unt for six months or a year, the bank will pay interest on it./ Compare: CHECKING ACCOUNT. [savings bond] {n.} A government certificate given for money and saved for a number of years so that the government will pay back the money with interest. * /Mary bought a $25 savings bond for $18.75./ * /John's father gave him a savings bond for graduation./ [sawed-off] {adj.}, {informal} Shorter than usual; small of its kind. * /The riot police carried sawed-off shotguns./ * /Jimmy was a sawed-off, skinny runt./ [saw wood] also {Southern} [saw gourds] {v. phr.}, {slang} To breathe loudly through the nose while sleeping; snore. * /John was sawing wood./ * /In Alabama a boy who snores saws gourds./ [say] See: DARE SAY, GO WITHOUT SAYING, I'LL SAY, NEVER SAY DIE, NOT TO MENTION or TO SAY NOTHING OF, STRANGE TO SAY, THAT IS or THAT IS TO SAY, YOU DON'T SAY, YOU SAID IT or YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN. [say a mouthful] 1. {v. phr.}, {slang} To say something of great importance or meaning; say more by a sentence than the words usually mean. - Usually in past tense. * /Tom said a mouthful when he guessed that company was coming to visit. A dozen people came./ 2. {v. phr.}, {informal} To vent one's honest opinion, even in anger. * /He sure said a mouthful when he told his boss what was wrong with our business./ Contrast: GET AN EARFUL. [say one's peace] or [speak one's piece] {v. phr.} To say openly what you think; say, especially in public, what you usually say or are expected to say. * /John told the boss that he thought he was wrong and the boss got angry. He said, "You've said your little piece, so go on home."/ * /Every politician got up and said his piece about how good the mayor was and then sat down./ [says who] or [says you] {v. phr.}, {slang} I don't believe or accept that. - An expression of rebuff often used to make fun of someone or oppose him. * /"I am the strongest boy on the block." "Says you./" * /"That brook is full of trout." "Says who? I never saw anybody catch trout there."/ * /"You can't take Mary to the party - she's my girl." "Says who?"/ [say-so] {n.} Approval; permission; word. * /Father got angry because I took his new car out without his say-so./ [say the word] {v. phr.}, {informal} To say or show that you want something or agree to something; show a wish, willingness, or readiness; give a sign; say yes; say so. * /Just say the word and I will lend you the money./ * /I will do anything you want; just say the word./ * /If you get tired of those pictures, say the word./ [say uncle] also [cry uncle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To say that you surrender; admit that you have lost; admit a defeat; give up. * /Bob fought for five minutes, but he had to say uncle./ * /The bully twisted Jerry's arm and said, "Cry uncle."/ * /The other team was beating us, but we wouldn't say uncle./ Compare: GIVE IN. [scale] See: TO SCALE. [scale down] {v.} To make smaller or less; decrease. * /John scaled down each boy's share of food after a bear robbed the camp./ * /Tom built a scaled down model of the plane./ Compare: CUT DOWN. [scandal sheet] {n.} A newspaper that prints much shocking news and scandal. * /Bob wanted to find out who won the election, but he could find only a scandal sheet./ * /The scandal sheet carried big headlines about the murder./ [scarcely any] See: HARDLY ANY. [scarcely ever] See: HARDLY EVER. [scaredy-cat] or [scared-cat] See: FRAIDY-CAT. [scare away] or [off] {v. phr.} To cause to flee; frighten away. * /Jake is a confirmed bachelor; the best way to scare him off is to start talking about marriage./ [scare out of one's wits] or [scare stiff] or [scare the daylights out of] {v. phr.}, {informal} To frighten very much. * /The owl's hooting scared him out of his wits./ * /The child was scared stiff in the dentist's chair./ * /Pete's ghost story scared the daylights out of the smaller boys./ [scare to death] See: TO DEATH. [scare up] or [scrape up] {v.}, {informal} To find, collect, or get together with some effort when needed. * /The boy scared up enough money to go to college./ * /"Will you stay for supper?" she asked. "I can scare up enough for us all."/ * /He managed to scrape up the money for his speeding fine./ [scene] See: BEHIND THE SCENES. [scent] See: THROW OFF THE SCENT. [schedule] See: ON SCHEDULE. [scheme] See: COLOR SCHEME. [school] See: TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL. [school of hard knocks] {n. phr.} Life outside of school or college; life out in the world; the ordinary experience of learning from work and troubles. * /He never went to high school; he was educated in the school of hard knocks./ [score] See: SETTLE A SCORE also WIPE OUT AN OLD SCORE, THE SCORE. [scot-free] {adj. phr.} Without punishment; completely free. * /In spite of his obvious guilt, the jury acquitted him and he got off scot-free./ [scotch broth] {n.