Questions tagged [expression-requests]
for questions looking for a specific expression.
602
questions
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3answers
64 views
English equivalent of the Greek “When Muhammad does not go to the mountain…”?
In Greek, there is an expression which translates literally to
When Muhammad does not go to the mountain, the mountain goes to Muhammad.
The expression is used when the speaker believes that they ...
40
votes
10answers
7k views
English equivalent of Vietnamese “Rather kill mistakenly than to miss an enemy.”
There was a Vietnamese political leader who said during the war, "Thà giết nhầm còn hơn bỏ sót," which translates to "Rather kill mistakenly than to miss an enemy."
I'm wondering ...
1
vote
2answers
59 views
“Co-worker” equivalent for “volunteer”?
Question: What is a term that can be used to describe someone who volunteers with you? Is "co-volunteer" an accepted term?
Elaboration: This question was brought to my attention when writing ...
0
votes
1answer
18 views
succinct description for circuitous and unnecessary, wasteful, or odd [duplicate]
Is there a word or idiom for coming to a solution through unnecessarily convoluted means?
I think similar to the question Is there a word or phrase for "taking the long way around a square"? ...
0
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2answers
35 views
What is the correct term (preferably a noun) to describe the amount of time spent on practicing an instrument?
For video games, I think played time is the general phrase to say how much time someone has spent on playing a game. For example, player A has accumulated 2000 hours of played time. For pilot, I think ...
1
vote
2answers
23 views
Idiom/expression to describe an instance where one makes something seem bigger than it really is
Looking for idiom/expression to describe an instance where one makes something seem bigger than it really is like if someone making things bigger than they are, exaggerating or overstating a situation....
1
vote
1answer
104 views
What is an expression for finishing up work on a newspaper/magazine issue?
Suppose your team is working on a newspaper issue of which the deadline is approaching. Therefore, final touches must be put to it before sending it to the printers. What expression do you use to ...
0
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0answers
54 views
“the tyranny of the people with a chip on their shoulder and time to burn”
A Hacker News commentator wrote:
if you open up moderation then you'll get Tyranny of the Majority [1].
But in the internet age it would actually be
tyranny-of-the-people-a-chip-on-their-shoulder-and-...
1
vote
1answer
37 views
word or phrase describing preference for reversable actions
It could be related to 'silk touch' or 'light step'.
In minecraft 'silk touch' means ability to take the block as is, being able to place it later in game, without changing the block, but usually many ...
0
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0answers
21 views
How can I express the fact that the reason why I wore pants has been the same?
Since the start of the latest lockdowns, I haven't been wearing pants often. The only times when I wear it have been when I meet with a particular friend of mine. Now, I want to express the fact that ...
0
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0answers
26 views
A more positive equivalent of “relegate”
In scientific literature, I sometimes see expression of this form:
We consider results 1, 2, and 3 here, while results 4 and 5 are relegated to Appendix Z.
The notion of "relegating" some ...
0
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0answers
16 views
Idiom for up-front time investment
Suppose I do something that might be seen as an immediate waste of time, because I think it will save more time in the long-term, be it preventing problems, by solving them faster, or by making future ...
0
votes
2answers
114 views
The phenomenon of walking backwards to remember a lost thought
I used to have "senior moments" long before I actually became a senior, such as walking from one room to another and forgetting what I was...
An older friend advised me that in moments like ...
10
votes
6answers
4k views
What's the feminine equivalent of “your obedient servant” as a letter closing? [closed]
I'm a student learning English and recently came across the United Kingdom's declaration of war on Japan, which ends with:
I have the honour to be, with high consideration,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,...
1
vote
1answer
33 views
Word for: Sleep until some bad situation/feeling subsides or ends
When one waits until some difficulty has passed, we say "wait something out". Is there a word/expression in English for sleeping until your hunger, pain, or negative emotions subside?
3
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8answers
1k views
Opposite of “under the weather”?
British TV Shows are a good way to learn language. At the moment I'm watching Situation Comedy classic series Black Adder, Season one on DVD format. I learnt a new phrase "under the weather" ...
