shouldn
(something) shouldn't happen to a dog
Something is so heinous or terrible that no creature should ever have to experience it. A brutal attack like that shouldn't happen to a dog. The politician reveals many personal tragedies in her autobiography, awful things that shouldn't happen to a dog.
See also: dog, happen
I shouldn't wonder
I imagine or am confident that something is the case. Often followed by an "if..." statement, which uses a negative verb. Is this senator for real, talking about people spending money on things they don't need? He probably has four houses, I shouldn't wonder. I'm no economic expert, but I shouldn't wonder if establishing a basic income for all citizens wouldn't be a huge boost to the entire economy.
See also: wonder
not stand on ceremony
To not observe or hold strictly to protocol or formalities. Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Time is of the essence, so let's get started right away and not stand on ceremony. Please, don't stand on ceremony on my behalf—keep eating!
See also: ceremony, not, on, stand
not think of (doing something)
1. To not conceive of the idea of doing something. Ah, I didn't think of restarting the computer to fix the issue. I'll try that now. When I asked him why he didn't just use his spare key, he said he just hadn't thought of doing that.
2. To refuse to consider doing something. I wouldn't think of getting a tattoo like that on my neck! We won't think of agreeing to a deal that is so ethically questionable.
3. To not remember to do something. Sorry, I didn't think of getting milk while I was at the store.
See also: not, of, think
People (who live) in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
proverb People who are vulnerable to criticism should not criticize others, especially not for the faults that they themselves have (since such criticism will likely be returned). He's been hounding his opponent for dodging taxes, when it's public knowledge that he still owes the IRS for years of tax delinquency. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! A: "She just spends her time complaining about other people. It's so shallow and annoying!" B: "Now, now—people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
See also: glass, house, people, throw
those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
proverb People who are vulnerable to criticism should not criticize others, especially not for the faults that they themselves have (since such criticism will likely be returned). He's been hounding his opponent for dodging taxes, when it's public knowledge that he still owes the IRS for years of tax delinquency. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! A: "She just spends her time complaining about other people. It's so shallow and annoying!" B: "Now, now—those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
See also: glass, house, live, stone, those, throw, who
you shouldn't have
A message of thanks for a (usually unexpected) gift. Can be used sincerely or sarcastically. You got me a present? Aww, you shouldn't have! More files to copy? Thanks, you shouldn't have.
See also: have
you shouldn't speak ill of the dead
It is immoral or objectionable to say malicious or defamatory things about someone who has passed away. A: "Ah, Tom was just a selfish old bigot." B: "Mary! You shouldn't speak ill of the dead!" You say we shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but we shouldn't forget the misdeeds of those who were once in power, either, lest history repeats itself.
See also: dead, ill, of, speak
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Prov. You should not criticize other people for having the same faults that you yourself have. Jill: Richard sure was drinking a lot at the office party. Jane: I noticed you had quite a few cocktails yourself. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who
shouldn't happen to a dog
Fig. an expression of something that is so bad that no creature deserves it. Poor guy. That shouldn't happen to a dog. This cold I got shouldn't happen to a dog.
See also: dog, happen
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
One who is open to criticism should not criticize others, as in It's stupid of Mike to mention his opponent's accepting donations from lobbyists-people who live in glass houses! This proverb is so well known that it is often shortened. [Late 1300s] Also see pot calling the kettle black.
See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
not stand on ceremony
If you do not stand on ceremony, you act in a relaxed and informal way with someone. Do call me Amelia, dear. We don't stand on ceremony in this family.
See also: ceremony, not, on, stand
people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
orpeople in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
If you say people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, you mean that people should not criticize others for faults that they themselves have. When will they learn? People in glass houses really shouldn't throw stones.
See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
people (who live) in glass ˌhouses shouldn’t throw ˈstones
(saying) you should not criticize other people for faults that you have yourself: ‘He said you weren’t entirely honest in business.’ ‘Oh, did he? Well tell him from me that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. He’ll know what I mean.’See also: glass, house, people, stone, throw
I ˌshouldn’t ˈwonder (if ...)
(informal) I would not be surprised to find out (that ...): It’s paid for with stolen money, I shouldn’t wonder.See also: wonder
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
shouldn’t happen to a dog
in. describes something that is so bad that no creature deserves it. This cold I got shouldn’t happen to a dog.
See also: dog, happen
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
Those who themselves are open to criticism or vulnerable to attack should not attack others. This proverb dates from the time of Chaucer, who used a version of it in Troilus and Criseyde (ca. 1374). George Herbert wrote: “Whose house is of glass, From cast of stones must not throw stones at another” (Jacula Prudentum, 1640). See also pot calling the kettle black.
See also: glass, house, live, people, stone, throw, who
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- shouldn’t happen to a dog
- shouldn't happen to a dog
- (something) shouldn't happen to a dog
- heinous
- whale into
- whale into (someone or something)
- whale into someone/something
- whaling
- whale away
- whale away at (someone or something)