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sting

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sting in the tail

A disappointing ending to something, such as a story, that is otherwise upbeat and positive. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. The movie began as a sweet, romantic love story, so the tragic ending was an unexpected sting in the tail.

See also: sting, tail

sting someone for something

Sl. to cheat someone of a particular amount; to make someone pay for something. That guy stung me for twenty bucks! Toby was stung for the lunch bill.

See also: sting

sting someone with something

to use something to sting someone. The bee stung me with its stinger. The wasp can sting you with its poisonous barb.

See also: sting

take the sting out of something

to slightly improve something that is unpleasant It was a difficult loss, but the support of the fans really took the sting out of it.

See also: of, out, sting, take

a sting in the tail

  (British & Australian)

an unpleasant end to something that began pleasantly, especially a story or suggestion At the start, it's humorous and light but like most of her short stories, there's a sting in the tail.

See also: sting, tail

take the sting out of something

to make something that is unpleasant a little less unpleasant Humour, of course, can take the sting out of almost any unpleasant situation.

See also: of, out, sting, take

take the sting out of

Lessen the severity or unpleasantness of something, as in That senior citizen discount took the sting out of the airfares. [Mid-1800s]

See also: of, out, sting, take

sting for

v.

To charge someone some surprisingly large amount of money: The airline stung us for $100 to change our ticket.

See also: sting

sting

1. tv. to cheat or swindle someone; to overcharge someone. That street merchant stung me, but good.

2. n. a well-planned scheme to entrap criminals. The sting came off without a hitch.

3. tv. to entrap and arrest someone. “We’ve been stung!” they hollered.

sting someone for something

tv. to cheat someone of a particular amount; to make someone pay for something. That guy stung me for twenty bucks!

See also: sting