pale (redirected from palest)

*pale as a ghost and *pale as death

very pale. (*Also: as ~.) Laura came into the room, as pale as a ghost. "What happened?" her friends gasped. What's the matter? You're pale as death!

See also: ghost

beyond the pale

Fig. unacceptable; outlawed. (A. pale is a barrier made of wooden stakes.) Your behavior is simply beyond the pale. Because of Tom's rudeness, he's considered beyond the pale and is never asked to parties anymore.

See also: beyond

pale around the gills and blue around the gills; green around the gills

Fig. looking sick. (The around can be replaced with about.) John is looking a little pale around the gills. What's wrong? Oh, I feel a little green about the gills.

See also: around, gill

pale at something

to become weak, frightened, or pale from fear of something or the thought of something. Bob paled at the thought of having to drive all the way back to get the forgotten suitcase. We paled at the notion that we would always be poor.

pale beside someone or something

Fig. to appear to be weak or unimportant when compared to someone or something. He is competent, but he pales beside Fran. My meager effort pales beside your masterpiece.

See also: beside

pale by comparison and pale in comparison

Fig. to appear to be deficient in comparison to something else. My work pales by comparison with yours. You are a real pro.

See also: comparison

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be beyond the pale

if someone's behaviour is beyond the pale, it is not acceptable Her recent conduct is beyond the pale.

See also: beyond

fade/pale into insignificance

if something pales into insignificance, it does not seem at all important when compared to something else When your child's ill, everything else pales into insignificance. With the outbreak of war all else fades into insignificance.

See also: fade

pale by/in comparison

to seem less serious or less important when compared with something else (often + with ) I thought I was badly treated but my experiences pale in comparison with yours.

See fade into insignificance

See also: comparison

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beyond the pale

not acceptable to most people For most people, a discussion like this has been simply beyond the pale.

Etymology: based on a past meaning of pale (an area in Ireland, Scotland, or France controlled by England), and the idea that places outside this area were dangerous for the English

See also: beyond

pale in comparison (with something) also pale by comparison (with something)

to seem lacking in importance or quality than something else I thought I had a frightening accident, but mine pales in comparison with yours.

See also: comparison