B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth] {informal}
You act very polite and friendly but do not really care, you are very nice to people but are not sincere.
* /The new secretary was rude to the other workers, but when she talked to the boss, butter […]
[butt in] {v.}, {slang}
To join in with what other people are doing without asking or being asked; interfere in other people's business; meddle.
Mary was explaining to Jane how to knit a sweater when Barbara butted in.
Often used with "on".
* […]
[button down] {v.}, {slang} (stress on "down")
To state precisely, to ascertain, to pin down, to peg down.
First let's get the facts buttoned down, then we can plan ahead.
[button-down] {attrib. adj.}, {slang} (stress on "button")
Well-groomed, conservatively dressed.
Joe is a regular button-down type.
[buttonhole] {v.}
To approach a person in order to speak with him or her in private.
After waiting for several hours, Sam managed to buttonhole his boss just as she was about to leave the building.
[button one's lip] also [zip one's lip] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To stop talking; keep a secret; shut your mouth; be quiet.
The man was getting loud and insulting and the cop told him to button his lip.
* /John wanted to talk, but Dan told him to keep […]
[buy for a song] {v. phr.}
To buy something very cheaply.
Since the building on the corner was old and neglected, I was able to buy it for a song.
[buy off] {v.}
To turn from duty or purpose by a gift.
When the police threatened to stop the gambling business, the owner bought them off.
The Indians were going to burn the cabins, but the men bought them off with gifts.
Compare: [PAY OFF].
[buy out] {v.}
1. To buy the ownership or a share of; purchase the stock of.
He bought out several small stockholders.
2. To buy all the goods of; purchase the merchandise of.
Mr. Harper bought out a nearby hardware store.
Contrast: [SELL […]