W
Idioms beginning with "W"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of W:
[walking encyclopedia] {n. phr.}
A polymath; a person very well versed in a number of different disciplines.
My uncle is a veritable walking encyclopedia when it comes to the history of World War II.
Contrast: [WALKING DICTIONARY].
[walking papers] or [walking orders] also [walking ticket] {n.}, {informal}
A statement that you are fired from your job; dismissal.
The boss was not satisfied with Paul's work and gave him his walking papers.
* /George is out of work. He picked […]
[walk of life] {n. phr.}
Way of living; manner in which people live.
Many rich people have yachts; people in their walk of life can afford them.
The banker did not want his son to marry a girl in a different walk of life.
* /People from every […]
[walk on air] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To feel happy and excited.
Sue has been walking on air since she won the prize.
His father's compliment left Jed walking on air.
Compare: [ON CLOUD NINE], [ON TOP OF THE WORLD].
[walk on eggs] {v. phr.}
To act with utmost caution due to being in a precarious position.
Tom has been walking on eggs ever since he started working for a new boss in Cincinnati.
[walk out] {v.}
1. To go on strike.
When the company would not give them higher pay, the workers walked out.
2. To leave suddenly; especially to desert.
He didn't say he wasn't coming back; he just walked out.
- Often used informally with […]
[walk over] or [walk all over] or [step all over] {v. phr.} {informal}
To make (someone) do whatever you wish; make selfish use of; treat like a slave; impose upon.
Jill is so friendly and helpful that people walk all over her.
* /We wanted the […]
[walk the chalk] or [walk the chalk line] or [walk the chalk mark]
To act exactly as you are supposed to; behave properly; obey.
That new teacher really makes the students walk the chalk.
* /In some classes the students play and talk, but Mr. […]
[walk the floor] {v. phr.}
To walk one direction and then the other across the floor, again and again; pace.
Mr. Black walked the floor, trying to reach a decision.
The sick baby had his mother walking the floor all night.
* /Mrs. Black's […]