| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| above board |
legal, not hidden, not under the table, not underhanded
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Every action, every payment is above board. Customers respect that kind of honesty.
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| above the law |
not required to obey laws, privileged
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Just because he's rich, he thinks he's above the law.
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| absence makes the heart grow fonder |
when friends are apart they like each other more
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When she's away I'm very lonely. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.
|
| according to Hoyle |
according to the rules, if we follow the rules
|
According to Hoyle, it's your turn to deal the cards.
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| account for |
explain how or why, provide reasons, call into account
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How do you account for the missing money? Where did it go?
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| ace in the hole |
a hidden strength or talent
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Sam's ace in the hole is honesty, which his clients soon discover.
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| Achilles heel |
a weakness, a vulnerable place
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Jewelry is my Achilles heel. I buy too much jewelry.
|
| acid test |
(See the acid test)
|
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| across the board |
affecting all people, applies to everything
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We want a salary increase across the board - for all positions.
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| act out |
explain by movement and gestures
|
Watch - I'll act out the meaning of pacifist.
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