finish

*ahead of schedule

Fig. having done something before the time given on a schedule or before the expected time. (*Typically: be ~; finish ~.) I want to be able to finish the job ahead of schedule.

See also: ahead, schedule

*lick and a promise

Fig. a hasty bit of work; a quick once-over. (*Typically: finish something with ~; give something ~.) I was pressed for time, so I just gave the housework a lick and a promise. Mary spent so much time on her history paper that she had to finish her math homework with a lick and a promise.

See also: and, lick, promise

finish (someone or an animal) off

to kill someone or an animal that is already injured or wounded. They had to finish the wounded bear off with a revolver. The hunter finished off the bear.

finish (something) off (with something)

to bring something to a conclusion with something. She finished the dinner off with fancy cheeses and fruit. She finished off the dinner with pie.

finish someone or something off

Fig. to complete some activity being performed on someone or something. Let's finish this one off and go home. Yes, let's finish off this one. Nancy is cutting Elaine's hair. When she finishes her off, she will be ready to leave.

finish someone or something up

Fig. to finish doing something to someone or something. I will finish this typing up in a few minutes. She finished up Fred in a short time.

See also: up

finish something off

Fig. to eat or drink up all of something; to eat or drink up the last portion of something. Let's finish the turkey off. You finish off the turkey. I've had enough.

finish with something

to complete something; to become done with something. I will finish with fixing this soon, and then you can have it. When will this be finished with?

finishing touch(es)

a final adjustment of something; some effort or action that completes something. Norm is in his workshop putting the finishing touches on his latest project.

See also: touch

from start to finish

Fig. entirely; throughout. I disliked the whole business from start to finish. Mary caused problems from start to finish.

See also: start

Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.

Prov. A reply to someone who wants you to do a task for which you lack the equipment. How am I supposed to wash the upstairs windows without a ladder? Give us the tools, and we will finish the job!

See also: and, give, job

He who begins many things, finishes but few.

Prov. If you start a lot of projects, you will not have time and energy to complete them all. (Can be used to warn someone against starting too many projects.) Sarah's room is littered with sweaters and mittens she started to knit but never finished, a testament to the fact that she who begins many things, finishes but few.

See also: begin, but, few, many, who

Nice guys finish last.

Prov. You will never be able to get what you want by being kind and considerate. The unscrupulous salesman advised his trainees, "Don't worry if you have to lie about the product to get the customer to buy it. Nice guys finish last."

See also: guy, last, nice

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ahead of schedule

happening or done earlier than the time that was planned The sale will help us to repay the loan ahead of schedule.

Opposite of: behind schedule

See also: ahead, schedule

finish somebody/something off also finish off somebody/something

to destroy or completely defeat someone or something Lack of water finished off the agricultural communities in the valley. He insisted that the disease was not going to finish him off.