pass the trash v. phr.— Note: A synonym for trade turkeys and dance of the lemons. «The reporting law is an attempt to stop the practice known as “passing the trash,” in which districts let problem teachers quietly move to...
trade turkeys v. phr.— Note: “Turkey” is a long-standing slang word for something or someone that performs poorly. A synonym for “trading turkeys” is dance of the lemons. A related term, also mentioned in the article...
staircasing n.— «Pye will be able to increase her share in her home after a year, buying chunks of 5% or more—a process known as staircasing—at the prevailing market price.» —“A problem shared is a problem solved” by...
yellow boy n.— «The mine drainage sediment—commonly called “yellow boy”—is, essentially, iron hydroxide, or rust. The problem is that the pollutant oozes out of mine areas, contaminating waterways and shutting down most...
wicked problem n.— «Some observers have taken a page from urban planning theory to describe Iraq as a “wicked problem”—a term coined to describe complex and divisive issues, such as building a new highway through a city or...
saga lout n.— «Psychiatrist Dr Peter Rice says more older people are problem drinkers. He’s so concerned that he’s coined a term for us latter-day tipplers: Saga louts. “People are increasing their drinking between the age of 60 and...