relation
have (sexual) relations (with someone)
To engage in sexual activity (with someone); to have or be in a sexual relationship (with someone). As there was no hard evidence that Mr. Smith's ex-wife had sexual relations outside of marriage, the judge was obliged to uphold the prenuptial agreement during the divorce proceedings. I hear Jim got fired for having relations with his secretary.
See also: have, relation
have intimate relations with (one)
euphemism To have sex with one. Can you believe that Grandma asked me if I've had intimate relations with Ted? How embarrassing!
See also: have, intimate, relation
in relation to (something)
Regarding or related to something. In relation to your vacation request, I'm sorry, but we can't grant it while we have three people out on leave. I think that we should write up another report, in relation to this one, so that we have a full picture of the budget for next year.
See also: relation
no relation
Said to clarify that two people with the same last name are not related. You met Todd Lee, now here's Susan Lee—no relation. A: "John Dale? Are you related to Tim Dale?" B: "Nope, no relation. We just happen to work in the same office."
See also: no, relation
poor relation
A less desirable substitute for the genuine item. The cheap motorcycle jacket I bought is nice, but it is a poor relation of actual leather.
See also: poor, relation
sexual relations
Sexual activity between two (or more) people. As there was no hard evidence that sexual relations occurred outside of marriage, the judge was obliged to uphold the prenuptial agreement during the divorce proceedings. I hear Jim got fired for having sexual relations with his secretary.
See also: relation, sexual
with relation to
Regarding or related to. The phrase highlights the relationship between multiple things. I think that we should write up another report, with relation to this one, so that we have a full picture of the budget for next year. With relation to your vacation request, I'm sorry, but we can't grant it while we have three people out on leave.
See also: relation
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
have intimate relations with someone
Euph. to have sex with someone. I understand that Jim once had intimate relations with Sarah. Rumor has it that she has had intimate relations with someone other than her husband.
See also: have, intimate, relation
have relations with someone
Euph. to have sexual relations with someone. While engaged to Mary, he was having relations with at least two other women. She was having relations with one of her employees, which was strictly against policy.
See also: have, relation
in relation to someone or something
relating to someone or something; in connection with someone or something. I mention this fact in relation to your proposed trip. Let's discuss Bill in relation to his future with this company.
See also: relation
relative to someone or something
1. concerning someone or something. I have something to say relative to Bill. Do you have any information relative to the situation in South America?
2. in proportion to someone or something. My happiness is relative to yours. I can spend an amount of money relative to the amount of money I earn.
See also: relative
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
poor relation
An inferior member of a group, as in Many regard Turkey as the poor relation in the European alliance. This expression, first recorded in 1720 for a family member in humble circumstances, began to be used figuratively in the mid-1900s.
See also: poor, relation
relative to
Correspondent or proportionate to, as in Relative to its size, Boston has a great many universities, or It's important to get all the facts relative to the collision. Another form of this idiom is in or with relation to , meaning "in reference or with regard to," as in Demand is high in relation to supply, or That argument changes nothing with relation to our plans for hiring workers. The usages with relative date from the second half of the 1700s, those with relation from the late 1500s.
See also: relative
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a poor relation
If you describe one thing as a poor relation of another, you mean that it is similar in some ways but not as good or as popular. Watercolour still seems somehow to be the poor relation of oil painting. Grapes for the table have become the poor relation of those used by the wine trade.
See also: poor, relation
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
poor relation
a person or thing that is considered inferior or subordinate to others of the same type or group. 1997 Independent on Sunday Many downhillers think of Nordic skiing as a poor relation—fit only for wimps who can't take speed.
See also: poor, relation
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
a poor reˈlation
somebody/something with less importance, respect or power than others: At the peace conference, our country was treated very much as the poor relation.See also: poor, relation
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
in relation to
In reference to; in connection with: This letter from the bank is in relation to your mortgage.
See also: relation
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- have (sexual) relations (with someone)
- have relations with
- sexual
- sexual relations
- piece of snatch
- (but) not in the biblical sense
- biblical
- get (one's) ashes hauled
- piece of tail