} A thick barley soup with vegetables and mutton or beef. * /Mother cooked a hearty scotch broth for dinner./ [Scott] See: GREAT GODFREY or GREAT SCOTT. [scout] See: GOOD EGG or GOOD SCOUT. [scout around] {v. phr.} To search for; look around. * /When we first came to town, we had to scout around for a suitable apartment./ [scrape] See: BOW AND SCRAPE. [scrape the bottom of the barrel] {v. phr.}, {informal} To use or take whatever is left after the most or the best has been taken; accept the leftovers. * /At first they took out quarters, but they had so little money that they had to scrape the bottom of the barrel and paid with nickels and pennies for their lunch./ * /The garage owner had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find a qualified mechanic to work for him./ [scrape together] {v. phr.} To quickly assemble, usually from scanty ingredients. * /We were so hungry we had to scrape together some lunch from all kinds of frozen leftovers./ [scrape up] See: SCARE UP. [scratch] See: FROM SCRATCH, PUT ONE'S MONEY ON A SCRATCHED HORSE, UP TO PAR or UP TO SCRATCH. [scratch around for] {v. phr.} To search randomly for something. * /If you scratch around for a more reliable used car, maybe you'll feel more confident on the road./ [scratch one's back] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something kind and helpful for someone or to flatter him in the hope that he will do something for you. Usually used in the expression "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours." * /Mary asked Jean to introduce her to her brother. Jean said, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."/ [scratch the surface] {v. phr.} To learn or understand very little about something. - Usually used with a limiting adverb (as "only", "hardly"). * /We thought we understood Africa but when we made a trip there we found we had only scratched the surface./ * /High school students have only scratched the surface of their subjects, and even after college graduation, they still find there is much more to learn./ [scream bloody murder] {v. phr.}, {informal} To yell or protest as strongly as one can. * /When the thief grabbed her purse, the woman screamed bloody murder./ * /When the city doubled property taxes, home owners screamed bloody murder./ [screen test] {n.} A short movie made to see if an actor or actress is good enough or the right one to play a part. * /Ellen acted well on the stage, but she failed her screen test./ [screw] See: HAVE A SCREW LOOSE, PUT ON THE SCREWS. [screw around] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable} To hang around idly without accomplishing anything, to loaf about, to beat or hack around. * /You guys are no longer welcome here; all you do is screw around all day./ [screws] See: TIGHTEN THE SCREWS. [screw up] {v. phr.}, {slang}, {semi-vulgar}, {best avoided} 1. To make a mess of, to make an error which causes confusion. * /The treasurer screwed up the accounts of the Society so badly that he had to be fired./ 2. To cause someone to be neurotic or maladjusted. * /Her divorce screwed her up so badly that she had to go to a shrink./ [screw-up] {n.} A mistake; an error; a confusing mess. * /"What a screw-up!" the manager cried, when he realized that the bills were sent to the wrong customers./ [screw up one's courage] or [pluck up one's courage] {v. phr.} To force yourself to be brave. * /The small boy screwed up his courage and went upstairs in the dark./ * /When his father came home in a bad mood, it took Pete some time to screw up his courage and ask him for a dollar./ Compare: WHISTLE IN THE DARK. [scrimmage] See: LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. [scrounge around] {v. phr.}, {slang} 1. To search for an object aimlessly without having one clearly in mind. * /I don't know what's the matter with him, he is just scrounging around all day long./ 2. To look around for a way to get a free drink or a free meal. * /Sue and her husband are so broke they never eat properly; they just scrounge around from one place to the next until someone offers them something./ [sea] See: AT SEA, BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, HIGH SEAS, NOT THE ONLY FISH IN THE SEA, PUT TO SEA. [sea legs] {n. phr.} 1. Adjustment to being in a boat that is rocking on the sea. * /This is my first transatlantic trip so give me a day to get my sea legs before you make me dance./ 2. Adjustment to a new job or situation. * /"I have just been transferred here and I haven't found my sea legs yet," the new colleague joked./ [seam] See: BURST AT THE SEAMS. [search] See: IN SEARCH OF. [search me] {informal} I don't know; how should I know? - May be considered rude. * /When I asked her what time it was, she said, "Search me, I have no watch."/ [search one's heart] or [search one's soul] {v. phr.