base (up)on
To found or root something on a particular idea or occurrence. A noun or pronoun can be used between "base" and "on" or "upon." My love of science is based upon an interest in experimentation. Unfortunately, she has a low opinion of me. I think she based it on our first meeting, which didn't go well. You need to base your opinions on cold, hard facts.
base in
1. To root something in a particular thing, idea, or finding. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "base" and "in." There's no way this data is based in reality! When you stare up into the night sky, how can you feel any fear? All of our fears are based in earthly concerns anyway. You need to base your opinions in cold, hard facts.
2. To operate or function from a particular place. Our corporate headquarters is based in Spokane. The board of directors struck down our proposal for a new business based in Canada. If that conglomerate acquires our company, do you think we'll be based in a different city?
3. To locate something in a particular place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "base" and "in." If we base our club in the English department office, then we can meet in there on Wednesday afternoons. Wait, the office of the mayor isn't based in City Hall? Don't you think it makes sense for the school newspaper to be based in the computer lab?
base off (of) (something else)
1. To derive or found something from some other source or material. A noun or pronoun can be used between "base" and "off." The new play is based off a short story written in 1812. Our research is based off of the work done by our predecessors. I'm pretty sure this movie is based off a book of the same name.
2. To inform or provide the basis for something, as an opinion or conclusion, from something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "base" and "off." I think she's based her low opinion of me off of our first meeting, which unfortunately didn't go well. The decision was based off the recommendations of five different independent experts in the field. Don't just rely on what your parents say—base your opinions off of cold, hard facts.
bases loaded
In baseball, there are runners on first, second, and third base. And with that, it's two outs, bases loaded as Carter comes to the plate. If he hits a grand slam here, it'll tie the game. It was the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded, and her team down by two runs. She had two strikes on her—and then she hit an incredible walk-off home run to end the game. I suspect there's a pitching change coming for the Pelicans after that walk loads the bases for the Cougars.
cover (one's) bases
To ensure one's safety or success by dealing with every potentially problematic aspect of a situation or activity. A reference to baseball, in which the defensive players must make sure all bases (and baserunners who may occupy them) are accounted for. Primarily heard in US. We have to be sure to cover our bases before the trial begins so that we aren't surprised by anything the prosecution throws our way. I'm worried that undercover cops are sniffing around now, so, to cover our bases, don't talk to anyone you don't know. I know you're trying to cover your bases, but there are always things that go wrong at weddings—no amount of planning and strategizing can prevent that.
cover all bases
To be well-prepared for every possible outcome. We need to cover all bases here—check every office and make sure it's been evacuated. I know I don't have the best grades, so I covered all bases by applying to 15 colleges. We have to be sure to cover all bases before the trial begins so that we aren't surprised by anything the prosecution throws our way.
cover all the bases
To account for or provide a way to address every possible outcome, scenario, contingency, etc. We need to cover all the bases here—the investigation should explore every avenue. I covered all the bases by applying to 15 colleges. I'm worried that undercover cops are sniffing around now, so, to cover all the bases, don't talk to anyone you don't know.
load the bases
baseball
1. To get runners onto first, second, and third base, as of the team currently playing offense. If they're able to load the bases and knock in some runs, they'll be right back in this game. One good swing here could load the bases for Marshall's team.
2. To allow runners onto first, second, and third base, as of the team currently playing defense. If their pitcher loads the bases here, he'll be in a real jam. I think Coach Grant will have to go to the bullpen. I can't believe the best reliever we've got loaded the bases with two outs!
steal a base
In baseball or softball, for a baserunner already on base to advance to the next base before or during a pitch (as opposed to when the ball is hit into play). The base is often specified (e.g. "steal second base"). After the wild pitch, the player on second managed to steal third base. He holds a record for stealing bases, typically managing to do it once or twice per game.
the bases are loaded
In baseball, there are runners on first, second, and third base. And with that, the bases are loaded for Carter's at bat. If he hits a grand slam here, it'll tie the game.
touch (on) all (the) bases
To include, make reference to, or take action on every desired or required element or aspect (of something). The essay touches all bases, but it doesn't do much to elaborate on them or introduce any new insights. For fans of the genre, the film touches on all the bases.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.