cooling-off period

1. A period of time during a dispute wherein the parties involved do not communicate with one another as a means of reducing hostility or reconsidering their positions before taking further action. I think we both need a cooling-off period before one of us says something that we don't mean. Would you two stop screaming at each other? Wow, take a cooling-off period, please. I was really angry, so I knew a cooling-off period was necessary before I did anything rash.

2. The time allowed after a purchase or the signing of a contract in which the buyer/signer may return the product or back out of the agreement without penalty or fee. I'm glad I had that cooling-off period after buying that sports car—there's no way I can actually afford it! You're going to back out of that contract? Good, I'm glad you took advantage of the cooling-off period and figured out what you really wanted. No, if you're still in the cooling-off period, you won't be penalized for changing your mind.

3. The period of time for which waste from nuclear fuel must be allowed to cool in water before being safely reprocessed or sent for permanent storage. If waste is not allowed its full cooling-off period, it could contaminate the environment and poison people. The scientist stopped us from doing anything with the nuclear fuel because the cooling-off period was still ongoing. Hey! You can't reprocess that waste until the cooling-off period is finished!

doss down for (some period of time)

slang To lie down and sleep. I was so tired that I just dossed down for an hour in the middle of the living room. The dog dossed down for hours after that long hike. Guess we really tired him out! If I don't doss down for 20 minutes, I'm going to fall asleep at my desk!

grace period

1. A period of time after a debt has become due for payment during which no new fees, penalties, or interest are accrued. Our new student credit plan offers an additional 30-day grace period on all credit card purchases. The 12-month grace period is the IRS throwing a lifeline to companies and individuals whose taxes are in arrears. A: "I just finished grad school, so I know I'll have to finally start paying on my undergrad student loans." B: "You do get a grace period at least. You're not expected to start paying on your loans the minute you're done school."

2. A period of time after an insurance premium has become due for payment during which the terms of the policy remain active and in effect. Luckily, I was still within the grace period for my home insurance policy when the basement got flooded, or else I don't know how I would have afforded the repairs! They won't cancel your policy immediately after you miss a payment. You'll get a grace period—but still make the payment as soon as you can. The insurance adjuster just told me that the grace period is over and we have to cover the damages ourselves!

3. By extension, any period of time following a deadline during which no penalty is issued. Due to his mother's sudden death, James was given a grace period of three weeks to submit his dissertation. The boss may well empathize with what you're going through right now, but don't go into the meeting expecting to get a grace period. When I came down with mono and missed a ton of school, my teachers were all really understanding and gave me an ample grace period to catch up on my assignments.

honeymoon period

The short amount of time at the beginning of a new relationship, activity, or pursuit when everything goes well and seems to be free of problems. Donna was excited when she started her new job, but once the honeymoon period was over, she realized that she had more responsibilities than she could handle. Many couples find it difficult to maintain a relationship after the honeymoon period ends. They've only been dating for about five minutes, though! Let's see if they're this lovey-dovey once the honeymoon period is over.

incapacitate (someone) for (a period of time)

To cause someone to be physically unable to do something for a particular length of time. Oh man, that illness incapacitated me for weeks—I still get tired just walking up and down the steps. Oh, Tiffany's not that sick. Unless she's incapacitated for days, I fully expect her to still do her chores! That blow to the head incapacitated the boxer for long enough to give his opponent the win.

incapacitate (someone) for (something) for (a period of time)

To cause someone to be physically unable to do something for a particular length of time. Oh, Tiffany's not that sick—this illness won't incapacitate her for her chores for long, I'll see to that! Oh man, that illness incapacitated me for all physical activity for weeks—I still get tired just walking up and down the steps. That blow to the head incapacitated the man for making coherent statements for several moments.

last for (some period of time)

To endure (something) for a certain period of time. The brake pads need to be replaced already? Wow, they didn't last for very long. I hope we get to the hotel soon—the kids aren’t going to last in the car for much longer. The phone says its battery should last for 40 hours of normal usage.

period

Used to emphasize the finality of one's statement, indicating that one has nothing further to add or elaborate. I'm not going to tell you again. There is no way I am getting on that airplane—period! With our deal, you won't pay $100, only to have hidden fees and charges inflate the bill out of nowhere. If you go with us, you pay $100, period.

silent period

1. A period of time in which radio stations must be silent in order to listen for distress calls, as of ships at sea. It was during the silent period that the Mayday call came through from the capsizing vessel.

