A-Z Database

A-Z Database

All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Have one’s tail up

To be in good spirits, the opposite of to have one’s tail between one’s legs, derives from observation of dogs who convey their emotions via the posit...

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Have one’s work cut out

A very difficult workload with the implication that is not likely to be completed in the allotted time. The expression has been around since the 17th...

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Have or get cold feet

To have or to get cold feet is to experience feelings of apprehension, doubt or reluctance, strong enough to prevent a person from going through with...

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Have other fish to fry

see Bigger/other fish to fry


Have over a barrel

see Over a barrel


Have someone on

To have someone on, is to engage the interest or sympathy of someone to fool or deceive them, usually with harmless, jocular intentions. The origin is...

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Have someone over a barrel

see Over a barrel


Have someone’s back

see Watch someone’s back


Have something in spades

see In spades


Have the last laugh

see Last laugh


Have the wood on or over someone

To have the wood on or over someone is to get the better of them in any form of contest or competition. The expression is chiefly Australian and New Z...

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Have too many balls in the air

see Too many balls in the air


Have your cake and eat it

This expression is most commonly found in the form ‘you can’t have your cake and eat it’ meaning that one cannot entertain two irreconcilable choices...

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Have your guts for garters

see Guts for garters


Have/not have the stomach for something

see Stomach


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