W
Idioms beginning with "W"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
No categories:
Contents of W:
[wit]
See:
[AT ONE'S WITS' END],
[KEEP ONE'S HEAD] or [KEEP ONE'S WITS ABOUT ONE],
[SCARE OUT OF ONE'S WITS].
[witch-hunt] {n. phr.}
A hysterical movement during which people are persecuted for having views (political or religious) considered different or unpopular.
* /During the McCarthy era many innocent Americans were accused of being Communists, as […]
[with a grain of salt] or [with a pinch of salt]
See: [TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT].
[with a silver spoon in one's mouth]
See: [BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE'S MOUTH].
[with a whole skin] also [in a whole skin] {adv. phr.}
With no injury; unhurt; safely.
The boy was lucky to escape with a whole skin when the car went off the road.
Jack came through the game with a whole skin.
* /The horse threw him off, but […]
[with bad grace] or [with a bad grace] {adv. phr.}
In an unpleasant or discourteous way; unwillingly.
Fred takes defeat with bad grace.
Tom shouted "Hello" to Bill. Bill was in a sour mood and replied with a bad grace.
Contrast: [WITH GOOD […]
[with bells on] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
With enthusiasm; eager or ready and in the best of spirits for an event.
"Will you come to the farewell party I'm giving for Billy?" asked Jerry. "I'll be there with bells on," replied Ed.