before adj
111bred in the bone — {adj. phr.} Belonging to your nature or character, especially from early teaching or long habit; natural from belief or habit; believing deeply. * /The Willett children s cleanness is bred in the none./ Often used, with hyphens before the noun. * …
112equal to the occasion — {adj. phr.} Capable of handling the situation. * /Although he had never before assisted in childbirth, the taxi driver proved equal to the occasion and helped deliver the baby in his cab./ …
113many a — {adj.} Many (persons or things) Used with a singular noun. * /Many a boy learns to swim before he can read./ * /I have spent many a day in his home./ …
114natural-born — {adj.} 1. Being a (citizen) because you were born in the country. * /Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt came to the United States from Germany and are naturalized citizens but their children are natural born citizens./ 2. Born with great ability to become… …
115off guard — {adj.} In a careless attitude; not alert to coming danger; not watching. * /In the second that the boxer was off guard, his opponent landed a knockout punch./ * /Timmy s question caught Jean off guard, and she told him the secret before she knew… …
116off the record(2) — {adj. phr.} Not to be published or told; secret; confidential. * /The president told the reporters his remarks were strictly off the record./ Sometimes used with hyphens, before the noun. * /The governor was angry when a newspaper printed his off …
117on one's knees — {adj. phr.} 1. Pleading; begging very hard. * /The boys were on their knees for hours before their parents agreed to their camping plans./ * /The Jacksons won t contribute to the Red Cross unless you get on your knees./ 2. In a very weak… …
118on the fence — {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Not able, or not wanting to choose; in doubt; undecided. Often used with sit . * /Jack sat on the fence for a week last spring before he finally joined the track team instead of the baseball team./ * /Mrs. Jones has decided… …
119on the lam — {adj.} or {adv. phr.}, {slang} Running away, especially from the law; in flight. * /The bank robber was on the lam for ten months before the police caught him./ Sometimes used in the phrase take it on the lam . * /After a big quarrel with her… …
120second-run — {adj.} Of a movie: Shown in many movie theaters before, and allowed to be shown later in other movie theaters. * /Tickets to second run movies cost much less./ …
