M
Idioms beginning with "M"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of M:
[mad about] {adj. phr.}
1. Angry about.
What is Harriet so mad about?
2. Enthusiastic about.
Dan is mad about pop music.
[mad as a hatter] or [mad as a March hare] {adj. phr.}
Not able to think right; crazy.
Anyone who thinks the moon is made of green cheese is mad as a hatter.
[mad as a hornet] or [mad as hops] or [mad as a wet hen] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
In a fighting mood; very angry.
When my father sees the dent in his fender, he'll be mad as a hornet.
Bill was mad as hops when the fellows went on without him.
[…]
[made of money] {adj. phr.}
Very rich; wealthy.
Mr. Jones buys his children everything they want. He must be made of money.
Compare: [MONEY TO BURN].
[made-to-measure] or [tailor-made] {adj.}
Made to fit a special set of measurements or needs.
John has a new made-to-measure suit.
The club is tailor-made for Jane.
Syn.: [MADE TO ORDER].
[made to order] {adj. phr.}
1. Made specially in the way the buyer wants instead of all the same in large amounts; made especially for the buyer.
Mr. Black's clothes were all made to order.
Compare: [MADE-TO-MEASURE].
2. Just right.
* /The […]
[magic carpet] {n.}
1. A rug said to be able to transport a person through the air to any place he wishes.
The caliph of Baghdad flew on his magic carpet to Arabia.
2. Any form of transportation that is comfortable and easy enough to seem magical. […]
[maiden speech] {n. phr.}
One's first public speech, usually before some legislative body.
It was the new congressman's maiden speech and everyone was listening very keenly.
[maiden voyage] {n. phr.}
The first voyage of a boat.
The Titanic sank on her maiden voyage to America from England.
[mail order] {n. phr.}
A purchase made by mail.
If you don't have a chance to go to a store, you can sometimes make a purchase by mail order.
[main drag] {n.}, {colloquial}
1. The most important street or thoroughfare in a town.
Lincoln Avenue is the main drag of our town.
2. The street where the dope pushers and the prostitutes are.
* /Wells Street is the main drag of Chicago, […]
[main squeeze] {n.}, {slang}
1. The top ranking person in an organization or in a neighborhood; an important person, such as one's boss.
Mr. Bronchard is the main squeeze in this office.
2. The top person in charge of an illegal operation, […]
[majority leader] {n.}
The leader of the political party with the most votes in a legislative house.
The majority leader of the House of Representatives tried to get the members of his party to support the bill.
Compare: [MINORITY LEADER].
[make]
See:
[ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY],
[HAVE IT MADE],
[MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK],
[ON THE MAKE].
[make a beeline for] {v. phr.}
To go in a straight line toward.
The runner made a beeline for first base.
When the bell rang Ted made a beeline for the door of the classroom.
[make a big deal about] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To exaggerate an insignificant event.
Jeff said, "I'm sorry I banged into you in the dark. Don't make a big deal out of it."
[make a clean breast of] {v. phr.}
To admit (your guilt); tell all about (your wrong doing); confess everything.
The police caught the hit-and-run driver and he made a clean breast of his crime.
* /Arthur worried because he cheated on the test, […]
[make a clean sweep of] {v. phr.}
1. Achieve a complete victory.
In 7980 the Reagan Republicans made a clean sweep of the western states.
2. To eliminate thoroughly and completely.
* /The new attorney general is expected to make a clean sweep of […]
[make a day of it] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To do something all day.
When they go to the beach they take a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Compare: [MAKE A NIGHT OF].
[make a dent in] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make less by a very small amount; reduce slightly. — Usually used in the negative or with such qualifying words as "hardly" or "barely".
* /John shoveled and shoveled, but he didn't seem to make a dent in the […]
[make a difference] or [make the difference] {v. phr.}
To change the nature of something or a situation; be important; matter.
John's good score on the test made the difference between his passing or failing the course.
* /It doesn't make a bit of […]
[make a face] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To twist your face; make an ugly expression on your face (as by sticking out your tongue).
The boy made a face at his teacher when she turned her back.
The sick boy swallowed the medicine and made a face.
[make a federal case out of]
See:
[MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT],
[MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL].
[make a fool of] or (informal) [make a monkey of] {v. phr.}
To make (someone) look foolish.
The boy made a fool of himself.
Mary's classmates made a fool of her by telling her the party was to be a masquerade.
[make after] {v. phr.}
To chase something; run after something.
The mouse escaped from the kitchen corner and the cat made after it.
[make a fuss over] {v. phr.}
1. To quarrel about something or someone.
I want you kids to stop fussing about who gets the drumstick.
2. To he excessively concerned about someone or something; worry.
* /Let's not fuss over such an insignificant […]
[make a go of] {v. phr.}
To turn into a success.
He is both energetic and highly skilled at trading; he is sure to make a go of any business that holds his interest.
[make a hit] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be successful; be well-liked; get along well.
Mary's new red dress made a hit at the party.
Alice was so happy that her boyfriend made a hit with her parents.
Compare: [GO OVER] (6).
[make a killing] {v. phr.}
To earn or suddenly win a very large sum of money.
Herb bought a lot of soybean stock when the price was low and sold it when the price went up. Small wonder he made a huge killing.
[make a living] {v. phr.}
To earn one's livelihood.
If you're good at your job, you can make a better living than if you don't know what you're doing.
It is easier to make a living in the United States than in many other countries.
[make allowance] {v. phr.}
To judge results by the circumstances. — Often used in plural.
When a small boy is helping you, you must make allowances for his age.
[make a long story short] {v. phr.}
To summarize a lengthy narrative.
"So, to make a long story short," he said, "I made a killing on the stock market."
Compare: [IN A NUTSHELL].
