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Phrases related to: play both sides against the middle Page #2

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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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be up againstTo be challenged by someone or something stronger than oneself.Rate it:

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weigh againstTo be disadvantageous to someone.Rate it:

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turn againstTo rebel or oppose something formerly supported.Rate it:

(2.50 / 2 votes)
against the clockRunning out of time.Rate it:

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against the collarIn a tight spot.Rate it:

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hope against hopeTo continue to hope, even when what is hoped for seems unlikely or impossible.Rate it:

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up against itIn a very difficult position.Rate it:

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against all oddsDespite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.Rate it:

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against the grainUnwillingly, reluctantly. It went much against the grain with him, i.e. it was much against his inclination, or against his pluck.Rate it:

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against the worldTogether; as a group, unit, or couple.Rate it:

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beat one's head against a stone wallTo waste effort on a futile project.Rate it:

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bring up againstTo cause someone to have to solve a problem or deal with an issue.Rate it:

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dead set againstCompletely opposed, with no possibility of a change of mind.Rate it:

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give againstto impinge againstRate it:

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give againstto attack or assaultRate it:

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go againstTo oppose; to resistRate it:

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go againstTo be contrary to a trend, feeling or principle.Rate it:

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go againstTo be unfavourable to someone.Rate it:

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go againstTo violate; to breach; to break.Rate it:

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Go Against the GrainAnnoying people by saying or doing something in an unusual way, to arouse anger in someone by going against his willRate it:

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go against the grainTo defy convention; to do something in a manner that is unusual or out of the ordinary.Rate it:

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hold againstTo think less of for.Rate it:

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kick against the pricksTo kick back (of an animal etc.) against being goadedRate it:

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kick against the pricksto struggle against one's fate. [from 14th c.]Rate it:

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push against an open doorTo do something pointless or unnecessary; to try doing something already done.Rate it:

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race against timeA situation in which something must be done hurriedly, by a deadline.Rate it:

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rub up againstTo touch another person with one's body in a sexually stimulating manner.Rate it:

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rub up againstOf pets. To touch a person's body in a friendly manner, seeking attention.Rate it:

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stumble againstTo meet somebody by chance.Rate it:

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stumble againstTo discover or find something by accident.Rate it:

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take againstHe took against me when I was promoted over him.Rate it:

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tell againstTo function as a liability (for someone); to put into a condition of disadvantage.Rate it:

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turn againstTo rotate against or in opposition to something.Rate it:

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up againstIn contact with, abutting.Rate it:

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up againstFacing; challenging, or opposing.Rate it:

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Up Against the WallIn serious trouble, in desperate situation, in serious difficultiesRate it:

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all work and no play makes jack a dull boyToo much focus on one's career is often viewed unfavorably.Too much hard work and not enough leisure time can be unhealthy.Rate it:

(5.00 / 1 vote)
bygones be bygones, and fair play for time to comeLet all past wrongs be forgotten, with a resumption of cordial relations.Rate it:

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play downTo make or attempt to make something seem less important, likely, or obvious.Rate it:

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play it by earTo do something by guessing, intuition, or trial and error; to react to events as they occur.Rate it:

(5.00 / 1 vote)
play the giddy goatto behave wildly, irresponsibly.Rate it:

(5.00 / 1 vote)
play upTo make or attempt to make something appear more important, likely or obvious; to showcase or highlight.Rate it:

(5.00 / 1 vote)
play with house moneyTo act as if or be in a situation that, no matter the outcome, there is virtually no significant downside or risk; commonly used to refer to using already won funds (gambled money, casino winnings, etc.) to finance an endeavor (or continue to gamble) such that there is no real, perceivable or potential lossRate it:

(5.00 / 1 vote)
When the Cat's Away, the Mice will PlayWithout the presence of authority, people will do as they please even of breaking the rulesRate it:

(5.00 / 2 votes)
you can't win if you don't playUnless or until you don't play , you cannot win .Rate it:

(5.00 / 2 votes)
Play Cat and MouseTo make someone fool by playing tricks, to annoy or tease someoneRate it:

(4.50 / 2 votes)
play aroundTo behave in a silly, or childish, or irresponsible way.Rate it:

(4.00 / 8 votes)
play it coolto act coolRate it:

(4.00 / 1 vote)
turn about is fair playMy business partner came up to Me the week before Halloween to notify that he was leaving for two weeks in Florida 'cause is wife was tired.Rate it:

(4.00 / 1 vote)

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