iron (redirected from ironing)

an iron fist/hand in a velvet glove

something that you say when you are describing someone who seems to be gentle but is in fact severe and firm. To enforce each new law the president uses persuasion first, and then force - the iron hand in the velvet glove.

See also: fist, glove, hand

an iron man (American & Australian)

a man who is physically very strong and can work hard for a long time. He likes to think of himself as some sort of iron man who doesn't need sleep like the rest of us.

See also: man

can talk the legs off an iron pot

if someone can talk the legs off an iron pot, they talk a lot. I dread getting into a conversation with Gillian - she can talk the legs off an iron pot.

See also: can, leg, pot, talk

cast-iron

a cast-iron promise or arrangement is one that can be trusted completely. No new business comes with a cast-iron guarantee of success. (always before noun)

have [a few/a lot etc.] irons in the fire

to have several jobs at the same time or to have several possibilities of work. If that job application doesn't work out I've got a couple more irons in the fire.

See also: few, fire, lot

iron out the kinks (mainly American)

to get rid of any problems that you are having with the way that you are doing something. The team was still trying to iron out the kinks in their game in the last quarter.

pump iron (informal)

to lift heavy objects for exercise in order to increase your strength or to improve your appearance. These days, both men and women pump iron for fitness.

See also: pump

rule (someone) with a rod of iron (British, American & Australian, American & Australian)

to control a group of people very firmly, having complete power over everything that they do. For 17 years she ruled the country with a rod of iron. My uncle rules the family business with an iron hand.

See also: rod, rule

strike while the iron is hot

to do something immediately while you have a good chance of achieving success. You may not get a better offer - I'd strike while the iron's hot, if I were you.

See also: hot, strike

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iron out something

to solve all problems that are still left. The two sides need to keep talking until they iron out their differences.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of iron out small folds in cloth (= to use a small, heated device to make cloth smooth)

pump iron

to use special equipment to strengthen your muscles. The ads show people of all ages pumping iron.

See also: pump

several irons in the fire

a number of jobs or possibilities available at the same time. Job counselors recommend keeping several irons in the fire when you’re looking for work.

Usage notes: also used in the forms a lot of or many irons in the fire

Etymology: possibly from the fact that people who take care of cattle keep several branding irons (= devices used to burn a mark on the skin of a cow) in a fire and ready for use when they are marking cows

See also: fire, several

strike while the iron is hot

take action immediately in order to have a better chance of success. When you have a customer on the phone, strike while the iron is hot by offering special discounts on certain items.

See also: hot, strike