shouldn

(something) shouldn't happen to a dog

Something is so heinous or terrible that no creature should ever have to experience it. A brutal attack like that shouldn't happen to a dog. The politician reveals many personal tragedies in her autobiography, awful things that shouldn't happen to a dog. No wonder her kids don't speak to her—she totally neglected them as children, something that shouldn't happen to a dog.

See also: dog, happen, to

I shouldn't wonder

I imagine or am confident that something is the case. Often followed by an "if..." statement, which uses a negative verb. Is this senator for real, talking about people spending money on things they don't need? He probably has four houses, I shouldn't wonder. I'm no economic expert, but I shouldn't wonder if establishing a basic income for all citizens wouldn't be a huge boost to the entire economy. I shouldn't wonder if I'm not going to get the promotion. The managers have always liked Amanda more than me.

See also: wonder

kiss and tell

1. To tell others about a sexual encounter, usually in order to brag about it. Most girls avoid Johnny because they know he loves to kiss and tell so all his buddies think he's a player.

2. By extension, to tell others about something that was supposed to remain private between the teller and another party, usually in order to gossip or brag about it. To be honest, I try not to include Jane in these meetings because she has a tendency to kiss and tell when she's privy to sensitive details.

See also: and, kiss, tell

not rest on (one's) laurels

To continue putting forth effort, trying to innovate, or working to advance one's career or status instead of relying on one's past achievements or accolades to remain relevant or successful. I know your first novel was a smash success, but don't rest on your laurels or you're going to fade into obscurity. Despite its dominance in the market, the company has never rested on its laurels, continuing to produce interesting and innovative designs.

See also: laurel, not, on, rest

not stand on ceremony

To not observe or hold strictly to protocol or formalities. Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Time is of the essence, so let's get started right away and not stand on ceremony. Please, don't stand on ceremony on my behalf—keep eating!

See also: ceremony, not, on, stand

not think of (doing something)

1. To not conceive of the idea of doing something. Ah, I didn't think of restarting the computer to fix the issue. I'll try that now. When I asked him why he didn't just use his spare key, he said he just hadn't thought of doing that.

2. To refuse to consider doing something. I wouldn't think of getting a tattoo like that on my neck! We won't think of agreeing to a deal that is so ethically questionable.

3. To not remember to do something. Sorry, I didn't think of getting milk while I was at the store.

See also: not, of, think

People (who live) in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

proverb People who are vulnerable to criticism should not criticize others, especially not for the faults that they themselves have (since such criticism will likely be returned). He's been hounding his opponent for dodging taxes, when it's public knowledge that he still owes the IRS for years of tax delinquency. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! A: "She just spends her time complaining about other people. It's so shallow and annoying!" B: "Now, now—people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

See also: glass, house, people, throw

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

proverb People who are vulnerable to criticism should not criticize others, especially not for the faults that they themselves have (since such criticism will likely be returned). He's been hounding his opponent for dodging taxes, when it's public knowledge that he still owes the IRS for years of tax delinquency. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! A: "She just spends her time complaining about other people. It's so shallow and annoying!" B: "Now, now—people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

See also: glass, house, live, people, throw, who

set the cart before the horse

proverb To do things preemptively or out of the proper order; to get ahead of oneself. Don't set the cart before the horse and pick out your dream car before you have any money saved up for a down payment. A: "I've got a few ideas of in-app purchases we can implement." B: "Whoa, whoa, stop setting the cart before the horse. Let's focus on actually finishing the app first."

See also: before, cart, horse, set

those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

proverb People who are vulnerable to criticism should not criticize others, especially not for the faults that they themselves have (since such criticism will likely be returned). He's been hounding his opponent for dodging taxes, when it's public knowledge that he still owes the IRS for years of tax delinquency. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! A: "She just spends her time complaining about other people. It's so shallow and annoying!" B: "Now, now—those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

See also: glass, house, live, stone, those, throw, who

Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those doing it.

