direct

Related to direct: DirectX 11, DirectX

direct (one's) attention to (someone or something)

To focus on someone or something. And if you'll direct your attention to the docent, she'll start you on your tour of the art museum. When the lights in the theater dimmed, we knew to direct our attention to the stage.
See also: attention, direct

direct (something) against (someone or something)

To target someone or something with something negative. I'm not the one who sabotaged your presentation, so don't direct your anger against me!
See also: direct

direct (something) at (someone or something)

To target someone or something with something negative. I'm not the one who sabotaged your presentation, so don't direct your anger at me!
See also: direct

direct (something) to (someone or something)

1. To designate something for someone. You need to direct that budget report to Mary in Finance.
2. To aim something at or address something to someone or something. In this usage, "toward" is often used instead of "to." Although I directed the paper airplane to my friends across the room, it didn't reach them. Please direct all questions to our Customer Service department.
See also: direct

direct message

A form of private communication on social media sites or Internet forums. It is most commonly used as a verb. Direct message me if you have any questions. If you don't want everyone to see it, send a direct message instead of posting it.
See also: direct, message

Dutch uncle

One who addresses someone severely or critically. Fred is always lecturing me like a Dutch uncle, forgetting the fact that I'm 40 years old!
See also: Dutch, uncle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

direct someone's attention to someone or something

to focus someone's regard or concern on someone or something; to cause someone to notice someone or something. May I directyour attention to the young man in the purple costume? The announcer directed our attention to the magician who was coming on stage.
See also: attention, direct

direct something against someone or something

to aim a critical remark or a weapon at someone or something. (Very close to direct something at someone or something.) We directed the guns against the occupied village. Ted said he had directed his remark against Judy.
See also: direct

direct something at someone or something

to aim something at someone or something. (Very close to direct something against someone or something.) Are you directing your remarks at me? Please direct the hose at the bushes.
See also: direct

direct something to someone

to address, designate, or send something to someone. Shall I direct the inquiries to you? Please direct all the mail to the secretary when it is delivered.
See also: direct

direct something to(ward) someone or something

to send, throw, push, or aim something at someone or something. Tom directed the ball toward Harry. Should I direct this inquiry to Alice?
See also: direct

Dutch uncle

a man who gives frank and direct advice to someone. (In the way an uncle might, but not a real relative.) I would not have to lecture you like a Dutch uncle if you were not so extravagant. He acts more like a Dutch uncle than a husband. He's forever telling her what to do in public.
See also: Dutch, uncle
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

Dutch uncle

A stern, candid critic or adviser, as in When I got in trouble with the teacher again, the principal talked to me like a Dutch uncle . This expression, often put as talk to one like a Dutch uncle, presumably alludes to the sternness and sobriety attributed to the Dutch. [Early 1800s]
See also: Dutch, uncle
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • direct (one's) attention to (someone or something)
  • direct attention to
  • besetting sin
  • eat out of someone's hand, to
  • the wherewithal for (something)
  • the wherewithal to (do something)
  • a wet blanket
  • abide
  • abide by
  • hardliner
References in periodicals archive
* Prof Dr Karunakaran - Direct Selling Expert, Asia Pacific, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
GDSC-2019: Conference on Network Marketing Industry and its regulatory framework
The governors of Plateau and Kogi states, Simon Lalong and Yahaya Bello, respectively had told newsmen after the party's NEC meeting on Thursday that it adopted direct primary to choose its presidential candidate for 2019 election, while other elective positions would go through indirect primaries.
Showdown looms in APC
Entrants must join Jewelers Direct by 11:59:59 PM PST on September 7, 2018.
Jewelers Direct Launches Silver Celebration Sweepstakes
Managed Direct Response has also established strong working relationships with automotive dealers across the country.
MANAGED DIRECT RESPONSE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
Sports Direct, which is headed by billionaire businessman and Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley, failed to respond to a request from the Examiner for a comment on the closure.
Golf driving range to close at stadium
"Wi-Fi Direct enjoys wide backing from Wi-Fi silicon vendors," says Brian O'Rourke, research director, In-Stat.
Wi-Fi direct devices gain traction
The Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities provided Go Direct campaign and Direct Express card information at a meeting this spring.
Cities work with U.S. treasury department to promote direct deposit
The Service refused to apply such a narrow definition of direct labor costs.
IRS clarifies direct labor costs cannot be MSC
The spending bill specifies that at least $2.2 billion of the appropriation for medical services be spent on "specialty mental health care." Conferees also directed the VA to designate three "centers of excellence" to focus on mental health care for veterans.
VA spending bill shifts funds to medical care
Clark warren.clark@ccimarketing.com) Products: Proprietary e-mail and direct mail databases of the largest growers and ranchers, rural retailers, agribusiness executives and farm media in North America
Direct marketing & list rental
The book is most convincing at its most contrarian, with its heartfelt defense of the most despised mass medium in America: direct mail.
From Barry's boys to the Deaniacs: how alternative media have transformed politics on the left and the right
On 12 November the airline will add several New Orleans services: two new daily direct roundtrips to Dallas Love Field; two new daily direct roundtrips to Nashville; two new daily direct roundtrips to Orlando; and two new daily direct roundtrips to Tampa Bay.
Southwest Airlines adds 49 new flights in two instalments
Overhead is still allocated based on direct labor (often requiring overhead rates of 600% or more because direct labor is so low); standard costing systems are still used to establish prices; complex systems are still used to value inventory; and financial accounting is still used to measure and monitor operations.
Benefits of lean in the accounting department
Now in an updated second edition, Being Direct: Making Advertising Pay presents the wisdom and practical experience of advertising legend and direct marketing pioneer Lester Wunderman, perhaps best known for his guidance behind the ubiquity of the American Express card, the creation of the Columbia Record Clob, and the well-known L.L.
Being Direct
According to Kubas, direct mail will represent about US$ 36 billion, or 10% of all U.S.
Bright future for direct mail