Meaning: everything is ok. Usually used in a sentence with negation (not in the least). For example, "Losing did not effect him, not in the least".
Category: Idioms
Idioms are expressions with greater meaning. Phrases like "nick of time" or "in other words" or "for heaven's sake". Definition: a group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word understood on its own:
out of it
Meaning: feeling badly. For example, "He is really out of it this evening. I wonder what is upsetting him"?
into a flap
Meaning: upset. For example, "Dad gets into a flap when she can't find here car keys".
in a pinch
Meanind: A difficult position. For example "Mom told me to go, and Dad told me to stay. I was in a pinch".
in a stew
Meaning: concerned and upset. For example, "Dad gets in a stew when Mom is sick. He really worries".
In any way, shape or form
Meaning: No matter what. For example, "Winning the award didn't affect her in any way, shape or form. She hasn't changed at all".
if you will
Meaning: Ending a thought with the phrase "if you will" to add acceptance to the thought. Continue reading if you will
by and large
Meaning: In every aspect; on the whole; in general. For example, "By in large, everything he said was accurate".
from ‘Discourse & Conversation Analysis’
I'm sure you've encountered all manner of theories purporting to explain the significance of things coming in threes. Here is another one for your collection, from 'Discourse & Conversation Analysis', an interesting branch of sociology that concerns itself with the linguistic and behavioural conventions that underpin day-to-day social life.
Three: It’s thrice as nice on this day
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