half a loaf is better than none
half a loaf is better than no bread
Part of what we want or need is better than nothing. A proverb.
Albert wanted two dollars for shoveling snow from the sidewalk but the lady would only give him a dollar. And he said that half a loaf is better than none.
hit between the eyes
To make a strong impression on; surprise greatly.
Helen hit Joe right between the eyes the moment he saw her.
It was a wonderfully lifelike picture, and it hit Sol right between the eyes.
To learn that his parents had endured poverty for his sake hit John between the eyes.
read between the lines
To understand all of a writer's meaning by guessing at what he has left unsaid.
"Читать между строк"; понимать скрытый, недосказанный смысл.
Some kinds of poetry make you read between the lines.
A clever foreign correspondent can often avoid censorship by careful wording, leaving his audience to read between the lines.
Millicent might have read between the lines; she might have had more knowledge about her husband's character.
Миллисент должно быть прочла между строк; она, возможно, знает больше о характере своего мужа.
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.
tail between one's legs
State of feeling beaten, ashamed, or very obedient, as after a scolding or a whipping. (So called because a beaten dog usually puts his tail down between his legs and slinks away.)
The army sent the enemy home with their tails between their legs.
The boys on the team had boasted they would win the tournament, but they went home with their tails between their legs.
take a turn for the better
To start improving; start to get better.
Aunt Hermione was very ill for a long time, but last week she suddenly took a turn for the better.
think better of
To change your mind about; to consider again and make a better decision about.
John told his mother he wanted to leave school, but later he thought better of it.
you bet
you bet your boots
you bet your life
Most certainly; yes, indeed; without any doubt. Used to declare with emphasis that a thing is really so.
Do I like to ski? You bet your life I do.
You bet I will be at the party.
You can bet your boots that Johnny will come home when his money is gone.