[make a match] {v. phr.}
To bring a man and woman together for the purpose of an engagement or marriage.
Sheila's aunt is anxious to make a match between her and an attractive, wealthy man.
[make a motion] {v. phr.}
To propose in some committee meeting or legislative group that a certain action be taken.
The secretary made a motion that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted.
[make a mountain out of a molehill]
To think a small problem is a big one; try to make something unimportant seem important.
You're not hurt badly, Johnny. Stop trying to make a mountain out of a molehill with crying.
* /Sarah laughed at a mistake […]
[make a move] {v. phr.}
1. To budge; change places.
"If you make a move," the masked gangster said, "I'll start shooting."
2. To go home after dinner or a party.
"I guess it's time to make a move," Roy said at the end of the party.
[make a name for oneself] {v. phr.}
To become recognized in a field of endeavor; become a celebrity.
Joe has worked so hard at soybean trading that he made quite a name for himself as a trader.
* /Bill has made a name for himself both as a pianist […]
[make an end of] {v. phr.}
To make (something) end; put a stop to; stop.
To make an end of rumors that the house was haunted, a reporter spent the night there.
[make an example of] {v. phr.}
To punish (someone) publicly to show what happens when someone does wrong.
The teacher made an example of the boy who copied from another student during a test.
* /The Pilgrims made an example of a thief by putting […]
[make an exhibition of oneself] {v. phr.}
To behave foolishly or embarrassingly in public.
Stop drinking so much and making an exhibition of yourself.
[make a night of it] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To spend the whole night at an activity.
The dog found the door unlatched and made a night of it.
The boys and girls at the dance made a night of it.
Compare: [MAKE A DAY OF IT].
[make a nuisance of oneself] {v. phr.}
To constantly bother others.
The screaming kids made a nuisance of themselves around the swimming pool.
[make a pass at] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
Make advances toward a member of the opposite sex (usually man to a woman) with the goal of seducing the person.
We've been dating for four weeks but Joe has never even made a pass at me.
[make a pig of oneself] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To overindulge; eat too much.
Mary said, "This dessert is so delicious that I am going to make a pig of myself and have some more."
[make a play for] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To try to get the interest or liking of; flirt with; attract.
Bob made a play for the pretty new girl.
John made a play for the other boys' votes for class president.
[make a point] {v. phr.}
To try hard; make a special effort. — Used with "of" and a verbal noun.
He made a point of remembering to get his glasses fixed.
He made a point of thanking his hostess before he left the party.
[make a practice of] {v. phr.}
To make a habit of; do regularly.
Make a practice of being on time for work.
[make a racket] {v. phr.}
To cause a lot of noisy disturbance.
I wish the kids playing in the street wouldn't make such a racket while I'm trying to take a nap.
[make a scene] {v. phr.}
To act hysterically; attract unfavorable attention.
I didn't want Kate to make a scene in front of all of those people, so I gave her the money she wanted.
[make a splash] {v. phr.}
To cause a sensation.
The brilliant young pianist, barely 14 years old, made quite a splash on the concert circuit.
[make a stab at] {v. phr.}
To try doing something at random without sufficient preparation.
The singer was not familiar with the aria but she decided to make a stab at it anyhow.
Contrast: [STAB IN THE BACK], [STAB IN THE DARK].
[make a stand] {v. phr.}
1. To take a firm position on an issue.
He keeps talking about politics hut he never makes a stand for what he believes in.
2. To take up a defensive position against the enemy.
* /The retreating troops decided to make a […]
[make a touch] {v. phr.}
To borrow money; try to borrow money.
He is known to make a touch whenever he is hard up for cash.
[make a virtue of necessity] {v. phr.}
Make the best of things as they are; do cheerfully what you do.
After Mr. Wilson lost all his money, he made a virtue of necessity and found a new and interesting life as a teacher.
Compare: [MAKE THE BEST […]
[make away with] {v.}, {informal}
Take; carry away; cause to disappear.
The lumberjack made away with a great stack of pancakes.
Two masked men held up the clerk and made away with the payroll.
Compare: [MAKE OFF].
[make-believe] {n.}
False; untrue; created by illusion.
The creatures of Star Wars are all make-believe.
[make believe] {v.}
To act as if something is true while one knows it is not; pretend.
Let's make believe we have a million dollars.
Danny made believe he didn't hear his mother calling.
[make book] {v. phr.}
To serve as a bookmaker taking bets on the horse races.
The police were out to prosecute anybody who made book illegally.
[make bricks without straw] {v. phr.}
To make something without the wherewithal; do something the hard way; do a job under hard conditions.
John could not go to a library, and writing the report was a job of making bricks without straw.
* /It was […]
[make conversation] {v. phr.}
To talk with someone just so that there will be talk.
John made conversation with the stranger so that he would not feel left out.
Mary didn't really mean what she said about Joan. She was only making conversation.
[make do] {v. phr.}
To use a poor substitute when one does not have the right thing.
John did not have a hammer, and he had to make do with a heavy rock.
This motel isn't what we wanted, but we must make do.
* /Many families manage to make do […]
[make ends meet] {v. phr.}
To have enough money to pay one's bills; earn what it costs to live.
Both husband and wife had to work to make ends meet.
[make eyes at] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To look at a girl or boy in a way that tries to attract him to you; flirt.
The other girls disliked her way of making eyes at their boyfriends instead of finding one of her own.
[make faces at] {v. phr.}
To grimace; scowl.
"Stop making faces at each other, you children," my aunt said, "and start eating."
[make for] {v.}
To go toward; start in the direction of.
The children took their ice skates and made for the frozen pond.
The bee got his load of pollen and made for the hive.
[make free with] {v.}
1. To take or use (things) without asking.
Bob makes free with his roommate's clothes.
