get stuck in
To begin doing something at once and with energy and/or enthusiasm. Primarily heard in UK. My mum bought me this book for my birthday, and I got stuck in straight away. The boss sent me the details for the new project and told me to get stuck in.
get stuck into (something)
To begin doing something at once and with energy and/or enthusiasm. Primarily heard in UK. Sorry I was late, I got stuck into this new book I'm reading. The new intern really got stuck into her work here. The boss is even considering offering her a permanent position.
stick it to the man
To show resistance to or fight back against the established doctrines of a person or body of authority, especially the government. The IRS has been sending me tax refunds by mistake for years, but I've never said anything to them about it. It's my own private little way of sticking it to the man. The news reporter, under pressure from his bosses to only report the censored version of events, decided to stick it to the man and share the story in its entirety live on the air.
stick (one's) nose in(to) (something)
To involve oneself in an intrusive or nosy manner into something that is not one's business or responsibility. I wish my neighbors would quit sticking their noses in and just leave us alone! Liam, don't stick your nose into your brother's affairs—he can manage well enough on his own.
stick (one's) oar in(to) (something)
1. To offer or express one's opinion (on some matter), even though it was not asked for or desired. Primarily heard in UK. I don't know why you feel you have to stick your oar into every dispute Terry and I are having. The members of the board are perfectly capable of arriving at a decision of their own accord, so I'll thank you for not sticking your oar in, Tom.
2. To involve oneself in an intrusive or nosy manner into something that is not one's business or responsibility. Primarily heard in UK. I wish my neighbors would quit sticking their oars in and just leave us alone! Liam, don't stick your oar into your brother's affairs—he can manage well enough on his own.
stick by (one's) guns
To remain determined, resolute, or steadfast in one's opinion, belief, or perspective; to refuse to be persuaded by someone else into believing or doing something one does not agree with. (A less common variant of "stick to one's guns." Both phrases allude to a soldier remaining and firing his or her gun(s) at an enemy, even when the situation might be dangerous or hopeless.) The prosecution is going to try to trip you up with your statement and your alibi, but so long as you stick by your guns, there's nothing to worry about. I really admire Jess for sticking by her guns during college and not submitting to the peer pressure of those around her to drink or do drugs.
be stuck in a time warp
To remain unchanged from a time in the past, especially in an antiquated or obsolete way. ("Time warp" is sometimes hyphenated.) This town is so entrenched in its backwards ideals and moral values, like it's stuck in a time warp or something! There's nothing digital in the house—no computers, no smartphones, just a typewriter and a single rotary telephone. Talk about being stuck in a time-warp!
stick in (one's) two penn'orth
To share one's opinion, idea, or point of view, regardless of whether or not others want to hear it. ("Penn'orth" is a contraction of "pennies' worth.") Primarily heard in UK. I find Jeff's husband a bit trying at times. He always has to stick in his two penn'orth, even when it's clear he knows nothing about what's being discussed. If I can just stick in my two penn'orth, I think the staff would really appreciate a bump in their pay, and productivity would increase as a result.
words stick in (one's) throat
One is unable to say something, due to his or her emotional state. I'm still mad at John, so even though he wanted me to apologize, I knew the words would stick in my throat. Susie was crying so hard at the funeral that when she tried to speak, the words just stuck in her throat.
stick (one's) spoon in the wall
1. To move into a new place of residence. The phrase refers to an outdated practice of hanging a pouch for small tools on the wall of one's home. A: "Has she stuck her spoon in the wall?" B: "Yes, and she seems to be settling into her new place nicely."
2. To die. Did you hear that Walter stuck his spoon in the wall? What a shame. I think the funeral is next Tuesday.
be in a groove
1. To be immersed in a particular task and thus working smoothly and efficiently. Now that I'm in a groove, I think I'll be able to finish this paper tonight—ahead of schedule! If I'm in a groove, I can clean for hours.
2. To become seemingly trapped or stuck in a mundane, non-changing pattern of life, work, and/or personal behavior. In this usage, "stuck" can be used after the conjugated form of "be." I had so many ambitions when I first graduated from college, but now I feel like I'm in a groove. We're stuck in a groove—let's move abroad for the summer and shake things up!
be (stuck) in a rut
To become seemingly trapped or stuck in a mundane, non-changing pattern of life, work, and/or personal behavior. I had so many ambitions when I first graduated from college, but now I feel like I'm in a rut. We're stuck in a rut—let's move abroad for the summer and shake things up!
stuck in traffic
to be caught in a traffic jam. I am sorry I am late. I was stuck in traffic. Our taxi was stuck in traffic and I thought I would never get to the airport on time.
*stuck on someone or something
1. Lit. attached, as if by glue, to someone or something. (Typically: be ~; become ~; get ~.) The gum is stuck on me. How do I get it off? The gum is stuck on the floor.
2. Fig. in love with someone or something; entranced with someone or something. (*Typically: be ~; become ~; get ~.) Judy is really stuck on Jeff. She is stuck on herself.
stuck on something
1. Fig. to be locked into an idea, cause, or purpose. Mary is really stuck on the idea of going to France this spring. You've proposed a good plan, Jane, but you're stuck on it. We may have to make some changes.
3. Fig. to be confused by something, such as a puzzle or a task. (*Typically: be ~; become ~; get ~.) I'm stuck on this question about the tax rates.
stuck with someone or something
burdened with someone or something; left having to care for or deal with someone or something. Please don't leave me stuck with your aunt. She talks too much. My roommate quit school and left me stuck with the telephone bill.