used

*accustomed to someone or something and *accustomed to doing something used to someone or something

; used to or in the habit of doing something. (*Typically: be ~; become ~; grow ~.) The children are accustomed to eating late in the evening.

*used to someone or something

Fig. accustomed to someone or something; familiar and comfortable with someone or something. (*Typically: be ~; become ~; get~.) I am used to eating better food than this. I am used to the doctor I have and I don't want to change.

It takes (some) getting used to.

It is very unpleasant at first, but after a time it will not be so bothersome. (Said in recognition of the unpleasantness of something.) I never ate raw oysters before. It takes some getting used to. These hot Mexican dishes seem impossible at first. They take some getting used to, I agree. But it's worth it.

See also: get, take

not as young as one used to be

Fig. getting old. Aunt Lila isn't as young as she used to be. She can't take a lot of trips anymore. Don't walk so fast! I'm not as young as I used to be. It takes me awhile to catch up.

See also: one, young

There, there. and There, now.

an expression used to comfort someone. There, there. You'll feel better after you take a nap. There, now. Everything will be all right.

They don't make them like they used to.

Cliché Goods are not as well made now as they were in the past. (Often used as a catchphrase. Them is often 'em.) Look at this flimsy door! They don't make 'em like they used to. Why don't cars last longer? They just don't make 'em like they used to.

See also: like, make, them

used to do something

to have done something [customarily] in the past. We used to go swimming in the lake before it became polluted. I used to eat nuts, but then I became allergic to them.

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be half the [dancer/writer etc.] you used to be

if you are half the dancer, writer etc. you used to be, you are much less good at doing something than you used to be She's half the tennis-player she used to be.

See also: half

There, there.  (old-fashioned)

something that you say to comfort someone, especially a child There, there. You'll feel better in a minute.

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used to do something

to have done something in the past A young lady who used to work in my office had seven brothers! We used to visit our parents at Christmas every year.

used to something/doing something

familiar with something He's used to beginning without me because I'm almost always late. His clothes and manners show he's used to being a celebrity. It's not easy getting used to cold weather if you've been brought up in a hot climate.