A student should not make free with his teacher's first name.
2. To act toward (someone) in a rude or impolite way.
* /The girls […]
[make friends] {v. phr.}
To become friends; form a friendship.
Mrs. Jones invited Bobby to her home to play with Don. She hoped that they would make friends with each other.
You can make friends with an elephant by giving him peanuts.
[make fun of] or [poke fun at] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To joke about; laugh at; tease; mock.
Men like to make fun of the trimmings on women's hats.
James poked fun at the new pupil because her speech was not like the other pupils.
[make good] {v. phr.}
1. To do what one promised to do; make something come true.
Mr. Smith borrowed some money. He promised to pay it back on payday. He made good his promise.
Joe made good his boast to swim across the lake.
* /John's […]
[make good time] {v. phr.}
To make unimpeded progress on a journey; arrive at one's destination sooner than estimated.
There was not much traffic on the expressway so we made good time on our way to the airport.
[make haste] {v. phr.}
To move fast; hurry. — Rarely used in speaking.
The dog wriggled into one end of the hollow log, and the rabbit made haste to get out the other end.
* /Mary saw that she had hurt Jane's feelings, and made haste to say she […]
[make hay while the sun shines] {v. phr.}
To do something at the right time; not wait too long.
Dick had a free hour so he made hay while the sun shone and got his lesson for the next day.
Compare: [MAKE THE MOST OF].
[make head or tail of] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To see the why of; finding a meaning in; understand. — Used in negative, conditional, and interrogative sentences.
She could not make head or tail of the directions on the dress pattern.
* /Can you make […]
[make headway] {v. phr.}
To move forward; make progress.
The university is making headway with its campus reorganization project.
[make it hot] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To bring punishment; cause trouble.
Dick threatened to make it hot for anyone who tied knots in his pajama legs again.
[make it snappy] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To move quickly; be fast; hurry. — Usually used as a command.
"Make it snappy," Mother said, "or we'll be late for the movie."
* /The man hurried into the restaurant and told the waitress, "A cup of coffee, […]
[make it with] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
1. To be accepted by a group.
Joe finally made it with the in crowd in Hollywood.
2. {vulgar}
To have sex with (someone).
I wonder if Joe has made it with Sue.
[make light of] {v. phr.}
To treat an important matter as if it were trivial.
One ought to know which problems to make light of and which ones to handle seriously.
Compare: [LAUGH OFF].
Contrast: [MAKE MUCH OF].
[make little of] {v. phr.}
To make (something) seem unimportant; belittle.
Mary made little of Jane's new bicycle because she was jealous.
Tom made little of his saving the drowning boy.
Contrast: [MAKE MUCH OF].
[make love] {v. phr.}
1. To be warm, loving, and tender toward someone of the opposite sex; try to get him or her to love you too.
There was moonlight on the roses and he made love to her in the porch swing.
2. To have sexual relations with […]
[make merry] {v. phr.}, {literary}
To have fun, laugh, and be happy.
In Aesop's fable the grasshopper made merry while the ant worked and saved up food.
In the Bible story a rich man ate and drank and made merry.
[make mincemeat (out) of] {v. phr.}
To destroy completely.
The defense attorney made mincemeat of the prosecution's argument.
[make much of] {v. phr.}
To make something seem of more worth or importance than it really is; praise.
Visitors made much of the new collie.
The boy made much of the hard things of his mountain climb.
Contrast: [MAKE LIGHT OF], [MAKE LITTLE […]
[make neither head nor tail of] {v. phr.}
To be unable to figure something out.
This puzzle is so complicated that I can make neither head nor tail of it.
Compare: [HEADS OR TAILS].
[make no bones] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To have no doubts; not to worry about right or wrong; not to be against. — Used with "about".
Bill makes no bones about telling a lie to escape punishment.
* /The boss made no bones about hiring extra help […]
[make of] {v. phr.}
To interpret; understand.
What do you make of his sudden decision to go to Africa?
[make off] {v.}
To go away; run away; leave.
When the deer saw the hunter it made off at once.
A thief stopped John on a dark street and made off with his wallet.
Compare: [TAKE OFF].
[make one feel at home] {v. phr.}
To be hospitable; welcome; make someone feel at ease.
They are very popular hosts because they always manage to make their guests feel at home.
[make one out to be] {v. phr.}
To accuse someone of being something.
Don't make me out to be such a grouch; I am really quite happy-go-lucky.
[make one's bed and lie in it]
To be responsible for what you have done and so to have to accept the bad results.
Billy smoked one of his father's cigars and now he is sick. He made his bed, now let him lie in it.
Compare: [FACE THE MUSIC] (2).
[make one's blood boil] or [make the blood boil] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make someone very angry.
When someone calls me a liar it makes my blood boil.
It made Mary's blood boil to see the children make fun of the crippled girl.
Compare: […]
[make oneself at home] {v. phr.}
To feel comfortable; act as if you were in your own home.
If you get to my house before I do, help yourself to a drink and make yourself at home.
* /John was an outdoor man and could make himself at home in the […]
[make oneself scarce] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To leave quickly; go away.
The boys made themselves scarce when they saw the principal coming to stop their noise.
A wise mouse makes himself scarce when a cat is nearby.
[make one's head spin] {v. phr.}
To be bewildered; be confused.
It makes my head spin to think about the amount of work I still have to do.
[make one's mark] {v. phr.}
To become known to many people; do well the work you started to do; make a reputation.
Shakespeare made his mark as a playwright.
[make one's mouth water] {v. phr.}
1. To look or smell very good; make you want very much to eat or drink something you see or smell.
The pies in the store window made Dan's mouth water.
The picture of the ice cream soda made his mouth water.
[…]
[make one's pile] {v. phr.}
To make one's fortune.
