en masse
As a group; in one big mass or group. Used after the word it modifies.
The school turned out en masse to cheer the returning astronaut.
first class
The first rank; the highest class; the best group.
The pianist was quite good but he was not in the first class.
The most expensive or comfortable class of travel; the best or one of the best groups in which to travel, especially by ship, train, or airplane.
Most people can't afford the first class when they take a long journey by ship.
The way of sending all mail that includes letters and post cards, anything written by hand or typewriter, and anything sealed so that it cannot be inspected, and that is the most expensive class of mail but receives the best treatment.
The usual way to send a letter is by first class.
first-class
Of the highest class or best kind; excellent; first-rate.
Jane did a first-class job of repairing the coat.
It was a first-class TV program.
When Mr. Van Smith goes anywhere he always travels first-class.
"How did you send the package?" "First-class."
Mr. Jones bought a first-class plane ticket to Chicago.
Belonging to the class of mail for sending letters, post cards, and handwritten or typewritten mail that is sealed against inspection.
It is expensive to send a heavy letter by first-class mail.
Of the best or most expensive class of travelling. In the best or most expensive way.
He took the train for Walton, travelling first class, and treated with much deference by the officials on the line.
fourth class
A class of mail that is not sealed and weighs a pound or more, that includes things that are bought and sold and sent in the mail, and printed things that are not second or third class mail.
Bill sent away 98 cereal box tops and a dollar and got back a sheriff's badge and gun in the mail by fourth class.
fourth-class
Belonging to the fourth class of mail.
The package weighed a pound and a half, so it had to be sent by fourth-class mail.
By fourth-class mail.
How did the company mail the package? Fourth-class.
get down to brass tacks
get down to cases
To begin the most important work or business; get started on the most important things to talk about or know.
The men talked about little things and then got down to brass tacks.
A busy doctor wants his patients to get down to brass tacks.
glass jaw
The inability of a boxer to get a hard punch on the jaw without being knocked out; a tendency to be knocked out easily.
He would have been champion except for his glass jaw.
go by the board
pass by the board
To go away or disappear forever, be forgotten or not used.
Tom had several chances to go to college, but he let them go by the board.
Grandfather said he was too old to go to the beach. "Those days have passed by the board," he said.