dick (redirected from dicking)

*tight as Dick's hatband

Fig. very tight. (*Also: as ~.) I've got to lose some weight. My belt is as tight as Dick's hatband. This window is stuck tight as Dick's hatband.

See also: tight

(every) Tom, Dick, and Harry and any Tom, Dick, and Harry

Fig. everyone, without discrimination; ordinary people. (Not necessarily males.) The golf club is very exclusive. They don't let any Tom, Dick, or Harry join. Mary's sending out very few invitations. She doesn't want every Tom, Dick, and Harry turning up.

See also: and, harry

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a clever dick  (British & Australian)

someone who tries too hard to show that they are clever, in a way which annoys other people He's such a clever dick, talking loudly on the phone in lots of different languages.

See also: clever

Tom, Dick and/or Harry

anyone, especially people that you do not know or do not think are important Draw the curtains or we'll have every Tom, Dick and Harry peering through the window. I want a qualified plumber to do the job, not just any Tom, Dick or Harry.

See also: and, harry

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every Tom, Dick, and Harry

anyone Draw the curtains or we'll have every Tom, Dick, and Harry peeking in the window.

Usage notes: usually said about any person you do not know or think is unimportant, and sometimes used in the form any Tom, Dick, or Harry: I want a qualified plumber to do the job, not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry.

See also: and, every, harry