The rich man made his pile in the stock market.
[make one's way] {v. phr.}
1. To go forward with difficulty; find a path for yourself.
They made their way through the crowd.
2. To do many hard things to earn a living; make a life work for yourself.
* /He was anxious to finish school and make […]
[make one tick] {v. phr.}
To cause to operate; to motivate.
He is so secretive that we are unable to figure out what makes him tick.
[make or break] {v. phr.}
To bring complete success or failure, victory or defeat.
Playing the role of Hamlet will make or break the young actor.
[make out] {v.}
1. To write the facts asked for (as in an application blank or a report form); fill out.
The teacher made out the report cards and gave them to the students to take home.
* /Mrs. Smith gave the clerk in the store some money and the […]
[make over] {v.}
1. To change by law something from one owner to another owner; change the name on the title (lawful paper) from one owner to another.
Mr. Brown made over the title to the car to Mr. Jones.
2. To make something look different; […]
[make rounds] {v. phr.}
To travel the same route, making several stops along the way.
The milkman makes his rounds every morning.
The doctor makes the rounds of the hospital rooms.
[make sense] {v. phr.}
1. To be something you can understand or explain; not be difficult or strange.
The explanation in the school book made no sense because the words were hard.
Compare: [MAKE HEAD OR TAIL OF].
2. To seem right to do; sound […]
[make short work of] {v. phr.}
To finish rapidly.
The cat made short work of the baby rabbit.
Tim was anxious to get to the movies so he made short work of his homework.
[make sit up] {v. phr.}
To shock to attention; surprise; create keen interest.
Her sudden appearance at the party and her amazingly low-cut dress made us all sit up.
[make something of] {v. phr.}
1. To make (something) seem important.
When girls see another girl with a boy, they often try to make something of it.
2. To start a fight over; use as an excuse to start a quarrel.
* /Bob accidentally shoved Bill […]
[make sure] {v. phr.}
To see about something yourself; look at to be sure.
Father makes sure that all the lights are off before he goes to bed.
Mary thought she had time to get to school but she ran all the way just to make sure.
* /Before […]
[make the best of] {v. phr.}
To do something you do not like to do and not complain; accept with good humor.
The girl did not like to wash dishes but she made the best of it.
Compare: [MAKE A VIRTUE OF NECESSITY].
[make the feathers fly] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To enjoy working; be strong and work hard.
When Mrs. Hale did her spring cleaning she made the feathers fly.
2. See: [MAKE THE FUR FLY].
[make the fur fly] or [make the feathers fly] {v. phr.}, {informal}
Say or write mean things about someone or to jump on and fight hard.
A man fooled Mr. Black and got his money. Mr. Black will really make the fur fly when he finds the man.
* […]
[make the grade] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To make good; succeed.
It was clear that Mr. Baker had made the grade in the insurance business.
It takes hard study to make the grade in school.
2. To meet a standard; qualify.
* /That whole […]
[make the most of] {v. phr.}
To do the most you can with; get the most from; use to the greatest advantage.
She planned the weekend in town to make the most of it.
George studied hard. He wanted to make the most of his chance to learn.
* /The […]
[make the scene] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To be present; to arrive at a certain place or event.
I am too tired to make the scene; let's go home.
[make time] {v. phr.}, {slang}
1. To be successful in arriving at a designated place in short or good time.
We're supposed to be there at 6 P.M., and it's only 5:30 — we're making good time.
2. To be successful in making sexual advances to […]
[make tracks] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To go fast; get a speedy start; hurry.
Man, it's time we made tracks!
The boys made tracks for home when it began to get dark.
Compare: [GET GOING], [MAKE HASTE].
[makeup] {n.}
(stress on "make")
1. Cosmetics.
All the actors and actresses put on a lot of makeup.
2. Attributive auxiliary in lieu of, or belated.
The professor gave a makeup to the sick students.
[make up] {v.} (stress on "up")
1. To make by putting things or parts together.
A car is made up of many different parts.
2. To invent; think and say something that is new or not true.
Jean makes up stories to amuse her little brother.
3a. […]
[make up one's mind] {v. phr.}
To choose what to do; decide.
They made up their minds to sell the house.
Tom couldn't decide whether he should tell Mother about the broken window or let her find it herself.
Contrast: [ON THE FENCE].
[make waves] {v. phr.}, {informal}
Make one's influence felt; create a disturbance, a sensation.
Joe Catwallender is the wrong man for the job; he is always trying to make waves.
[make way] {v. phr.}
To move from in front so someone can go through; stand aside.
The people made way for the king.
When older men retire they make way for younger men to take their places.
[mama's boy] {n. phr.}, {informal}
A boy who depends too much on his mother; a sissy.
The other boys called Tommy a mama's boy because he wouldn't come out to play unless his mother stayed near him.
[man]
See:
[COMPANY MAN],
[EVERY LAST MAN] also [EVERY MAN JACK],
[FRONT MAN],
[HIRED MAN],
[LADY'S MAN],
[NEW MAN],
[SEPARATE THE MEN FROM THE BOYS],
[TO A MAN],
[YES-MAN].
[man] or [the man] {n.}, {slang}
1. The police; a policeman.
I am gonna turn you in to the man.
2. The boss; the leader; the most important figure in an organization or outfit.
The man will decide.
[man-about-town] {n. phr.}
A sophisticate; an idler; a member of cafe society; one who knows where the best plays and concerts are given.
Ask Mark where to go when you're in New York City; he's a real man-about-town.
[man in the moon] {n. phr.}
An imaginary or nonexistent person (often used to indicate a person of ignorance).
Stop asking me such difficult questions about nuclear physics; I know as much about it as the man in the moon.
