big government

A derogatory term for a government that is considered or characterized as being intrusive and excessively powerful in its regulations, taxation, public expenditure, etc. The politician ran on a platform that took issue with what he saw as big government interfering with the abilities of businesses to compete fairly in a free market. You oppose taxes and the powers of big government, but how do you expect roads to be built, or schools to be taught, or the military to be funded? Here in this town, we're opposed to big government. What ever happened to personal freedoms, huh?

close enough for government work

Good enough; OK; only satisfactory. The phrase implies that government work is usually of mediocre quality. When my project ripped in half as I walked out the door, my mom glued it back together and sent me on my way, saying, "It's close enough for government work!" A: "Are you sure this report is ready to be published? There are a lot of issues with some of the research." B: "Meh. Close enough for government work." We need this project done, not perfect. Close enough for government work and all that.

See also: close, enough, for, government, work

good enough for government work

Serviceable or adequate; passably sufficient. The phrase implies that government work is usually of mediocre quality. When my project ripped in half as I walked out the door, my mom glued it back together and sent me on my way, saying, "It's good enough for government work!" A: "Are you sure this report is ready to be published? There are a lot of issues with some of the research." B: "Meh. Good enough for government work." We need this project done, not perfect. Good enough for government work and all that.

See also: enough, for, good, government, work

government house

1. A building that houses the primary offices of a government, especially in a country that is part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. What's the word from the government house? How will this change affect our taxes? Inaction from the government house has turned a bad situation into a full-blown crisis. How do you think the vote will play out in the government house?

2. The official residence of a government representative of the British monarch, as in British Commonwealth countries. The phrase is usually capitalized in this usage. Where is the Government House of the Australian Governor General located? You're looking for the Government House? You mean, 10 Downing Street, where the prime minister resides? A: "Wait, the 'Beehive' I've been hearing about is actually the Government House?" B: "Yes. I take it you're only visiting New Zealand."

governments have long arms

proverb The controlling sovereign or government of a given nation has broad, far-reaching power and influence that it can use to control or punish people. You do realize that the government is able to track just about every move you make, right? Remember—governments have long arms. The brigands thought they would be safe hiding out in this small provincial town, but governments have long arms, and they were eventually caught and hanged. If you're running from the law, don't trust any strangers. Governments have long arms, after all, and you never know who is in their employ.

kings have long arms

proverb The controlling sovereign or government of a given nation has broad, far-reaching power and influence that it can use to control or punish people. You do realize that the government is able to track just about every move you make, right? Remember—kings have long arms. The brigands thought they would be safe hiding out in this small provincial town, but kings have long arms, and they were eventually caught and hanged.

close enough for government work

and good enough for government work

sufficiently close; done just well enough. (Alludes to the notion that work for the government is not done with care or pride.) I didn't do the best job of mending your shirt, but it's close enough for government work.

See also: close, enough, for, government, work

Kings have long arms.

and Governments have long arms.

Prov. Those who are in power can always catch and punish people who have opposed them, no matter how far away those opponents may go. After his attempt to assassinate the king, the prince sailed to a distant country, although his wife warned him it would be to no avail. "Kings have long arms," she reminded him.