general

armchair general

One who speaks authoritatively on topics one actually knows little to nothing about. My uncle is such an armchair general about the classes I'm taking—the fact that he never went to college doesn't stop him from weighing in! Stop being an armchair general and let me fix my car, since I actually know what I'm doing here!

as a (general) rule

Typically; most of the time. As a general rule, I won't sit in the window seat on an airplane. I get too anxious watching the ground below disappear! My mother always makes extra food for family dinners, as a rule.

caviar to the general

Something of an exceptionally high quality or intelligence not befitting or appreciated by those who consume, see, or partake in it. "General" here refers to the general population, not a military general. I wrote several novels earlier in my career that were very well received by academics, but they were caviar to the general and never achieved popular success.

See also: general

in general

1. Referring to an entire class or category of something, rather than a specific example. Cats in general are easier to take care of than dogs, but mine seems to be very high maintenance. I don't dislike romantic comedies in general, but I just haven't seen a lot of good ones.

2. Typically; for the most part; generally. In general, my employees work hard. There are just a few who give me headaches every once in a while.

See also: general

make a clean sweep

1. To initiate large-scale removal of unwanted people or objects, especially as a means of effecting or expediting change. In an effort to save the company, the board of directors is making a clean sweep of all upper management. The garage is such a mess. We need to make a clean sweep and throw all this old junk out!

2. To achieve victory easily and by a large margin, especially one in which the opposing side accumulated none or a very small fraction of the votes, points, etc., required to win. Used especially in politics. The senator made a clean sweep of the election, winning every county in her region. My team made a clean sweep at the national mathematics competition.

See also: clean, make, sweep

on principle

Guided by, due to, or according to a certain principle. On principle, I never socialize with my students outside of school. I've never read his work, but because of his political statements I dislike him on principle.

See also: on, principle

the common run of (something)

The standard, average, or typical type of something. The unorthodox politician is seen by many as a rebuke to the common run of bureaucrats, who spend more time debating and arguing than actually accomplishing anything meaningful. While the common run of stuff you find in a flea market is junk, every now and then you come across something really valuable.

the general run (of something)

The standard, average, or typical type of something. The unorthodox politician is seen by many as a rebuke to the general run of bureaucrats, who spend more time debating and arguing than actually accomplishing anything meaningful. While the general run of stuff you find in a flea market is junk, every now and then you come across something really valuable.

in general

referring to the entire class being discussed; speaking of the entire range of possibilities; in most situations or circumstances. I like vegetables in general, but not beets. In general, I prefer a hotel room on a lower floor, but will take a higher room if it's special.

See also: general

make a clean sweep

Fig. to do something completely or thoroughly, with no exceptions. The boss decided to change the direction of the company, so he made a clean sweep and fired all the top management. They made a clean sweep through the neighborhood, repairing all the sidewalks.

See also: clean, make, sweep

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

in general

1. Referring to a group of persons or a subject as a whole, as opposed to particular ones. For example, I am speaking about contracts in general, or Girls in general mature at a younger age than boys. [Late 1300s] For an antonym, see in particular.

2. For the most part; commonly, usually. For example, In general the children behaved very well, or Our winters are quite mild in general. [Early 1700s]

See also: general

make a clean sweep

1. Remove or eliminate unwanted persons or things, as in The new owners made a clean sweep of the place, intending to replace all the equipment. This phrase replaced the much older (16th-century) general sweep. [Mid-1800s]

2. Win overwhelmingly, as in Our candidate made a clean sweep of all the districts. This usage is most often found with reference to success in a sports competition or election.

See also: clean, make, sweep

on principle

1. On moral or ethical grounds. As James Russell Lowell wrote about Alexander Pope in 1871, "There was a time when I could not read Pope, but disliked him on principle." [First half of 1800s]

2. According to a fixed rule or practice. For example, The police were locking up the demonstrators on principle. [First half of 1800s]

3. on general principle. For no special reason, in general, as in Dean won't touch broccoli on general principle. [First half of 1800s]

See also: on, principle

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

make a clean sweep

COMMON

1. If someone makes a clean sweep of something, they win something very easily, or win a series of things. China have made a clean sweep of all nine titles in the event, with three more gold medals today. It was nice to see a British film make a clean sweep at the Oscars. Note: A clean sweep is used in many other structures with a similar meaning. The Italians look well placed to repeat their clean sweep of 1990.

2. If someone who has just taken up a position of authority in an organization makes a clean sweep, they make a lot of very big changes, for example getting rid of employees, in order to make the organization more efficient. When Don arrived he said he was going to make a clean sweep, but I didn't think he would go quite this far. Note: A clean sweep is also used in other structures with a similar meaning. There were rumours that he planned a clean sweep of long-time employees. True to expectations, he fired the managers, one by one. They're talking about a clean sweep of the entire cabinet. Compare with a new broom.

See also: clean, make, sweep

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

caviar to the general

a good thing that is not appreciated by the ignorant.

This phrase comes from Shakespeare 's Hamlet, where Hamlet commends a play with the words: ‘the play, I remember, pleased not the million; 'twas caviar to the general’.

See also: general

make a clean sweep

1 remove all unwanted people or things ready to start afresh. 2 win all of a group of similar or related sporting competitions, events, or matches.

See also: clean, make, sweep

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

make a clean ˈsweep (of something)

(informal)
1 remove unwanted things or people: The Prime Minister is expected to make a clean sweep of his advisers who don’t support the new policy.
2 win all the prizes, etc. that are available: Kenyan athletes made a clean sweep (of the medals) in yesterday’s competition.

See also: clean, make, sweep

the common/general ˈrun (of something)

the average or usual type (of something): This programme is better than the general run of television comedies.

in ˈgeneral

in most cases; usually: The money is due to come on the first of every month; in general it arrives punctually, but at holiday times it’s sometimes late. OPPOSITE: in particular

See also: general

on ˈprinciple

because of your beliefs or ideas about what is right or how people should behave: I quite like meat, but I don’t eat it on principle.

See also: on, principle

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

in general

Generally.

See also: general

on principle

According to or because of principle.

See also: on, principle

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

armchair general

A self-proclaimed military expert with little or no practical experience, who imposes his or her views on others. See also backseat driver; Monday-morning quarterback.

词组	general
释义	general armchair general One who speaks authoritatively on topics one actually knows little to nothing about. My uncle is such an armchair general about the classes I'm taking—the fact that he never went to college doesn't stop him from weighing in! Stop being an armchair general and let me fix my car, since I actually know what I'm doing here! See also: armchair, general as a (general) rule Typically; most of the time. As a general rule, I won't sit in the window seat on an airplane. I get too anxious watching the ground below disappear! My mother always makes extra food for family dinners, as a rule. See also: rule caviar to the general Something of an exceptionally high quality or intelligence not befitting or appreciated by those who consume, see, or partake in it. "General" here refers to the general population, not a military general. I wrote several novels earlier in my career that were very well received by academics, but they were caviar to the general and never achieved popular success. See also: general in general 1. Referring to an entire class or category of something, rather than a specific example. Cats in general are easier to take care of than dogs, but mine seems to be very high maintenance. I don't dislike romantic comedies in general, but I just haven't seen a lot of good ones. 2. Typically; for the most part; generally. In general, my employees work hard. There are just a few who give me headaches every once in a while. See also: general make a clean sweep 1. To initiate large-scale removal of unwanted people or objects, especially as a means of effecting or expediting change. In an effort to save the company, the board of directors is making a clean sweep of all upper management. The garage is such a mess. We need to make a clean sweep and throw all this old junk out! 2. To achieve victory easily and by a large margin, especially one in which the opposing side accumulated none or a very small fraction of the votes, points, etc., required to win. Used especially in politics. The senator made a clean sweep of the election, winning every county in her region. My team made a clean sweep at the national mathematics competition. See also: clean, make, sweep on principle Guided by, due to, or according to a certain principle. On principle, I never socialize with my students outside of school. I've never read his work, but because of his political statements I dislike him on principle. See also: on, principle the common run of (something) The standard, average, or typical type of something. The unorthodox politician is seen by many as a rebuke to the common run of bureaucrats, who spend more time debating and arguing than actually accomplishing anything meaningful. While the common run of stuff you find in a flea market is junk, every now and then you come across something really valuable. See also: common, of, run the general run (of something) The standard, average, or typical type of something. The unorthodox politician is seen by many as a rebuke to the general run of bureaucrats, who spend more time debating and arguing than actually accomplishing anything meaningful. While the general run of stuff you find in a flea market is junk, every now and then you come across something really valuable. See also: general, run Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. in general referring to the entire class being discussed; speaking of the entire range of possibilities; in most situations or circumstances. I like vegetables in general, but not beets. In general, I prefer a hotel room on a lower floor, but will take a higher room if it's special. See also: general make a clean sweep Fig. to do something completely or thoroughly, with no exceptions. The boss decided to change the direction of the company, so he made a clean sweep and fired all the top management. They made a clean sweep through the neighborhood, repairing all the sidewalks. See also: clean, make, sweep McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. in general 1. Referring to a group of persons or a subject as a whole, as opposed to particular ones. For example, I am speaking about contracts in general, or Girls in general mature at a younger age than boys. [Late 1300s] For an antonym, see in particular. 2. For the most part; commonly, usually. For example, In general the children behaved very well, or Our winters are quite mild in general. [Early 1700s] See also: general make a clean sweep 1. Remove or eliminate unwanted persons or things, as in The new owners made a clean sweep of the place, intending to replace all the equipment. This phrase replaced the much older (16th-century) general sweep. [Mid-1800s] 2. Win overwhelmingly, as in Our candidate made a clean sweep of all the districts. This usage is most often found with reference to success in a sports competition or election. See also: clean, make, sweep on principle 1. On moral or ethical grounds. As James Russell Lowell wrote about Alexander Pope in 1871, "There was a time when I could not read Pope, but disliked him on principle." [First half of 1800s] 2. According to a fixed rule or practice. For example, The police were locking up the demonstrators on principle. [First half of 1800s] 3. on general principle. For no special reason, in general, as in Dean won't touch broccoli on general principle. [First half of 1800s] See also: on, principle The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. make a clean sweep COMMON 1. If someone makes a clean sweep of something, they win something very easily, or win a series of things. China have made a clean sweep of all nine titles in the event, with three more gold medals today. It was nice to see a British film make a clean sweep at the Oscars. Note: A clean sweep is used in many other structures with a similar meaning. The Italians look well placed to repeat their clean sweep of 1990. 