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base instinct
A subconscious urge, behavior, or intuition directed by primeval, animalistic, self-serving, and/or ignoble motivations. Greed and selfishness are unfortunately two of the base instincts ingrained in the human psyche. Though he is an upstanding citizen, when he drinks, he unfortunately succumbs to his base instincts.
base motive
Motivation for some action or actions that is guided by selfishness or moral depravity. It is clear now that his decision to marry into her wealthy family was led purely by base motives. I don't believe the defendant had any base motives in this case. I think she was well-intentioned but na?ve about the repercussions of her actions.
base over apex
Literally, bottom over top, as in the way one might stumble or fall; head over heels. The ice on the paths is so dangerous because you can't always see it. Just yesterday, I slipped and went completely base over apex!
install(ed) base
business jargon The number units of a particular product or service that are currently in use, especially software or an Internet or computing platform. (Also referred to as "install(ed) user base" or simply "user base.") There have been fears that the computer giant's existing installed base may decline after their newest operating system is implemented.
install(ed) user base
business jargon The number units of a particular product or service that are currently in use, especially software or an Internet or computing platform. (Also referred to as "install(ed) base" or "user base.") There have been fears that the computer giant's existing installed user base may decline after their newest operating system is implemented.
user base
business jargon The number units of a particular product or service that are currently in use, especially software or an Internet or computing platform. (Also referred to as "install(ed) user base" or simply "install(ed) base.") There have been fears that the computer giant's existing user base may decline after their newest operating system is implemented. The video game developer's insistence on backwards compatibility in their newest console shows an earnest effort to keep their user base happy.
base (up)on
To found or root something on a particular idea or occurrence. A noun can be used between "base" and "on" or "upon." My love of science is based upon an interest in experimentation. Unfortunately, she has a low opinion of me. I think she based it on our first meeting, which didn't go well.
base on balls
In baseball, the term used when a batter reaches first base after taking four pitches outside the strike zone (known as "balls"). A: "Oh, Robertson's on first?" B: "Yeah, base on balls."
base (one's) opinion on
To found or root one's view of something or someone on a particular idea or occurrence. Unfortunately, I think she based her opinion of me entirely on one wild night out together. I'm basing my opinion on the facts, and nothing else.
be off base
1. To be inaccurate or wrong. I never once said that! Your reporter is completely off base in her accusations. I thought I knew what real estate costs around here, but wow, I was totally off base.
2. Of a runner in baseball, to not be touching the base. The pitcher saw that the runner at first was off base and threw him out.
base one's opinion on something
to make a judgment or form an opinion from something. You must not base your opinion on one bad experience. I base my opinion on many years of studying the problem.
base something (up)on someone or something
to ground something, such as one's opinion, decision, or thinking, on someone or something; to found one's ideas or attitude on something. (Upon is more formal and less commonly used than on.) I base my opinion on many, many facts. I based my opinion upon my own seasoned judgment.
get to first base (with someone or something)
and reach first base (with someone or something)Fig. to make a major advance with someone or something. I wish I could get to first base with this business deal. John adores Sally, but he can't even reach first base with her. She won't even speak to him.
*off base
1. Lit. [of a runner in baseball] not having a foot touching the base. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) The runner was off base but the first baseman didn't tag him out.
2. Fig. unrealistic; inexact; wrong. *Typically: be ~; get ~.) I'm afraid you're off base when you state that this problem will take care of itself. You're way off base if you think I was to blame!
reach first base
(with someone or something) Go to get to first base (with someone or something).
steal a base
Fig. to sneak from one base to another in baseball. The runner stole second base, but he nearly got put out on the way. Tom runs so slowly that he never tries to steal a base.
touch base (with someone)
to talk to someone; to confer with someone briefly. I need to touch base with John on this matter. John and I touched base on this question yesterday, and we are in agreement.
off base
wrong You're way off base if you think that teaching the basic skills is a waste of time.
touch base (with somebody)
to talk briefly to someone I'll touch base with him later today to tell him about the meeting.
get to first base
to begin to have success, esp. in the early stages of something They won't even get to first base with the directors if they propose something like that.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of first base (the first place a player must run to after hitting the ball in a game of baseball)
be off base
(American & Australian) to be wrong The company chairman dismissed the experts' report as completely off base.
See touch baseget to first base
1. (
American & Australian informal) to begin to have success with something that you want to do
Usage notes: First base is the first place a player must run to after they hit the ball in a game of baseball.
They won't even get to first base with the directors with a proposal like that. 2. (mainly American humorous) to get to the first stage of a sexual relationship, where partners kiss and touch each other Jimmy hasn't even gotten to first base yet with his girlfriend.
touch base
to talk to someone in order to find out how they are or what they think about something (usually + with ) I had a really good time in Paris. I touched base with some old friends and made a few new ones.
See cover all the bases, strike a chord, hit a nerve, lose touch, touch woodget to first base
Also, reach first base.
1. Succeed in the initial phase of something; meet with preliminary approval. For example, They were delighted that they'd gotten to first base in the negotiations. This term alludes to the first base of baseball, which is the first step toward scoring a run for the batter's team. [c. 1900]
2. Reach the initial stage of sexual intimacy, such as kissing. For example, Mary is so shy that I can't even get to first base with her. [1920s]
off base
Wrong, relying on a mistaken premise, as in His description of the accounting system was totally off base. This metaphoric term originated in baseball, where a runner who steps off a base can be put out. [c. 1940]
touch base with
Make contact or renew communications with, as in I'll try to touch base with you when I'm in Ohio, or The candidate touched base with every ethnic group in the city. This idiom comes from baseball, where a runner must touch each base without being tagged before a run can be scored.
base in
v.1. To operate from some location. Used chiefly in the passive: Our company is based in Fresno.
2. To establish or found something in some location: We based our organization in the heart of the city.
3. To have something as a foundation or origin: The linguist based the analysis of the sentence structure in a standard framework.
base on
v. To form, develop, or found something on the basis of something else: I based my decision on the information you gave me. The film was based on a popular book.
base
mod. rude; gross. (California.) You are so, like, base!
get to first (base) (with someone)
in. to achieve a basic or initial level of intimacy with someone, such as getting some attention or even getting kissed. I’m too shy. I just know I can’t get to first base with her.
get to first base
verbtouch base (with someone)
tv. to make contact with someone. I wanted to touch base with you just in case something had gone wrong.
touch base
verbway off (base)
mod. on the wrong track; completely wrong. (see also
off base.)
Sorry. You are way off. You should just give up.