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cuff
cuff Jonas
1. obsolete To knock one's knees together while walking or running (i.e., be "knock-kneed"). An unfortunate development in the boy's legs meant he cuffed Jonas as he ran.
2. obsolete To slap one's hands against one's sides or under one's armpits as a means of staying warm in cold weather. In wintertime, one can often see the homeless cuffing Jonas outside shelters and soup kitchens.
shoot (one's) cuffs
To flaunt something. Displaying one's ornate or elaborate cuffs was a common practice among medieval noblemen. I know you're happy about your promotion, but try not to shoot your cuffs, OK?
off-the-cuff
Fig. spontaneous; without preparation or rehearsal. Her remarks were off-the-cuff, but very sensible. I'm not very good at making speeches off-the-cuff.
put something on the cuff
Fig. to buy something on credit; to add to one's credit balance. I'll take two of those, and please put them on the cuff. I'm sorry, Tom. We can't put anything more on the cuff.
speak off-the-cuff
Fig. to speak without preparing a speech; to speak extemporaneously; to render a spoken opinion or estimate. (As if one's notes had been written hastily on one's cuff.) she is capable of making sense and being convincing even when she speaks off—the-cuff. I find it very difficult to speak off-the-cuff.
off the cuff
without any planning
I could give an opinion off the cuff, but I'd rather think about it. Usage notes: usually said about spoken statements
off-the-cuff
an off-the-cuff remark is one that is not planned (always before noun) He made several off-the-cuff remarks which he later denied.
off the cuff
Impromptu, extemporaneous, as in His speech was entirely off the cuff. This term supposedly alludes to the practice of speakers making last-minute notes on the cuff of a shirtsleeve. [1930s]
on the cuff
1. On credit, as in
He tried to hire a detective on the cuff. It is sometimes put as
put on the cuff, meaning "extend credit to," as in
They asked to be put on the cuff until they got their monthly check. This usage probably alludes to the practice of recording bar tabs on the bartender's cuff. Also see
off the cuff. [
Slang; 1920s]
2. Free of charge, as in
We hope these drinks are on the cuff. [
Slang; 1920s] Also see
on the house.
cuff
tv. to put a charge on one’s bill. Would you cuff this for me, please?
cuff quote
n. an off-the-cuff quote of a financial instrument price. (Securities markets.) This is just a cuff quote, but I would say it’s about ninety-four.
cuffs
n. handcuffs. I felt the cuffs tighten and snap shut on my wrists.
off the cuff
In an extemporaneous or informal manner.
on the cuff
On credit.