fetch and carry

Friday, February 6, 2009

fetch and carry

Structure: to fetch and carry (for someone)

Definition: to act as a servant (for someone)

Example: How could he enjoy the holiday when he had to fetch and carry for his wife all day?

See also: F Idioms, Verbal Idioms, Idiomatic Pairs

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the lion's share

Thursday, February 5, 2009

the lion's share

Structure: the lion's share (of something)

Definition: the biggest or best part (of something)

Example: The company is now holding the lion's share of the electronics market.

Usage note: used in British English

See also: T Idioms, Idioms Containing Special Keywords

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daylight robbery

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

daylight robbery

Definition: a situation in which one is charged too much money

Example: I had to pay 20 dollars for the entrance ticket - it was daylight robbery.

Usage note: informal idiom

See also: D Idioms, Informal Idioms

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have a soft spot for

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

have a soft spot for

Structure: to have a soft spot for someone/something

Definition: to have particular affection for someone/something; to be specially fond of someone/something

Example: I have a soft spot for stories about princes and princesses - there's something about these characters that has always fascinated me.

Usage note: informal idiom

See also: H Idioms, Informal Idioms, Verbal Idioms,

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under a cloud

Monday, February 2, 2009

under a cloud

Definition: suspected of doing something wrong or illegal

Example: The chairman resigned under a cloud shortly after the scandal broke.

See also: U Idioms

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