Idioms Wayne Magnuson: English Idioms
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Idiom Meaning Example
busy as a beaver (See as busy as a beaver)
but good completely, thoroughly, and how If somebody hurts her, she'll get revenge, but good!
butt buttocks, backside, bum If you tell anybody that I like her, I'll kick your butt.
butt in intrude, interrupt When a salesman butts in, tell him to butt out.
butt of the joke (See the butt of the joke)
butt out go away, beat it, get lost We asked him to butt out so we could have a private talk.
butter fingers unable to catch or hold, cement hands When Anna dropped the ball, Shelly said, "Butter fingers!"
butter up be nice to, suck up to Butter him up before you ask to borrow his car.
butter wouldn't melt in his mouth he is very calm and clear, he has an air of innocence, cool, smooth talker When he's talking to voters, butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
button your lip do not tell anyone, on the QT Button your lip about the speeding ticket. Don't tell Dad.

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Copyright ©1995-2009 Wayne Magnuson
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A printed version of these idioms is available as ISBN 978 1 895012 09 5 (4th printing).

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