(that's) the nature of the beast
(That's) the basic, inherent quality or character of something. You get rich quick in the stock market or you can lose your shirt. That's the nature of the beast. Uncertainty in life is just the nature of the beast. You never know what's going to happen next. Yeah, when you're in school, you'll occasionally have teachers you don't jibe with—that's just the nature of the beast.
a whole different beast
Something very different to, and often more difficult or complicated than, something else. You may think that your time as a TV show writer prepared you well for this project, but it's a whole different beast working on a film. It's one thing to babysit your friends' kids from time to time, but having your own children is a whole different beast! A: "I've been here 10 years already, so I don't think becoming a manager will be a big transition." B: "Are you serious? No, managing employees is a whole different beast."
be (of) no use to man or beast
To be completely useless; to serve no purpose; to be unsuitable to anyone or anything. I admire the intelligence with which you argue your points, friend, but unless you're willing to put your words into action, I'm afraid your philosophizing is of no use to man or beast. After 20 years, my faithful old truck finally broke down for good. It's no use to man or beast anymore. Just get rid of these old tools, Dad—they're so rusty and beat-up that they're no use to man or beast.
be no good to man or beast
To be completely useless; to serve no purpose; to be unsuitable to anyone or anything. I admire the intelligence with which you argue your points, friend, but unless you're willing to put your words into action, I'm afraid your philosophizing is no good to man or beast. After 20 years, my faithful old truck finally broke down for good. It's no good to man or beast anymore. Just get rid of these old tools, Dad—they're so rusty and beat-up that they're no good to man or beast.
beast of burden
A domesticated animal used by humans to carry or pull heavy loads. Camels have been used by people as beasts of burden for thousands of years because of their size, strength, and ability to travel long distances with minimal need for food and water. Just be glad you live in the modern age and can transport all this stuff via truck, rather than relying on an ox or other beast of burden. I've gotta go—it seems my toddler is using our dog as a beast of burden to pull her wagonful of toys.
beast with two backs
A couple engaged in sexual intercourse, referring to the exposure of each partner's back when embraced in the missionary or standing position. Usually used in the phrase "make the beast with two backs." I have my suspicions that, in secret, they are making the beast with two backs. Wow, Glenn and the woman next door have really been making the beast with two backs all this time? I had no idea. Head's up that Grandma thinks you and your boyfriend have been sneaking off to have sex. Or, in her words, "make the beast with two backs."
feed the beast
1. In politics, to fund or supplement governmental spending, especially through increased tax revenue. Primarily heard in US. Politicians are always looking for new ways to feed the beast, but if we really want the economy to recover, we need to be cutting taxes across the board. Of course he lied to voters—he wouldn't have won the election campaigning on increased taxes to feed the beast! I know no one is going to embrace property tax hikes, but how else are we to feed the beast?
2. To devote or contribute an undue amount of resources, time, or energy to a self-perpetuating pursuit, situation, behavior, or desire. His addiction had become so severe that he sold everything he owned to keep feeding the beast. The country's leaders enlisted every able man to feed the beast of its war of expansion. We're brainwashed from a young age to continue feeding the beast of consumerism.
ho(e)
slang
1. A prostitute. Whenever Tom gets paid, he always gets liquored up and disappears to "find some hoes," as he puts it. What was he doing in that seedy part of town? A lot of hoes hang around there at night. I'm a happily married man—I have no interest in becoming involved with a ho.
2. Used by extension as a derogatory term for a woman. Can you believe she rejected me like that? What a ho!
in the belly of the beast
cliché Within the worst, most central area or part of something deeply unpleasant or malicious. The undercover agent, posing as a drug manufacturer, found himself in the belly of the beast after being invited to meet the city's crime lord. As a business person, she spent her entire career railing against a government she claims is corrupt. Now she's in the belly of the beast as a newly elected US senator. You've discovered who's behind the sex trafficking operation? Well, you're in the belly of the beast now, my friend.
into the belly of the beast
cliché Into the worst, most central area or part of something deeply unpleasant or malicious. The undercover agent, posing as a drug manufacturer, found himself venturing into the belly of the beast after being invited to meet the city's crime lord. As a business person, she spent her entire career railing against a government she claims is corrupt. Now she's heading into the belly of the beast as a newly elected US senator. You've discovered who's behind the sex trafficking operation? Then you've moved into the belly of the beast then, my friend.
king of (the) beasts
The lion, especially in cultural or artistic depictions. Engraved in striking marble, the king of beasts stands sentinel over this ancient arena. The king of the beasts is the symbol for the zodiac sign Leo.
make the beast with two backs
To engage in sexual intercourse with another person, referring to the exposure of each partner's back when embraced in the missionary or standing position. I have my suspicions that, in secret, they are making the beast with two backs.
music calms the savage beast
Music often has a calming effect on people in an upset or frenzied state. If Joey starts screaming and throwing a tantrum, try playing some Brahms. It's really true what they say—music calms the savage beast.
music soothes the savage beast
Music often has a calming effect on people in an upset or frenzied state. If Joey starts screaming and throwing a tantrum, try playing some Brahms. It's really true what they say—music soothes the savage beast.
the belly of the beast
cliché The worst, most central area or part of something deeply unpleasant or malicious. The undercover agent, posing as a drug manufacturer, found himself in the belly of the beast after being invited to meet the city's crime lord. As a business person, she spent her entire career railing against a government she claims is corrupt. Now she's inside the belly of the beast itself as a newly elected US senator.
the nature of the beast
The traits inherent to a thing or situation, especially a negative or difficult one. Unfortunately, exhaustion is just the nature of the beast when you're a new parent. Of course you're scared—that's just the nature of the beast when you make big changes in your life.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.