|
English Idioms :: why and wherefore
|
 |
whysky.html - {n.} The answer to a question or problem. Usually used in the plural. * /Father told him not to always ask the whys and wherefores when he was told to do something./ |
|
|
Traditional English :: why
|
|
whysky.html - adv., int., & n. --adv. 1 a for what reason or purpose (why did you do it?; I do not know why you came). b on what grounds (why do you say that?).
2 (prec. by reason etc.) for which (the reasons why I did it). --int. expressing: 1 surprised discovery or recognition (why, it's you!).
2 impatience (why, of course I do!).
3 reflection (why, yes, I think so).
4 objection (why, what is wrong with it?). --n. (pl. whys) a reason or explanation (esp. whys and wherefores). why so? on what grounds?; for what reason or purpose? [OE hwi, hwy instr. of hwót WHAT f. Gmc] |
|
|
Traditional English :: whydah
|
|
whysky.html - n. (also whidah) any small African weaver-bird of the genus Vidua, the male having mainly black plumage and tail-feathers of great length. [orig. widow-bird, altered f. assoc. with Whidah (now Ouidah) in Benin] |
|
|
English Idioms :: whack
|
|
whysky.html - See: OUT OF WHACK. |
|
|
English Idioms :: whale the --- out of
|
|
whysky.html - {v. phr.}, {informal} To beat hard; give a bad beating to. - Used with several words after "the", as "daylights", "living daylights", "tar". * /The big kid told Charlie that he would beat the daylights out of him if Charlie came in his yard again./ |
|
|
English Idioms :: whale away
|
|
whysky.html - {v.}, {informal} 1. To beat or hit hard; strike again and again. - Often used with "at". * /The boxer is whaling away at his opponent with both fists./ 2. To attack severely or again and again; go on without stopping or with great force; pound away. * /Mary has been whaling away on the typewriter for an hour./ - Often used with "at". * /During the election the Mayor whaled away at the other party in his speeches./ |
|
