Meaning Example
| across the board |
affecting all people, applies to everything |
We want a salary increase across the board - for all positions. |
| act out |
explain by movement and gestures |
Watch - I'll act out the meaning of pacifist. |
| act up |
misbehave, do bad things |
She said that Kim was acting up at church - making noise. |
| act up |
not work right, give pain or problems |
My stomach is acting up today. I don't feel well. |
| actions speak louder than words |
people judge by actions more than words, practice what you preach |
Parents should remember that actions speak louder than words. Kids imitate their parents. |
| ad lib (ad libitum) |
improvise, create, at will, off the cuff |
After I learn the melody I like to ad lib. I play what I hear in my head. |
| add fuel to the fire |
cause more anger, aggravate a problem |
He's angry. Telling him bad news will add fuel to the fire. |
| add insult to injury |
add another negative, make it worse, put your foot in it |
If you say his answer is wrong, and then say he can't understand, you've added insult to injury. |
| afraid so |
sorry, but it is true; believe me, yeppers |
"Did he spend all of our money?" "Yes, 'fraid so." |
| after all |
after you consider all the facts, to be fair |
Will you help me with English? After all, I helped you with math. |
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