W

[whale the --- out of]

See: [BEAT THE --- OUT OF].

[what]

See:

[COME WHAT MAY],

[GET WHAT'S COMING TO ONE],

[I'LL TELL YOU WHAT],

[JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED],

[SO WHAT].

[what about]  {interrog.}

1. About or concerning what; in connection with what. — Often used alone as a question.

"I want to talk to you." "What about?"

Compare: [WHAT FOR].

2. See: [WHAT OF IT].

3. See: [HOW ABOUT].

[what about that]

See: [HOW ABOUT THAT].

[What a pity!]

How unfortunate! What a shame!

[what for] (1)  {interrog.}

For what reason; why?

I told Mary what I was going to town for.

What are you running for? — Often used alone as a question.

Billy's mother told him to wear his hat. "What for?" he asked.

Compare: [HOW COME].

[what for] (2)  {n. phr.},  {informal}

A scolding, or other punishment. — Usually used with "get" or "give".

Tom got what for from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard him crying in the house.

* /The teacher gave me what for because I  […]

[what have you] or [what not]  {n. phr.},  {informal}

Whatever you like or want; anything else like that.

The store sells big ones, small ones, medium ones, or what have you.

We found suits, coats, hats and what not in the closet.

Syn.: [AND SO  […]

[what if]

What would, or will, happen if; what is the difference if; suppose that.

What if you go instead of me?

What if we paint it red. How will it look?

"You can't go now" said mother. "What if I do?" Dick asked.

* /What if Jack  […]

[what is what]

See: [WHAT'S WHAT].