an exercise in (something)

An action, activity, or behavior that is certain to have a particular outcome. They've filed a lawsuit to block the deal from happening, but most legal experts agree that it's just an exercise in futility. To me, working in this industry is an exercise in patience and determination. You won't make it here if you want to see immediate results. I'll never fly during the holidays again. Crowds, long lines, weather-related issues—it's just an exercise in the absurd.

an exercise in futility

An action, activity, or behavior that has no chance whatsoever of being successful. A: "I'm going to ask if the boss will increase our budget." B: "It's an exercise in futility, if you ask me. She has never increased a project's budget in the 15 years I've been working here." They've filed a lawsuit to block the deal from happening, but most legal experts agree that it's just an exercise in futility. Yeah, don't even bother trying to get the school to reimburse you, it's an exercise in futility.

exercise (one) in (something)

To help one to practice something. Will you exercise me in these chemistry terms before the tomorrow's test? How did I get a D on that test after my Mom exercised me in the French names for foods? You need to exercise kids in the multiplication tables at a young age so they can take that information with them into harder math classes.

See also: exercise

exercise for the reader

A subject, debate, or other matter that is not decided or dealt with directly by the author or presenter, but rather is left up to the judgment or interpretation of the observer, reader, or addressee. The report merely details the spending practices of the parties concerned; whether or not these payments were dubious in nature is left as an exercise for the reader. The politician's speech made broad references to invigorating the economy with practical, no-nonsense measures—what such measures might be, though, was left as an exercise for the reader. Your thesis is not supposed to be an exercise for the reader—it needs to be clear and apparent from page one.

exercise power over (someone or something)

To assert control or authority over someone or something. Even though we're adults now, my sister still tries to exercise power over me like I'm a little kid. Even though he's left the White House, he still acts like he can exercise power over foreign and domestic enemies. Actually, I can exercise power over you and tell you when to go to bed—Mom and Dad left me in charge!

exercised about (something)

Upset or agitated because of something. We can't tell Mom we broke the vase—she'll get totally exercised about it! Before you get exercised about it, let me tell you exactly what happened. You broke up with Ben, so why are you exercised about me going on a date with him? That's not very fair.

See also: exercise

the object of the exercise

The main point, focus, or goal of an activity or task. If you're an investor, holding onto stocks that damage your portfolio defeats the object of the exercise. If you're trying to improve your health, not just shed a few quick pounds, the object of the exercise should be to develop a diet that is sustainable in the long term.

exercise power over

someone or something and exercise control over someone or something; exercise influence over someone or something to have someone or something under one's control or influence. The dictator exercised power over the island for many years. See if you can exercise some control over your appetite. I wish I could exercise some influence over the committee.

exercise (someone or an animal) in

something to give someone or an animal practice in doing something; to drill someone or an animal at something. Please exercise the dog in obedience routines. I hope you will exercise me in my Spanish irregular verbs.

See also: exercise

exercised about something

Fig. upset about something. Mary: You lost a hundred dollars playing poker!? Bill: Now don't get exercised about it. I can't tell Ma I'm failing English class. She gets exercised about every dumb thing I do.

See also: exercise

*firm hand

Fig. [someone's] strong sense of management; a high degree of discipline and direction. (*Typically: exercise ~; have ~; need ~; take ~; use~.) I had to use a firm hand with Perry when he was a child. He had a problem with discipline.

the object of the exercise

the main point or purpose of an activity.

See also: exercise, object, of

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

Sample sizes for the main exercise groups range from a high of 88,419 respondents who reported exercising for no days to a low of 36,475 respondents who report having exercised for five to six days.

Exercise and Well-Being: A Little Goes a Long Way; Those who exercise even 1-2 days a week better off than those who do not exercise

This would be another way of exercising without costing the employee additional funds.

PLANNING FOR INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS

Currently, there are no known causes for exercise abuse, or what some call "exercise addiction" and/or "compulsive exercising." Some researchers believe people become addicted to the body's natural release of endorphins when exercising.

Addicted to Sweat

Adults with cerebral palsy; Exercising and fitness.

Perceived health and self-efficacy among adults with cerebral palsy

Endorphins are released while exercising; they fight depression, improving my mood.

The exercise junkie: a consistent exercise program to maintain strength and flexibility is wise as well as potentially addicting. But before starting, be sure and talk with your doctor. Getting a referral to a physical therapist is an especially good idea if you have not exercised much in the past. With luck, like the author, you'll get hooked

"You might take some of the risk out of your options by exercising a few and immediately selling the stock, paying the taxes and reinvesting the proceeds in other stocks and wealth-building assets," he says.

Sunk by options

* Consider exercising options with the use of existing stock.

CHANGING TIDES

The favorable tax treatment associated with ISOs will generally not be obtained unless the individual exercising the ISO is an employee of the corporation granting the option or of its parent or subsidiary corporation at all times during the period between the time the option is granted and the day that is three months before the option is exercised.(13) Thus, an employee terminating employment has three months from the date of termination to exercise an ISO option as such, unless the terms of the option specify that it lapses within a shorter period.

Incentive stock options revisited

As taxpayers were filing their 2000 returns, dramatic stories of insolvent taxpayers owing alternative minimum tax (AMT) as a result of exercising their ISOs unfolded in the media.

NQSO strategies - avoiding past mistakes

"Then we increased it by five to ten percent each week." By the end of six months, they were exercising for four hours a week.

Activity matters. (Special Feature)

More weight should not be used when exercising the healthy leg.

REHAB PROCESS FOR THE KNEE

Moreover, exercising can include activities not ordinarily called exercise such as gardening, fishing, going for a walk, or playing with pets.

Redefining exercise: no fun, no gain

exercising. But the value of that advice may depend on your genetic

Diet, exercise, genes strengthen bones

Thus, while exercising an ISO has no regular tax effects, a taxpayer may incur some AMT liability, depending on the amounts involved and his or her individual situation.

Option options

Could this be because their pain prevents them from exercising? Yes.

The physically active find back pain relief