John, your violin isn't in step with the beat. Sit up straight and try it again.
•I'm trying to play in time.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
in time for something — in time (for (something)) before it is too late. I m glad you made it in time. He planned to arrive in time to have dinner with his sister. I hope she gets here in time to see the show s opening number. Usage notes: often used in the form just in … New idioms dictionary
monkey (around) with (something) — to adjust something. It seems like any time they monkey with taxes, wealthy people benefit the most. Usage notes: usually said about an effort to fix or improve something, especially an effort that does not succeed … New idioms dictionary
be punctuated with something — be punctuated by/with/something phrase to be frequently interrupted by something a 15 minute speech punctuated by applause Thesaurus: to happen or exist at the same time as something elsesynonym Main entry … Useful english dictionary
be struck with something — be struck by/with/something phrase if you are struck by with something, it seems unusual, interesting, or impressive to you The first time I saw her I was struck by her beauty. Thesaurus: to be, or to become interested in somethingsynonym Mai … Useful english dictionary
screw around with something — screw around (with (something)) to waste time. Stop screwing around and finish your work. They spent the whole morning screwing around with Jeff s motorcycle … New idioms dictionary
be cursed with something — phrase to have a particular serious problem that continues or is repeated for a long time The region has been cursed with a series of floods. Thesaurus: to be in, or to get into a difficult situationsynonym Main entry: cursed … Useful english dictionary
beat time (to something) — beat ˈtime (to sth) idiom to mark or follow the rhythm of music, by waving a stick, tapping your foot, etc • She beat time with her fingers. Main entry: ↑beatidiom … Useful english dictionary
time — [tīm] n. [ME < OE tima, prob. < IE * dī men < base * dā(i) , to part, divide up > TIDE1] I duration; continuance 1. indefinite, unlimited duration in which things are considered as happening in the past, present, or future; every… … English World dictionary
fiddle with something — fiddle with (something) 1. to be busy with something without a special purpose. Don t fiddle with the remote control you ll break it! 2. to try to fix or use something complicated. The report says that computer users spend about one third of… … New idioms dictionary
down with something — 1. mod. comfortable with something; comfortable. (Usually with get.) □ Let’s get down with some good music. □ Pete wanted to get down with some grapes. 2. mod. ill with something; sick in bed with something. □ I was down with the flu for two… … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
come to terms with something — phrase to learn to accept and deal with an unpleasant situation or event, especially after being upset or angry about it for a long time She needed time to come to terms with her grief. Thesaurus: to try to deal with a problem or… … Useful english dictionary
