state (redirected from The States)

in flux and in a (constant) state of flux

in constant change; ever-changing. I can't describe my job because it's in a constant state afflux. The price of gold is influx.

lie in state

[for a dead body] to be on display for public mourning. The president will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Mourners filed past the leader where he lay in state.

See also: lie

pretty state of affairs and fine state of affairs

an unpleasant state of affairs. This is a pretty state of affairs, and it's all your fault. What a fine state of affairs you've got us into.

See also: affair, pretty

send someone into a state or condition

to cause someone to be in a certain state or condition. The horrifying news sent our family into hysterics. The clerk's rude behavior sent the customer into a fit of anger.

See also: condition, send

state of mind

basic attitude or outlook at a point in time. she was in a terrible state of mind when she was interviewed for a job.

See also: mind

state of the art

using the most recent technology. (Hyphenated before nouns.) Our company's computer setup is strictly state of the art. This state-of-the-art radio is capable of filling the whole room with sound.

See also: art

whip someone into a state

Fig. to excite, arouse, or foment someone into some state. (Based on whip someone into doing something.) The governor's speech whipped the audience into a frenzy. The angry cries from the audience whipped the speaker into a rage.

See also: whip

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state-of-the-art

state-of-the-art equipment and machines are the most modern and of the best quality available State-of-the-art computer graphics show how your kitchen could be transformed.

the state of play  (British & Australian)

the present situation (often + in ) The article provides a useful summary of the current state of play in the negotiations.

See also: play

turn king's/queen's evidence  also turn state's evidence

if someone who has been accused of a crime turns king's evidence, they give information in a court of law about other people involved in the crime in order to have their own punishment reduced She was given a lenient sentence in exchange for turning king's evidence.

See also: evidence, turn

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a sad state of affairs (spoken) also a sorry state of affairs

a bad situation that you find upsetting It's a sad state of affairs when schools don't provide a basic education for their students.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form a sad state: Things have reached a sad state when you have to pay a bribe to get something done.

See also: affair, sad

lie in state

to place a person's body where it can be seen by the public The President's body lay in state in the Capitol for three days and thousands walked by his coffin to pay their respects.

See also: lie

the state of play (spoken)

the present situation With the state of play on the battlefield the way it is, the rebels will not give up but will keep attacking.

See also: play