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expression

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hangdog expression

A self-pitying expression of abjection, defeat, shame, or guilt. Don't just stare at me with that hangdog expression. You've already made a mess of things, so now you have to deal with it! The losing team walked away from the pitch with hangdog expressions after their execrable defeat at the hands of their rivals.

See also: expression, hangdog

I guess

 and I expect; I suppose; I suspect 

1. a phrase that introduces a supposition. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Bob: I guess it's going to rain. Bill: Oh, I don't know. Maybe so, maybe not. Alice: I expect you'll be wanting to leave pretty soon. John: Why? It's early yet.

2. a vague way of answering 'yes'. John: You want some more coffee? Jane: I 'spose. Alice: Ready to go? John: I spect.

See also: guess

I guess (so).

 and I believe so.; I expect (so).; I suppose (so).; I suspect (so).; I think so.

a vague expression of assent. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Tom: Will it rain today? Bob: I suppose so. Sue: Happy? Bill: I 'spect. Sue: You don't sound happy. Bill: I guess not.

See also: guess

if you'll pardon the expression

Fig. excuse the expression I am about to say or just said. This thing is—if you'll pardon the expression—loused up. I'm really jacked, if you'll pardon the expression.

See also: expression, if, pardon

not let someone catch someone doing something

 and not want to catch someone doing something

an expression that scolds someone who has done something wrong. (The idea is that the person ought not to do the wrong thing again, not that the person simply avoid getting caught.) How many times have I told you not to play ball in the house? Don't let me catch you doing that again. If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times: Don't do that! I don't want to catch you doing it again!

See also: catch, let, not

There, there.

 and There, now.

an expression used to comfort someone. There, there. You'll feel better after you take a nap. There, now. Everything will be all right.

There, there.

  (old-fashioned)

something that you say to comfort someone, especially a child There, there. You'll feel better in a minute.

if you’ll pardon the expression

phr. excuse the expression I am about to say. This thing is—if you’ll pardon the expression—loused up. I’m really jacked, if you’ll pardon the expression.

See also: expression, if, pardon