dash (redirected from dashing off)

cut a fine figure

to look good; to look elegant. (Usually said of a male.) Tom really cuts a fine figure on the dance floor. Bill cuts a fine figure since he bought some new clothes.

See also: cut, figure, fine

dash someone or something against someone or something

to throw or fling someone or something at or against someone or something. Sam dashed the bottle against the floor, shattering it. Alice dashed the box against Ed, throwing him off balance.

See also: against

dash someone's hopes

Fig. to ruin someone's hopes; to put an end to someone's dreams or aspirations. Mary dashed my hopes when she said she wouldn't marry me.

See also: hope

dash something off

to make or do something quickly. I will dash this off now and try to take more time with the rest of them. I will see if I can dash off a cherry pie before dinner.

dash something to pieces

to break something into small pieces. She dashed the glass to pieces on the floor—she was so mad. The potter dashed the imperfect pot to pieces.

See also: piece

dash a note off and dash a letter off

to write a note or letter quickly and send it off. I have to dash this letter off, then I will be with you. I'll dash off a note to her.

See also: note

dash across something

to run quickly across some area. John dashed across the busy street and ran in the door. The dog dashed across the yard and confronted the meter reader.

See also: across

dash away and dash off

to run away; to leave in a hurry. I must dash away. See you tomorrow. Juan had to dash away to an appointment. Ken dashed off and left me behind to deal with the angry customer.

See also: away

dash out (for something)

[for someone] to leave a place in a hurry to get something. Harry dashed out for some cigarettes. Excuse me. I just have to dash out.

See also: out

dash over (for something)

[for someone] to come by quickly for something such as a brief visit. I just dashed over for a cup of sugar. Can you spare it? I needed some sugar, so I just dashed over.

make a dash for someone or something

to run quickly for someone or something. Suddenly Max made a dash for Lefty and punched him in the stomach. John made a dash for the bathroom as soon as they arrived home.

See also: make

pour cold water on something 

1. Lit. to douse something with cold water. Pour cold water on the vegetables to freshen them. I poured cold water on my head to cool myself off.

2. and dash cold water on something; throw cold water on something Fig. to discourage doing something; to reduce enthusiasm for something. (Alludes to cooling passion with cold water.) When my father said I couldn't have the car, he poured cold water on my plans. John threw cold water on the whole project by refusing to participate.

See also: cold, pour, water

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cut a fine figure  (British, American & Australian old-fashioned) also cut a dash (British old-fashioned)

if someone cuts a fine figure, people admire their appearance, usually because they are wearing attractive clothes Giles cut a fine figure in his black velvet suit. Lucy cut a dash in her purple satin ballgown.

See also: cut, figure, fine

pour/throw cold water on something   (informal)

if you pour cold water on opinions or ideas, you criticize them and stop people believing them or being excited about them Margaret Thatcher poured cold water on the idea of a European central bank.

See also: cold, pour, water