6
votes
3answers
77 views
Describe someone who is not using what he/she own to its full potential
Picture yourself, the best driver within your group of friends and with a passion for cars, driving in a small Toyota along a narrow windy road at 60km/h. Suddenly after a bend you find yourself ...
1
vote
0answers
42 views
Emergency vehicle lights and siren [duplicate]
I need a formal expression to designate the police siren and lights together. In Hungarian they are both called with the same name: distinctive signals which is different from what we call them when ...
1
vote
3answers
53 views
I am knowledgeable about several topics - a phrase/adjective to describe this with respect to the topics? [closed]
I am writing a paper and I am lost for a phrase to describe the set of topics a person is knowledgeable about.
For example: "If someone knows about topic A and also knows about topic B, then ...
1
vote
1answer
68 views
Expression for misrepresenting statistics [duplicate]
Sometimes when a lot of data is gathered, an argument against the majority can rely on selecting the rarer case.
For example, a medical procedure which usually does more harm than good can be defended ...
0
votes
1answer
24 views
Dramatic Writing and Behavior of primary characters in a screenplay
A way to describe a person who is smirking or their lips purse? A simple phrase or word that describes a series of conflicting and contradicting emotions being displayed by a person. The description ...
1
vote
1answer
31 views
(Romanian(?)) expression akin to “Running on paddlers' fins”?
I was in a meeting today with a Romanian man, mid-40s, clearly well-educated. His first language was, I believe, Romanian. In any case, he used a lot of expressions as he spoke, and whilst they were ...
0
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1answer
31 views
Word/phrase that represents “unknowingly Arguing against something/explaining something based on false statement X given”
I'm looking for a word or phrase that encapsulates the action of defending statement X of opponent, despite X having no validity, or unknowingly arguing/explaining based on a false statement X. For ...
1
vote
1answer
48 views
I need an English expression ( preferably slang ) to express my willingness and commitment to do something [duplicate]
I need an English expression ( preferably slang ) to express my willingness and commitment to do something ( e.g I will put my heart and soul into it )
0
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0answers
20 views
Looking for an expression
I'm looking for a better way to say that once a new kind of virus is discovered, various gene analysis methods, such as A B C, are already in stock (or at hand) to be used.
Thanks.
1
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0answers
39 views
A phrase for “Turning a match around” kind
I wanted to know a phrase for the purpose of the doing of an event which is unlikely to happened. Like if a football match is being lost by team A by a huge margin, something like "It's X's time ...
0
votes
2answers
54 views
A word or expression for “Waiting until the opportune moment”?
I'm trying to find a word (that may or may not exist, I haven't found it yet) that describes waiting for an opportune moment. Something like a snake that hides from it's prey until it's the right time ...
0
votes
2answers
26 views
Alternative ways to express “Examples of Something” [closed]
I am conceiving the title of a web page where a number of examples will be listed.
I can use the page title "Examples of Something" e.g. "Examples of Cars", "Examples of Jobs&...
0
votes
2answers
55 views
How to name “people who talk a lot” in a company, without sounding rude
I'm delivering a presentation in which I want to mention people "who talk a lot" in companies. To me (non native english speaker), this term sounds a bit offensive.
I want to describe the ...
1
vote
2answers
47 views
Phrase for a useful or comforting illusion
Looking for an expression or a phrase for a comforting or useful illusion or simulacrum. Something that is widely held, yet seldom scrutinized. Something so common it defies scrutiny. Something ...
0
votes
1answer
31 views
What is/are the word(s) for the overwhelming feeling of relief?
I am describing in a college app essay the feeling I felt when I finally did not experience overwhelming anxiety when presenting in front of the class. I have only felt this way when presenting topics ...
-1
votes
5answers
82 views
I need an Idiom about improving a bad situation [duplicate]
I am writing an essay about overcoming a hard time and staying motivated through it. I want an idiom to be the title. What should it be?
It could also be about bringing down something bad, like: "...
0
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1answer
29 views
A term or an expression for problem-solving related strategy
Is there a term/expression to describe a strategy or tactic of solving biggest problem first with an expected knock-on (domino-like) effect for smaller associated problems?
