be up to something
To feel strong enough or knowledgeable enough to accomplish a certain task.
Are you up to climbing all the way to the 37th floor?
Are we up to meeting the delegation from Moscow and speaking Russian to them?
Hi, George. I haven't seen you in a while. What have you been up to?
To be responsible for deciding.
I don't care whether we go to the reception or not. It is up to you.
Tendency to do something mischievous.
I'm afraid Jack is up to one of his old tricks again.
Those boys hiding behind the building must be up to something bad.
be-in
A gathering or social occasion with or without a discernible purpose, often held in a public place like a park or under a large circus tent.
The youngsters really enjoyed the great springtime jazz be-in at the park.
bear in the air
bear in the sky
A police helicopter flying overhead watching for speeders.
Slow down, good buddy, there's a bear in the air.
bear watching
To be worth watching or paying attention to; have a promising future.
That young ball player will bear watching.
To be dangerous or untrustworthy.
Those tires look badly worn; they will bear watching.
beard the lion in his den
Дословно: Бросить вызов льву в его логове.
If he continues to refuse my calls, I'll have to beard him in his den.
Если он будет продолжать отказываться поговорить со мной по телефону, то мне придется лезть в логово льва.
beat into one's head
To teach by telling again and again; repeat often; drill, also, to be cross and punish often.
Tom is lazy and stubborn and his lessons have to be beaten into his head.
I cannot beat it into his head that he should take off his hat in the house.
beat one's brains out
beat one's brains
cudgel one's brains
To try very hard to understand or think out something difficult; tire yourself out by thinking.
Пытаться очень напряженно в чем-либо разобраться; ломать голову над чем-то.
It was too hard for him and he beat his brains out trying to get the answer.
Some students are lazy, but others beat their brains and succeed.
That’s the last time I’ll beat my brains out trying to cook a nice dinner for you.
Я в последний раз буду ломать голову, пытаясь приготовить прекрасный ужин для тебя.
beat one's gums
wag one's chin
To engage in idle talk, or meaningless chatter; generally to talk too much.
"Stop beating your gums, Jack," Joe cried. "I am falling asleep."