Definitions by vaki5

ass-kisser 

A person who flatters or compliments somebody in order to gain their trust or approval; a goal-oriented individual who wants to ascend a hierarchical system (in a corporation or otherwise), and accomplishes this by getting on good terms with people.

'Ass' is a common and somewhat rude term for a person's rear end. Someone who 'kisses ass' is willing to degrade himself in order to please others and get ahead.

1) That ass-kisser, Peter, is always telling the boss how great he is.

2) Don't be such an ass-kisser; the boss doesn't even know you are alive anyway.

ass-kisser by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

across the board 

Inclusive; everyone and everything; non-discriminatory.

The staff got pay raises across the board.

across the board by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

an arm and a leg 

A large amount of money; very expensive or costly.

Some things are so expensive that they are painful to buy, and cost everything you have.

My new Mercedes cost me an arm and a leg!

an arm and a leg by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

anyhoo 

Alternative form of "anyhow"; in spite of it all; anyway.

Anyhoo... Let's get back to me issue at hand--we need to cut back on our expenses.

anyhoo by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

art house 

A movie theater that shows independent or noncommercial or foreign films.

In the United States, most people like big, expensive movies with lots of explosions and violence. Any film that is made by people outside of the Hollywood production system, and that focuses on more subtle themes, tends to be called an 'art film'.

I love our local art house - it's the only place you can see the new existentialist thriller 'The Angry Clown'.

art house by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

all ears 

Listening carefully; keenly attentive.

You listen with your ears, so if you are 'all ears' your entire being is listening to someone speak.

I was all ears as Svet told me his exciting story.

all ears by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

angel investor

An individual who invests in a company during its start-up phase; a financial supporter in the early stages of a corporation's existence.

An 'angel' is a winged creature from heaven who is supposed to help you when you are in danger. An 'angel investor' is someone who provides money for young businesses that really need it. The phrase was first used to describe wealthy patrons who kept Broadway plays on stage despite a lack of profits.

The company never would have survived without the backing of its angel investors.

angel investor by VAKI5 May 10, 2005