Similar to Pareto (80-20) ...
0
votes
0answers
14 views
Expressing “I” “me” with self-effacement
In many cultures, one is not supposed to say the counter parts of "I" or "me" to another person of higher rank, say a king. Instead, they would say something like "your ...
0
votes
1answer
21 views
Expression for “The time period in which I started working in my current workplace”
James started to work at place X since 20th February 2019.
Which phrase should be used to refer to the time period which is the beginning of his work at that workplace?
For example (the following is ...
1
vote
1answer
157 views
Idiom to describe something that is 'Just Right' [closed]
I am doing an English Project and am trying to decide for a title. I am analysing movie which I thought was really well done, and hence was trying to decide on an idea for the article I am writing.
I ...
21
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10answers
5k views
Plural of “I am nobody important” i.e. “we are <nobody/nobodies> important”
A few days ago some stranger contacted me and I asked who he was. He replied and said:
Nobody important.
Now, it is clearly for a singular subject. One person can say that. But I am now wondering ...
3
votes
0answers
246 views
What's a word for “someone who uses their position of power to make another person sell something they own for a lesser value”? [closed]
What word(s) can I use to describe someone who uses their position of power to make another person sell something they own for a lower value?
I've thought coercing or forcing but there must be a ...
2
votes
1answer
37 views
How would you say: [not] trespassing on someone else's field of expertise
There is a manager in our company that he thinks that I am trying to do some task that he is the one that should be doing not me.
I am trying to decline his assumptions but my attempts sound wrong:
I ...
2
votes
1answer
76 views
Apply a rule vs. Follow a rule
Don't insert a space before a colon.
Don't insert multiple consecutive colons.
Follow the same rules for commas, periods, and other punctuation marks.
Don't insert a space before a colon.
Don't ...
0
votes
0answers
78 views
to start making coffee with a coffee brewer
I'm seeking an expression for getting the coffee brewer started on making a fresh pot so it's clear that the coffee isn't ready yet but will be some time soon.
My native language has an expression for ...
0
votes
1answer
27 views
How do you describe states of a change while the change is in progress? [duplicate]
For simplicity I will give an example.
I have a document with a title and my boss asked me to update it.
Before the change happened I would call the titles "current title" and "future ...
2
votes
1answer
327 views
A literary idiom/expression that means someone is worthless or express about this imagery ( he is not equal to stitch on the sole)
I have to translate a poem from Arabic into English, so I need an equivalent expression to Arabic imagery.
0
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2answers
42 views
Phrase for the belief that your field of study or project has higher merit
I'm trying to find a phrase for the act of rating one's activity greater then another person's activity.
An elementary school teacher might state that reading a chapter with your child is critical but ...
0
votes
2answers
52 views
What is a concise word or term for the cognitive ability to passively gather and recall personal minutiae about other people in one's life?
Examples of the minutiae at issue are things like a person's hometown, the name(s) of their partner(s) and/or children, which, if any, college they attended, occupation, etc. Any piece of personal ...
0
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1answer
75 views
Can you use “at dusk” in the meaning of “at the end”?
Can you use "at dusk" to describe something at its later or final stage?
E.g. Does "at the dusk of the 20th century" make any sense at all? If not, is there any expression that ...
1
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0answers
37 views
What's the expression meaning violate someone's interests?
I used to think that, for example, "He moved her cheese", would mean that he violate and threatens her interests. (I believe this expression comes from the popular book)
Today I found out ...
0
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0answers
43 views
Is there such a term as “modern street food era”?
I wonder if there is such a word as "modern street food era"? I do realize that street food was popular in ancient Rome and in Medieval Times, but can we just add the adjective "modern&...
0
votes
1answer
52 views
Word or expression to describe the tendency that one have to believe that everyone is like them or the act of doing it
This is something I noticed among some people I discuss with. When some opinion relative subjects are raised, they tend to imply that, according to their "normality", everyone is behaving ...
0
votes
1answer
81 views
Word or expression for “the most important point” [closed]
Words like "crux", "essence", etc. refer to an idea that is a synopsis of a whole larger idea. But if one writes an article about some subject including many details about it, the ...
