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On the sidelines
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1. |
(watching what is happening while) not taking an active part; waiting to take an active part in something. |
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On the spur of the moment
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1. |
on a sudden wish or decision; suddenly; without thought or preparation. |
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On top of the world
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1. |
in a euphoric mood because of success, good health etc; as happy as one can possibly be. |
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One foot in the grave
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1. |
the origin of this phrase, meaning “hovering on the brink of death”, is generally attributed to the emperor Julian, who said that he would “learn something even if he had one foot in the grave”. |
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One's/someone's days are numbered
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1. |
one is close to death or danger; one will soon be no longer needed; one's time on earth is nearly over. |
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Only pebble on the beach
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1. |
standing alone by reason of excellence; superior to all others. |
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Open season
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1. |
is the season of the year when hunting for certain specified game animals or birds is permitted. Loosely, the term is also used to indicate that some group is “fair game” for attack. |
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Opossum
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1. |
A large rodent or rat like animal. A marsupial mammal of nocturnal habits (Didelphys virginiana), with a white and palatable flesh and a coarse but much esteemed pelage. Also abbreviated in possum.Noted for its trick of feigning death when in danger. |
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Optical illusion
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1. |
a distorted or imaginary view of something. |
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Oscar
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1. |
the name of the gold-plated statuette awarded in various categories of professional attainment each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The statuettes were first awarded in 1929 but did not receive the nickname Oscar until 1931. 2. an award given in recognition of some accomplishment. |
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Ostrich, To hide one's head like an
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1. |
a policy of closing one's eyes and imagining that nobody can see one. In allusion to the supposed practice of the ostrich of hiding its head when in danger. |
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Ottoman
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1. |
A low, cushioned footstool.
2. The Ottoman Empire of the Turks, (c. 1300 -
1919), whose capital is Constantinople. (present
day "Istanbul, Turkey). |
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Ouija board
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1. |
The Trade name for a device used by spiritualists, mediums and others trying to foretell the future. It consists of a large board with letters, numbers, symbols and a few simple words on it, plus a planchette with a pointer, resting on casters, which the communicator maneuvers until, by combinations of letters, it spells out answers to questions. The name is a blend of the French oui and the German ja. Since both words mean “yes”, it's apparent that the board will tell you pretty much what you want to hear. |
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Ousted
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1. |
turned out; put out of the group |
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Out of cater
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Out of hand
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Out of sorts
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1. |
In an angry or unhappy mood; in a bad temper; grouchy. |
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Out of the question
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1. |
impossible; not wanted and so not worth considering. |
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Out on a limb
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1. |
In a dangerous position that can't be changed; with one's beliefs and opinions stated openly. |
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Over (the top of) one's head
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1. |
Not understandable; beyond one's ability to understand; too hard or strange for one to understand. |
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2. |
To a more important person in charge: to a higher
official. |
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Over and over
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1. |
repeatedly, continually. |
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Overalls
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1. |
loose fitting trousers with the front extending up over the chest, and straps over the shoulders. |
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Overshoot the mark
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1. |
to go beyond; overstep; exceed. |
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