fun

not be all fun and games

if an activity is not all fun and games, parts of it are difficult or unpleasant. Being a tour representative isn't all fun and games, I can tell you.

See also: all, game

be more fun than a barrel of monkeys (American, American)

to be very funny or enjoyable. Their show was one of the funniest I've ever seen - more fun than a barrel of monkeys!

See also: barrel, monkey, more

a figure of fun

someone who people laugh at because they seem silly or stupid. She's fed up with being treated as a figure of fun and insists that her ideas deserve serious attention.

See also: figure

have fun and games (humorous)

to have difficulty doing something or dealing with someone. We had fun and games trying to give the dog a bath. (often + doing something) She's had fun and games with the tax office. (often + with)

See also: game

It was fun while it lasted.

something that you say when something good has ended but you are not sorry. I wouldn't have wanted more than 3 years at university, but it was fun while it lasted.

See also: last, was

make fun of someone/something

to make a joke about someone or something in an unkind way. At first the kids made fun of her because she spoke with a Dutch accent.

Time flies when you're having fun.

something that you say which means that time passes quickly when you are enjoying yourself. 'I can't believe we've spent four hours cleaning this carpet.' 'Well, time flies when you're having fun.'

See also: flies, time, you're

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getting there is half the fun

what happens before doing something is a large part of what makes that thing enjoyable. If you like model railroads, getting there is half the fun when you design and build your own layout.

Usage notes: also used in the form half the fun what makes something enjoyable: Half the fun of eating out is not having any dishes to wash.

See also: half, there

in fun

not meant to be taken seriously. For us, volleyball is competitive, but it's all in fun.

make fun of someone/something

to make someone or something seem ridiculous by making jokes about them. When she first moved north, some people made fun of her southern accent.

goof on someone