T
Idioms beginning with "T"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of T:
[tone down] {v.}
To make softer or quieter; make less harsh or strong; moderate.
He toned down the sound of the TV.
She wanted the bright colors in her house toned down.
When the ladies arrived, he toned down his language.
* /The […]
[tongue]
See:
[AT THE TIP OF ONE'S TONGUE],
[CAT GET ONE'S TONGUE],
[HOLD ONE'S TONGUE],
[KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN ONE'S HEAD],
[SLIP OF THE TONGUE].
[tongue-in-cheek] {adj. phr.}
In an ironic or insincere manner.
When the faculty complained about the poor salary increments, the university's president said that he was not a psychiatrist, thus making an inappropriate tongue-in-cheek remark.
[tongue-lashing] {n.}
A sharp scolding or criticism.
Jim's mother gave him a tongue-lashing for telling family secrets.
Syn.: [PIECE OF ONE'S MIND].
[tongues wag] {informal}
People speak in an excited or gossipy manner; people spread rumors.
If married women go out with other men, tongues will wag.
When the bank clerk showed up in an expensive new car, tongues wagged.
[tongue twister] {n.}
A word or group of words difficult to pronounce whose meaning is irrelevant compared to the difficulty of enunciation.
"She sells sea shells by the seashore" is a popular American tongue twister.
[to no avail] or [of no avail] (1) {adj. phr.}, {formal}
Having no effect; useless, unsuccessful.
Tom's practicing was of no avail. He was sick on the day of the game.
Mary's attempts to learn embroidering were to no avail.
[to no avail] (2) {adv. phr.}, {formal}
Without result; unsuccessfully.
John tried to pull the heavy cart, but to no avail.
Mary studied hard for the test but to no avail.
Compare: [IN VAIN].