}, {formal} To study your reasons and acts; try to discover if you have been fair and honest. * /The teacher searched his heart trying to decide if he had been unfair in failing Tom./ - [heart-searching] or [soul-searching] {n.} or {adj.} * /After much heart-searching, Jean told Beth she was sorry for the unkind things she had said./ * /The minister preached a soul-searching sermon about the thoughtless ways people hurt each other./ [search out] {v.} To search for and discover; find or learn by hunting. * /The police were trying to search out the real murderer./ [search with a fine-tooth comb] See: FINE-TOOTH COMB. [season] See: HIGH SEASON, IN SEASON, LOW SEASON, OUT OF SEASON. [seat] See: BACK SEAT DRIVER, FLY BY THE SEAT OF ONE'S PANTS, HOT SEAT, JUDGMENT SEAT, TAKE A BACK SEAT. [seat belt] {n.} A strong strap used to protect a person in a moving car or other vehicle by holding him in his seat. * /When the plane began to land, Billy and his mother fastened their seat belts./ * /Passengers in automobiles should wear seat belts for safety./ [second] See: PLAY SECOND PIDDLE, SPLIT SECOND. [second best] {n.} Something that is lower than or not quite as good as the best. * /Tom liked the deluxe model bicycle; but he could afford only a second best./ * /Joan chose the best and Mary had to take the second best./ * /There were ten boys in the race. Jack won and Fred was a close second best./ Compare: RUNNER UP. [second best] {adv.} Second; in second place. * /The team came off second best in the game./ [second-best] {adj.} Next to best; second in rank. * /Mary wore her second-best dress./ * /Bob was the second-best player on the team./ * /"I am the second-best student in this school because I was second best in the Milwaukee competition."/ [second childhood] {n. phr.} Senility; dotage. * /"Grandpa is in his second childhood; we must make allowances for him at the dinner table," my mother said, as Grandpa dropped food all over the place./ [second class] {n.} 1. The second best or highest group; the class next after the first. * /Joe was good enough in arithmetic to be put in the second class but was not good enough for the first./ Compare: FIRST CLASS. 2. The place or quarters, especially on a ship, train, or airplane which people travel who pay the next to the highest fare. * /Aunt May bought a ticket to travel in the second class on the boat trip./ Compare: FIRST CLASS, THIRD CLASS. 3. A class of mail that includes magazines and newspapers published at least four times a year and costs less for mailing than first class mail. Compare: FIRST CLASS. [second-class(1)] {adj.} 1. Belonging in the class that is next to the highest or next best. * /He was only a second-class math student./ * /His parents traveled as second-class passengers on the boat./ * /The periodical came as second-class mail./ Compare: FIRST-CLASS, THIRD-CLASS. 2. Not so good as others; second-rate. * /They were never given full democratic rights but were always treated as second-class citizens./ [second-class(2)] {adv.} By second class. * /We went second-class on the train to New York./ * /I mailed the newspaper second-class./ [second cousin] {n.} A child of your father's or mother's first cousin. * /Mary and Jane are second cousins./ [second-guess] {v. phr.} 1. To criticize another's decision with advantage of hindsight. * /The losing team's coach is always second-guessed./ 2. To guess what someone else intends or would think or do. * /Television planners try to second-guess the public./ [secondhand] {adj.} Used; not new; preowned. * /Sometimes a secondhand car is just as reliable as a brand new one./ [second nature] {n.} Something done without any special effort, as if by natural instinct. * /Cutting tall trees has become second nature to the experienced lumberjack./ [second-rate] {adj.} Of mediocre or inferior quality. * /The movie received a bad review; it was second-rate at best./ [second-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./ [second sight] {n. phr.} Intuition; prescience; clairvoyance. * /Some police departments employ psychics to find missing persons or objects as they are said to have second sight./ [second thought] {n.} A change of ideas or opinions resulting from more thought or study. * /Your second thoughts are very often wiser than your first ideas./ * /We decided to climb the mountain, but on second thought realized that it was too dangerous./ Compare: THINK BETTER OF. [second to none] {adj. phr.} Excellent; first rate; peerless. * /Our new State University campus is second to none. There is no need to pay all that high tuition at a private college./ [second wind] also [second breath] {n.