U
Idioms beginning with "U"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of U:
[under the wire] {adv. phr.}
With a narrow time limit; in the last minute.
The journalist's new lead article on Russia was due in press at 5 P.M., and he got it in at 4:57, just under the wire.
[underway] {adv. phr.}
In progress; in motion.
The yearly fund-raising campaign for the renovation of our university campus is already underway.
[under wraps] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
Not allowed to be seen until the right time; not allowed to act or speak freely; in secrecy; hidden. — Usually used with "keep".
We have a new player, hut we are keeping him under wraps until the game.
* /What […]
[unknown quantity] {n.}
Someone or something whose value and importance are not known, especially in a certain situation, time or place; a new and untested person or thing.
What we would find if we could fly to the moon is an unknown quantity.
* […]
[until all hours] {adv. phr.}
Until very late at night.
He is so anxious to pass his exams with flying colors that he stays up studying until all hours.
[until hell freezes over] {adv. phr.}, {slang}
Forever, for an eternity.
He can argue until hell freezes over; nobody will believe him.
Contrast: [WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER].
[up against] {prep. phr.}
Blocked or threatened by.
When she applied to medical school, the black woman wondered whether she was up against barriers of sex and race prejudice.