period

cooling-off period

1. A period of time during a dispute wherein the parties involved do not communicate with one another as a means of reducing hostility and/or reconsidering their positions before taking further action. I think we both need a cooling-off period before one of us says something that we don't mean.

2. The time allowed after a purchase or the signing of a contract in which the buyer/signer may return the product or back out of the agreement without penalty or fee. I'm glad I had that cooling-off period after buying that sports car—there's no way I can actually afford it!

3. The period of time for which waste from nuclear fuel must be allowed to cool in water before being safely reprocessed or sent for permanent storage. If waste is not allowed its full cooling-off period, it could contaminate the environment and poison people.

See also: period

grace period

1. A period of time after a debt has become due for payment during which no new fees, penalties, or interest are accrued. Our new student credit plan offers an additional 30-day grace period on all credit card purchases.

2. A period of time after an insurance premium has become due for payment during which the terms of the policy remain active and in effect. Luckily, I was still within the grace period for my home insurance policy when the basement got flooded, or else I don't know how I would have afforded the repairs!

3. By extension, any period of time following a deadline during which no penalty is issued. Due to his mother's sudden death, James was given a grace period of three weeks to submit his dissertation.

See also: grace, period

honeymoon period

The short amount of time at the beginning of a new relationship, activity, or pursuit when everything goes well and seems to be free of problems. Donna was excited when she started her new job, but once the honeymoon period was over, she realized that she had more responsibilities than she could handle. Many couples find it difficult to maintain a relationship after the honeymoon period ends.

See also: honeymoon, period

last for (some period of time)

To endure (something) for a certain period of time. The brake pads need to be replaced already? Wow, they didn't last for very long. I hope we get to the hotel soon—the kids aren’t going to last in the car for much longer. The phone says its battery should last for 40 hours of normal usage.

See also: last, of, period

period

Used to emphasize the finality of one's statement, indicating that one has nothing further to add or elaborate. I'm not going to tell you again. There is no way I am getting on that airplane—period! With our deal, you won't pay $100, only to have hidden fees and charges inflate the bill out of nowhere. If you go with us, you pay $100, period.

doss down for (some period of time)

slang To lie down and sleep. I was so tired that I just dossed down for an hour in the middle of the living room.

See also: doss, down, of, period

while a period of time away (doing something)

to spend or waste time doing something. I whiled an hour away just staring at the sea. Liz whiled away the entire afternoon, snoozing. I just love to while away the hours.

See also: away, of, period, time, while

a/the ˈhoneymoon period

a period of time at the beginning of something, for example a relationship, a job, a period in government, etc., when everybody is pleased with you and there appear to be no problems: The honeymoon period is over now for the new President.

See also: honeymoon, period

honeymoon (period)

and honeymoon stage

n. an early stage in any activity, before problems set in. You’ll know the honeymoon period is over when everything seems to go wrong at once. Of course, this is still the honeymoon stage, but everything seems to be going all right.

See also: honeymoon, period

Period!

exclam. . . . and that’s final! (A way of indicating that there will be no more discussion or negotiation.) My final offer is $30. Period!