What does keep in check mean?
Definition of keep/hold in check : to keep (something) under control He’s trying to hold his emotions in check. The government has lowered interest rates in an attempt to keep inflation in check.
What is it called when you keep someone in check?
bridle. verbcheck, hold back. constrain. control.
What does the phrase in check mean?
under control
Restrained from moving or acting; under control. For example, The first division held the enemy in check, or Mary kept her emotions in check. This term replaced at check and out of check, which date from the mid-1500s.
Does inhibit mean stop?
Definition of inhibit
to restrain, hinder, arrest, or check (an action, impulse, etc.). to prohibit; forbid. Psychology. to consciously or unconsciously suppress or restrain (psychologically or sociologically unacceptable behavior). Chemistry. to decrease the rate of action of or stop (a chemical reaction).
Where does keep in check come from?
I was recently arguing with a friend that the idiom “in check” comes from chess. With the meaning that keeping someone or something “in check” restrains its choices and limits its actions, this seems to match the chess meaning. (When you are in check, you have to save your king and hence cannot make any other moves.)
What does it mean to keep someone in line?
phrase. If you keep someone in line or bring them into line, you make them obey you, or you make them behave in the way you want them to.
Why is it called tongue in cheek?
The phrase appears in 1828 in The Fair Maid of Perth by Sir Walter Scott: The fellow who gave this all-hail thrust his tongue in his cheek to some scapegraces like himself. The ironic usage originates with the idea of suppressed mirth—biting one’s tongue to prevent an outburst of laughter.
What does keep at bay mean?
Definition of at bay
: in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone —used with keep or hold The soldiers kept the attackers at bay. —often used figuratively The doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.
Should be kept in check?
If something or someone is held in check or is kept in check, they are controlled and prevented from becoming too great or powerful. Unemployment was still held in check but the economy was stagnating. He’s found someone with a bit of fight to keep him in check.
What means stay hold?
to not lose something, or to not let someone else get it. They managed to keep hold of the ball in the second half. Synonyms and related words. To keep something.
Will keep an eye on it meaning?
Definition. To watch closely or carefully. To watch over attentively; mind.
What is another word for keep an eye on?
What is another word for keep an eye on?
| watch | observe |
|---|---|
| surveil | eye |
| monitor | check |
| scrutiniseUK | scrutinizeUS |
| cover | stalk |
Will keep an eye out for?
: to hope to see or find (someone or something) I’m keeping an eye out for a good cheap used car. He’ll be here soon, so keep your eye out for him.
Can keep an eye on him?
keep (one’s)/an eye on (someone or something)
To watch someone or something carefully; to be attentive to someone or something.
How do you know someone is keeping an eye on you?
There are several subtle clues that someone likes you like eye contact, flirting and body language.
Subtle Looks
- You can feel him looking at you even when you’re pretending not to notice.
- You notice he can’t take his eyes off you.
- You might notice he looks over at you and then quickly turns away.
What does to keep a straight face mean?
Definition of keep a straight face
: to not smile or laugh It was hard to keep a straight face with everyone else laughing.
What is the meaning of to keep your chin up?
to stay cheerful and hopeful
Definition of keep one’s chin up
: to stay cheerful and hopeful during difficult times He’s still keeping his chin up despite all his health problems. (Keep your) chin up! Everything will work out for the best.
When it rain it pours meaning?
Definition of when it rains, it pours
—used to say that when something bad happens other bad things usually happen at the same time The team not only lost the game but three of its best players were injured. When it rains, it pours.
What does cut the slack mean?
to make things slightly easier for someone than you normally would, because of their special circumstances or situation. When you’re new at a job, colleagues and bosses cut you a little slack. They forgive minor mistakes because you’re new.
What does it mean to bend over backwards for someone?
To bend over backwards is to work extra hard to make something happen, particularly to help someone or to make them happy.
What does bend over sideways mean?
1 to form or cause to form a curve, as by pushing or pulling. 2 to turn or cause to turn from a particular direction.
What does bent over double mean?
Definition of bend double
: to fold in the middle I held on tight as my fishing rod bent double. He bent double in pain.
What is bend down?
bend downverb. To bend one’s legs while upright to get to a lower position.
What is kneel down?
to go down or rest on the knees or a knee.
What do you mean by sniffed?
(Entry 1 of 2) intransitive verb. 1a : to inhale through the nose especially for smelling sniffed at the flowers. b : to take air into the nose in short audible breaths She sniffed and wiped her nose. 2 : to show or express disdain or scorn.