} 1. The easier breathing that follows difficult breathing when one makes a severe physical effort, as in running or swimming./ * /After the first quarter mile, a mile runner usually gets his second wind and can breathe better./ * /We climbed with labored breathing for half an hour, but then got our second wind and went up more easily./ 2. {informal} The refreshed feeling you get after first becoming tired while doing something and then becoming used to it. * /Tom became very tired of working at his algebra, but after a while he got his second wind and began to enjoy it./ [secret] See: IN SECRET, OPEN SECRET. [section gang] or [section crew] {n.} A group of railroad workers who watch and repair a number of miles of track. * /The section crew was called out to fix the broken bridge./ [section hand] {n.} A worker who repairs railway track; one of the men in a section gang. * /The section hands moved off the track while the train went by./ [security blanket] {n.}, {slang}, {colloquial} An idea, person, or object that one holds on to for psychological reassurance or comfort as infants usually hang on to the edge of a pillow, a towel, or a blanket. * /Sue has gone to Aunt Mathilda for a chat; she is her security blanket./ [see] See: CAN'T SEE THE WOODS FOR THE TREES, LET ME SEE or LET'S SEE. [see a lot of] {v. phr.} To go out regularly with someone; have an affair with someone. * /They have been seeing a lot of each other lately./ [see about] {v.} 1. To find out about; attend to. * /If you are too busy, I'll see about the train tickets./ 2. {informal} To consider; study. * /I cannot take time now but I'll see about your plan when I have time./ Compare: SEE TO, LOOK INTO, THINK OVER. [see after] See: LOOK AFTER. [see better days] {v. phr.} 1. To enjoy a better or happier life. * /Mr. Smith is poor now, but he will see better days./ 2. To become old, damaged, or useless. Used in the perfect tense. * /Mv blue coat is ten years old. It has seen better days./ * /Our car wasn't old, but it had seen better days./ [see beyond one's nose] or [see beyond the end of one's nose] {v. phr.} To make wise judgments about questions of importance to yourself and others; act with farseeing understanding. Used in negative, conditional, and interrogative sentences. * /He couldn't save money or make plans for the future; he just never saw beyond the end of his nose./ * /People who always complain about school taxes would stop it if they could see beyond their noses and understand the importance of first-class schools./ [seed] See: GO TO SEED or RUN TO SEED. [see daylight] {v. phr.}, {informal} To know that an end or success is near. * /We thought we would never finish building the house, but now we can see daylight./ * /Sarah thought it would take forever to read the book for her report, but finally she saw daylight./ [see eye to eye] {v. phr.} To agree fully; hold exactly the same opinion. * /Though we did not usually agree, we saw eye to eye in the matter of reducing taxes./ * /Jim did not see eye to eye with Sally on where they would go for their vacation./ [see fit] or [think fit] {v. phr.} To decide that an action is necessary, wise, or advisable; choose. * /Jim asked "Dad, what time should I come home after the dance?" His father answered, "You way do as you see fit."/ - Often used with an infinitive. * /After much thought, we did not see fit to join the Smiths on their Caribbean cruise./ * /The boys were angry because Ed thought fit to report the fight to the principal./ [see how the land lies] {v. phr.}, {informal} To reconnoiter; investigate. * /Before going there in person to ask for a job, you had better see how the land lies and who does what./ Compare: CASE THE JOINT. [seeing is believing] Seeing something is good proof. * /Bill told Joe he had passed his test, but Joe said, "Seeing is believing."/ [see into] {v.} To know or understand the real nature or meaning of. * /Suddenly the teacher saw into Linda's strange actions./ [see off] {v.} To go to say or wave goodbye to. * /His brother went to the train with him to see him off./ * /When Marsha flew to Paris, Flo saw her off at the airport./ [see one home] {v. phr.} To walk a person home. * /"Let me see you home, dear," Nick said to Jenny at the end of the party./ [see one's way clear] {v. phr.} To know no reason for not doing something; feel that you are free. * /John finally saw his way clear to help his friends./ * /Mary had to do her homework and help her mother before she could see her way clear to go to the movies with Jane./ [see out] {v.} 1. To go with to an outer door. * /A polite man sees his company out after a party./ 2. To stay with and finish; not quit. * /Pete's assignment was hard but he saw it out to the end./ [see reason] {v. phr.} To think or act sensibly, especially after realizing what the facts are on a certain matter and accepting advice about it. * /He finally saw reason and reshaped his sales strategy by lowering the prices as his older brother had suggested./ [see red] {v. phr.}, {informal} To become very angry. * /Whenever anyone teased John about his weight, he saw red. / [see service] {v. phr.