(one) ain't particular
One has no opinion or preference about something. ("Ain't" is a nonstandard contraction that is considered very informal.) A: "Where do you want to go for dinner?" B: "Wherever you want. I ain't particular." Bill ain't particular—he'll go see whatever movie you choose. A: "Which toothbrush do you want? Do you have a color preference?" B: "Nah, I ain't particular. Surprise me."
a London particular
euphemism The thick, brown, sometimes lethal fog caused by air pollution in London, especially during the 19th and early 20th century. For many older citizens living London during that time, they could as easily be killed by a London particular as by an attack from a criminal. There are enough things to worry about in the 21st century—thank goodness a London particular isn't one of them! You have asthma? Well, it's a good thing a London particular is less of an issue these days.
Are you doing anything (on a particular day)?
Are you busy on a particular day? Usually said before inviting someone to do something. A: "Are you doing anything on Saturday?" B: "No, why?" Are you doing anything tomorrow? If not, you're welcome to come over to my place. Are you doing anything on Friday? I'm thinking of going to the botanical garden—all of the tulips should be in bloom.
chortle with (a particular quality)
To give a laugh or chuckle filled with some particular emotion or quality. I couldn't help but chortle with delight when I saw the little girl feed her ice cream cone to her dog. I began chortling with amusement over Tom's ridiculous comments. The kids chortled with glee as we entered the amusement park.
chuckle with (a particular quality)
To laugh in a particular manner. I couldn't help but chuckle with delight when I saw the little girl feed her ice cream cone to her dog. I began chuckling with amusement over Tom's ridiculous comments. The kids chuckled with awe as we entered the amusement park.
half (a particular hour)
Thirty minutes after the beginning of a particular hour. Primarily heard in UK. Our reservation is at six, so we need to get moving—it's already half five! Do you think we'll be able to make it by half one in all this traffic? Ok, I'm worried—Becky was supposed to be here at half two and it's nearly 4:00 now.
half past (a particular hour)
Thirty minutes after the beginning of a particular hour. Our reservation is at six, so we need to get moving—it's already half past five! Do you think we'll be able to make it by half past one in all this traffic? Ok, I'm worried—Becky was supposed to be here at half past two and it's nearly 4:00 now.
in particular
Specifically. Is there anything else in particular you hoped to do on your trip here? Dad did mention something in particular, I just can't remember what it was. I am looking for something in particular. Ah, there it is—turmeric!
the particulars
The specific, important details or finer points of something. He wanted to schedule a meeting so we could go over the particulars of the deal. Just let me know what the particulars are and I'll see if I can help.
wear (one's particular profession's) hat
To act as one would in one's particular profession while in a different setting. Bobby, I know you're off duty, but can you please wear your doctor's hat for five minutes and tell me what's wrong with my arm? I don't want to have to go to the hospital. My wife was still wearing her judge's hat when she tried to intervene with our neighbor's arguing kids.
well-heeled for (a particular type of person)
To be particularly wealthy given some other aspect of one's life (such as one's profession). He seems awfully well-heeled for an administrative clerk—he must have another business on the side.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
ain't particular
1. Rur. doesn't or don't care. Tom: Would you rather have ice cream or cheese on your apple pie? Mary: Whatever you're having. I ain't particular.
2. Rur. doesn't or don't have a preference. Jane ain't particular. She'll use any old brand of soap.
Give my best to someone
and All the best to someone.Please convey my good wishes to a particular person. (The someone can be a person's name or a pronoun. See also Say hello to someone (for me).) Alice: Good-bye, Fred. Give my best to your mother. Fred: Sure, Alice. Good-bye. Tom: See you, Bob. Bob: Give my best to Jane. Tom: I sure will. Bye. Bill: Bye, Rachel. All the best to your family. Rachel: Thanks. Bye.
particulars (of something)
specific details about something. My boss stressed the important particulars of the project. What are the particulars of your request?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
in particular
Especially; also, separately, individually, in detail. For example, The chancellor talked about the curriculum, the core courses in particular, or The orchestra was outstanding, the strings in particular. [c. 1500]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.