than sorry in 1837.

better than

1. Superior to, as in He's no better than Tom at writing a memo. [9th century] 2. More than, larger in amount or greater in rate, as in My new car can do better than 100 miles an hour, or The new plan will cut better than 15 percent of costs. Some authorities consider this usage colloquial and advise that it be avoided in formal writing. [Late 1500s] Also see

between

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with BETWEEN, also see BETWIXT AND

BETWEEN; COME BETWEEN; DRAW A LINE BETWEEN; FALL BETWEEN THE CRACKS; FEW AND FAR BETWEEN; HIT BETWEEN THE EYES; IN BETWEEN; IN BETWEEN TIMES; READ BETWEEN THE LINES; TAIL BETWEEN ONE'S LEGS.

between a rock and a hard place Also, between the devil and the deep blue sea or Scylla and Charybdis. Between two equally difficult or unacceptable choices. For example, Trying to please both my boss and his supervisor puts me between a rock and a hard place. The rock and hard place version is the newest of these synonymous phrases, dating from the early 1900s, and alludes to being caught or crushed between two rocks. The oldest is Scylla and Charybdis, which in Homer's Odyssey signified a monster on a rock (Scylla) and a fatal whirlpool (Charybdis), between which Odysseus had to sail through a narrow passage. It was used figuratively by the Roman writer Virgil and many writers since. The devil in devil and deep blue sea, according to lexicographer Charles Earle Funk, referred to a seam around a ship's hull near the waterline, which, if a sailor was trying to caulk it in heavy seas, would cause him to fall overboard. Others disagree, however, and believe the phrase simply alludes to a choice between hellfire with the devil and drowning in deep waters.

between the lines

hand. see READ BETWEEN THE LINES.

between you and me Also, between ourselves; just between you and me and the bedpost or four walls or gatepost or lamp

post. In strict confidence. For example, Just between you and me, it was Janet who proposed to Bill rather than vice versa. This phrase, dating from about 1300, is generally followed by some informative statement that the listener is being asked to keep secret. The variant with bedpost, also shortened to post, dates from the early 1800s; four walls, also shortened to the wall, dates from the early 1900s, as does the gatepost.

betwixt and between Undecided, midway between two alternatives, neither here nor there. For example, I'm betwixt and between canceling my trip entirely or just postponing it, or Jane is betwixt and between about accepting the offer. The adverb betwixt, originally meaning "by two," is seldom heard except in this expression, first recorded in 1832.

beyond

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with BEYOND, also see ABOVE AND

BEYOND; BACK OF BEYOND; CAN'T SEE BEYOND THE END OF ONE'S NOSE.

beyond a doubt Also, beyond the shadow of a doubt. Certainly so, undoubtedly so, as in

Beyond a doubt this is the best view of the valley. This phrase, along with the earlier without doubt (dating from c. 1300), asserts the truth of some statement. W.S. Gilbert's version, in The Gondoliers (1889), is: "Of that there is no manner of doubt??

no probable, possible shadow of doubtno possible doubt whatever." In this context shadow means "a trace or slight suggestion." Another variant is beyond a reasonable doubt. This phrase is often used in court when the judge instructs the jury that they must be convinced of the accused's guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt; reasonable here means "logical and rational." Also

see BEYOND QUESTION; NO DOUBT.

beyond comparison Also, without comparison or beyond compare. Too superior to be compared, unrivaled, as in This view of the mountains is beyond comparison, or That bakery is without comparison. The first term, more common today than the much older variants, was first recorded in 1871. Without comparison goes back to 1340, and without compare to 1621.

beyond measure

To an extreme degree; exceedingly. For example, Her attitude annoys me beyond measure. This term was first recorded in 1526.

beyond one's depth

hand. see OUT OF ONE'S DEPTH.

beyond one's means

Too costly for one, more than one can afford. For example, A second vacation this year is well beyond our means. The noun means here signifies "resources at one's disposal," a usage current since Shakespeare's time, as in Measure for Measure (2:2): "Let her have needful, but not lavish means." [Late 1800s] beyond question Also, beyond all or without question. Definitely, certainly, as in Beyond question he is the best man for the job. This idiom indicates that something is so sure it cannot be questioned. So used since the late 1500s, it was also put as past question, by Shakespeare and others. Also see BEYOND A DOUBT.

beyond reach

hand. see under IN REACH.

beyond recall

Irreversible, irretrievable, as in We can't repair this screen? it's beyond recall, or It's too late to cancel our plans?

they're beyond recall. This idiom employs recall in the sense of revoking or annulling something. [Mid-1600s]

beyond reproach

Blameless, faultless, as in Jean's conduct at school is beyond reproach. The phrase employs the verb to reproach in the sense of "censure or rebuke," a usage dating from the early 1500s.

beyond the call of duty

hand. see under ABOVE AND BEYOND.

beyond the pale

Outside the bounds of morality, good behavior or judgment; unacceptable. For example, She thought taking the boys to a topless show was beyond the pale. The noun pale, from the Latin palum, meant "a stake for fences" or "a fence made from such stakes." By extension it came to be used for an area confined by a fence and for any boundary, limit, or restriction, both of these meanings dating from the late 1300s. The pale referred to in the idiom is usually taken to mean the English Pale, the part of Ireland under English rule, and therefore, as perceived by its rulers, within the bounds of civilization.

beyond the shadow of a doubt

hand. see BEYOND A DOUBT.

Bible belt

An area noted for religious fundamentalism; specifically, parts of the American South and Midwest. For example, You wouldn't dare try to sell a sex manual in the Bible belt. This term alludes to the prevalence of evangelical revivals, strict morals, belief in the literal truth of the Bible, and similar traits.