} 1. To be used over a considerable period of time. * /This old camera of mine has already seen six years of service./ 2. To serve in a military sense. * /Colonel Hutchins has seen service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf./ [see stars] {v. phr.}, {informal} To imagine you are seeing stars as a result of being hit on the head. * /When Ted was hit on the head by the ball, he saw stars./ * /The boxer's head hit the floor, making him see stars./ [see the beat] See: HEAR THE BEAT. [see the color of one's money] {v. phr.}, {informal} To know that you have money to spend. * /The realtor would not show us a house until he saw the color of our money./ * /Before I show you the diamond, let me see the color of your money./ [see the last of] {v. phr.} To say good-bye to someone or something; get rid of something. * /We were glad to see the last of the winter./ [see the light] {v. phr.}, {informal} To understand or agree, often suddenly; accept another's explanation or decision. * /I did not approve of his action, but he explained his reason and then I saw the light./ * /Bill wanted Harry to help him, but Harry wasn't in the mood until Bill offered to pay him. Then Harry saw the light./ * /Mary thought it was fun to date older boys but when they started drinking, she saw the light./ [see the light at the end of the tunnel] {v. phr.}, {informal} To anticipate the happy resolution of a prolonged period of problems. * /We've been paying on our house mortgage for many years, but at long last we can see the light at the end of the tunnel./ [see the light of day] {v. phr.} To be born or begun. * /The children visited the old house where their great-grandfather first saw the light of day./ * /The party was a failure, and Mathilda wished her plan had never seen the light of day./ [see the sights] See: SIGHTSEE. [see things] {v. phr.}, {informal} To imagine sights which are not real; think you see what is not there. * /I had not seen him for twenty years and when we met on the street I thought I was seeing things./ * /She woke her husband to tell him she had seen a face at the window, but he told her she was seeing things./ [see through] {v.} 1. To understand the real meaning of or reason for; realize the falseness of. * /Mother saw through Johnny's excuses not to go to bed on Christmas Eve. She knew he wanted to stay up to see Santa Claus./ * /The teacher saw through the boy's story of having to help at home./ 2. To do (something) until finished; stay with until the end. * /Once Charles started a job, he saw it through till it was finished./ 3. To help and encourage (a person) through trouble or difficulty. * /Mrs. Miller saw Jane through her sickness./ * /When Mr. and Mrs. Brown lost their little girl, their friends saw them through with help and sympathy./ * /His business was about to fail, but his banker saw him through./ 4. To be enough for; last. * /This money will see us through the week./ * /Here is a long report to type. Do you have enough paper to see you through?/ Compare: TIDE OVER. [see to] also [look to] {v.} To attend to; take care of; do whatever needs to be done about. * /While Donna bought the theatre tickets, I saw to the parking of the car./ Compare: SEE ABOUT. [see to it] {v. phr.} To take care; take the responsibility; make sure. - Usually used with a noun clause. * /We saw to it that the child was fed and bathed./ [see with rose-colored glasses] See: LOOK AT THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES. [seed money] {n. phr.} A small grant or donation for others to be able to start a new venture. * /All you need is some seed money and you can set up your own desk-top publishing firm./ [seize on] {v.} To make use of (a happening or idea.) * /Bob seized on the rain as an excuse for missing school./ [seize on] or [upon] {v. phr.} To latch onto. * /Whenever Herb is in a romantic mood, Irene seizes on it and starts talking about marriage, which is not what Herb had in mind./ [seize the opportunity] {v. phr.} To exploit a chance. * /His wealthy uncle offered to send him to Harvard and he wisely seized the opportunity./ [self-conscious] {adj.} Embarrassed; shy. * /Edith has a freckled face and sometimes she is very self-conscious about it./ [self-made] {adj.} Having achieved wealth, fame, and success on one's own without outside help. * /John D. Rockefeller is one of the most famous self-made men in America./ [self-possessed] {adj.} Confident; sure of one self. * /Before he made his first million, he used to be shy, but afterwards he became very self-possessed./ [self-seeking] {adj.} Given to egotism and self-aggrandizement. * /Al is the most self-seeking person I've ever met, he is not fun to be around./ [sell down the river] {v. phr.} To give harmful information about someone or something to one's enemies; betray. * /The traitor sold his country down the river to the enemy army./ * /The criminal told the hiding place of his companions and sold them down the river./ Compare: SELL OUT(2). [sell off] {v. phr.