To squirrel away something (or squirrel something away) is to store something (especially money) in a safe or secret place so you can use it later. A squirrel is a tree-dwelling rodent with a long bushy tail, that eats mainly nuts, berries and seeds. Squirrels bury nuts and other food underground in autumn. During the [...]
A day's grace is time left or extra time allowed before something happens, or before something must be done. Grace days or grace period refers to a longer period of time such as a month, a few weeks or a year. Examples of use: 1. His bank manager has given him a day's grace to [...]
To phish for something is to secretly and dishonestly get information such as credit card details, usernames and login details by using fake websites and emails. Examples of use: a) Fake toolbars phish for personal details on Facebook. b) Thieves phish for bank card details. c) He was caught phishing for financial information, and went [...]
The breadwinner of a family is the member of the family whose wages are their main source of support. Example of use: a) Sophie stays at home to look after the children, and Peter is the breadwinner of the family. b) Who is the breadwinner in your family? c) News headline: Breadwinner wives reign in [...]
To cash up is to count all the money taken by a shop or business at the end of the working day. UK and Australian English. Examples of use: 1. We haven't had a customer for an hour. Let's cash up and go home. 2. He trusts her to cash up every night. 3. When [...]
To cash in on something is to benefit or make money from an event or situation, often in an unfair way. Examples of use: 1. BBC News headline: Israelis cash in on Kosher wine trade. 2. Some Londoners cashed in on the Royal Wedding by renting out their homes. 3. Times Online headline: Investors cash [...]
If something that is not new is in mint condition it is perfect and as good as new. This expression has its origins in the new coins produced at the Royal Mint; where UK coins are made and distributed. Exampes of use: 1. My copy of Charles Dickens' book Oliver Twist is in mint [...]