If you view something as impossible, do not discourage or interfere with other people's attempts to accomplish it. A: "Why are you wasting your time on this? This client is way out of your league." B: "Because I'm determined to land him. So leave me alone while I can craft the perfect pitch. Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those doing it."

See also: cannot, done, not, say, should, those, who

you shouldn't have

A message of thanks for a (usually unexpected) gift. Can be used sincerely or sarcastically. You got me a present? Aww, you shouldn't have! More files to copy? Thanks, you shouldn't have.

See also: have

you shouldn't speak ill of the dead

It is immoral or objectionable to say malicious or defamatory things about someone who has passed away. A: "Ah, Tom was just a selfish old bigot." B: "Mary! You shouldn't speak ill of the dead!" You say we shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but we shouldn't forget the misdeeds of those who were once in power, either, lest history repeats itself.

See also: dead, ill, of, speak

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

kiss and tell

Fig. to participate in something secret and private, and then tell other people about it. (In actual use, it usually refers to a person of the opposite sex even when it does not refer to actual kissing.) The project was supposed to be a secret between Jane and me, but she spread it all around. I didn't think she was the type to kiss and tell. I am willing to discuss it with you, but only if you promise not to kiss and tell. the kiss of death Fig. an act that puts an end to someone or something. The mayor's veto was the kiss of death for the new law. Fainting on stage was the kiss of death for my acting career.

See also: and, kiss, tell

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Prov. You should not criticize other people for having the same faults that you yourself have. Jill: Richard sure was drinking a lot at the office party. Jane: I noticed you had quite a few cocktails yourself. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who

shouldn't happen to a dog

Fig. an expression of something that is so bad that no creature deserves it. Poor guy. That shouldn't happen to a dog. This cold I got shouldn't happen to a dog.

See also: dog, happen, to

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

kiss and tell

Betray a confidence, as in A real lady doesn't kiss and tell. This idiom originally alluded to betraying an amorous or sexual intimacy. First recorded in 1695, it is still so used, as well as more loosely, as in Don't ask how I voted; I don't kiss and tell.

See also: and, kiss, tell

people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

One who is open to criticism should not criticize others, as in It's stupid of Mike to mention his opponent's accepting donations from lobbyists-people who live in glass houses! This proverb is so well known that it is often shortened. [Late 1300s] Also see pot calling the kettle black.

See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

not stand on ceremony

If you do not stand on ceremony, you act in a relaxed and informal way with someone. Do call me Amelia, dear. We don't stand on ceremony in this family.

See also: ceremony, not, on, stand

people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

or

people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

If you say people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, you mean that people should not criticize others for faults that they themselves have. When will they learn? People in glass houses really shouldn't throw stones.

See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

kiss and tell

recount your sexual exploits, especially to the media concerning a famous person. chiefly derogatory

See also: and, kiss, tell

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˌkiss and ˈtell

a way of referring to somebody talking publicly, usually for money, about a past sexual relationship with somebody famous: Despite all the money the tabloids were offering for her story, she was determined not to kiss and tell.

See also: and, kiss, tell

people (who live) in glass ˌhouses shouldn’t throw ˈstones

(saying) you should not criticize other people for faults that you have yourself: ‘He said you weren’t entirely honest in business.’ ‘Oh, did he? Well tell him from me that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. He’ll know what I mean.’

See also: glass, house, people, stone, throw

I ˌshouldn’t ˈwonder (if ...)

(informal) I would not be surprised to find out (that ...): It’s paid for with stolen money, I shouldn’t wonder.

See also: wonder

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

shouldn’t happen to a dog

in. describes something that is so bad that no creature deserves it. This cold I got shouldn’t happen to a dog.

See also: dog, happen, to

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

Those who themselves are open to criticism or vulnerable to attack should not attack others. This proverb dates from the time of Chaucer, who used a version of it in Troilus and Criseyde (ca. 1374). George Herbert wrote: “Whose house is of glass, From cast of stones must not throw stones at another” (Jacula Prudentum, 1640). See also pot calling the kettle black.

See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer