fourth

break the fourth wall

Of fiction, especially theater, film, or television, to break the illusion of separation between the audience and the fiction itself, either intentionally or unintentionally. Taken originally from theater, in which the fourth wall describes the invisible "wall" that stands between the audience and the stage. We were enjoying the play, but one of the actors kept breaking the fourth wall by glaring at the audience any time someone made any noise. I love shows that break the fourth wall—it makes me feel like I'm in on the joke.
See also: break, fourth, wall

fourth wall

The imaginary barrier separating performers in a TV show, film, or play from the audience. I hate those shows that break the fourth wall—I don't want to feel like the characters are having a conversation with me! Stay in character and don't break the fourth wall!
See also: fourth, wall

fourth wall joke

In fiction, especially theater, film, or television, a joke that intentionally draws attention to the illusion of separation between the audience and the fiction itself. I love it when a TV show throws in a good fourth wall joke—I think it's fun being in on the humor like that.
See also: fourth, joke, wall

Happy (Holiday Name)!

A standard greeting and phrase of celebration on a particular holiday. Happy Fourth of July, everyone! A: "Good morning, my love. Happy Valentine's Day!" B: "Aw, thank you, you're so sweet. Happy Valentine's, sweetie." Three… two… one… Happy New Year's!
See also: happy

May the Fourth be with you

A phrase said on "Star Wars Day," a fan holiday that celebrates the Star Wars media franchise and its fanbase. The phrase is a pun on the name of the date May 4th (May the fourth) and the famous phrase from the franchise, "May the Force be with you." Happy Star Wars Day, everyone! As part of the festivities today, we'll be featuring artwork drawn by fans of all ages. May the Fourth be with you!
See also: fourth, may

the Fourth Estate

The people and organizations that report the news, or news journalism as a whole, regarded as having palpable but unofficial political influence. One must never forget the sway held by members of the Fourth Estate—if we want public support, then we need the press on our side.
See also: estate, fourth

the fourth quarter is ours

We will or must be dominant in the fourth quarter (of some sporting event). Come on, don't give up—the fourth quarter is ours! It's common for fans to hold up four fingers at the end of the third quarter, which means, "the fourth quarter is ours!"
See also: fourth, ours, quarter

venture forth

1. To move forward, especially in a courageous but cautious or wary manner. The explorers ventured forth, hoping to find the remains of the ancient civilization in the dense jungle. Before we venture forth, I suggest we all check that we have adequate supplies.
2. To proceed with some action or undertaking despite potential obstacles or dangers. Now that you have completed your degrees, you are all ready to venture forth into the world and truly begin the rest of your lives!
See also: forth, venture
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

venture forth

 
1. Fig. to set out; to go forward; to go out cautiously. George ventured forth into the night. I think I will venture forth. It looks safe.
2. Fig. to go forth bravely. Let us venture forth and conquer the enemy. We will arm ourselves and venture forth against our foe.
See also: forth, venture
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

the fourth estate

the press; the profession of journalism.
The three traditional Estates of the Realm (the Crown, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons) are now viewed as having been joined by the press, which is regarded as having equal power. As early as 1843 Lord Macaulay stated: ‘The gallery in which the reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm’.
See also: estate, fourth
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

venture forth

v.
To proceed despite possible danger or risk: After the storm subsided, we ventured forth to assess the damage.
See also: forth, venture
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • break the fourth wall
  • 4th
  • fourth wall joke
  • suspend
  • suspend (one's) disbelief
  • suspend disbelief
  • disbelief
  • Trekkie
  • FIAWOL
  • tall, dark, and handsome
References in periodicals archive
* Subscription plan subscriptions increased 418,000 from the third quarter of fiscal 2019 to 3.53 million at the end of the fourth quarter.
Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK)
When compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, the average sales price of a home: in Brooklyn, rose by four percent to $940,000; in Queens, grew by four percent to $621,000; and in Staten Island, increased by six percent to $555,000 in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Bronx prices rise in adjusting residential sales market
Non-GAAP income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2013 was USD81.2m, up 26 percent from USD64.7m in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Informatica 2013 Q4 revenues up 18%
"SDI anticipates first quarter results to be relatively unchanged, if not up slightly, from the fourth quarter," Busse adds.
Steel dynamics posts strong numbers
At the time of the search in Acevedo, the police did not have probable cause to believe that contraband was hidden in any other part of the vehicle, and, thus, an entire search of it would have been without probable cause and, therefore, unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment.
Protecting personal privacy: drawing the line between people and containers
Occupancy rates during the fourth quarter offered slightly better news.
A look at the latest NIC key financial indicators
Fourth Circuit: On appeal, the Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's decision, but on alternate legal grounds.
Trusts, investment advisory fees and the 2% floor
SAXON CAPITAL INC., GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA, announced fourth-quarter 2002 net income of $11.8 million or $0.41 per share diluted, as compared with a net loss of $1.3 million or ($0.05) per share diluted, for the fourth quarter 2001.
Saxon reports 4q operating results. (Business Alert)
In the fourth article, Paisley and McMahon (2001) provided, yet, another perspective.
Response to the past, present, and future of school counseling: raising some issue
Suki Schorer on Balanchine Technique (Fourth in a series)
Simple Glissade (to Fifth Position)
Consider, for example, the Violence Against Women Act, which was overturned by a 7 - 4 majority of judges on the Fourth Circuit court of appeals last spring.
The Gipper's Constitution
Around the four candles, traditionally three purple (for the first, second, and fourth Sundays) and one pink (for the third Sunday) -- the same colors as the Mass vestments -- was entwined a circle of evergreen, signifying the eternal life of God who sent the victorious light, Jesus, into the world.
Light your way to Christmas
Forecasts of the unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 1994 span a range of 6 1/2 percent to 6 3/4 percent.
Monetary policy report to the Congress
GM's radically styled Oldsmobile minivan heads into its fourth year with a slightly less dramatic shape and better proportion, although the steeply raked windshield remains.
Black Enterprise 1994 auto guide: best values