beast
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(that's) the nature of the beast
(That's) the basic, inherent quality or character of something. You get rich quick in the stock market or you can lose your shirt. That's the nature of the beast. Uncertainty in life is just the nature of the beast. You never know what's going to happen next. Yeah, when you're in school, you'll occasionally have teachers you don't jibe with—that's just the nature of the beast.
a whole different beast
Something very different to, and often more difficult or complicated than, something else. You may think that your time as a TV show writer prepared you well for this project, but it's a whole different beast working on a film. It's one thing to babysit your friends' kids from time to time, but having your own children is a whole different beast! A: "I've been here 10 years already, so I don't think becoming a manager will be a big transition." B: "Are you serious? No, managing employees is a whole different beast."
be (of) no use to man or beast
To be completely useless; to serve no purpose; to be unsuitable to anyone or anything. I admire the intelligence with which you argue your points, friend, but unless you're willing to put your words into action, I'm afraid your philosophizing is of no use to man or beast. After 20 years, my faithful old truck finally broke down for good. It's no use to man or beast anymore.
be no good to man or beast
To be completely useless; to serve no purpose; to be unsuitable to anyone or anything. I admire the intelligence with which you argue your points, friend, but unless you're willing to put your words into action, I'm afraid your philosophizing is no good to man or beast. After 20 years, my faithful old truck finally broke down for good. It's no good to man or beast anymore.
beast of burden
A domesticated animal used by humans to carry or pull heavy loads. Camels have been used by people as beasts of burden for thousands of years because of their size, strength, and ability to travel long distances with minimal need for food and water.
beast with two backs
A couple engaged in sexual intercourse, referring to the exposure of each partner's back when embraced in the missionary or standing position. Usually used in the phrase "make the beast with two backs." I have my suspicions that, in secret, they are making the beast with two backs.
feed the beast
1. In politics, to fund or supplement governmental spending, especially through increased tax revenue. Primarily heard in US. Politicians are always looking for new ways to feed the beast, but if we really want the economy to recover, we need to be cutting taxes across the board.
2. To devote or contribute an undue amount of resources, time, or energy to a self-perpetuating pursuit, situation, behavior, or desire. His addiction had become so severe that he sold everything he owned to keep feeding the beast. The country's leaders enlisted every able man to feed the beast of its war of expansion. We're brainwashed from a young age to continue feeding the beast of consumerism.
ho(e)
slang
1. A prostitute. Whenever Tom gets paid, he always gets liquored up and disappears to "find some hoes," as he puts it.
2. Used by extension as a derogatory term for a woman. Can you believe she rejected me like that? What a ho!
in the belly of the beast
cliché Within the worst, most central area or part of something deeply unpleasant or malicious. The undercover agent, posing as a drug manufacturer, found himself in the belly of the beast after being invited to meet the city's crime lord. As a business person, she spent her entire career railing against a government she claims is corrupt. Now she's in the belly of the beast as a newly elected US senator.
into the belly of the beast
cliché Into the worst, most central area or part of something deeply unpleasant or malicious. The undercover agent, posing as a drug manufacturer, found himself venturing into the belly of the beast after being invited to meet the city's crime lord. As a business person, she spent her entire career railing against a government she claims is corrupt. Now she's heading into the belly of the beast as a newly elected US senator.
king of (the) beasts
The lion, especially in cultural or artistic depictions. Engraved in striking marble, the king of beasts stands sentinel over this ancient arena. The king of the beasts is the symbol for the zodiac sign Leo.
make the beast with two backs
To engage in sexual intercourse with another person, referring to the exposure of each partner's back when embraced in the missionary or standing position. I have my suspicions that, in secret, they are making the beast with two backs.
music calms the savage beast
Music often has a calming effect on people in an upset or frenzied state. If Joey starts screaming and throwing a tantrum, try playing some Brahms. It's really true what they say—music calms the savage beast.
music soothes the savage beast
Music often has a calming effect on people in an upset or frenzied state. If Joey starts screaming and throwing a tantrum, try playing some Brahms. It's really true what they say—music soothes the savage beast.
the belly of the beast
cliché The worst, most central area or part of something deeply unpleasant or malicious. The undercover agent, posing as a drug manufacturer, found himself in the belly of the beast after being invited to meet the city's crime lord. As a business person, she spent her entire career railing against a government she claims is corrupt. Now she's inside the belly of the beast itself as a newly elected US senator.
the nature of the beast
The traits inherent to a thing or situation, especially a negative or difficult one. Unfortunately, exhaustion is just the nature of the beast when you're a new parent. Of course you're scared—that's just the nature of the beast when you make big changes in your life.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
no use, it's
1. It's impossible; it can't succeed. For example, It's no use; these pieces just don't fit. [c. 1800]
2. Also, it's no use to man or beast. It's worthless, it serves no purpose, as in This car is so old it's no use to man or beast. Also see have no use for.
See also: no
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.
no use to man or beast
orno good to man or beast
LITERARYIf someone or something is no use to man or beast, they are completely useless. Much against his will, he took with him six complete beginners, of no use to man or beast. Note: This is part of the old saying, `When the wind is in the east, 'tis neither good for man nor beast.'
the nature of the beast
If you say that something is the nature of the beast, you mean that it is a part of the character of the person or thing that you are talking about and cannot be avoided. Negotiations always get tougher towards the end. That's the nature of the beast. If you play any sport at this level, you're going to get injured from time to time. That's just the nature of the beast. Note: If you say that someone knows the nature of the beast, you mean that they know or understand a particular person or thing very well. Having served as Secretary of State for Education in Edward Heath's government, she knew the nature of the beast.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
king of beasts
the lion.the nature of the beast
the inherent or essential quality or character of something, which cannot be changed and must be accepted. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
be no good/use to ˈman or ˈbeast
(informal) be completely useless: Since the Chernobyl disaster the land round here has been no use to man or beast.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
beast
1. n. an ugly person. That beast should give the monkey back its face before the poor creature bumps into something.
2. n. a crude, violent, or sexually aggressive male; an animal. Oh, Martin, you’re such a beast!
3. n. liquor. Pour me some more of that beast.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.