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