rag

chew the fat and chew the rag

Fig. to chat or gossip. Sit yourself down and let's chew the fat for a while. We were just chewing the rag. Nothing important.

See also: chew, fat

from rags to riches

Fig. from poverty to wealth; from modesty to elegance. The princess used to be quite poor. She certainly moved from rags to riches. After I inherited the money, I went from rags to riches.

See also: riches

in rags

Fig. in worn-out and torn clothing. Oh, look at my clothing. I can't go to the party in rags! I think the new casual fashions make you look as if you're in rags.

on the rag 

1. Sl. menstruating. (Potentially offensive. Use with caution.) Kim's on the rag and in a bad mood. Sue doesn't go swimming when she's on the rag.

2. Sl. ill-tempered. Bill is on the rag and making trouble for everyone. Wow, Bob, you are on the rag. What's eating you?

rag on someone and rake on someone

Sl. to bother someone; to irritate someone; to criticize and humiliate someone. I wish you would stop ragging on me. I don't know why you are so annoyed at me. Stop raking on me!

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your glad rags  (old-fashioned)

the clothes that you wear when you are going somewhere special Put your glad rags on, we're going to a party.

See also: glad

be like a red rag to a bull

if a statement or an action is like a red rag to a bull, it makes someone very angry

Usage notes: Some people believe that bulls become very angry when they see the colour red.

For Claire, the suggestion of a women-only committee was like a red rag to a bull.

See also: bull, like, red

chew the fat  (British informal) also chew the rag (American informal)

to have a long friendly conversation with someone We spent the evening watching the TV and chewing the fat.

See also: chew, fat

go from rags to riches

to start your life very poor and then later in life become very rich People who go from rags to riches are often afraid the good life will be snatched away from them.

See also: riches

lose your rag  (British & Australian informal)

to suddenly become very angry and start shouting He said one too many stupid things and I just lost my rag. It was the only time I've ever lost my rag with someone in an office situation.

See also: lose