[man in the street] {n. phr.}
The man who is just like most other men; the average man; the ordinary man.
The newspaper took a poll of the man in the street.
Compare: [JOE DOAKES], [JOHN Q. PUBLIC].
[man of few words] {n. phr.}
A man who doesn't talk very much; a man who says only what is needed.
The principal is a man of few words, but the pupils know what he wants.
[man of his word] {n. phr.}
A man who keeps his promises and does the things he agrees to do; a man who can be trusted.
My uncle is a man of his word.
[man of letters] {n. phr.}
A writer; an author; a scholar.
Chekhov was not only a practicing physician but also a first-rate man of letters.
[man of means] {n. phr.}
A rich person.
He became a man of means by successfully playing the stock market.
[man of parts] {n. phr.}, {literary}
A man who has several different skills, talents, or qualities.
The pianist is a man of parts. He wrote the piece he played, and he also plays the organ and paints well.
[man-of-war] {n. phr.}
1. A stinging jellyfish in the Gulf of Mexico.
"No swimming today," the sign said, "as we have a man-of-war alert."
2. A large battleship displaying its national flag or insignia.
* /The shipwreck victims were picked up by […]
[man-to-man] {adj.}
Honest and full in the telling; not hiding anything embarrassing.
Tom and his father had a man-to-man talk about his smoking pot.
Compare: [HEART-TO-HEART].
[many a] {adj.}
Many (persons or things) — Used with a singular noun.
Many a boy learns to swim before he can read.
I have spent many a day in his home.
[many hands make light work]
If many people work together, even a hard job becomes easier. — A proverb.
Come on boys, many hands make light work. If we work together, we can finish painting the barn.
[many is me]
There are a great number of (persons or things); many are the (persons or things). — Used at the beginning of a sentence with a singular noun.
Many is the man I have lent money to.
Many was the time I ate at that restaurant.
[…]
[many moons ago] {adv. phr.}
A long, long time ago.
Many moons ago, when I was young, I was able to dance all night.
[map out] {v. phr.}
To arrange; lay out; plan.
The candidate will meet with his campaign manager tomorrow to map out his campaign strategy.
[mare's nest] {n. phr.}
Something that doesn't exist; a discovery that proves to be worthless.
He claims that he has discovered a gasoline substitute but we suspect it will turn out to be a mare's nest.
[mark]
See:
[MAKE ONE'S MARK],
[TOE THE LINE] or [TOE THE MARK],
[UP TO THE MARK] at [UP TO PAR] (2),
[WALK THE CHALK] or [WALK THE CHALK LINE] or [WALK THE CHALK MARK],
[WIDE OF THE MARK].
[markdown] {n.}
A reduction in price.
Joan asked, "Do you like my new sandals? They were markdowns at Marshall Field's."
[mark down] {v. phr.}
1. To lower the price.
The department store marked down their prices on women's sandals.
2. To give a poor grade to a student.
Peter was marked down for his numerous spelling errors.
3. To make a written note of […]
[marked man] {n. phr.}
A man whose behavior has made him the object of suspicion; a man whose life may be in danger.
When Dave dared to criticize the dictator openly, he became a marked man.
[mark off] {v. phr.}
Mark with lines; lay out in sections.
The field will be marked off in accordance with the special track events that will take place tomorrow.
[mark one's words] {v. phr.}
To pay close attention to what one says; an emphatic expression indicating prophecy.
"It will certainly rain tomorrow," he said. "Mark my words."
[mark time] {v. phr.}
1. To move the feet up and down as in marching, but not going forward.
The officer made the soldiers mark time as a punishment.
2. To be idle; waiting for something to happen.
* /The teacher marked time until all the […]
[marry money] {v. phr.}
To marry a rich person.
Ellen married money when she became Hal's wife.
[masking tape] {n.}
A paper tape that is stuck around the edges of a surface being painted to keep the paint off the surface next to it.
The painters put masking tape around the window frames to keep the paint off the glass.
[master copy] {n.}
1. A perfect text to which all copies are made to conform; a corrected version used as a standard by printers.
The master copy must be right, because if it isn't, the mistakes in it will be repeated all through the edition.
2. A […]
[master key] {n. phr.}
A key that opens a set of different locks.
The building janitor has a master key to all of the apartments in this building.
[mastermind] {v.}
To create; direct; invent the central plan for several individuals to follow.
Lenin masterminded the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
[mastermind] {n.}
A person who supplies the intelligence for a project and/or undertakes its management.
Winston Churchill was the mastermind in the war against Hitler.
[master of ceremonies] or [M.C.] or [emcee] {n.}
The person in charge of introducing the various participants in a show or entertainment.
Bob Hope was the M.C. of many memorable shows.
[matter of course] {n. phr.}
Something always done; the usual way; habit; rule.
A was a matter of course for John to dress carefully when he was meeting his wife.
* /Bank officers ask questions as a matter of course when someone wants to borrow […]
[matter of fact] {n. phr.}
Something that is really true; something that can be proved.
The town records showed that it was a matter of fact that the two boys were brothers.
* /It is a matter of fact that the American war against England was […]
[matter-of-fact] {adj.}
1. Simply telling or showing the truth; not explaining or telling more.
The newspaper gave a matter-of-fact account of the murder trial.
2. Showing little feeling or excitement or trouble; seeming not to care much.
* […]
[matter of opinion] {n. phr.}
Something that may or may not be true; something that people do not all agree on.
Whether or not he was a good general is a matter of opinion.
Compare: [MATTER OF FACT].
[matter of record] {n. phr.}
A fact or event that is kept officially as a legal record.
If you are convicted of speeding it becomes a matter of record.
A birth certificate or a marriage license is a matter of record.
[M.C.] or [emcee] {v.}
To act as master of ceremonies at a show.
