• Anxious, often because you are waiting for something or because people are asking you difficult questions
I was on the rack while I waited for the test results.
to not be the only person who is important in a situation or in a group
Laura always expects to get her own way. It's time she learned that she's not the only pebble on the beach.
Buy a
the only pebble on the beach
mug!
Fig. to rise to a position of leadership by working up through the sequence of lower positions.
I come up through the ranks to become a corporate executive. The general came up through the ranks. There is no other way to become a general.
Buy a
come up through the ranks
mug!
Improve one's behavior
Threatened with suspension, Jerry promised to mend his ways.
