spit-take n. an exaggerated or surprised reaction in which someone violently expels a mouthful of liquid. Editorial Note: Thanks to Margaret Lethbridge Çejku for suggesting today’s entry. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
have hair v. phr. (of a financial transaction or investment) to be less than ideal; to be risky; to have complications. Editorial Note: Two common meanings of “to have hair” well-covered elsewhere are “to be old” and...
put a nickel in someone v. phr. to provoke a person to excitement or talkativeness; to rile or anger someone; to cause someone to act. Also put a quarter in someone and, rarely, put a dime in someone. Etymological Note: From comparison of a person...
skybust v. to shoot at flying game birds that are too high or out of range. Editorial Note: The 1943 citation is an unrelated usage from baseball, referring to home runs or strong hits, which in the past have sometimes been called “sky-busters...
litter on a stick n. roadside billboards, signs, and advertisements. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
lean forward v. phr. to be proactive; to initiate a process or action. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)