see (the) red mist
To fall into a state of extreme anger, excitement, or competitive arousal, such as might cloud one's judgment or senses. Primarily heard in UK. Their striker isn't the most consistent player on the pitch, but once he sees red mist, you had better get out of his way. I'm not sure what happened. I was at the pub having a pint, and then someone insulted me, and I guess I must have seen red mist because, the next thing I knew, I was being dragged away with bloodied knuckles.
saw wood
1. To snore very loudly or intensely, as during a deep sleep. Once I found out my boyfriend sawed wood at night, I knew I had to break up with him. Jake, roll over on your side, you're sawing wood again!
2. By extension, to sleep soundly. I was so exhausted after that hike that I was sawing wood in no time in my tent.
hit the sawdust trail
1. dated To accept, practice, or convert to Christianity at an evangelist's revival meeting, so as to find redemption, rehabilitation, or spiritual salvation. Alludes to sawdust-covered aisles of the temporary church dwellings for revival meetings in the early 1900s. Primarily heard in US. That travelling evangelist has been pleading for everyone in town to hit the sawdust trail, for he believes that the end is nigh. My friend, the only way you will find peace within yourself is by hitting the sawdust trail at our meeting place over yonder.
2. dated Of an itinerant evangelist preacher, to begin travelling to the next location where one will preach. ("Sawdust trail" is sometimes capitalized in this usage.) Primarily heard in US. Old Bill Baxton? Shoot, he's been hitting the Sawdust Trail for the better part of his life. He probably wouldn't be able to settle down in one place if he tried!
see a man about a horse
To leave somewhere without explaining where one is going, but usually used as an obvious euphemism for going to the toilet or getting an alcoholic drink. And that's why quantum physics is a hoax. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go see a man about a horse. Beth's dad is always "seeing a man about a horse." I think he needs some help because the family barely sees him anymore.
see how the land lies
To find out about or come to understand a particular state of affairs or the way a situation exists or has developed, especially before taking any decisive or definitive action. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent for us to see how the land lies before we agree to invest in your company. I'm just seeing how the land lies between my parents before I make any solid plans to come visit them.
see (someone's) point
To understand and/or come to agree with a particular point someone is trying to make. A: "The early flight might be cheaper, but we won't enjoy our first day there because we'll be so tired!" B: "OK, I see your point. Let's book the later one instead." But Bob, if we don't secure the investment by Friday, we stand to lose everything the other investors had put in so far. Do you see my point?
see the point in (doing) (something)
To understand or appreciate the meaning, reason, or importance of (doing) something. I just don't see the point in another year in high school when I know I can go find work now! I hope you see the point in all the things your mother and I do for you! I'm just not really sure I see the point in taking classes over the whole summer just so I can graduate a semester early.
see how the wind is blowing
To find out about or come to understand a particular state of affairs or the way a situation exists or has developed, especially before taking any decisive or definitive action. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent for us to see how the wind is blowing before we agree to invest in your company. I'm just seeing how the wind is blowing between my parents before I make any solid plans to come visit them.
see how the wind blows
To find out about or come to understand a particular state of affairs or the way a situation exists or has developed, especially before taking any decisive or definitive action. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent for us to see how the wind blows before we agree to invest in your company. I'm just seeing how the wind blows between my parents before I make any solid plans to come visit them.
see which way the wind blows
To find out about or come to understand a particular state of affairs or the way a situation exists or has developed, especially before taking any decisive or definitive action. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent for us to see which way the wind blows before we agree to invest in your company. I'm just seeing which way the wind blows between my parents before I make any solid plans to come visit them.
against the grain
1. In the opposite way or perpendicular to the direction of the fibers of a piece of wood (or meat), i.e. its "grain." Don't cut that wood against the grain, or it will be rough around the edges. For most cuts of steak, cookbooks recommend cutting against the grain.
2. By extension, in opposition or contrary to what is generally understood, assumed, practiced, or accepted. The artist always tried to go against the grain, ignoring the artistic trends of her day.
*against the grain
1. Lit. across the alignment of the fibers of a piece of wood. (*Typically: be ~; Cut ~; go ~; run ~; saw ~.) You sawed it wrong. You sawed against the grain when you should have cut with grain. You went against the grain and made a mess of your sanding.
2. Fig. running counter to one's feelings or ideas. (*Typically: be ~; go ~.) The idea of my actually taking something that is not mine goes against the grain.
could fight a circle-saw (and it a-runnin')
Rur. eager to fight. He was so mad he could fight a circle-saw and it a-runnin'. She's a good watchdog. She could fight a circle-saw.
saw into something
to cut into something with a saw. The carpenter sawed into the beam and had it cut in two in no time at all. Be careful not to saw into the table.
saw something down
to cut something down with a saw. We are going to have to saw that dead tree down before it falls on the house. I'll saw down the tree.
saw something off (of) something
and saw something offto cut something off something with a saw. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) He sawed the branch off of the tree. Sam sawed the dead branch off. Saw off another branch on the other side.
saw something (up) (into something)
to cut something up into pieces with a saw. Jake sawed the logs up into pieces the right size for the fireplace. Would you saw up the logs into smaller pieces?
saw through something
to cut through something with a saw. I can't saw through this wood. It's too hard! I can saw through it!