a (unit of time) or two
For only one or a few units of time specified (minutes, hours, days, etc.). Is it all right if I borrow the car for an hour or two? I'd like to drive to the mall. You can keep the book for a day or two, but I need it back by this weekend to study for my exam. Nah, it'll only take me a minute or two to find that file because I keep everything over here alphabetized.
absolute unit
slang A large person or thing, especially due to being extremely overweight. Chiefly used in Internet memes, especially in the phrase In awe at the size of this lad. Absolute unit, or similar variations. Primarily heard in UK. Would you look at the size of the fella heading out of that pub? What an absolute unit! Some creep on Twitter shared an old photo of me with the caption, "In awe at the size of this lad. Absolute unit." I'm nearly four stone lighter now, for God's sake! A: "In awe at the size of this lad. Absolute unit." B: "Look at all the hot girls with him, though. My hats off to you, lad!"
by the (unit)
For each unit, as of items sold in this manner. How much does this meat cost by the pound? My sewing machine isn't working at the moment, so I certainly don't need fabric by the yard right now! You can't just get one cupcake at that place—they only sell them by the dozen, like eggs.
if I had (some monetary unit) for every (something)
cliché Used to indicate a very large number or very frequent occurrence of people, things, or actions. Usually used in conjunction with some expression that one would be rich as a result of receiving money for all such instances. A: "Hey, Paul, listen to this! I've got a great idea to get rich!" B: "Here we go again. If I had a nickel for every harebrained scheme you came up with—sheesh!" Oh, yuck! If I had a dollar for every dog turd I found left on the sidewalk in this neighborhood, I'd be a millionaire! No, I can't raise your salary! I tell you, if I had a dime for every employee who came in here asking for more money, I'd be retired by now!
if I had (some monetary unit) for every (something), I'd be rich!
cliché Used to indicate a very large number or very frequent occurrence of people, things, or actions. "I'd be a millionaire" can be substituted for "I'd be rich." A: "Hey, Paul, listen to this! I've got a great idea to get rich!" B: "Here we go again. If I had a nickel for every harebrained scheme you came up with, I'd be rich!" Oh, yuck! If I had a dollar for every dog turd I found left on the sidewalk in this neighborhood, I'd be rich! No, I can't raise your salary! I tell you, if I had a dime for every employee who came in here asking for more money, I'd be a millionaire!
if I had (some monetary unit) for every time (something happened)
cliché Used to indicate a very frequent occurrence of something happening. Usually used in conjunction with some expression that one would be rich as a result of receiving money for all such instances. A: "Hey, Paul, listen to this! I've got a great idea to get rich!" B: "Here we go again. I'd be a rich man if I had a nickel for every time I had to listen to one of your harebrained schemes!" Oh, yuck! If I had a dollar for every time people left their dogs' poop on the sidewalk in this neighborhood, I'd be a millionaire! No, I can't raise your salary! I tell you, if I had a dime for every employee who came in here asking for more money, I'd be retired by now!
parental unit
One of one's parents. (Often used in the plural to indicate both parents.) Which parental unit is coming to pick you up from school today, nerd? I'd love to come, but I need to check with the parental units if it's all right.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.