} To liquidate one's holdings of certain set items. * /The retired professor had to sell off his rare butterfly collection to meet his health expenses./ [sell one a bill of goods] {v. phr.} To persuade another to acquire something useless; defraud. * /We were sure sold a bill of goods when Alfred persuaded us to buy his custom-built car for which replacement parts weren't available anywhere./ [sell one on] {v. phr.} To persuade someone to do something. * /We were able to sell our wealthy uncle on the idea of having a joint family vacation in Hawaii./ [sellout] {n.} 1. A betrayal or act of treason. * /The spy's behavior during the Cold War was a classical sellout./ [sell out] {v.} 1a. To sell all of a certain thing which a store has in stock. * /In the store's January white sale the sheets and pillowcases were sold out in two days./ 1b. To sell all the stock and close the store; go out of business. * /The local hardware store sold out last month and was replaced by a cafe./ 2. {informal} To be unfaithful to your country for money or other reward; be disloyal; sell a secret; accept a bribe./ * /In the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold sold out to the British./ * /The dishonest wrestler sold out to his opponent for a hundred dollars./ [sell short] {v.} To think (a person or thing) less good or valuable than is true; underestimate. * /Don't sell the team short; the players are better than you think./ * /Some teachers sold John short./ [sell snow to the Eskimos] {v. phr.} To sell something to people who already have a large quantity of the same or similar goods. * /My Alaskan friend said, "One of the hottest businesses in Alaska is refrigeration. You could say that I, as a refrigerator expert, am selling snow to the Eskimos."/ See: CARRY COALS TO NEWCASTLE. [send C.O.D.] See: C.O.D. [send off] {v. phr.} To say good-bye to someone ceremoniously. * /They sent us off to the Mainland from our first visit to Hawaii with an elaborate champagne party at the pier./ [send-off] {n. phr.} A demonstration of affection or respect at someone's departure, as a retirement ceremony. * /When our colleague retired after 35 years of teaching, we all got together at the Faculty Club and gave him a terrific send-off./ [send one about one's business] {v. phr.} To dismiss someone summarily; tell one off. * /When Mrs. Atwater discovered that her daughter's French tutor was an ordinary fortune hunter, she sent him about his business./ Compare: SEND ONE PACKING. [send one packing] {v. phr.} To fire someone summarily. * /When the boss caught Smith stealing from the cash register, he sent him packing./ Compare: SEND ONE ABOUT ONE'S BUSINESS. [send to the minors] {v. phr.} To dismiss someone; tell them off; terminate a relationship. - A baseball term. * /"What did you do to your girlfriend?" Ernie asked Bert, when Bert started dating Jane. "I sent her to the minors," Bert answered with a sneer./ [send up] {v. phr.}, {colloquial} To sentence (someone) to prison. * /Did you know that Milton Shaeffer was sent up for fifteen years?/ [send word] {v. phr.} To send notification to; advise. * /When his father fell seriously ill, we sent word to Mike to come home as quickly as possible./ [senior citizen] {n.} An older person, often one who has retired from active work or employment. * /Mrs. North, the history teacher, is a senior citizen./ [sense] See: COME TO ONE'S SENSES, HORSE SENSE, MAKE SENSE, OUT OF ONE'S HEAD or OUT OF ONE'S SENSES. [separate the men from the boys] {v. phr.}, {informal} To show who has strength, courage and loyalty and find who do not. * /When the ship hit an iceberg and sank, it separated the men from the boys./ * /The mile run separates the men from the boys./ [separate the sheep from the goats] See SEPARATE THE MEN FROM THE BOYS. [serve] See: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. [serve a sentence] {v. phr.} To be in jail. * /Charlie served four years of an eight-year sentence, after which he was paroled and released./ [serve notice] {v. phr.} 1. To notify one's employer in a formal or legal manner that one is quitting the former's employment. * /She gave notice to her boss that she was quitting because of marriage./ 2. To notify an employee or a tenant that one no longer needs their services or wishes to have them as tenants. * /The new landlady gave notice to several families in our building because they were late in paying their rent./ [serve one right] {v. phr.} To be what (someone) really deserves as a punishment; be a fair exchange for what (someone) has done or said or failed to do or say. * /He failed his exam; it served him right because he had not studied./ * /Bob said it served Sally right when she cut her finger; she had taken his knife without asking him./ Compare: ASK FOR, HAVE IT COMING. [serve time] See: SERVE A SENTENCE. [serve up] {v.