nodding acquaintance
have a nodding acquaintance with
Less than casual acquaintance.
I have never spoken to the chancellor; we have only a nodding acquaintance.
not a leg to stand on
leave without a leg to stand on
not have a leg to stand on
No good proof or excuse; no good evidence or defense to offer.
Не достаточные доказательства или оправдания; отсутствие хороших свидетельств или защиты.
The man with a gun and $300 in his pocket was accused of robbing an oil station. He did not have a leg to stand on.
Three people testified against him. He didn't have a leg to stand on.
Трое дали показания против него. Он не мог доказать свою правоту.
not have the heart to
To not be insensitive or cruel.
My boss did not have the heart to lay off two pregnant women when they most needed their jobs.
price on one's head
have a price on one's head
Reward offered to anyone who catches a thief or a murderer.
The hotel manager learned that the quiet man taken from his room by the police was a murderer with a price on his head.
put cart before the horse
get cart before the horse
have cart before the horse
Things in wrong order; something backwards or mixed up. An overused expression. Usually used with put but sometimes with get or have.
When the salesman wanted money for goods he hadn't delivered, I told him he was putting the cart before the horse.
To get married first and then get a job is getting the cart before the horse.
rob the till
have one's hand in the till
To steal money in your trust or for which you are responsible.
The supermarket manager suspected that one of the clerks was robbing the till.
Mr. Jones deposited one thousand dollars in their joint savings account and told his wife not to rob the till.
The store owner thought his business was failing until he discovered that the treasurer had his hand in the till.
second thought
on second thought
have second thoughts about
A change of ideas or opinions resulting from more thought or study.
Your second thoughts are very often wiser than your first ideas.
We decided to climb the mountain, but on second thought realized that it was too dangerous.
see better days
have seen better days
To enjoy a better or happier life.
Mr. Smith is poor now, but he will see better days.
To become old, damaged, or useless. Used in the perfect tense.
Видеть и лучшие времена - о вещах, которые состарились или стали бесполезными. Используется в совершенных временах.
Mv blue coat is ten years old. It has seen better days.
Our car wasn't old, but it had seen better days.
My much-travelled suitcase has seen better days!
Мой многострадальный чемодан был в лучшем состоянии раньше.