B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[bear out] {v.}
To show to be right; prove; support.
Modern findings do not bear out the old belief that the earth is flat.
Seward's faith in his purchase of Alaska was borne out, even though it was once called "Seward's Folly."
[bear trap] {n.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
A police radar unit designed to catch speeders.
Watch the bear trap at exit 101.
[bear up] {v.}
1. To hold up; carry; support; encourage.
The old bridge can hardly bear up its own weight any more.
He was borne up by love of country.
2. To keep up one's courage or strength; last. — Often used with "under".
* /This boat […]
[bear watching] {v. phr.}
1. To be worth watching or paying attention to; have a promising future.
That young ball player will bear watching.
2. To be dangerous or untrustworthy.
Those tires look badly worn; they will bear watching.
[…]
[bear with] {v.}, {formal}
To have patience with; not get angry with.
Your little sister is sick. Try to bear with her when she cries.
It is hard to bear with criticism.
Syn.: [PUT UP WITH]. Compare: [CARRY ONE'S CROSS].
[beat about the bush] or [beat around the bush] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To talk about things without giving a clear answer; avoid the question or the point.
He would not answer yes or no, but beat about the bush.
* /He beat about the bush for a half […]
[beat all] or [beat the Dutch] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be strange or surprising.
John found a box full of money buried in his garage. Doesn't that beat all!
It beats the Dutch how Tom always makes a basket.
[beat all hollow] also [beat hollow] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To do much better than; to beat very badly.
We beat their team all hollow.
As a speaker, he beats us all hollow.
[beat a retreat] {v. phr.}
1. To give a signal, esp. by beating a drum, to go back.
The Redcoats' drums were beating a retreat.
2. To run away.
They beat a retreat when they saw that they were too few.
* /The cat beat a hasty retreat when […]