a real dilly
Something or someone remarkable, excellent, or very entertaining. "Dilly," an American term from the early 1900s, possibly comes from the first syllable of the word "delightful" or "delicious." Primarily heard in US. I tell you, she's a real dilly. Out at 6 a.m. for a run, getting the kids off to school at 7, then out to manage the firm at 8. That film last night was a real dilly, I couldn't stop thinking about it all night.
a real dynamo
Someone who has boundless energy, enthusiasm, determination, or ability. A dynamo (short for dynoelectric machine) was the first electric generator that could produce direct current for industrial purposes; the application of the term for a person implies that he or she is capable of creating a sustained force or productive energy. Once she is set on a task, she never lets up. She's a real dynamo on the job.
a real howler
1. A mistake, error, or blunder that causes great laughter at the expense of the person who commits it, i.e., one that results in "howling" laughter. Do you remember when John actually slipped on a banana peel? That was a real howler.
2. An extremely funny joke, anecdote, or remark that results in "howling" laughter. Boy, Jerry sure knows some real howlers. I thought my sides were going to split I was laughing so hard.
a live one
1. A person who lives a wild, carefree, or spendthrift life. I hear Tommy's dating a real live one these days.
2. A person targeted to be the victim of a scam or to be made a dupe by others. Don't go wandering wide-eyed in this part of town—crooks around here can spot a live one a mile away.
the real deal
1. A person or thing who is genuinely superior or impressive in some regard and is therefore worthy of appreciation or respect. Boy, that superstar lawyer they brought in is the real deal. She's the one who took down Big Oil in court! Wow, this Corvette is the real deal! I never want to drive another car again!
2. The bare truth or facts of a matter. I'm in the middle of writing a book that gives people the real deal on the ties between elected officials and megacorporations.
in real time
Instantaneously; as things develop; at the moment something happens. Luckily, because of our undercover reporter, we can get updates on the situation in real time.
a (real) frog-choker
A particularly heavy or torrential downpour of rain. (Chiefly heard in the southern United States.) It's a real frog-choker out there today—looks like we'll have to have our barbecue another day. There's no way I'm biking to work in a frog-choker like this!
a (real) frog-strangler
A particularly heavy or torrential downpour of rain. (Chiefly heard in the southern United States.) It's a real frog-strangler out there today—looks like we'll have to have our barbecue another day. There's no way I'm biking to work in a frog-strangler like this!
a (real) toad-choker
A particularly heavy or torrential downpour of rain. (Chiefly heard in the southern United States.) It's a real toad-choker out there today—looks like we'll have to have our barbecue another day. There's no way I'm biking to work in a toad-choker like this!
a (real) toad-strangler
A particularly heavy or torrential downpour of rain. (Chiefly heard in the southern United States.) It's a real toad-strangler out there today—looks like we'll have to have our barbecue another day. There's no way I'm biking to work in a toad-strangler like this!
real men don't eat quiche
A phrase that highlights the belief that men should eat meat and other traditionally masculine foods, rather than more delicate foods like quiche (a savory pie-like dish made from eggs). Come on, real men don't eat quiche! How about a nice steak instead?
real time
1. noun The present time, or nearly so. The term is used in applications in which some kind of result or imagery is displayed simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) with when it is occurring. The images you're seeing are in real time—this is a live broadcast.
2. adjective (often hyphenated) Immediate or nearly immediate; present and completely up-to-date. Don't worry, we can get real-time information on the other flights that are available.
in real life
A phrase used to indicate the existence or qualities of someone or something in reality, specifically as opposed to online. We’ve been texting, and he seems nice enough, but I just don't know what he's like in real life. The picture doesn't do it justice—her gown was absolutely gorgeous in real life.