D
Idioms beginning with "D"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of D:
[dot the i's and cross the t's] {v. phr.}
To be careful, thorough, and pay close attention to detail.
"The best way to get an A on the final exam," the teacher said, "is for every one to dot the i's and cross the t's."
Compare: [MIND ONE'S P'S AND […]
[double back] {v.}
1. To turn back on one's way or course.
The escaped prisoner doubled back on his tracks.
2. To fold over; usually in the middle.
The teacher told Johnny to double back the sheet of paper and tear it in half.
[double check] {n.}
A careful second check to be sure that something is right; a careful look for errors.
The policeman made a double check on the doors in the shopping area.
[double-check] {v.}
1. To do a double check on; look at again very carefully.
When the last typing of his book was finished, the author double-checked it.
2. To make a double check; look carefully at something.
* /The proofreader double-checks […]
[double-cross] {v.}
To promise one thing and deliver another; to deceive.
The lawyer double-crossed the inventor by manufacturing the gadget instead of fulfilling his promise to arrange a patent for his client.
Compare: [SELL DOWN THE RIVER], […]
[double date] {n.}, {informal}
A date on which two couples go together.
John and Nancy went with Mary and Bill on a double date.
[double-date] {v.}, {informal}
To go on a double date; date with another couple.
John and Nancy and Mary and Bill double-date.
[double duty] {n.}
Two uses or jobs; two purposes or duties.
Matthew does double duty. He's the janitor in the morning and gardener in the afternoon.
Our new washer does double duty; it washes the clothes and also dries them.
[double-header] {n.}
Two games or contests played one right after the other, between the same two teams or two different pairs of teams.
The Yankees and the Dodgers played a double-header Sunday afternoon.
* /We went to a basketball double-header […]
[double nickel] {adv.}, {slang}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
The nationally enforced speed limit on some highways — 55 MPH.
We'd better go double nickel on this stretch, partner; there's a bear in the air.