play the market
To try to make money on the stock market by buying and selling stocks.
John lost all his savings playing the market.
Sometimes Mr. Smith makes a lot of money when he plays the market, and sometimes he loses.
there is more than one way to get a pig to market
there is more than one way to flay a fox
there is more than one way to skin a cat
There are always new and different ways to accomplish a difficult task. A proverb.
"'How did you get Tommy to study so hard?" Eleanor asked. "I simply disconnected the television set," Tommy's mother answered. "There's more than one way to get a pig to market."
toe the line
toe the mark
To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties.
Быть очень осторожным в выполнении возложенных задач; следовать правилам и обязанностям.
The new teacher will make Joe toe the line.
Bill's father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark.
If you want to stay in this school, you'll have to learn to toe the line.
Если ты хочешь остаться в этой школе, ты должен будешь строго придерживаться правил.
up to par
up to the mark
up to scratch
up to snuff
In good or normal health or physical condition.
I have a cold and don't feel up to par.
The boxer is training for the fight but he isn't up to scratch yet.
As good as usual; up to the usual level or quality.
The TV program was not up to par tonight.
John will have to work hard to bring his grades up to snuff.
walk the chalk
walk the chalk line
walk the chalk mark
To act exactly as you are supposed to; behave properly; obey.
(From the fact that sailors used to be asked to walk a chalk line along the deck of the ship to prove they were not drunk.)
(From the fact that sailors used to be asked to walk a chalk line along the deck of the ship to prove they were not drunk.)
That new teacher really makes the students walk the chalk.
In some classes the students play and talk, but Mr. Parker makes them walk the chalk.
That theater owner wants his place to be orderly, and if boys and girls don't walk the chalk, he puts them out.
wide of the mark
fall wide of the mark
Far from the target or the thing aimed at.
Что-то за пределами ожиданий, далеко от назначеной цели.
James threw a stone at the cat but it went wide of the mark.
The price offered was wide of the mark - it was sold for ten times more!
Предложенная цена была далека от действительности – продали в десять раз дороже!
Far from the truth; incorrect.
You were wide of the mark when you said I did it, because Bill did it.