knuckle-duster
A large, heavy, or over-gaudy ring; a ring which attracts attention from its size.
English · UK & Ireland 352
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
knuckles
Pickpockets who attend the avenues to public places to steal pocket-books, watches, &c. a superior kind of pickpockets. To knuckle to, to submit.
knuller
Old term for a chimney-sweep, who solicited jobs by ringing a bell. From the Saxon, CNYLLAN, to knell, or sound a bell. See QUERIER.
konoblin rig
Stealing large pieces of coal from coalsheds.
kootee
A house.—Anglo-Indian.
kotoo
To bow down before, to cringe, to flatter. From a Chinese ceremony.
kudos
Praise; KUDIZED, praised. Greek, κύδος.—University.
kypsey
A basket. A term generally used by gipsies.
keep an eye out
Look out for.
keep up appearances
Maintain an impression of wealth or well-being.
keep up with the Joneses
Try to maintain the same social and material standards as others.
kick the habit
To stop engaging in a habitual practice.
kick up a fuss
Object loudly to something.
kill two birds with one stone
To achieve two goals with a single action.
king's ransom
A large sum of money.
kiss and tell
Recount sexual exploits.
kiss of death
An action that causes certain failure.
kiss of life
An action that revives.
know the score
Know the essential facts.
kangaroo court
A mock court or tribunal that disregards law and justice
kao peh kao bu
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keel over
to fall or collapse suddenly
keep a civil tongue in one's head
To speak politely and avoid offensive language
keep a close watch
Monitor someone or something carefully
keep a cool head
Remain calm and composed in a difficult situation
keep a lid on
to control or restrain something
keep a low profile
To avoid drawing attention to oneself
keep a weather eye open
remain vigilant and prepared for potential problems
keep an eye on
Watch or monitor someone or something closely
keep an eye open
Be vigilant and watchful for something
keep an eye peeled
Be watchful and alert for something
keep company
To accompany or spend time with someone
keep count
To keep track of the number of something
keep good time
To maintain a consistent and accurate rhythm or tempo, especially in music
keep house
Manage a household and its domestic duties
keep it between the ditches
To stay within reasonable or safe boundaries
keep it in the family
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep it moving
to continue or proceed with something
keep it one hundred
To be completely honest or authentic
keep it real
Be honest and authentic in one's words and actions
keep it together
remain calm and composed
keep off the streets
To avoid going out or socializing, especially at night
keep on
continue doing something
keep on about
To talk or complain excessively about something
keep on truckin'
to continue doing something with energy and determination
keep one's cards close to one's chest
To keep one's plans or intentions secret
keep one's cool
Remain calm and composed in a difficult situation
keep one's ears open
Listen carefully for information or opportunities
keep one's eye on the ball
Stay focused on the task at hand
keep one's eyes peeled
Be extremely vigilant and watchful for something
keep one's fingers crossed
Hope for a successful outcome
keep one's hair on
Remain calm and patient
keep one's head
Remain calm and think clearly in a difficult situation
keep one's head above water
To barely manage to cope with difficulties or responsibilities
keep one's head down
To avoid attention or trouble by being quiet and unobtrusive
keep one's head on a swivel
To remain constantly alert and aware of one's surroundings
keep one's knickers on
remain calm and composed
keep one's lips sealed
To keep a secret and not reveal any information
keep one's mouth shut
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep one's nose clean
To behave well and avoid trouble or scandal