W
Idioms beginning with "W"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of W:
[word to the wise] {n. phr.}
A word of warning or advice which the intelligent person is expected to follow. — A proverb.
I had once spoken to him about being late all the time, and thought that a word to the wise was enough.
[work]
See:
[ALL IN A DAY'S WORK],
[ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY],
[AT WORK],
[BUSY WORK],
[IN THE WORKS],
[MAKE SHORT WORK OF],
[MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK],
[SHOOT THE WORKS],
[THE WORKS],
[IN THE WORKS].
[worked up] also [wrought up] {adj.}, {literary}
Feeling strongly; excited; angry; worried.
Mary was all worked up about the exam.
John got worked up when they blamed him for losing the game.
Compare: [ON EDGE].
[work in] {v.}
1. To rub in.
The nurse told Mary to put some cream on her skin and to work it in gently with her fingers.
2. To slip in; mix in; put in;
When Mary was planning the show, she worked a part in for her friend Susan.
[working girl] {n.}, {slang}
1. ( {vulgar}, {avoidable}) A prostitute.
I didn't know Roxanne was a working girl.
2. A girl, usually single, who supports herself by working in an honest job, such as in an office, etc.
* /The average working girl […]
[work into] {v.}
1. Force into little by little.
John worked his foot into the boot by pushing and pulling.
2. Put into; mix into.
Mary worked some blue into the rug she was weaving.
[work off] {v.}
To make (something) go away, especially by working.
John worked off the fat around his waist by doing exercise every morning.
Mr. Smith worked off his anger by chopping wood.
[work on] also [work upon] {v.}
1. Have an effect on; influence.
Some pills work on the nerves and make people feel more relaxed.
2. To try to influence or convince.
Senator Smith worked on the other committee members to vote for the bill.
[work one's fingers to the bone] {v. phr.}
To work very hard.
"I have to work my fingers to the bone for a measly pittance of a salary," Fred complained.