a stream never rises higher than its source
proverb People can only do and create that which is within their abilities. Why is that unjust group of men allowed to make the laws in this town? If we know that a stream never rises higher than its source, what kinds of laws do we think they will create? That guy's always been a hack, so I'm not surprised his latest book is terrible. A stream never rises higher than its source, after all. It's not like he asked the country's brightest minds to come up with the economic plan, so of course it's lackluster—a stream never rises higher than its source.
be higher than a kite
1. To be very intoxicated by alcohol or (especially) drugs. I tried tutoring him in math, but he was always higher than a kite when I came by. If I did karaoke at the bar last night, then I must have been higher than a kite! What are we going to do with him? He's higher than a kite from the weed, and Mom and Dad are going to be home any minute now!
2. To be elated or euphorically happy. I was higher than a kite when I found out I got into Stanford. I've been higher than a kite ever since I got engaged! When I saw my favorite band perform live, I was higher than a kite from beginning to end.
follow a higher calling
To pursue some vocation that one feels is of the highest moral importance, especially that of religious service. He gave up a lucrative career in computer programming and moved to a monastery in Portugal in order to follow a higher calling. She feels that it is her duty to follow a higher calling and provide medical services to people in underserved areas. I believe that poets follow a higher calling to reveal truth and beauty in the mundane.
have a higher calling
To have, pursue, or desire some vocation that one feels is of especial moral importance, especially that of religious service. He had a lucrative career in computer programming, but he felt he had a higher calling as a servant of God, so he moved to a monastery in Portugal be ordained. Poets have a higher calling to reveal truth and beauty in the mundane. She feels that she has a higher calling to provide medical services to people in underserved areas.
higher calling
Some vocation that one feels is of the highest moral importance, especially that of religious service. He gave up a lucrative career in computer programming and moved to a monastery in Portugal in order to follow a higher calling. She is a poet, so she feels that her art is a higher calling. She feels that she has a higher calling to provide medical services to people in underserved areas.
higher than a cat's back
1. Very expensive. I'm sorry, but I refuse to spend my hard-earned money on clothes that are higher than a cat's back. They're just clothes—secondhand ones do me just fine. I'm living paycheck to paycheck as it is, so I can't afford a new car—let alone one that's higher than a cat's back! Our goal is to make a cutting-edge smartphone that isn't higher than a cat's back and is thus accessible to more people.
2. dated slang Drunk. In my day, it was gauche for a man to get higher than a cat's back at the bar. Now, that's just a Saturday night for most people. Help him get home, will ya? He started drinking whiskey, and now he's higher than a cat's back. You were higher than a cat's back last night, stumbling in here reeking of alcohol!
higher than a kite
slang
1. Very intoxicated by alcohol or (especially) drugs. I tried tutoring him in math, but he was always higher than a kite when I came by. You were higher than a kite last night, stumbling in here reeking of alcohol! A: "I haven't seen your brother today." B: "Well, then he probably cut class to get higher than a kite with his stoner friends."
2. Elated; euphorically happy. I was higher than a kite when I found out I got into my first choice school. I've been higher than a kite ever since I got engaged! When I saw my favorite band perform live, I was higher than a kite from beginning to end.
higher than Gilderoy's kite
Extremely high; so high that it can hardly be seen. "Gilderoy" was the nickname of notorious 17th-century highwayman Patrick MacGregor, who was hanged at a time when the height of the gallows corresponded to the severity of a criminal's misdeeds. Thus, MacGregor was hanged higher than his accomplices—like a kite in the sky. Why did you put the dishes on a shelf higher than Gilderoy's kite? You know I can't reach anything up there! A: "Can you see the plane?" B: "It's higher than Gilderoy's kite! All I see is a tiny speck!" That banner is higher than Gilderoy's kite—how do they expect people to read it?
higher-ups
People who are especially important, influential, and authoritative, often in comparison to oneself. I don't have the authority to make a decision like that—you'll have to talk to one of the higher-ups. Did you hear that the higher-ups want us to wear uniforms now? The higher-ups were not impressed with our proposal, so we'll have to start over.
modulate to (some other) key
To transition from one musical key to another. The skilled composer can modulate to a higher or lower key without the listener even noticing.
move (something) into a higher gear
To begin to act or do something in a more energetic, vigorous, or effective manner than previously. Likened to a vehicle, such as a car or bike, using a higher gear to attain greater speed or power. They're going to have to move things into a higher gear if they want to beat the returning champions. I notice that you've really moved into a higher gear with your work lately. Great job!
rank higher than (one)
To have a higher rank or position than one in a business, government, or military hierarchy. Well, I technically rank higher than Sarah, but we operate more like equals in the office. He ranks higher than you, so you'd better do what he says.
set a high/low bar
To establish an expected, required, or desired (but ultimately constrictive) standard of quality. A: "At this point, I'm willing to go out with just about any guy, so long as he isn't living in his parents' basement." B: "Don't you think you're setting a bit of a low bar?" While you shouldn't take just any job you can get after college, be sure not to set too high a bar for an entry level job, or you may have trouble landing one at all.
set the bar (high/low)
To establish an expected, required, or desired standard of quality. (Often said of a standard that is constrictive in being either too low or too high). A: "At this point, I'm willing to go out with just about any guy, so long as he isn't living in his parents' basement." B: "Don't you think you're setting the bar a little low?" While you shouldn't take just any job you can get after college, be sure not to set the bar too high for an entry level job, or you may have trouble landing one at all. I hear that the new restaurant around the corner really sets the bar for exquisite seafood.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.