present

*on a silver platter

Fig. using a presentation [of something] that is appropriate for a very formal setting. (*Typically: give something to someone ~; present something ~; serve something ~; want something ~.) Aren't paper plates good enough for you? You want dinner maybe on a silver platter?

See also: platter, silver

(There's) no time like the present.

Prov. Cliché Do what you are supposed to do now. (You can use this to suggest that something be done right away.) Jill: When should we start cleaning up the house? Jane: No time like the present. Start studying for the big exam now, instead of waiting till the night before. There's no time like the present.

See also: like, time

at present

now; at this point in time. We are not able to do any more at present. We may be able to lend you money next week, but not at present.

at the present time and at this point (in time)

Cliché now; at present. (Used often as a wordy replacement for now.) We don't know the location of the stolen car at the present time. The patient is doing nicely at the present time.

See also: time

live in the present

Fig. to deal with contemporary events and not be dominated by events of the past or planning for the future. Forget the past; live in the present. It was no longer possible to get Uncle Herman to live in the present.

See also: live

present someone (to someone) (at something)

to introduce someone to someone at some event. They presented him to the queen at her birthday party. I will present you to the rest of the committee.

present something to someone and present someone with something

to give something to someone, especially if done ceremoniously. They presented a watch to me when I retired. They presented me with a watch when I retired.

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present company excepted  (British, American & Australian humorous) also present company excluded (American humorous)

something that you say which means that the criticism you have just made does not describe the people who are listening to you now People just don't know how to dress in this country, present company excepted, of course.

See also: company, except

There's no time like the present.

something that you say in order to show that you think it is a good idea to do something immediately 'When do you think I should phone Mr Hughes about that job?' 'Well, there's no time like the present.'

See also: like, time

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at present

now There are at present about 2500 employees in our company.

for the present

now, although probably not for long For the present, these puzzling crimes remain unsolved. Related vocabulary: for the moment

on a silver platter

without work or effort The Internet provides huge quantities of information on a silver platter, but you don't know if it's accurate or true.

See also: platter, silver