[c. 1920]

bid adieu

Say goodbye, take leave of, as in It's beyond my bedtime, so I bid you all adieu, or I'll be glad to bid adieu to these crutches. French for "goodbye," adieu literally means "to God" and was part of à dieu vous commant, "I commend you to God." Adopted into English in the 1300s, it was first recorded in Chaucer's Troilus and Cressida (c. 1385). Today it is considered quite formal, although it also is used humorously.

bide one's time

Wait for the opportune moment, as in The cat sat in front of the mousehole, biding its time. This phrase employs the verb to bide in the sense of "to wait for," a usage dating from about A.D. 950

and surviving mainly in this locution.

bid up

Raise a price by raising one's offer, as in We were hoping to get an Oriental rug cheaply, but the dealer kept bidding us up. This phrase is used in business and commerce, particularly at auctions. [Mid-1800s]

big

hand. In addition to the idioms beginning with BIG, also see GO OVER BIG; GREAT

(BIG) GUNS; HIT IT BIG; IN A BIG WAY; LITTLE FROG IN A BIG POND; MAKE A FEDERAL CASE (BIG DEAL); TALK BIG; THINK BIG; TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BREECHES; WHAT'S THE (BIG) IDEA. Also see under BIGGER.

big and bold

Large and striking, as in His ties tended to be big and bold in color and pattern, or This big and bold design for a book jacket is sure to catch the casual browser's eye. This phrase, used mostly to describe things rather than persons, is a kind of visual analog of LOUD AND CLEAR.

big as life Also, large as life. In person, as in And there was Mary, big as life, standing right in front of me. This phrase transfers the same size as in real life (life-size) to an actual appearance. Sometimes this term is embellished with and quite as natural, presumably alluding to a likeness of a person or thing that closely resembles the real thing. A similar addition is and twice as natural, which doesn't make sense. [Late 1800s] 2. Also, larger than life; big as all outdoors.

On a grand scale, as in The soap opera could well be called a larger-than-life drama, or That friend of his was as big as all outdoors. This phrase can be used either literally, for larger than life-size (second example) or figuratively. The phrase all outdoors has been used to compare something or someone to an immensity since the early 1800s.

big bucks

A great deal of money, as in A swimming pool?

that means you're spending big bucks. Buck has been slang for "dollar" since the mid-1800s.

BIG CHEESE), as in You'll have to get [Slang; mid-1900s] 2. A male sweetheart or friend,

often a man considerably older than his female companion; a SUGAR DADDY. [Slang; mid-1900s] 3. Grandfather. This usage originated in the South among African-Americans. 4. The largest or most important person or thing of its kind. For example, The United States has long been the big daddy of the Western Hemisphere, or The blue whale was the big daddy of the ocean. [Slang; 1960s]

big deal

1. A matter of great interest or importance, as in Performing in Symphony Hall is a big deal for

everyone in the chorus. [c. 1940] Also see under MAKE A FEDERAL CASE OUT OF. 2. So what? Who cares? For example, So you got the job after all?

well, big deal! This use of the phrase as an ironic interjection dates from approximately the same time.

big enchilada

hand. see under BIG CHEESE.

big fish in a small pond Also, big frog in a little pond. A person who is important in a limited arena; someone overqualified for a position or in relation to colleagues. For example, Steve has both a Ph.D. and an M.D., yet he's content with his practice at a rural hospital; he prefers to be a big fish in a little pond. The expression big fish has been slang for an important or influential person since the early 1800s. The addition of in a small pond as a metaphor for an unimportant organization is more recent, as is the substitution of frog. Another variant is the proverb Better a big fish in a little puddle than a little fish in a big puddle.

bigger

hand. In addition to the idiom beginning with BIGGER, also see EYES ARE BIGGER

THAN ONE'S STOMACH.

bigger they come, the harder they fall, the

Persons in important positions lose more when they fail, as in Impeaching a President is very painful?

the bigger they come, the harder they fall. This expression is believed to come from boxing and gained currency when boxer Robert Fitzsimmons used it in a 1902 newspaper interview before fighting the much heavier James J. Jeffries. It was probably derived from similar adages, such as "The bigger the tree, the harder she falls."

big head, have a

Be conceited; have an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or ability. For example, The constant flattery of his subordinates is bound to give Thomas a big head. [c. 1800] Also see

SWELLED HEAD.

big league

An area of tough competition and high rewards; the largest or foremost of its kind. For example,

Winning an Oscar put this unknown actress in the big league. The term alludes to the major (big) leagues of American baseball. [Late 1800s] Also see BIG TIME, def. 2.

big mouth, have a Also, have or be a loud mouth. Be loquacious, often noisily or boastfully; be tactless or reveal secrets. For example, After a few drinks, Dick turns into a loud mouth about his accomplishments, or Don't tell Peggy anything confidential; she's known for having a big mouth.

[Slang; late 1800s]

big of one

Generous of one, as in It was big of Bill to give his brother his entire paycheck. This expression may be used either straightforwardly (as above) or sarcastically, as in How big of you to save the absolute worst seat for me. [c. 1940]

big on

Enthusiastic about, as in Dad is big on Christmas with the whole family. [Slang; mid-1800s]

big shot

hand. see under BIG CHEESE.

big stink

A major scandal or furor. For example, If they don't improve the women's facilities, Marjorie will make a big stink about it. [Early 1800s]

big time

1. An enjoyable or exciting time, as in The children came home exhausted but happy; they really had a big time at the circus. [Mid-1800s] 2. The highest or most important level in any enterprise, as in I knew that when I made it through the last audition, I was finally in the big time. [Colloquial;