2. A period of time in which someone learning a second language can understand it but cannot yet speak it. How long does the silent period last when children are learning English as a second language?

while away

To spend an amount of time idly, pleasantly, or in a carefree manner. Often used in the phrase "while away the hours." A noun or pronoun can be used between "while" and "away." When we were kids, we would while away the hours on rainy days just drawing pictures and reading books. Don't just while the summer away—set a goal for yourself and do something constructive.

while a period of time away (doing something)

to spend or waste time doing something. I whiled an hour away just staring at the sea. Liz whiled away the entire afternoon, snoozing. I just love to while away the hours.

while away

Spend time idly or pleasantly, as in It was a beautiful day and we whiled away the hours in the garden. This expression is the only surviving use of the verb while, meaning "to spend time." [First half of 1600s]

a/the ˈhoneymoon period

a period of time at the beginning of something, for example a relationship, a job, a period in government, etc., when everybody is pleased with you and there appear to be no problems: The honeymoon period is over now for the new President.

while away

To spend some duration of time idly or pleasantly: The campers whiled the hours away by singing songs. We whiled away the summer.

honeymoon (period)

and honeymoon stage

n. an early stage in any activity, before problems set in. You’ll know the honeymoon period is over when everything seems to go wrong at once. Of course, this is still the honeymoon stage, but everything seems to be going all right.

Period!

exclam. . . . and that’s final! (A way of indicating that there will be no more discussion or negotiation.) My final offer is $30. Period!

See also:

References in periodicals archive

Total income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 was $246.66 million, a 7.5 percent increase compared to $229.34 million reported for the same period in 2018.

Ithmaar Holding profits surge 20pc

A "standard measurement period" is a period of at least three but not more than 12 consecutive months that an employer uses in determining whether an ongoing employee is a full-time employee.

IRS issues additional PPACA guidance on identifying full-time employees

The DRA postpones the start date for a penalty period based on asset transfers.

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The "black out period" duration (i.e., "Restricted Contract Period") is as follow:

Beware the 'black out' period in new procurement law

To define the incubation period for Andes virus infection, we identified 20 patients with a well-defined period of exposure to a high-risk area among 106 persons with HCPS enrolled in research protocols (treatment interventions, contact studies, quantitative viremia during HCPS) or interviewed by 1 of the authors.

Incubation period of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome

One idea: Since the animals had become so adapted (adjusted) to a chilly climate, their bodies were no longer able to cope with the heat of an interglacial period.

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More recently, glaciers retreated during the Medieval Warm Period, according to a team of researchers from Harvard University.

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Every three weeks they selected their best work from that period (worksheets, planning sheets, calculations, artifacts, etc.) to place in their portfolios.

Constructionism: student learning and development

Some governments provide benefits intended to hasten an employee's voluntary termination of services, sometimes referred to as early-retirement incentives, which may be offered for a short period of time or, in some cases, may be part of a longer-standing offer.

Official releases: GASB No. 47

Rental Value sustained by the Insured due the necessary 'suspension' of the Insured's "operations' during the 'period of restoration.' "The policy defines "period of restoration" as beginning on "the date and time of the direct physical loss or damage" and, absent resumption of operations at a new permanent location, ending on "[t]he date when the property should be repaired, rebuilt or replaced with reasonable speed and similar quality." Since Silverstein did not intend to resume business in a new, permanent location, the court was left to determine the meaning of the phrase "when property should be repaired, rebuilt or replaced with reasonable speed and similar quality."

It's theoretical: a ruling holds that the period of restoration is the time that it should take to rebuild

But, hey, even if your period does take you by surprise and stains your clothes, don't stress--it's happened to all of us at one time or another.

Your wackiest period mysteries--solved! Whether you've had your period or are playing the waiting game, you probably have a zillion questions. Well, hold on to your seats because we're about to pull the plug on all your confusion

5.04(6), so that a short-period NOL or CL must be carried back if it is either (a) $50,000 or less; or (b) less than the NOL or CL (respectively) generated for the full 12month period beginning with the short period's first day.

New developments: short-period losses, tax accrual workpapers and more. (Federal Tax)

"There is no rationale found in any commentary for the seven-year time period stated in 103.

ARMA files comment with the SEC

In addition, for each one-hour period of operation of combustion turbines, the permittee should correct the emissions of nitrogen oxides to 15 percent oxygen.

Clean records for clean air: an electronic record keeping and reporting system can minimize time requirements and maximize accuracy for complying with the conditions of a Title V permit. (Environmental Compliance)