word on the wire
Rumor or unconfirmed information
English · United States 1273
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in the US — distinctly American usage first, then widespread staples.
word to the wise
A hint or advice to someone who would be wise to take it
words and phrases
Individual words and groups of words
words fail someone
Someone is unable to express their thoughts or feelings
words of one syllable
simple and clear language
work away
to work steadily and persistently
work back
to retrace or reverse a process
work expands so as to fill the time available
Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review.
work into the ground
To work someone excessively hard
work it out on the remix
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
work like a dog
To work very hard and tirelessly
work like a dream
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
work like a horse
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
work of art
Something exceptionally well done
work one's fingers to the bone
to work extremely hard
work one's magic
To achieve something impressive or successful
work over
to thoroughly beat or attack someone
work someone's arse off
to work extremely hard
work someone's ass off
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
work spouse
A close colleague with whom one has a strong professional relationship
work the crowd
To interact with and persuade an audience
work the room
To interact and network with people in a social setting
work to rule
To deliberately follow rules and regulations exactly, often to slow down work or protest.
work with one's hands
To do physical or manual labor
work wonders
To have a very good effect or result
worked up
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
working girl
A woman who works outside the home, especially in a low-paying job.
world of difference
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
world record
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
worlds apart
completely different in personality, opinion, or lifestyle
worlds away
completely different or distant
worm food
A dead or deceased person
worm turns
someone who is normally passive becomes aggressive
worm's-eye view
a view from a low or ground-level perspective
worrying never did anyone any good
Worrying is unnecessary and unproductive
worse for liquor
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
worse for wear
Damaged or deteriorated from use or experience
worship the ground someone walks on
To admire and love someone very much
worship the porcelain god
to vomit, especially due to drinking excessively
worship the porcelain goddess
to vomit, especially due to drinking too much alcohol
worst comes to worst
if the most unfavorable situation occurs
worst of both worlds
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
worst-kept secret
A secret that is widely known or obvious
worth a Jew's eye
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
worth every penny
Completely worth the cost or expense
worth one's salt
Deserving respect for competence or effectiveness
worth one's weight in gold
Extremely valuable or helpful
worth one's while
worth someone's time or effort
would give a Jew's eye
to give something very valuable
woulda, coulda, shoulda
Expresses regret for past actions or decisions not taken
wouldn't be seen dead
would never be associated with something
wouldn't shout if a shark bit him
Someone extremely quiet or uncommunicative
wouldn't you know
used to express surprise or irony
wouldn't you say
used to ask for agreement or confirmation
wrack and ruin
A state of complete destruction or devastation
wrap around one's little finger
to completely control or influence someone
wrap in cotton wool
To protect someone excessively from harm or difficulty
wrap in the flag
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
wrap up
to finish or complete something
wrestle with a pig
To engage in a struggle or argument that is dirty or unproductive