T
Idioms beginning with "T"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of T:
[take the defensive] {v. phr.}
To make oneself the defending party.
Contrast: [TAKE THE OFFENSIVE].
[take the edge off] also [take off the edge] {v. phr.}
To lessen, weaken, soften or make dull.
Eating a candy bar before dinner has taken the edge off Becky's appetite.
Bob was sorry for hurting Tom and that took the edge off Tom's anger.
* […]
[take the fifth] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. Taking refuge behind the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States which guarantees any witness the right not to incriminate himself while testifying at a trial.
* /Alger Hiss took the Fifth when […]
[take the floor] {v. phr.}
To get up and make a speech in a meeting.
The audience became very attentive the moment the president took the floor.
[take the law into one's own hands] {v. phr.}
To protect one's supposed rights or punish a suspected wrongdoer without reference to a court. — An overused expression.
* /When the men of the settlement caught the suspected murderer, they took the law […]
[take the lid off] {v. phr.}
1. To let out in the open; divulge.
It's about time to take the lid off the question of how many prisoners of war are still in enemy hands.
2. To start to face an issue.
* /"The best way to deal with your divorce," […]
[take the offensive] {v. phr.}
To make oneself the attacking party.
After many months of preparation, the freedom fighters were ready to take the offensive.
Contrast: [TAKE THE DEFENSIVE].
[take the pledge] {v. phr.}
To swear to give up drinking, smoking, or using drugs.
Gary finally took the pledge and he has kept it thus far.
[take the plunge] {v. phr.}
To take a fatal or decisive step; venture.
When I asked Don when he and Melissa were going to get married, he answered that they'll take the plunge in September.