2. If someone who has just taken up a position of authority in an organization makes a clean sweep, they make a lot of very big changes, for example getting rid of employees, in order to make the organization more efficient. When Don arrived he said he was going to make a clean sweep, but I didn't think he would go quite this far. Note: A clean sweep is also used in other structures with a similar meaning. There were rumours that he planned a clean sweep of long-time employees. True to expectations, he fired the managers, one by one. They're talking about a clean sweep of the entire cabinet. Compare with a new broom. See also: clean, make, sweep Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. caviar to the general a good thing that is not appreciated by the ignorant. This phrase comes from Shakespeare 's Hamlet, where Hamlet commends a play with the words: ‘the play, I remember, pleased not the million; 'twas caviar to the general’. See also: general make a clean sweep 1 remove all unwanted people or things ready to start afresh. 2 win all of a group of similar or related sporting competitions, events, or matches. See also: clean, make, sweep Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary make a clean ˈsweep (of something) (informal) 1 remove unwanted things or people: The Prime Minister is expected to make a clean sweep of his advisers who don’t support the new policy. 2 win all the prizes, etc. that are available: Kenyan athletes made a clean sweep (of the medals) in yesterday’s competition. See also: clean, make, sweep the common/general ˈrun (of something) the average or usual type (of something): This programme is better than the general run of television comedies. See also: common, general, run in ˈgeneral in most cases; usually: The money is due to come on the first of every month; in general it arrives punctually, but at holiday times it’s sometimes late. OPPOSITE: in particular See also: general on ˈprinciple because of your beliefs or ideas about what is right or how people should behave: I quite like meat, but I don’t eat it on principle. See also: on, principle Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary in general Generally. See also: general on principle According to or because of principle. See also: on, principle American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. armchair general A self-proclaimed military expert with little or no practical experience, who imposes his or her views on others. See also backseat driver; Monday-morning quarterback. See also: armchair, general The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer See also: drive (one) out of office force (one) out of office force out of office give (one) (one's) head give head give somebody their head give someone their head cooking for one 1FTR as one door closes, another (one) opens References in classic literature Mr Dorrit's bankers, as bankers of the county- widower, instantly said, 'Mrs General.' Pursuing the light so fortunately hit upon, and finding the concurrent testimony of the whole of Mrs General's acquaintance to be of the pathetic nature already recorded, Mr Dorrit took the trouble of going down to the county of the county-widower to see Mrs General, in whom he found a lady of a quality superior to his highest expectations. Little Dorrit "Sir, I came to speak confidentially with your general about affairs of importance. Athos continued: "Before your soldiers the general told me to wait a week, and at the expiration of that week he would give me the answer he had to make me. Ten Years Later The General stroked his grey moustache and looked searchingly at the young officer. "This is no time to consider individuals," the General pointed out. The Kingdom of the Blind "`"Well," asked the president, "what do you say to this letter, general?" Count of Monte Cristo It is something like those American photographs which seek to display what is general about a type by combining a great number of photographs of different heads over each other on one plate. The Analysis of Mind "Excuse me, General," interrupted Kutuzov, also turning to Prince Andrew. War and Peace "Well, then, let us try in a sensible way to get it," replied the General. "The Belt was captured by a little girl named Dorothy, who lives in Kansas, in the United States of America." The Emerald City of Oz Catherine understood her: the general must be watched from home, before that room could be entered. Northanger Abbey Interminably he discoursed on finance and Russian politics, and though, at times, the General made feints to contradict him, he did so humbly, and as though wishing not wholly to lose sight of his own dignity. Gambler The prince's expression was so good-natured at this moment, and so entirely free from even a suspicion of unpleasant feeling was the smile with which he looked at the general as he spoke, that the latter suddenly paused, and appeared to gaze at his guest from quite a new point of view, all in an instant. The Idiot "Still, you must surrender!" exclaimed the General, fiercely. The Marvelous Land of Oz They had a suspicion that she betrayed the military plans of the English to the generals of the French armies." Grandfathers Chair
随便看	put your finger in the dyke put your finger on put your finger on something put your foot down put your foot in it put your hand in/into your pocket put your hand in your pocket put your hands together put your hands together for someone put your hands up put your hand to the plough put your head above the parapet put your head in a noose put your head in the lion's mouth put your head into the lion's mouth put your head on the block put your heads together put your house in order put your mind to something put your money where your mouth is Put your money where your mouth is! put your neck on the line put your oar in (something) put yourself in somebody's shoes/place put yourself on the line