third

*third degree

Fig. a long and detailed period of questioning. (*Typically: get ~; give someone ~.) Why is it I get the third degree from you every time I come home late? Poor Sally spent all night at the police station getting the third degree.

See also: degree

go down for the third time

Fig. to be just on the verge of failing. (From the notion that a boxer who is knocked down three times in one round normally loses the fight.) I was going down for the third time when I thought of a plan that would save my job.

See also: time

third time's the charm

Prov. The third time you try to do something, it will work. Jill: I've called Miriam twice, but she doesn't answer her phone. Jane: Try again. The third time's the charm.

See also: charm

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a fifth/third wheel  (American)

someone who is in a situation where they are not really needed or are ignored by other people I don't have a role in the office any more - I feel like a fifth wheel.

See also: fifth, wheel

the third degree  (informal)

a situation in which someone tries to find out information by asking you a lot of questions Where have I been, who have I been with! What's this? The third degree? If I'm even half an hour late she gives me the third degree. I got the third degree from my dad when I got in last night.

See a fifth wheel

See also: degree