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beast

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beast with two backs

A couple engaged in sexual intercourse, referring to the exposure of each partner's back when embraced in the missionary or standing position. Usually used in the phrase "make the beast with two backs." I have my suspicions that, in secret, they are making the beast with two backs.

See also: back, beast, two

make the beast with two backs

To engage in sexual intercourse with another person, referring to the exposure of each partner's back when embraced in the missionary or standing position. I have my suspicions that, in secret, they are making the beast with two backs.

See also: back, beast, make, two

feed the beast

1. In politics, to fund or supplement governmental spending, especially through increased tax revenue. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. Politicians are always looking for new ways to feed the beast, but if we really want the economy to recover, we need to be cutting taxes across the board.

2. To devote or contribute an undue amount of resources, time, or energy to a self-perpetuating pursuit, situation, behavior, or desire. His addiction had become so severe that he sold everything he owned to keep feeding the beast. The country's leaders enlisted every able man to feed the beast of its war of expansion. We're brainwashed from a young age to continue feeding the beast of consumerism.

See also: beast, feed

king of (the) beasts

The lion, especially in cultural or artistic depictions. Engraved in striking marble, the king of beasts stands sentinel over this ancient arena. The king of the beasts is the symbol for the zodiac sign Leo.

See also: beast, king, of

be (of) no use to man or beast

To be completely useless; to serve no purpose; to be unsuitable to anyone or anything. I admire the intelligence with which you argue your points, friend, but unless you're willing to put your words into action, I'm afraid your philosophizing is of no use to man or beast. After 20 years, my faithful old truck finally broke down for good. It's no use to man or beast anymore.

See also: beast, man, use

beast of burden

A domesticated animal used by humans to carry or pull heavy loads. Camels have been used by people as beasts of burden for thousands of years because of their size, strength, and ability to travel long distances with minimal need for food and water.

See also: beast, burden, of

(that's) the nature of the beast

this is the basic character of something The place is wild and beautiful and also dangerous – that's the nature of the beast. People make progress but do not reach perfection because imperfection is the nature of the beast.

See also: beast, nature, of

a beast of burden

  (literary)

a large animal, such as a donkey (= an animal like a small horse with long ears), which is used for pulling vehicles or carrying heavy loads Huskies are traditionally used in the Arctic as beasts of burden.

See also: beast, burden, of

be no good/use to man or beast

  (humorous)

to not be useful at all This bike has got two flat tyres - it's no use to man or beast.

See also: beast, good, man

be (in) the nature of the beast

if something unpleasant is in the nature of the beast, it cannot be avoided because it is part of the character of something Relationships always involve some degree of dependence. It's in the nature of the beast.

See also: beast, nature, of

no use, it's

1. It's impossible; it can't succeed. For example, It's no use; these pieces just don't fit. [c. 1800]

2. Also, it's no use to man or beast. It's worthless, it serves no purpose, as in This car is so old it's no use to man or beast. Also see have no use for.

beast

1. n. an ugly person. That beast should give the monkey back its face before the poor creature bumps into something.

2. n. a crude, violent, or sexually aggressive male; an animal. Oh, Martin, you’re such a beast!

3. n. liquor. Pour me some more of that beast.