The famous actor emceed the entire television show.
[mean business] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To decide strongly to do what you plan to do; really mean it; be serious.
The boss said he would fire us if we didn't work harder and he means business.
* /When she went to college to study, she meant […]
[means to an end] {n. phr.}
An action leading to some end or purpose.
Money for him was just a means to an end; actually he wanted power.
[mean well] {v. phr.}
To have good intentions.
Fred generally means well, but he has a tendency to be tactless.
[measure]
See:
[BEYOND MEASURE],
[FOR GOOD MEASURE],
[MADE-TO-MEASURE],
[TAKE ONE'S MEASURE] or [TAKE THE MEASURE OF].
[measure off] {v. phr.}
To mark by measuring.
She measured off three yards with which to make the new dress.
[measure up] {v.}
To be equal; be of fully high quality; come up.
John didn't measure up to the best catchers but he was a good one.
Lois' school work didn't measure up to her ability.
Compare up: [TO PAR]. Contrast: [FALL SHORT].
[meatball] {n.}, {slang}
A dull, boring, slow-witted, or uninteresting person.
You'll never get an interesting story out of that meatball — stop inviting him.
[meet one's eye] {v. phr.}
To be in plain view or come into plain view; appear clearly or obviously.
When John rounded the bend, a clear blue lake met his eye.
On a first reading the plan looked good, but there was more to it than met the eye.
[…]
[meet one's match] {v. phr.}
To encounter someone as good as oneself.
The champion finally met his match and lost the game.
[meet one's Waterloo] {v. phr.}
To be defeated; lose an important contest.
After seven straight victories the team met its Waterloo.
John fought instead of running, and the bully met his Waterloo.
(After Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo.)
[meet up with] {v. phr.}
To meet by accident; come upon without planning or expecting to.
When he ran around the tree, Bob suddenly meet up with a large bear.
The family would have arrived on time, but they met up with a flat tire.
[meet with] {v.}
1. To meet (someone), usually by accident.
In the woods he met with two strangers.
Syn.: [COME UPON].
2. To meet together, usually by plan; join; have a meeting with.
* /The two scouts met with the officers to talk about plans […]
[melting pot] {n. phr.}
A country where different nationalities mingle and mix with the result that, in the second generation, most people speak the main language of the country and behave like the majority.
* /It is no longer considered entirely true […]
[melt in one's mouth] {v. phr.}
1. To be so tender as to seem to need no chewing.
The chicken was so tender that it melted in your mouth.
2. To taste very good; be delicious.
Mother's apple pie really melts in your mouth.
[mend one's fences] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To do something to make people like or follow you again; strengthen your friendships or influence.
The senator went home from Washington to mend his fences.
* /John saw that his friends did not like him, so […]
[mend one's ways] {v. phr.}
To reform; change one's behavior from negative to positive.
He had better mend his ways or he'll wind up in jail.
[mental telepathy] {n. phr.}
The passing of one person's thoughts to another without any discoverable talking or carrying of signals between them.
* /Mrs. Smith knew the moment her husband's ship sank on the other side of the world. It seems like a […]
[mercy killing] {n. phr.}
The act of killing a terminally ill patient or animal in order to avoid further suffering.
Mercy killing of humans is illegal in most countries, yet many doctors practice it secretly.
[mess around] {v. phr.}
1. To engage in idle or purposeless activity.
Come on, you guys, — start doing some work, don't just mess around all day!
2. {vulgar}
To be promiscuous; to indulge in sex with little discrimination as to who the partner is. […]
[mess up] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {informal}
1. To cause trouble; to spoil something.
What did you have to mess up my accounts for?
2. To cause someone emotional trauma.
Sue will never get married; she got messed up when she was a teenager.
3. […]
[method in (to) one's madness] {n. phr.}
A plan or organization of ideas hard to perceive at first, but that becomes noticeable after longer and closer examination.
* /We thought he was crazy to threaten to resign from the university but, when he was […]
[mickey mouse] (1) {adj.}, {slang}
Inferior; second rate; chicken; easy; gimmicky.
Watch out for Perkins; he's full of mickey mouse ideas.
[mickey mouse] (2) {n.} ( {derogatory})
A stupid person; a policeman; a white man (as used by blacks).
[middle ground] {n.}
A place halfway between the two sides of an argument; a compromise.
John wanted to go running. Bill said it was too hot. Tom took the middle ground and suggested a hike.
* /The committee found a middle ground between the two […]
[middleman] {n.}
A person or small business standing in an intermediary position between two parties.
A retail merchant is the middleman between the factory and the consumer.
[middle of the road] {n. phr.}
A way of thinking which does not favor one idea or thing too much; being halfway between two different ideas.
The teacher did not support the boys or the girls in the debate, but stayed in the middle of the road.
[middle-of-the-road] {adj.}
Favoring action halfway between two opposite movements or ideas; with ideas halfway between two opposite sides; seeing good on both sides.
* /The men who wrote the Constitution followed a middle-of-the-road plan on whether […]
[midfield stripe] {n.}
The line across the center of a football field; the 50-yard line.
The visitors were able to cross the midfield stripe once during the whole game.
[midstream]
See:
[CHANGE HORSES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREAM] or
[CHANGE HORSES IN MIDSTREAM].
[mile]
See:
[GIVE ONE AN INCH, AND HE WILL TAKE A MILE],
[JAW DROP] or [JAW DROP A MILE],
[MISS BY A MILE],
[MISS IS AS GOOD AS A MILE].
[mile markers] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
Small signs along interstate highways usually bearing a number.
The Smokey is located at 131 mile marker.
[miles away] {adj. phr.}
Inattentive; not concentrating.
When Betty said, "We have theater tickets for tonight," Ken didn't react as his mind was miles away.
