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event
in the course of
In or during the process of. In the course of your employment in the company, were you ever aware or suspicious of any illicit financial activity going on? I learned in the course of the meeting that our department was being downsized by over 50 percent.
during the course of
In or during the process of. During the course of your employment in the company, were you ever aware or suspicious of any illicit financial activity going on? I learned during the course of the meeting that our department was being downsized by over 50 percent.
over the course of
In or during the process of. Over the course of your employment in the company, were you ever aware or suspicious of any illicit financial activity going on? I learned over the course of the meeting that our department was being downsized by over 50 percent.
in the event that
If it should happen or be the case that. In the event that we get stuck in traffic, there's no way I'll make my flight. I'd like to see you again, so give me a call in the event that you ever come back through Detroit.
in the unlikely event (that) (something) happens
If a very improbable outcome turns out to be the case. I wouldn't worry too much, but in the unlikely event that you lose your job, you can always come live with us for a while. In the unlikely event I win the lottery, the first thing I would do is travel to Jamaica.
meet and greet
1. adjective (hyphenated and used before a noun) Typified by a notable figure socializing with members of the public, the press, or guests in attendance. The meet-and-greet gala is being held to promote the presidential nominee's public profile and help drum up support ahead of the November election.
2. noun An event or reception in which a notable figure socializes with members of the public, the press, or guests in attendance. The normally media-shy singer is holding a meet and greet to help raise awareness for her newest charity campaign.
turn of events
A sudden change or alteration in a situation or circumstance. After an unexpected turn of events, the president has announced that he will be resigning from office. Sometimes it takes a dramatic turn of events for our lives to head in the direction they were meant for.
able to make an event
able to attend an event. (Able to can be replaced with can.) I don't think I'll be able to make your party, but thanks for asking me.
blessed event
Fig. the birth of a child. My sister is expecting a blessed event sometime in May. The young couple anxiously awaited the blessed event.
Coming events cast their shadows before.
Prov. Significant events are often preceded by signs that they are about to happen. (From Thomas Campbell's poem, "Lochiel's Warning.") If you pay attention to the news, you can generally tell when something momentous is about to happen. Coming events cast their shadows before.
in any case
and in any eventno matter what happens. I intend to be home by supper time, but in any case by eight o'clock. In any event, I'll see you this evening.
in case (something happens)
in the event that something takes place. She carries an umbrella in case it rains. I have some aspirin in my office in case I get a headache. He keeps afire extinguisher in his car, just in case.
in the event of something
if something happens; on the chance that something happens. In the event of his late arrival, please call me. In the event of rain, the parade is canceled.
in the unlikely event of something
and in the unlikely event that something happensif something—which probably will not happen—actually happens. In the unlikely event of my getting the job, I'll have to buy a car to get there every day. In the unlikely event of a fire, please walk quickly to an exit.
It is easy to be wise after the event.
Prov. After you see the consequences of a decision, it is easy to tell if the decision was good, but it is also too late, since the consequences have already happened. Jill: I should never have invited Aunt Betsy to stay with me; I haven't had a peaceful moment since she got here. Jane: Well, it's easy to be wise after the event.
in any case
whatever happens
in any event You should be able to catch a bus, but in any case you can always take a taxi home. In any case, you should test drive the car before buying it. Usage notes: the same meaning can be also expressed by come what may, come hell or high water, at (the very) least, and either way
in case
if I don't expect much traffic, but in case there is some, I think we should leave early.
in any event
also at all events whatever happens
in any case I hope to meet her this afternoon, but in any event I have to return home tomorrow. Usage notes: the same meaning can also be expressed by at (the very) least, come hell or high water, come what may, and either way
in the event of something
also in the event that something happens if something should happen
In the event of war, we have to be prepared to send in troops. Travel insurance protects you in the event that you have to cancel your trip. Usage notes: sometimes used in the form in the unlikely event (if something should happen that you do not expect to happen): In the unlikely event of a fire, alarms will sound and you should exit immediately.
It's easy to be wise after the event.
(British, American & Australian) also It's easy to be smart after the fact. (American) something that you say which means that it is easy to understand what you could have done to prevent something bad from happening after it has happened In retrospect I suppose we should have realised that she was in trouble and tried to help her, but then I suppose it's easy to be wise after the event. People often tell me they'd never have taken out a loan if they'd thought about it more carefully - but it's easy to be smart after the fact.
the happy event
(humorous) the birth of a child So when are they expecting the happy event?
blessed event
The birth of a baby, as in When is the blessed event expected? This expression combines two senses of blessed, that is, "happy" and "sacred." Today, however, unless used ironically, it is considered cloyingly sentimental. [1920s]
in any case
Also,
at all events;
in any event. No matter what happens, certainly; also, whatever the fact is, anyway. For example,
In any case, I plan to go, or
Call me tomorrow, at all events, or
He may not be getting a raise, but in any event his boss thinks highly of him.
In any case dates from the second half of the 1800s,
at all events from about 1700, and
in any event from the 1900s. For an antonym, see
in no case.
in case
1. Also, just in case. If it should happen that. For example, In case he doesn't show up, we have a backup speaker. The variant also is used without a following clause to mean simply "as a precaution," as in I took an umbrella just in case. [c. 1400]
2. in case of;
in the event of. If there should happen to be. For example,
Here is a number to call in case of an emergency, or
In the event of a power failure, we'll have to shift our plans. Similarly,
in that case means "if that should happen," as in
You're alone in the store? In that case I'll bring your lunch. The first usage dates from the early 1700s, the second (with
event) from about 1600, and the third from the mid-1800s. Also see
in any case;
in no case;
in the case of.
in the course of
Also, during the course of. In the process or progress of, as in the famous phrase from the Declaration of Independence (1776), "When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands ..." These phrases have been criticized as needlessly wordy ( in or during alone are adequate), but they have an emphatic rhythm that keeps them alive. [Mid-1600s]
in the event of
Also,
in the event that. See under
in case, def. 2.
in the unlikely event
If something improbable should occur. For example,
In the unlikely event that I'm held up, please cover for me, or
In the unlikely event that we should have snow in May, we're still well equipped to cope with it . Also see under
in case, def. 2.
in any case
Regardless of what has occurred or will occur.
in case
1. If it happens that; if.
2. As a precaution: took along an umbrella, just in case.
at all events
In any case.
in any event
In any case: In any event, the audience seemed pleased with your performance.
in the event
If it should happen; in case: In the event of an emergency, call 911.