Out of reach?
Please explain this headline, with “out of reach” in particular (BenefitsPro.com, February 25, 2025): Homeownership, family, retirement out of reach for (American) employees, study finds.
Taken in good part?
Please explain this sentence: Fortunately, this was taken in good part.
Giving the ick?
Please explain this sentence, with “the ick” in particular: This place gives me the ick.
Head start
What does “head start” mean, as in this quote? “When a fire gets a head start like that it can take a while to get it under control.”
Flat out mad?
Please explain “flat out mad” in this: Brooklyn-based filmmaker Alexis Gambis wants to break the stereotypes of how we think about scientists in movies, which can veer from cold and analytical to flat out mad.
Why is his back up?
Please explain “his back is up” in this quote: “I can understand why his back is up to be on the receiving end of the sort of abuse that was directed his way.”
For lack of a better word?
Please explain “for lack of a better word” in this quote: “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.”
Set in stone?
Please explain “set in stone” in this sentence: The rules of the game are set in stone.
That is by the by?
Please explain “by the by” in this sentence: When the Nazis invaded Paris, they ransacked various apartments, though I think they used the word commandeered – but that is by the by.
Tell a yarn?
Please explain “tell a yarn” in this sentence: And no-one can tell a yarn like an Aussie.
Penny wise, pound foolish
If a government policy is described as “penny wise, pound foolish”, what does it mean exactly?
Most everyone?
Please explain this sentence, with “most everyone” in particular: Her performance received high praise from most everyone in attendance.
Side-eye treatment?
Please explain “side-eye treatment” in this passage: It’s impossible not to like Emily Blunt. If you admitted that you didn’t, you’d probably receive side-eye treatment from everyone in the room.
Hanging in there
Please explain “hanging in there” in this sentence: Thank you for hanging in there with us during these difficult times.
Safe space
Please explain “safe space” in this passage: Every time a man hears the word “provide,” they think it’s all about money. But you still need to provide honesty, love, trust, and a safe space for her to be vulnerable and feminine.