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Phrases related to: public works

Yee yee! We've found 163 phrases and idioms matching public works.

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in the worksIn a mechanism or machine.Rate it:

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throw a spanner in the worksTo be a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.Rate it:

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a wrench in the worksTo mess something up; ruin everything; mess something upRate it:

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god works in mysterious waysExpressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.Expressing that a seemingly unfortunate or unfavourable situation or change may be beneficial later or in the long run.Person A: It seems that I'm about to be fired from my job.Person B: Well, God works in mysterious ways - maybe it'll be the kick you need to apply to university...Rate it:

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Gum Up the WorksTo destroy something or cause damage, make something worse by breaking or throwingRate it:

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in the worksBeing planned or worked upon.Rate it:

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The Lord works in mysterious waysAlternative form of God works in mysterious ways.Rate it:

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Throw a Monkey Wrench into the WorksInterfering or disturbing an operation that was going in a smooth manner; destabilizing the progression of somethingRate it:

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Air Your Dirty Laundry in PublicTo discuss your personal matters and conflicts publicly specifically when you argue with someone .Rate it:

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John Q. PublicA generic individual; some hypothetical average or ordinary citizen.Rate it:

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public enemy number oneA person who ranks highest on the federal government's prioritized list of wanted criminal fugitives.Rate it:

(2.50 / 2 votes)
air one's dirty laundry in publicto reveal one's secrets to the public.Rate it:

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go publicMake public, announce publicly or to the press.Rate it:

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Joe PublicA hypothetical average or generic member of the public; the common man (or person, by extension).Rate it:

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public commentInput given by the public to governmental (or rarely other) bodies, about proposed legislation or regulation(s), during a period-and by means-set aside and prescribed by law.Rate it:

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public commentUsed other than as an idiom: see public, comment.Rate it:

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public enemy number oneA person, organization, or other object considered to be particularly menacing, harmful, or loathsome.Rate it:

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public eyeThe focus of public attention, the limelight.Rate it:

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public intellectualA well-known, intelligent, learned person whose written works and other social and cultural contributions are recognized not only by academic audiences and readers, but also by many members of society in general.Rate it:

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wash one's dirty linen in publicSynonym of air one's dirty laundry in publicRate it:

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a magician never reveals his secretsA polite refusal by someone who has just done a magic trick to reveal how it works.Rate it:

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all-out brawlA brutal fight without honor, often referring to spontaneous conflicts that erupt in a public place like a bar.Rate it:

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behind closed doorsPublic disclosure.Rate it:

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come-to-JesusRelating to a Christian conversion, recommitment, or associated ritual, especially public confession.Rate it:

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get a roomA jocular or sarcastic expression commanding a couple to stop displaying affection in public, and to rent a hotel or motel room to continue amorous activities in private.Rate it:

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go outTo leave one's abode to go to public places.Rate it:

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make an exhibition of oneselfTo embarrass oneself or others in public.Rate it:

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sacred cowSomething which cannot be tampered with, or criticized, for fear of public outcry.Rate it:

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set the thames on fireTo achieve something amazing; to do something which brings great public acclaim.Rate it:

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reveal the secretTo explain a secret in public or to someoneRate it:

(4.47 / 19 votes)
blowtorch a marshmallow cakeTo vilify a benefactor, ridicule the boss, scorn a well-to-do friend in public.Rate it:

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jump onTo board a public transport vehicle.Rate it:

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paint the town redTo party or celebrate in a rowdy, wild manner, especially in a public place.Rate it:

(4.00 / 1 vote)
reach a critical massWhen one works, reworks, tries every trick in the book, one can attain the verge of an explosion.Rate it:

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when the shit hits the fanA reference to the messy consequences of a secret or private situation becoming public.Rate it:

(3.50 / 2 votes)
work like a charmworks great - exactly as expectedRate it:

(3.50 / 2 votes)
eat outTo dine at a restaurant or such public place.Rate it:

(3.25 / 4 votes)
common nameThe name by which a species is known to the general public, rather than its taxonomic or scientific name.Rate it:

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lay openIn Japan and South Korea, to publish a patent for initial public review, prior to the formal application for registration.Rate it:

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make a spectacle of oneselfTo embarrass oneself or others in publicRate it:

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muck aboutTo do somethings with a piece of equipment when you do not understand how it works.Rate it:

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cattle callAn audition which is open to the public and thus draws a large number of applicants, many of whom are inexperienced.Rate it:

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drag kingA female who dresses up in men's clothing, typically for public performance.Rate it:

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ludos facere, edere (Iovi)to give public games in honour of Jupiter.Rate it:

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a negotiis publicis se removereto retire from public life.Rate it:

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a re publica recedereto retire from public life.Rate it:

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accusare aliquem peculatus, pecuniae publicaeto accuse some one of malversation, embezzlement of public money.Rate it:

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ager publicuspublic land; state domain.Rate it:

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all rights reservedThe copyright holder of a creative work reserves all copyright-related rights, typically including the right to publish the work, to make derivative works of it, to distribute it, to make profit from it, to license a number of these rights to other people, and to forbid these uses by any unauthorized people, thus being entitled to take legal action against infringement.Rate it:

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arm candyAn attractive, seemingly romantic companion who accompanies a person in public simply so that one or both of the individuals can gain attention, enhance social status, or create an impression of sexual appeal.Rate it:

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