[mill around] {v. phr.}
To move impatiently in no particular direction.
The crowd milled around, waiting for the arrival of the president.
[millstone around one's neck] {n. phr.}
An intolerable burden.
Max said that his old car was a millstone around his neck.
Compare: [MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK].
[mince words] {v. phr.}
To choose words carefully for the sake of politeness or deception.
I like people who speak frankly and truthfully without mincing words.
[mind]
See:
[CROSS ONE'S MIND] or [PASS THROUGH ONE'S MIND],
[GIVE A PIECE OF ONE'S MIND],
[HALF A MIND],
[IN MIND],
[IN ONE'S MIND'S EYE],
[MAKE UP ONE'S MIND],
[NEVER MIND],
[ON ONE'S MIND],
[OUT OF ONE'S HEAD] or [OUT OF ONE'S MIND],
[PUT IN […]
[mind like a steel trap] {n. phr.}
A very quick and understanding mind, which is quick to catch an idea.
Henry is not fond of sports, but he has a mind like a steel trap.
A successful lawyer must have a mind like a steel trap.
[mind one's own business] {v. phr.}
To not interfere in the affairs of others.
He finally got tired of her criticism and told her to mind her own business.
[mind one's p's and q's] {v. phr.}
To be very careful what you do or say; not make mistakes.
When the principal of the school visited the class the students all minded their p's and q's.
If you wish to succeed you must mind your p's and q's.
[…]
[mind you] {v. phr.}, {informal}
I want you to notice and understand.
Mind you, I am not blaming him.
[mine of information] {n. phr.}
A person, a book, etc., that is a valuable source of information.
A dictionary can be a mine of information.
He is a mine of information on the stock market.
[minority leader] {n. phr.}
The leader of the political party that has fewer votes in a legislative house.
The minority leader of the Senate supported the bill.
The minority leader in the House of Representatives held a caucus.
Compare: […]
[minutes of the meeting] {n. phr.}
The notes taken by the recording secretary; of an official body or an association recording of what was said and transacted during the given session.
* /"Shall we accept the minutes of our last meeting as read by the […]
[misfire] {v.}
To fail to appeal; fall flat.
The standup comic's jokes misfired with the audience.
Compare: [GO OVER LIKE A LEAD BALLOON].
[miss a trick] {v. phr.}
To fail to see, hear, or notice something of even the slightest importance.
He never misses a trick when it comes to the stock market.
[miss by a mile] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To shoot at something and be far from hitting it; not hit near.
Jack's first shot missed the target by a mile.
2. To be very wrong; be far from right.
* /Lee tried to guess on the examination, but his […]
[missing link] {n.}
1. Something needed to complete a group; a missing part of a chain of things.
A 1936 penny was the missing link in John's collection of pennies.
The detective hunted for the fact that was the missing link in the case.
2. […]
[miss is as good as a mile]
It is the same if one fails or misses something by much or by little. — A proverb.
We thought Tom had a home run but the ball went foul by inches. A miss is as good as a mile.
[miss out] {v.}, {informal}
To fail; lose or not take a good chance; miss something good.
Jim's mother told him he missed out on a chance to go fishing with his father because he came home late.
* /You missed out by not coming with us; we had a […]
[miss the boat] also [miss the bus] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To fail through slowness; to put something off until too late; do the wrong thing and lose the chance.
Mr. Brown missed the boat when he decided not to buy the house.
* /In college he […]
[miss the point] {v. phr.}
To be unable to comprehend the essence of what was meant.
The student didn't get a passing grade on the exam because, although he wrote three pages, he actually missed the point.
[misty-eyed] or [dewey-eyed] {adj. phr.}
1. Having eyes damp with tears; emotional.
The teacher was misty-eyed when the school gave her a retirement gift.
2. Of the kind who cries easily; sentimental.
The movie appealed to dewey-eyed girls.
[mixed bag] {n. phr.}
A varied set of people, ideas, objects, or circumstances, including both the good and the bad.
This report is a mixed bag of opinions.
There was a mixed bag of people at the press conference.
[mixed blessing] {n.}
Something good that has bad features.
John's new bicycle was a mixed blessing. The other boys were always asking John to ride it.
[mixed up] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
1. Confused in mind; puzzled.
Bob was all mixed up after the accident.
Compare: [BALL UP] (1).
2. Disordered; disarranged; not neat.
The papers on his desk were mixed up.
3. {informal}
Joined or […]
[mix up] {v.}
To confuse; make a mistake about.
Jimmy doesn't know colors yet; he mixes up purple with blue.
Even the twins' mother mixes them up.
Compare: [MIXED UP].
[money]
See:
[COIN MONEY] or [MINT MONEY],
[EASY MONEY],
[FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE SOON PARTED],
[FOR LOVE OR MONEY],
[IN THE CHIPS] or [IN THE MONEY],
[MADE OF MONEY],
[MARRY MONEY],
[PUT ONE'S MONEY ON A SCRATCHED HORSE],
[RUN FOR ONE'S MONEY],
[…]
[money burns a hole in one's pocket]
See: [BURN A HOLE IN ONE'S POCKET].
[money is no object] {informal sentence}
The price of something is irrelevant.
Please show me your most beautiful mink coat; money is no object.
[money to burn] {n. phr.}, {informal}
Very much money, more than is needed.
Dick's uncle died and left him money to burn.
When Joe is twenty-one he will have money to burn.
Jean is looking for a husband with money to burn.
Compare: [MADE […]
[monkey business] {n.}, {slang}, {informal}
1. Any unethical, illegitimate, or objectionable activity that is furtive or deceitful, e.g., undercover sexual advances, cheating, misuse of public funds, etc.
* /There is a lot of monkey business going on in […]
[monkey on one's back] {n. phr.}, {informal}
An unsolved or nagging problem.
