circle of hell
Used to describe something or some place one considers to be utterly vile or torturous. It alludes to the misery and anguish experienced in the nine levels of hell as described by Dante Alighieri in his epic poem Inferno. The entire trade negotiation process has devolved into the fifth circle of hell, as politicians and lobbyists flail about in a sea of red tape while trying to gain some advantage over one another. This part of the country becomes the ninth circle of hell in the winter—a barren, frozen wasteland. A: "What circle of hell have we entered today, day three of auditions for the school play?" B: "It probably depends on how many off-key renditions of 'My Favorite Things' we have to sit through."
the third degree
Intense or thorough interrogation, scrutiny, or questioning. Kayla's boyfriend is so controlling, always giving her the third degree if she goes anywhere or sees anyone without him. I got the third degree from the police regarding my whereabouts during the crime.
third country
Any country that is not a member of the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), or the European Economic Area (EEA). Did the UK become a third country after Brexit? This is still considered a third country in the eyes of the EU, so you can't just move to Italy for work the way a person from, say, Hungary could.
third wheel
Someone who has no real place or purpose in a situation, likened to a superfluous extra wheel on a two-wheeled vehicle. When Kelly invited me to go to the movies, I didn't know that her boyfriend would be joining us. I felt like a third wheel the entire night.
third-country national
Commonly abbreviated as "TCN."
1. Someone who is not a national of a country within the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), or the European Economic Area (EEA). If we're from the UK, are we third-country nationals now, in light of Brexit? Unfortunately you're still considered a third-country national in the eyes of the EU, so you can't just move to Italy for work.
2. An employee of an international company or organization who is not from the country where they are working nor from the country where their employer is based. No, I'm actually a third-country national because I'm an Australian working in the UK for an American company.
while two dogs are fighting for a bone, a third one runs away with it
proverb When two people are engaged in trying to obtain the same thing, they are liable to miss the presence of a third party who is then able to take the thing for themselves. A: "Hal and I were fighting over the ball when Mara just came and stole it from us!" B: "Classic. While two dogs are fighting for a bone, a third one runs away with it."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.