who

anybody who is anybody (humorous)

if anybody who is anybody is doing something, all the most famous and important people are doing that thing. Anybody who is anybody will be at the Queen's birthday celebrations.

See also: anybody

He who pays the piper calls the tune.

something that you say which means that the person who provides the money for something can decide how it should be done. You may not agree with Mr Brown but he funded this venture, and he who pays the piper calls the tune.

See also: call, pay, piper, tune

People who live in glass houses (shouldn't throw stones).

something that you say which means people should not criticize other people for faults that they have themselves. He's always criticizing Rick for the way he treats his wife and I feel like saying, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

See also: glass, house, live, people

What's something when it's at home? (British & Australian, informal, British & Australian, informal)

something that you say when you want to know what something is or who someone is. Feng shui? What's that when it's at home? Who's Mariella Frostrup when she's at home?

See also: home, it's

[What/Why/Who etc.] the blue blazes (old-fashioned, informal)

if you start a question with what/who/why etc. the blazes, you show that you are very surprised or angry about the thing you are asking about. What the blazes are they doing up on the roof?

See also: blaze, blue, why

Who needs it/them? (informal)

something that you say which means that you think something causes trouble. Stress, who needs it? Men, who needs them anyway?

See also: needs, them

With friends like that, who needs enemies? (humorous)

something that you say when someone you thought was your friend treats you in an unpleasant way. He told my girlfriend I was boring. With friends like that, who needs enemies!

See also: enemy, friend, like, needs

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who cares?

I am not interested in or upset by something because it is not important. I overslept and missed the class, but who cares?

See also: care

who needs something

what was mentioned is not important or helpful. I wouldn't do it for the money — who needs money?

Usage notes: often used in the forms who needs it or who needs that: My wife suggested therapy, but I've always thought, therapy, who needs it? He never returned my phone calls — who needs that?

you don't need this

See also: needs

who would have thought

I am very surprised at what has happened. Who would have thought that this disaster would affect so many members of our community?

See also: thought