} To prepare and serve (as a food). * /Father caught a trout and Mother served it up at dinner./ [service] See: AT ONE'S SERVICE, CURB SERVICE, LIP SERVICE, OF SERVICE, ROOM SERVICE. [session] See: BULL SESSION. [set] See: GET SET. [set ablaze] {v. phr.} To cause to burn by lighting with a match or other incendiary device. * /The criminals poured gasoline on the house and set it ablaze with a small lighter./ [set about] {v.} To begin; start. * /Benjamin Franklin set about teaming the printer's trade at an early age./ * /After breakfast, Mother set about her household duties./ [set afire] or [set on fire] See: SET ABLAZE. [set aside] {v.} 1. To separate from the others in a group or collection. * /She set aside the things in the old trunk which she wanted to keep./ 2. To select or choose from others for some purpose. * /The governor set aside a day for thanksgiving./ 3. To pay no attention to (something); leave out. * /The complaint was set aside as of no importance./ 4. {formal} To refuse to accept; annul; cancel as worthless or wrong. * /The Supreme Court set aside the decision of the lower courts./ [setback] {n.} A disadvantage; a delay. * /We suffered a major setback when my wife lost her job./ [set back] {v.} 1. To cause to put off or get behind schedule; slow up; check. * /The cold weather set back the planting by two weeks./ 2. {informal} To cause to pay out or to lose (a sum of money); cost. * /His new car set him back over $3000./ [set back on one's heels] or [knock back on one's heels] {v. phr.}, {informal} To give an unpleasant surprise; upset suddenly; stop or turn back (someone's) progress. * /Jack brags too much and it set him back on his heels when the coach told him he wasn't as good a player as he thought he was./ * /Jean was doing very well in school until sickness knocked her back on her heels./ Compare: KNOCK FOR A LOOP, THROW FOR A LOSS. [set down] {v.} 1. To write; record. * /He set down all his important thoughts in his dairy./ * /At the beginning of his letter Dan set down the date./ Syn.: PUT DOWN. 2. To stop a bus or other vehicle and let (someone) get off. * /The bus driver set her down at the corner./ 3. To put into some group; classify; consider. * /When he heard the man speak, he set him down as a fool./ 4. To explain; think a reason for. * /The teacher set down the boy's poor English to his foreign birth./ [set eyes on] See: LAY EYES ON. [set fire to] {v. phr.} To cause to burn; start a fire in. * /The sparks set fire to the oily rags./ Compare: CATCH FIRE. [set foot] {v. phr.} To step; walk; go. - Used with a negative. * /She would not let him set foot across her threshold./ * /She told the boy not to set foot out of the house until he had finished supper./ [set forth] {v.}, {formal} 1. To explain exactly or clearly. * /The President set forth his plans in a television talk./ 2. To start to go somewhere; begin a trip. * /The troop set forth on their ten-mile hike early./ Compare: SET OUT. [set free] {v. phr.} To liberate. * /The trapper set all the small animals free before the snowstorm hit./ [set great store by] See: SET STORE BY. [set in] {v.} To begin; start; develop. * /Before the boat could reach shore, a storm had set in./ * /He did not keep the cut clean and infection set in./ * /The wind set in from the east./ [set in one's ways] {adj. phr.} Stubborn; opinionated; unchangeable. * /My grandfather is so old and set in his ways that he'll eat nothing new./ [set loose] See: LET LOOSE(1a). [set off] {v.} 1. To decorate through contrast; balance by difference. * /The bright colors of the birds were set off by the white snow./ * /A small gold pin set off her plain dark dress./ 2. To balance; make somewhat equal. * /Her great wealth, as he thought, set off her plain face./ 3a. To begin to go. * /They set off for the West in a covered wagon./ Compare: SET OUT. 3b. To cause to begin. * /A letter from home set off an attack of homesickness./ * /An atomic explosion is created by setting off a chain reaction in the atom./ Compare: TOUCH OFF. 3c. To cause to explode. * /On July 4 we set off firecrackers in many places./ [set of new threads] {n. phr.} New men's suit. * /"Nice set of new threads'" Ed said, when he saw Dave in his new tailor-made outfit./ [set on] also [set upon] {v.} 1. To begin suddenly to fight against; attack fiercely. * /Tom was walking through the park when a gang of boys set on him./ 2. To cause to attack. * /Some boys went to steal melons but the farmer set his dog on them./ [set one's cap for] {v. phr.}, {informal} To attempt to win the love of or to marry. * /Usually used of a girl or woman./ * /The young girl set her cap for the new town doctor, who was a bachelor./ [set one's face against] {v. phr.