"My math course is a real monkey on my back," Jack complained.
Compare: [ALBATROSS AROUND ONE'S NECK], [MILLSTONE AROUND ONE'S NECK].
[month of Sundays] {n. phr.}, {informal}
A very long time. — Used for emphasis after "for" or "in" and usually with a negative verb.
I have not had devil's food cake in a month of Sundays.
* /When he got her first letter, he felt that he had not […]
[moon]
See:
[ASK FOR THE MOON] or [CRY FOR THE MOON],
[DARK OF THE MOON],
[FULL OF THE MOON],
[ONCE IN A BLUE MOON],
[PROMISE THE MOON].
[moonshine] {n.}
Illegally distilled alcoholic beverage made at home, mostly on a farm.
Grandpa is at it again in the barn, making moonshine out of plums.
[mop the floor with] or [mop up the floor with] or [wipe the floor with] or [wipe up the floor with] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To defeat very clearly or quickly; to beat badly.
The bully threatened to mop up the floor with Billy.
* /Our team wiped the […]
[mop up] {v. phr.}
To disperse or liquidate isolated groups or detachments of opposing forces.
Our forces won the basic battle but there still remain pockets of resistance they must mop up.
[more often than not] {adv. phr.}
More than half the time; fifty-one or more times out of a hundred; not quite usually, but fairly regularly.
Nancy comes over on Saturday more often than not.
* /Ben is a fairly good runner. He wins more often than […]
[more or less] {adv. phr.}
1. Somewhat; rather; mostly; fairly.
Earl made some mistakes on the test, but his answers were more or less right.
Ed is more or less intelligent.
Betty believes more or less in fairies.
Compare: [IN A WAY].
[…]
[more than] {adv.}
Over what you might expect; very.
They were more than glad to help.
He was more than upset by the accident.
Contrast: [LESS THAN].
[more than one could shake a stick at] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Very many; a great many; more than you can count.
There were more people at the game than you could shake a stick at.
* /I had more assignments for homework than I could shake a stick […]
[more the merrier] {n. phr.}
The more people who join in the fun, the better it will be. — Used in welcoming more people to join others in some pleasant activity.
Come with us on the boat ride; the more the merrier.
[morning after] {n.}, {slang}
The effects of drinking liquor or staying up late as felt the next morning; a hangover.
One of the troubles of drinking too much liquor is the morning after.
* /Mr. Smith woke up with a big headache and knew it was […]
[mouth]
See:
[BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE'S MOUTH],
[BUTTER WOULDN'T MELT IN ONE'S MOUTH],
[BY WORD OF MOUTH],
[DOWN IN THE DUMPS] or [DOWN IN THE MOUTH],
[FOAM AT THE MOUTH],
[HEART IN ONE'S MOUTH],
[KEEP ONE'S MOUTH SHUT],
[LAUGH ON THE […]
[mouth-watering] {adj.}
Smelling or looking very good to eat.
It was a mouth-watering meal.
[move a muscle] {v. phr.}
To move even a very little. — Used in negative sentences and questions and with "if".
The deer stood without moving a muscle until the hunter was gone.
The girls were so startled that they did not move a muscle.
* […]
[move heaven and earth] {v. phr.}
To try every way; do everything you can.
Joe moved heaven and earth to be sent to Washington.
Compare: [LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED].
[move in on] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {colloquial}
To take over something that belongs to another.
He moved in on my girlfriend and now we're not talking to each other.
[moving spirit] {n. phr.}
The main figure behind a business or an activity; the one who inspires the others.
Mr. Smith is the moving spirit behind our expansion plans.
[much]
See:
[AS MUCH AS],
[FOR AS MUCH AS],
[MAKE MUCH OF],
[SO MUCH],
[SO MUCH FOR],
[THINK A GREAT DEAL OF] or [THINK MUCH OF].
[much less] {conj.}
And also not; and even less able or likely to. — Used after a negative clause.
I never even spoke to the man, much less insulted him.
John couldn't even pick up the box, much less carry it upstairs.
* /George can hardly […]
[mud in your eye] {n. phr.}, {informal}
A cheering exclamation when people drink, much like "cheers!"
Each time John raised his glass he said, "Well, here's mud in your eye!"
[mug shot] {n. phr.}
A police photograph showing the arrested person's full face and profile.
"Go over these mug shots," Sergeant O'Malley said, "and tell me if you find the person who held up the liquor store!"
[mull over] {v. phr.}
To consider; think over.
He mulled over the offer for some time, but finally rejected it.
[mum is the word]
You must keep the secret; keep silent; don't tell anyone. — Often used as an interjection.
We are planning a surprise party for John and mum is the word.
"Mum is the word!" the robber captain told his men.
[muscle-bound] {adj.}
Having your muscles large, hard, and tight from too much exercising; having muscles so developed that you can hardly move.
Bob was big and strong, but he was muscle-bound, and Bill could beat him.
* /An athlete must train […]
[muscle in on] {v. phr.}
To intrude; penetrate; force oneself into another's business or territory.
The eastern Mafia muscled in on the western Mafia's turf and a shooting war was started.
[musical chairs] {n. phr.}
(Originally the name of a children's game.)
The transfer of a number of officers in an organization into different jobs, especially each other's jobs.
* /The boss regularly played musical chairs with department heads to keep […]
[music to one's ears] {n. phr.}
Something one likes to hear.
When the manager phoned to say I got the job, it was music to my ears.
[my God] or [my goodness] {interj.}
Used to express surprise, shock, or dismay.
My God! What happened to the car?
[my lips are sealed] {informal sentence}
A promise that one will not give away a secret.
"You can tell me what happened, " Helen said. "My lips are sealed."