pine

pine after (someone or something)

To desire or grieve over someone or something so intensely that one becomes depressed or melancholy. You can't just sitting here pining after your ex-boyfriend. It's over—you need to get out there and live your life! I can't stand these kids who pine after the latest, most expensive tech gadgets, even when they literally have no need for them!

See also: after, pine

pine away

To lapse into a period of intense depression or melancholy due to one's longing for or grief over someone or something. I stayed back in Seattle pining away, while she was over in Europe having the time of her life. My grandfather pined away for nearly a year after my grandmother died, until eventually his heart gave out and he passed away as well.

See also: away, pine

pine for (someone or something)

To desire or grieve over someone or something so intensely that one becomes depressed or melancholy. You can't just sitting here pining for your ex-boyfriend. It's over—you need to get out there and live your life! I can't stand these kids who pine for the latest, most expensive tech gadgets, even when they literally have no need for them!

See also: for, pine

pine over (someone or something)

To desire or grieve over someone or something so intensely that one becomes depressed or melancholy. You can't just sitting here pining over your ex-boyfriend. It's over—you need to get out there and live your life! I can't stand these kids who pine over the latest, most expensive tech gadgets, even when they literally have no need for them!

See also: over, pine

pine overcoat

slang A coffin. You're going to end up in a pine overcoat if you keep driving so recklessly! Don't worry, boss. That stool pigeon will be in a pine overcoat before he ever makes it to court.

See also: overcoat, pine

ride the pine

In sports (especially baseball), to remain sitting on the bench, rather than be an active participant in the game. Primarily heard in US. I'm not going to play next year if coach makes me ride the pine again this season. I rode the pine for the rest of the game after I pulled my hamstring sliding to first base.

See also: pine, ride

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

pine after someone or something

 and pine for someone or something; pine over someone or something

to long for or grieve for someone or something. Bob pined after Doris for weeks after she left. Dan is still pining for his lost dog. There is no point in pining over Claire.

See also: after, pine

pine away (after someone or something)

to waste away in melancholy and longing for someone or something. A year later, he was still pining away after Claire. Still, he is pining away.

See also: away, pine

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

ride the pine (or bench)

(of an athlete) not participate in a game or event, typically because of poor form. North American informal

See also: pine, ride

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

pine away

v.

To wither or waste away from longing or grief: After its owner was killed, the old dog pined away and died.

See also: away, pine

pine for

v.

To long or grieve intensely for someone or something: All summer he sat in the garden pining for his girlfriend back home. Many teachers pine for the days when students were better behaved.

See also: for, pine

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.