walking dictionary
A person highly knowledgeable in matters of language use.
If you want to know what "serendipity" means, ask my Uncle Fred. He is a professor of English and is also a walking dictionary.
walking encyclopedia
A polymath; a person very well versed in a number of different disciplines.
My uncle is a veritable walking encyclopedia when it comes to the history of World War II.
walking papers
walking orders
walking ticket
A statement that you are fired from your job; dismissal.
The boss was not satisfied with Paul's work and gave him his walking papers.
George is out of work. He picked up his walking ticket last Friday.
watering hole
watering place
A bar, pub, or nightclub where people gather to drink and socialize.
I like "The Silver Dollar" - it is my favorite watering hole in all of Sidney, Nebraska.
way the wind blows
how the wind blows
The direction or course something may go; how things are; what may happen.
Most senators find put which way the wind blows in their home state before voting on bills in Congress.
wear blinders
wear blinkers
To refuse or be unable to consider alternative ways of thinking or acting.
Anybody who disputes the importance of learning languages is wearing blinders.
wear one's heart on one's sleeve
pin one's heart on one's sleeve
put one's heart on one's sleeve
To show your feelings openly; show everyone how you feel; not hide your feelings.
She wears her heart on her sleeve. It's easy to see if she is sad or happy.
Sometimes it is better not to pin your heart on your sleeve.
wear thin
To become thin from use, wearing, or the passing of time.
My old pair of pants has worn thin at the knees.
This old dime has worn very thin.
To grow less, or less interesting; decrease.
The joke began to wear thin when you heard it too many times.
The teacher's patience began to wear thin when he saw that no one knew the lesson.