gang mentality
The tendency of people to adopt or be influenced by the urges, behaviors, or inclinations of their peers, often in contrast to or in spite of their feelings as individuals. We're all indoctrinated to just accept and embrace these policies, for fear of becoming social pariahs. But I refuse to succumb to the gang mentality that's dictating public opinion these days. As individuals, we can be completely rational in our decision-making, but our emotional responses, combined with a desire to fit in with those around us, creates a dangerous gang mentality that can lead to violent behavior. I think the gang mentality is very prevalent in instances of looting. When people see others successfully escaping with stolen goods, why wouldn't they try it too?
gang up
To unite or band together for some common goal. All of the schools in our town will gang up to clean up local parks on Earth Day. The kids always gang up and try to convince me to get pizza or fast food for dinner. Come on, they're all witnesses too. If we gang up with them, we'll solve this mystery faster.
gang up against (someone or something)
To unite or band together against some common enemy or problem. My friends and I are going to gang up against that bully who was stealing all the little kids' money. Even if Ted did, in fact, commit the crime, we can't just gang up against him—we need to tell the police! I know you think your little brother is annoying, but that doesn't mean you should gang up against him with your friends, OK?
gang up on (one)
To band together and confront one as a group or collective effort, typically for some end. The kids ganged up on me and convinced me to get pizza for dinner. A bunch of the bigger kids ganged up on me after school and stole my money. Even if Ted did, in fact, commit the crime, we can't just gang up on him—we need to tell the police!
gangbusters
Successful. Oh, presenting the case to the students was gangbusters—they got totally engrossed in trying to the solve the mystery. We were able to overwhelm the other team because our offense was gangbusters. That toy is completely sold out. Guess no one expected its sales to go gangbusters ahead of the holiday season.
gangshag
1. verb, vulgar slang For several people to engage in sexual intercourse with one person, either at once or in succession.
2. verb, offensive slang To rape a person with several other perpetrators; to perpetrate a gang rape. This usage is considered offensive due to likening an instance of rape with a consensual act.
3. noun, vulgar slang An instance in which several people engage in sexual intercourse with one person, either at once or in succession.
4. noun, offensive slang A rape by multiple perpetrators; a gang rape. This usage is considered offensive due to likening an instance of rape with a consensual act.
the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley
proverb Said when something ends poorly or differently than expected, despite preparations for success. It comes from Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse," which itself is a play on the proverb "the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray." ("Gang aft a-gley" means "go oft astray" in Scottish vernacular.) I always thought our marriage was stable and that we'd be together forever. I guess it's true what they say, though—the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley. A: "I've been working on this project for six months, and now, right before it's due, they tell me they want something completely different." B: "That's rough. The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley, I suppose."
the gang's all here
cliché Said of a group of people that share a common connection and have been assembled together, especially as a kind of reunion. The grand finale gathers all the fan-favorite characters of the show together for one final adventure. Mr. Blizzard, Starlight Pixie, King Roger—the gang's all here! A: "Now that the gang's all here, tell us about your wedding plans, Alyssa!" B: "Well, for starters, I definitely want you guys—and some of our other college friends—to be there!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
best-laid plans of mice and men oft(en) go astray,
and best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley.Prov. Things often go wrong even though you have carefully planned what you are going to do. (The gang aft a-gley version is Scots dialect, and comes from Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse.") Jill: I reserved a hotel room for us three weeks ago, but now the clerk says he has no record of our reservation. So much for our fun weekend in the city. Jane: Well, these things happen. The best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray. I had all the arrangements made for my party, and then the guest of honor got sick and I had to call the whole thing off. The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft a-gley. If a little rain can ruin the best-laid plans of mice and men, think what an earthquake might do!
gang up (on someone)
to form into a group and attack someone. (Usually a physical attack, but it can also be a verbal attack.) We can't win against the robber unless we gang up on him. All right, you guys, don't gang up on me. Play fair!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.