}, {literary} To be very much against; strongly disapprove. * /The banker's daughter wanted to marry a poor boy, but her father set his face against it./ [set one's hand to] See: PUT ONE'S HAND TO. [set one's hand to the plow] See: PUT ONE'S HAND TO THE PLOW. [set one's heart on] {v. phr.} To want very much. * /He set his heart on that bike./ also: To be very desirous of; hope very much to succeed in. - Used with a verbal noun. * /He set his heart on winning the race./ [set one's house in order] See: PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER. [set one's mind at rest] {v. phr.} To relieve someone's anxieties; reassure someone. * /"Lef me set your mind at rest about the operation," Dr. Vanek said. "You'll be back on your feet in a week."/ [set one's mind on] {v. phr.} To be determined to; decide to. * /He has set his mind on buying an old chateau in France./ [set one's sights] {v. phr.} 1. To want to reach; aim for. * /John has set his sights higher than the job he has now./ 2. To wish to get or win. * /Owen set his sights on the championship./ [set one's teeth on edge] {v. phr.} 1. To have a sharp sour taste that makes you rub your teeth together. * /The lemon juice set my teeth on edge./ 2. To make one feel nervous or annoyed. * /She looks so mean that her face sets my teeth on edge./ [set on foot] See: ON FOOT. [set out] {v.} 1. To leave on a journey or voyage. * /The Pilgrims set out for the New World./ Compare: SET FORTH(2), SET OFF(4), START OUT. 2. To decide and begin to try; attempt. * /George set out to improve his pitching./ 3. To plant in the ground. * /The gardener set out some tomato seedlings./ [set right] {v. phr.} To discipline; correct; indicate the correct procedure. * /"Your bookkeeping is all messed up," the accountant said. "Let me set it right for you, once and for all."/ [set sail] {v. phr.} To begin a sea voyage; start sailing. * /The ship set sail for Europe./ [set store by] {v. phr.}, {informal} To like or value; want to keep. Used with a qualifying word between "set" and "store". * /George sets great store by that old tennis racket./ * /Pat doesn't set much store by Mike's advice./ [set the ball rolling] See: GET THE BALL ROLLING. [set the pace] {v. phr.} To decide on a rate of speed of travel or rules that are followed by others. * /The scoutmaster set the pace so that the shorter boys would not get tired trying to keep up./ * /Louise set the pace in selling tickets for the school play./ - [pace-setter] {n.} * /John is the pace-setter of the class./ - [pace-setting] {adj.} * /Bob's time in the cross-country race was pace-setting./ * /The country is growing at a pace-setting rate./ [set the stage for] {v. phr.} To prepare the way or situation for (an event); to make a situation ready for something to happen. * /The country's economic problems set the stage for a depression./ [set the world on fire] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do something outstanding; act in a way that attracts much attention or makes you famous. * /John works hard, but he will never set the world on fire./ * /Mary could set the world on fire with her piano playing./ [setting-up] {adj.} Done early in the morning to make you fresh and feel strong for the day. * /Tom jumped out of bed and did his setting-up exercises./ Compare: DAILY DOZEN. [settle a score] also [wipe out an old score] To hurt (someone) in return for a wrong or loss. * /John settled an old score with Bob by beating him./ Compare: GET BACK AT, GET EVEN. [settle down] {v.} 1. To live more quietly and sensibly; have a regular place to live and a regular job; stop acting wildly or carelessly, especially by growing up. * /John will settle down after he gets a job and gets married./ 2. To become quiet, calm, or comfortable. * /Father settled down with the newspaper./ * /The house settled down for the night after the children were put to bed./ * /The teacher told the students to settle down and study the lesson./ [settle for] {v.} To be satisfied with (less) agree to; accept. * /Jim wanted $200 for his old car, but he settled for $100./ [settle on] {v. phr.} To decide which one to choose among various alternatives. * /My parents have been debating what kind of a car to get and have finally settled on a BMW from Germany./ [settle up] {v. phr.} To pay up; conclude monetary or other transactions. * /"Let's settle up," Carol's attorney said, when she sued Don for a hefty sum of money after their divorce./ [set to] {v.} 1. To make a serious beginning. * /Charlie took a helping of turkey, grabbed his knife and fork, and set to./ 2. To start to fight. * /One man called the other a liar and they set to./ [set to music] {v. phr.} To compose a musical accompaniment to verse. * /Schubert and Beethoven both set to music many a famous poem by Goethe and Schiller./ [set to rights] See: PUT TO RIGHTS. [set tongues wagging] See: TONGUES WAG. [setup] {v.} 1. To provide the money for the