shine

a knight in shining armour (British & Australian, American & Australian)

someone who helps you when you are in a difficult situation. She looked around the bar to see if there was a knight in shining armour who might come and save her from this awful man.

See also: armour, knight

make hay while the sun shines

to do something while the situation or conditions are right. I've got a few hours to finish the housework before the kids come home so I might as well make hay while the sun shines.

See also: hay, sun

(come) rain or shine

1. whatever the weather is. He runs every morning, rain or shine.

2. if you say you will do something come rain or shine, you mean you will do it whatever happens. Come rain or shine, I'll be there, I promise.

See also: rain

Rise and shine! (old-fashioned)

something that you say to tell someone to get out of bed and start their day. Rise and shine, sleepy head - you have to leave for school in twenty minutes.

See also: rise

take a shine to someone (informal)

to like someone immediately. I think Andrew has taken a bit of a shine to our new member of staff.

See also: take

take the shine off something (informal)

if something that happens takes the shine off something pleasant, it spoils it or makes it less enjoyable. Having my purse stolen took the shine off my visit to Dublin.

See also: take

think the sun shines out (of) someone's arse/backside (British & Australian, very informal)

to love or admire someone so much that you do not think they have any faults. You're never going to hear Maggie criticizing Jim - she thinks the sun shines out his backside!

See also: arse, backside, sun, think

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a knight in shining armor

someone who helps you when you are in a difficult situation. She was looking for a knight in shining armor who might save her from her boring life.

Usage notes: usually said by a woman about a man

Etymology: in medieval times (= 500 to 1500 C.E.), knights were soldiers on horses who were also supposed to help and protect women

See also: armor, knight

take a shine to someone

to like someone immediately. Amy took a shine to Nick, but her friends weren't so sure he was the right guy for her.

See also: take