grandfather
Related to grandfather: Grandfather paradox
(one) could be (someone's) (parent/grandparent)
One is old enough to be someone else's parent or grandparent. Used in reference to two people who are or may become romantic or sexual partners, especially to indicate that the speaker thinks such a pairing would be inappropriate. He's going out with Mary from the legal department? But she could be his mother! I don't feel comfortable with this. I could be your grandfather, for heaven's sake!
See also: could
(one) is old enough to be (someone's) (parent/grandparent)
One is old enough to be someone else's parent or grandparent. Used in reference to two people who are or may become romantic or sexual partners, especially to indicate that the speaker thinks such a pairing would be inappropriate. He's going out with Mary from the legal department? But she's old enough to be his mother! I don't feel comfortable with this. I'm old enough to be your grandfather, for heaven's sake!
See also: enough, old
grandfather (someone or something)
To exempt certain people or things from new limitations or restrictions, thus allowing them to continue doing or benefiting from something as they did before. This can be done through the use of a "grandfather clause." If they change the pension plan, they better grandfather us!
See also: grandfather
grandfather clause
A clause that exempts certain people or businesses from new limitations or restrictions, thus allowing them to continue doing or benefiting from something as they did before. Originally referred to a clause added to the constitutions of some Southern US states that exempted people with relatives that had voted before 1867 from strict new voting requirements, in effect disproportionately limiting the ability of African Americans to vote. No, I still get to pay the reduced rate, thanks to a grandfather clause in my contract.
See also: clause, grandfather
grandfather in
To exempt certain people or businesses from new limitations or restrictions, thus allowing them to continue doing or benefiting from something as they did before. This can be done through the use of a "grandfather clause." A noun or pronoun can be used between "grandfather" and "in." If they change the pension plan, they better grandfather us in!
See also: grandfather
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
(a) grandfather clause
a clause in an agreement that protects certain rights granted in the past even when conditions change in the future. The contract contained a grandfather clause that protected my pension payments against claims such as might arise from a future lawsuit.
See also: clause, grandfather
grandfather someone or something in
to protect someone or a right through the use of a grandfather clause. My payments were grandfathered in years ago.
See also: grandfather
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- (one) could be (someone's) (parent/grandparent)
- (one) is old enough to be (someone's) (parent/grandparent)
- grandparent
- parent
- empathize
- empathize with
- empathize with (someone or something)
- come over
- ride on (one's) coattails
- ride on coattails