exercise

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an exercise in (something)

An action, activity, or behavior that is certain to have a particular outcome. They've filed a lawsuit to block the deal from happening, but most legal experts agree that it's just an exercise in futility. To me, working in this industry is an exercise in patience and determination. You won't make it here if you want to see immediate results. I'll never fly during the holidays again. Crowds, long lines, weather-related issues—it's just an exercise in the absurd.

an exercise in futility

An action, activity, or behavior that has no chance whatsoever of being successful. A: "I'm going to ask if the boss will increase our budget." B: "It's an exercise in futility, if you ask me. She has never increased a project's budget in the 15 years I've been working here." They've filed a lawsuit to block the deal from happening, but most legal experts agree that it's just an exercise in futility. Yeah, don't even bother trying to get the school to reimburse you, it's an exercise in futility.

exercise (one) in (something)

To help one to practice something. Will you exercise me in these chemistry terms before the tomorrow's test?

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exercise for the reader

A subject, debate, or other matter that is not decided or dealt with directly by the author or presenter, but rather is left up to the judgment or interpretation of the observer, reader, or addressee. The report merely details the spending practices of the parties concerned; whether or not these payments were dubious in nature is left as an exercise for the reader. The politician's speech made broad references to invigorating the economy with practical, no-nonsense measures—what such measures might be, though, was left as an exercise for the reader.

exercise power over (someone or something)

To assert control or authority over someone or something. Even though we're adults now, my sister still tries to exercise power over me like I'm a little kid.

exercised about (something)

Upset or agitated because of something. We can't tell Mom we broke the vase—she'll get totally exercised about it! Before you get exercised about it, let me tell you exactly what happened.

See also: exercise

the object of the exercise

The main point, focus, or goal of an activity or task. If you're an investor, holding onto stocks that damage your portfolio defeats the object of the exercise. If you're trying to improve your health, not just shed a few quick pounds, the object of the exercise should be to develop a diet that is sustainable in the long term.

exercise power over

someone or something and exercise control over someone or something; exercise influence over someone or something to have someone or something under one's control or influence. The dictator exercised power over the island for many years. See if you can exercise some control over your appetite. I wish I could exercise some influence over the committee.

exercise (someone or an animal) in

something to give someone or an animal practice in doing something; to drill someone or an animal at something. Please exercise the dog in obedience routines. I hope you will exercise me in my Spanish irregular verbs.

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exercised about something

Fig. upset about something. Mary: You lost a hundred dollars playing poker!? Bill: Now don't get exercised about it. I can't tell Ma I'm failing English class. She gets exercised about every dumb thing I do.

See also: exercise

*firm hand

Fig. [someone's] strong sense of management; a high degree of discipline and direction. (*Typically: exercise ~; have ~; need ~; take ~; use~.) I had to use a firm hand with Perry when he was a child. He had a problem with discipline.

the object of the exercise

the main point or purpose of an activity.