B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[before one can say Jack Robinson] {adv. cl.}, {informal}
Very quickly; suddenly. — An overused phrase.
Before I could say Jack Robinson, the boy was gone.
Compare: [IN A FLASH], [RIGHT AWAY].
[before you know it] {adv. phr.}
Sooner than one would expect.
Don't despair; we'll be finished with this work before you know it!
[be game] {v. phr.}
To be cooperative, willing, sporting.
When I asked Charlie to climb Mount McKinley with us, he said he was game if we were.
[beggars can't be choosers]
People who can not choose what they will have, must accept what they get; if you are not in control, you must take what you can get.
* /We wanted to leave on the train in the morning but it doesn't go until afternoon, so we […]
[begin with] {adv. phr.}
As a preliminary statement; in the first place.
To begin with, you are far too young to get married.
[beg off] {v.}
To ask to be excused.
Father told Tom to rake the yard, but Tom tried to beg off.
Mrs. Crane accepted an invitation to a luncheon, but a headache made her beg off.
Compare: [BACK OUT].
[beg the question] {v. phr.}, {literary}
To accept as true something that is still being argued about, before it is proved true; avoid or not answer a question or problem.
* /The girls asked Miss Smith if they should wear formal dresses to the party; […]