T
Idioms beginning with "T"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of T:
[take sides] {v. phr.}
To join one group against another in a debate or quarrel.
Switzerland refused to take sides in the two World Wars.
Tom wanted to go fishing. Dick wanted to take a hike. Bob took sides with Tom so they all went fishing.
[…]
[take someone for a ride] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To cheat or swindle someone.
Poor Joe Catwallender was taken for a ride.
2. To kill someone after kidnapping.
The criminals took the man for a ride.
[take steps] {v. phr.}
To begin to make plans or arrangements; make preparations; give orders. — Usually used with "to" and an infinitive.
The city is taking steps to replace its streetcars with busses.
[take stock] {v. phr.}
1. To count exactly the items of merchandise or supplies in stock; take inventory.
The grocery store took stock every week on Monday mornings.
2. To study carefully a situation, or a number of possibilities or opportunities. […]
[take stock in] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To have faith in; trust; believe. — Usually used in the negative.
He took no stock in the idea that women were better cooks than men.
* /They took little or no stock in the boy's story that he had lost the […]
[take the bit in one's mouth] also [take the bit in one's teeth] {adv. phr.}
To have your own way; take charge of things; take control of something.
* /When Mary wanted something, she was likely to take the bit in her teeth and her parents could do […]
[take the bread out of one's mouth] {v. phr.}
To take away or not give your rightful support, especially through selfish pleasure.
She accused her husband of drinking and gambling — taking bread out of his children's mouths.
[take the bull by the horns] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To take definite action and not care about risks; act bravely in a difficulty.
He decided to take the bull by the horns and demand a raise in salary even though it might cost him his job.
Compare:
[…]
[take the cake] {v. phr.}, {slang}
1. To take the first prize; be the best; rank first.
Mr. Jones takes the cake as a storyteller.
2. To be the limit; to be the worst; have a lot of nerve; be a very rude, bold, or surprising action.
* /I let […]