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Phrases related to: behavior

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a method to one’s madnessThere is a reason, rational purpose, plan, or intention behind one’s seemingly crazy or absurd behaviorRate it:

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against the grainContrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.Rate it:

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age outTo become too old for an activity, program or institution; to become too mature for a behavior.Rate it:

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all's fair in love and warunpleasant behavior is acceptable during love and conflict.Rate it:

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Appendix:Snowclones/that's X for youUsed to point out that a previously described behavior is typical of something, usually someone or a class of persons.Rate it:

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apple does not fall far from the treeA child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient Rate it:

(4.00 / 1 vote)
be oneselfTo behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.Rate it:

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blot one's copy bookTo damage one's own reputation through bad behavior.Rate it:

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blow someone's coverTo reveal that one has fabricated or deliberately misrepresented one's own behavior, situation, or identity for an ulterior motive.Rate it:

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blow someone's coverTo reveal that someone's behavior, situation, or identity has been fabricated or deliberately misrepresented for an ulterior motive.Rate it:

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born in a barnEngaging in the annoying behavior of inappropriately, and usually neglectfully, leaving open a door or window.Rate it:

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break the cycleTo act so as to end a repeating pattern of harmful or otherwise negative behavior.Rate it:

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break the InternetTo do or say something ostentatious or controversial, such that the behavior causes a dramatic increase in traffic to a website or commentary on social media; to go viral.Rate it:

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calling cardAn attribute, object, or behavior which is distinctly characteristic of someone or something.Rate it:

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carrot and stickSimultaneous rewards for good behavior and punishments for bad behavior.Rate it:

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cat that ate the canaryA person whose appearance and behavior suggest guilt mixed with other qualities, such as satisfaction or feigned nonchalance.Rate it:

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cease and desistA demanding that one "cease and desist from" continuing certain behavior, such as copyright infringement, trademark infringement, slander, or libel.Rate it:

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China syndromeA behavior, policy, or situation characteristic of or involving China; an actual or potential catastrophe, especially one involving China.Rate it:

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den of iniquityA place of immoral behavior, usually of a sexual type.Rate it:

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do aTo emulate the behavior/behaviour that is generally attributed to the individual named.Rate it:

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don't ask, don't tellApplied to various other policies that prohibit a behavior but also discourage investigation of it.Rate it:

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don't feed the trollSaid to urge another not to respond to disruptive attention-seeking behavior, particularly in online contexts, by pointing out any such response is likely to be counterproductive.Rate it:

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Draw the Line AtTo decide a definite perimeter, particularly regarding behaviorRate it:

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fair playGood behavior, following the rulesRate it:

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freak flagUnconventional or unrestrained behavior; extreme, nonconformist views; the side of one's personality which harbors a tendency toward such behavior or such views.Rate it:

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funny businessdeceptive, disobedient, or lecherous behavior.Rate it:

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get the goods onTo acquire knowledge or develop evidence that reveals the truth about someone's character or behavior, especially criminal behavior.Rate it:

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give as good as one getsTo behave toward others in a manner resembling or commensurate with their behavior towards oneself, especially in a situation where one is insulted or otherwise ill-treated.Rate it:

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go play in the trafficTo go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; get lost.Rate it:

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go with the flowTo act as others are acting, conforming to common behavior patterns with an attitude of calm acceptance.Rate it:

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grabassRowdy behavior; general horseplay or foolery.Rate it:

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hardwiredIn humans and animals, genetically determined, instinctive behavior, as opposed to learned behavior.Rate it:

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hell mend someoneExpressing exasperation at someone whose behavior is likely to result in trouble but who will not heed warnings.Rate it:

(3.00 / 2 votes)
hold with the hare and run with the houndsTo oppose an action or behavior and yet engage in the same action or behavior; to be a hypocrite.Rate it:

(1.00 / 1 vote)
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of godThe rich can afford more immoral behavior than the poor.Rate it:

(1.80 / 5 votes)
keep one's nose cleanTo stay out of trouble, especially by avoiding unlawful behavior.Rate it:

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mess upTo make unwanted mistakes in a given task, usually through distraction or obnoxious behavior.Rate it:

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missing stairA member of a community who is widely but privately known within that community for abusiveness or other harmful behavior that has not been addressed.Rate it:

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Monkey BusinessTrickery, shady acts, mischievous behavior, suspicious actionsRate it:

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moral compassAn inner sense which distinguishes what is right from what is wrong, functioning as a guide (like the needle of a compass) for morally appropriate behavior.Rate it:

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moral compassA person, belief system, etc. serving as a guide for morally appropriate behavior.Rate it:

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object lessonAnything used an example or lesson which serves to warn others as to the outcomes that result from a particular action or behavior, as exemplified by the fates of those who followed that course.Rate it:

(3.00 / 2 votes)
party animalA person known for frequent, enthusiastic attendance at parties, especially one whose partying behavior is exuberant or excessive.Rate it:

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peanut butter and a punch in the bellyChild's aggressive behavior.Rate it:

(4.00 / 3 votes)
play fast and looseTo ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits ones purpose.Rate it:

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play it straightTo avoid criminal behavior.Rate it:

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problem childA child who is particularly difficult to raise or educate, especially due to a lack of self-control and disruptive and antisocial behavior.Rate it:

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read like a bookTo be able to discern someone's thoughts from his or her body language or other behavior.Rate it:

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rule the dayTo set the standard which guides behavior; to control a situation, group, strategy, etc.Rate it:

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scare straightTo frighten (someone) to such a degree that a significant improvement in behavior results.Rate it:

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