minor

in a minor key

Having a subtle, understated presentation or demeanor. An allusion to the musical key, the phrase is typically used to describe abstract concepts and characteristics. The film, which elegantly examines the very real struggles of everyday people in the modern age, is wise and human in a minor key. No matter what the overarching theme is, grief runs in a minor key through all of her novels. The novel impressively manages to present the anguish of child loss in a minor key.

See also: key, minor

minor in (something)

To complete a college or university degree with a particular subject as an official secondary focus. Originally I thought I would major in English literature, but I ended up minoring in it. Samantha majored in economics and minored in history.

See also: minor

minor miracle

A positive occurrence that was highly improbable. The kids all being dressed by 7 AM is a minor miracle. If we actually make it out the door on time, angels will start singing. It will be a minor miracle if the senators all agree on the terms of the legislation.

See also: minor, miracle

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

minor in something

to study a secondary subject in college. (Compare this with major in something.) I minored in math in college. I decided to minor in history.

See also: minor

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

in a minor key

(especially of a literary work) understated.

1995 Independent He was a moralist in a minor key.

See also: key, minor

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

minor in

v.

To complete a long-term course of study in some subject that is one's secondary focus: My main course of study is biology, and I'm minoring in philosophy.

See also: minor

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.