lamp
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Related to lamp: WAMP
an Aladdin's lamp
A magical object that allows its owner to make wishes and have them granted. (In The Arabian Nights, Aladdin finds a magic lamp in a cave.) The kids think that old ring they found in the attic is an Aladdin's lamp, but it's really just a piece of junk.
See also: lamp
between you, me, and the lamppost
In complete confidence between the speaker and the listener, as of a forthcoming secret or rumor. Now, this is between you, me, and the lamppost, but I'm thinking about filing for divorce. Between you, me, and the lamppost, I hear that they're going to lay off half the staff by the end of the week.
lamps
dated slang One's eyes. It seemed like the fire went out of his lamps months ago—I hope everything's all right. The poor girl was so tired she could barely keep her lamps open.
See also: lamp
smell of the lamp
To show the signs of arduous, overwrought effort, and to lack freshness or vitality as a result. (Said especially of academic or literary work.) His thesis is meticulously crafted, but the paragraphs are so dry and calculated, and the paper lacks any flourish or style. As a whole, it rather smells of the lamp to me.
the smell of the lamp
Signs of arduous, overwrought effort, with an absence of freshness or vitality as a result. (Said especially of academic or literary work.) His thesis is meticulously crafted, but the paragraphs are so dry and calculated, and the paper lacks any flourish or style. As a whole, it has the smell of the lamp about it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
an Aladdin's lamp
a talisman that enables its owner to fulfil every desire.In the Arabian Nights tale of Aladdin, the hero finds a magic lamp in a cave. He discovers that rubbing it summons a powerful genie who is able to carry out all his wishes.
See also: lamp
smell of the lamp
show signs of laborious study and effort.The lamp here is an oil lamp, formerly used for night-time work or study.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
between you, me, and the lamppost
and between you, me, and the bedpost phr. just between you and me. Between you, me, and the lamppost, things are going to get worse before they get better. It’s supposed to be a secret, but between you, me, and the bedpost, he quit his job.
lamp
tv. to look at someone or something. (The “lamps” are the eyes.) Here, lamp this tire for a minute. It’s low isn’t it?
lamps
n. the eyes. (Crude.) His lamps are closed. He’s asleep or dead.
See also: lamp
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.