a rake's progress
old-fashioned A journey of self-indulgence, hedonism, and moral deterioration. The young man, free to explore Europe with a sizable sum of money in his pocket, was eager to embark on a rake's progress and see what pleasures he could find. He's just your typical wealthy lad on a rake's progress—so, ladies, let's see if we can't unburden him of some of his money. Edward's always been an academic, so I doubt he has any interest in going on a rake's progress.
in progress
Under way or in development; currently happening. When we arrived, the movie was already in progress, so we decided to wait for a later viewing. Negotiations to end the strike are still in progress, with both sides hoping to reach a deal by the end of the week. The story is still a work in progress, but let me know what you think of it so far.
progress chaser
Someone whose job is to monitor a product at each stage of production, as to make sure it is completed on schedule. Why wasn't this ready for the client on time? There should have been a progress chaser keeping an eye on things!
progress to (something)
To reach a particular destination or outcome. We've finally progressed to the approval stage for our application. Fingers crossed! The opioid problem has progressed to a nationwide epidemic.
progress toward (something)
To be in the process of reaching a particular destination, outcome, or goal. (Usually used in the continuous tense.) With the game progressing toward its conclusion, it seems like the reigning champions will walk away with another victory. The committee is progressing toward the end of its investigation.
progress with (something)
To be in the process of doing something. (Usually used in the continuous tense.) How are you progressing with the report? He's having trouble progressing with his studies. Would you mind tutoring him?
work in progress
1. A piece of work, especially an artistic one, that is still incomplete. A: "Can I have a look at your manuscript?" B: "Sure, but it's still a work in progress, so don't be too harsh!" The game has been a work in progress for nearly five years, leading many to wonder whether it will ever see an official release.
2. A person who has not yet completed or reached the peak of some developmental process. We never magically reach a point where we have everything figured out. Heck, I'm nearly 60 and I still think of myself as a work in progress! The rookie quarterback is definitely a work in progress, but the coaching staff is confident in his abilities and potential.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in progress
under way; happening; developing or moving right now. Don't enter the studio. There's a show in progress. We now return you to the regularly scheduled show in progress.
progress to something
to reach all the way to something or some place. The crisis has progressed to its final stage. Things had progressed to a serious stage where nothing more could be done for him.
progress toward something
to move partway toward some goal. Nancy is progressing toward her degree quite nicely. We are progressing toward the end of the project.
progress with something
to continue to move toward something or completing something. I can't seem to progress with this project. How are you progressing with the building of your model ship?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.