All Questions
Tagged with single-word-requests idioms
208
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Idiomatic word or expression for a lazy and unmoral person who gets paid without working - Translation of Spanish ‘ñoqui’ [duplicate]
I'm not talking about the Italian dish. In Argentina, there's a well known expression for someone who doesn't go to work and only assists the last month's day to get paid: It's called a ñoqui. The ...
- 444
6
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2
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677
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"Don't rock the boat" attitude [duplicate]
When someone tends to hesitate to acknowledge a problem and avoid involving trouble even if needed, is it ok to say in a negative nuance that
He/She always has a "don't rock the boat" ...
- 946
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1
answer
516
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Is there a word that means exactly physically carrying things (baggage, person etc.) on the head or shoulders?
Example sentence
Bill ____ the demon.
Single word (verb) is better, two words (VP) are okay. The word has to mean carrying something physically on the head or shoulders.
- 1,920
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1
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A Constraint <VERB> a Certain Value
In the context of software programming, I am looking for a verb which expresses a certain relation. Using Merriam Webster online, I have not been able to find what I am looking for, due to lack of a ...
- 417
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1
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54
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Drifting dust, and ice near the ground
Sometimes, when there is moderately strong gusting wind, one can see the wind raising a little dust just a little above the ground, from the ankle height, up to a few meters. When the wind gust is ...
- 1,133
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5
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467
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Word or idiom for something that can either be helpful or harmful, depending on how it's used [duplicate]
For example, consider the following:
Knives are a [blank], because they can either be used as a tool or a weapon.
I don't think "double-edged sword" is appropriate in this context because ...
7
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2
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3k
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can chug be used with food, like chugging down my lunch
Everywhere I've looked, it seems chugging down has to be followed by a drink. But can I use it with food as well? Like "I was doing something (say, walking) while chugging down my lunch". Is ...
- 149
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3
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125
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Term to define the phenomenon of explaining poorly by assuming your audience is more knowledgeable than it is on a subject [duplicate]
Before I get started, I am not looking for "layman's terms". That involves "dumbing down" concepts to make them simple to understand, but often result in the analogies and ...
- 9
2
votes
4
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2k
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Synonyms for “passing the buck”? [duplicate]
What would be a better replacement for the informal phrase “passing the buck” (ie. shift responsibility for something to someone else)?
I am in need of a single-word verb that captures the all-too-...
- 53
1
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1
answer
46
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What would be the word that is used to describe a person that uses dysphemisms a lot?
dys·phe·mism
/ˈdisfəˌmizəm/
a derogatory or unpleasant term
used instead of a pleasant or neutral one, such as “loony bin” for
“mental hospital.”.
(Lexico)
- 11
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1
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129
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Is there a word I can use to replace textual "finger quotes" instead of 'per se'?
When it comes to writing, I don't like to use the phrase per se, as it's hard to fit into what I'm trying to explain sometimes, but I don't like using quotes to mean per se (what I'm referring to as ...
- 101
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votes
1
answer
51
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What is the most idiomatic verb to use with ‘reading’?
In the following sentence, by ‘reading’ I mean ‘study’ or ‘research’. What is the best verb to use with it?
I —————— an ecological reading of the Japanese literary tradition.
Do, conduct, carry out, ...
- 3,462
0
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0
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221
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A word for a fallen tree with roots exposed
I'm looking for a single word or an idiom for a fallen tree with roots exposed, or a cavity formed between the roots of a fallen tree and the soil. Preferably an uncommon poetic/dialect word
- 205
1
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4
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81
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Single word (Preferably) for phenomenon when two persons who are at not good terms with each other and involve third person to correspond between them [duplicate]
What is it called (Preferably single word) for phenomenon that is taking place when three parties are involved such that first two persons (Group of people, party or Departments, etc) are at not good ...
- 3,102
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4
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599
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As I stand on/at the ______ of a new chapter?
Can someone please fill in the blank for me? I can't remember how the phrase goes. I don't want to say "stand at the start of a new chapter" because that sounds clumsy. I had originally ...
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