(all) the world and his wife
A large number or a majority of people. The world and his wife are going to be at the wedding this July. I hope I can make it too. Geez, all the world and his wife was riding the Tube with me this morning—I could barely push through the crowd at my stop! All the world and his wife has that brand of smartphone. I'd rather have something a bit more unique.
(old) fishwives' tale
A story or idea, especially one rooted in superstition, that has been spread or passed along as truth but which should probably not be believed. A variant of "old wives' tale." It reminds me of the old fishwives' about mermaids who protect the ships in our harbor because of some sailors who saved them years ago. A: "You've got the flu? Make sure you spread mentholated ointment on your feet when you go to bed." B: "Pretty sure that's just a fishwives' tale, dude." Oh, that's just an old fishwives' tale! A broken mirror does not guarantee seven years' bad luck.
a good husband makes a good wife
proverb If a husband treats his wife well, she will treat him well in return. I do the dishes because it gives Shannon much needed time to relax, and a good husband makes a good wife. My husband and I split the nighttime feedings as much as we can. He's no dummy—he knows that a good husband makes a good wife. I never had any regrets about getting married, not for one minute. A good husband makes a good wife, and your father and I made each other feel loved every day.
a son is a son until he takes a wife
After an adult son marries and has a family of his own, he tends to become less involved with the family he grew up with. Used especially in reference to a mother–son relationship. Usually included as part of a longer phrase, "a son is a son until he takes a wife; a daughter is a daughter all of her life." A: "I just hate that Tom doesn't take my advice anymore." B: "Look, Julie, Tom is married now and has a life of his own. A son is a son until he takes a wife, so just let him be." You'll always be my little girl, Denise. A son is a son until he takes a wife, but a daughter is a daughter all her life. My wife is worried that our relationship with Andrew will suffer once he's married. You know, "a son is a son until he takes a wife," and all that.
apron string(s)
That which binds a woman to her husband or child. The phrase likely alludes to "apron-string tenure," a 17th century law by which a husband could control his wife's property (and her family's) during her lifetime. Often used in the phrase "tied to (one's) apron string(s)." I can't believe how much Michael is tied to his mother's apron string! That's the only explanation for him still living at home at age 40! Can you make a decision on your own, or are you tied to your wife's apron strings? Sending kids to summer camps has been in decline in recent years, as parents have become less and less inclined to loosen the apron strings.
be like Caesar's wife
To be required or obliged to avoid attracting negative attention or scrutiny because of one's involvement with a famous or prominent figure. Julius Caesar allegedly used the phrase "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion" to explain why he divorced his wife, Pompeia. I know I must be like Caesar's wife now that my husband is famous and our every action is scrutinized by the public. All of us have to be like Caesar's wife, got it? The slightest scandal could totally derail Dad's presidential bid. A: "I wonder if celebrities' families feel suffocated by the need to be like Caesar's wife." B: "What if avoiding exposure in the tabloids is its own reward, though?"
Caesar's wife
One who must avoid attracting negative attention or scrutiny owing to one's involvement with a famous or prominent figure. Julius Caesar allegedly used the phrase "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion" to explain why he divorced his wife, Pompeia. I felt a bit like Caesar's wife after seeing how much scrutiny my every action gets because of my husband's newfound success. All of us have to be like Caesar's wife, got it? The slightest scandal could totally derail Dad's presidential bid. A: "I wonder if celebrities' families feel suffocated by the need to be like Caesar's wife." B: "Eh, but what if avoiding exposure in the tabloids is its own reward?"
Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
proverb If one is involved with a famous or prominent figure, one must avoid attracting negative attention or scrutiny. Julius Caesar allegedly used the phrase to explain why he divorced his wife, Pompeia. After my son's scandal derailed my presidential bid, I understood why Caesar's wife must be above suspicion. If you're going to marry such a prominent figure in the tech industry, I hope you know to abide by the adage, "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion." A man of your position cannot be romantically involved with a woman who has such a seedy past. Caesar's wife must be above suspicion!
How's the wife?
A greeting inquiring about the well-being of one's wife. Typically exchanged between men. Hey, great to see you again! And how's the wife? A: "Hi Murray, how's the wife?" B: "Oh, she's doing great—just got a promotion at work, in fact." A: "Tom! How's it going?" B: "Not too bad, Jon. How's the wife?"
left-handed wife
obsolete A woman who maintains a sexual relationship with a married man; a mistress. You're just his left-handed wife, so you realize that you have no claim to his financial assets, right? The former governor had been predicted to win the presidential election in a landslide, until it came out that he had a left-handed wife. Then, he started tanking in the polls.
like Caesar's wife
Required or attempting to avoid negative attention or scrutiny because of one's involvement with a famous or prominent figure. Julius Caesar allegedly used the phrase "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion" to explain why he divorced his wife, Pompeia. I know I must be like Caesar's wife now that my husband is famous and our every action is scrutinized by the public.
man and wife
Two people who are married to each other. Another way of saying "husband and wife." How are you two doing, now that you're man and wife?
take a wife
To marry a woman. I can't believe my son is taking a wife on Saturday. Kids grow up so fast! Is there any hope of Sir Reginald taking a wife in the near future?
take to wife
To marry a woman. Is it true that Sir Reginald is taking Lady Jane to wife?
the devil is beating his wife
It is raining while the sun is shining. "The devil is meeting his wife" is also used. Look, the devil is beating his wife. Do you think we'll see a rainbow?
the devil is meeting his wife
It is raining while the sun is shining. "The devil is beating his wife" is also used. Look, the devil is meeting his wife. Do you think we'll see a rainbow?
trophy wife
cliché A wife whom a man has married primarily or solely for her youth and good looks, and who has married her husband because of his wealth, power, or success. You're such a bimbo that the only way you'll ever succeed is if some old rich dude takes you as his trophy wife some day! I know a lot of people assume I'm Don's trophy wife or something, but the love between us is very strong and very real.
wife up
1. slang To marry a woman; make a woman one's wife. How are things going with you and Sally? When are you going to wife her up already?
2. slang To marry a man; to become a man's wife. Often used in passive constructions. I'm tired of just being his girlfriend. I want to wife him up, already! Don't bother trying to get with Tucker, ladies. He's wifed up.
wife-beater
1. Literally, a person who physically assaults their wife. The world was shocked to learn that the hugely popular musician was a savage wife-beater.
2. slang By extension, a tank top typically worn under other clothes. Also known as a "boy-beater." You can't go out in just a wife-beater—put something else on over it. One of our neighbors sits out on his front porch all day during the summer wearing nothing but a dirty wife-beater and a pair of boxer briefs.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.