lay about one
To hit out in all directions. Used with a reflexive object: her, him, or them.
The bandits surrounded the sheriff, but he laid about him so hard, with his gun used as a club, that they stepped back and let him escape.
Mrs. Franklin didn't kill the mouse, but she laid about her so hard with the broom that she scared it away.
mad about
Angry about.
What is Harriet so mad about?
Enthusiastic about.
Dan is mad about pop music.
make a big deal about
make a federal case out of
To exaggerate an insignificant event.
Jeff said, "I'm sorry I banged into you in the dark. Don't make a big deal out of it."
man-about-town
A sophisticate; an idler; a member of cafe society; one who knows where the best plays and concerts are given.
Ask Mark where to go when you're in New York City; he's a real man-about-town.
no two ways about it
No other choice; no alternative.
The boss said there were no two ways about it; we would all have to work late to finish the job.
nose about
nose around
To look for something kept private or secret; poke about; explore; inquire; pry.
In Grandmother's attic, Sally spent a while nosing about in the old family pictures.
The detective was nosing around in the crowd looking for pickpockets.
not to know the first thing about
To be totally ignorant about a certain issue.
Al assured us that he didn't know the first thing about Mary's whereabouts.
order about
order around
To dictate arrogantly to someone; domineer.
Dan orders his younger colleagues around in a most unpleasant way.