polo's definitions

throw caution to the wind

to disregard any risk or potential disaster when undertaking any enterprise, venture, etc.

The founders of the American-based fast-food chain, McDonald's, decided to throw caution to the wind when they established their original franchises in the 1930s, during the Great Depression.

by Polo May 24, 2007

nature of the beast

certain aspects or traits of a person or thing that reveal themselves, either occasionally or on a regular basis.

"It doesn't really surprise me that she said things to you. But don't take it personally. I mean, after all, she's generally a nice person, albeit a bit quirky at times. It's just the nature of the beast I guess."

by Polo May 11, 2006

tall order

an assignment or task which is difficult or seems impossible to accomplish.

completing that paper and submitting it on time proved to be a tall order, since I only had less than a week to do it...that's the last time I leave anything until the last minute!

by Polo May 14, 2007

old hat

out of fashion or obsolete

bell bottom jeans and elevator shoes were considered old hat at one time, but now they're back in style.

by polo June 7, 2005

monkey see monkey do

an expression describing someone who imitates another person's actions, good or bad,simply by having watched them before.

"OMG did you about little Billy from down the street?? apparently he burned a house down...right here in the neighborhood!!"

"yeah, well his older brother used to do the same thing when he was around...monkey see monkey do I guess."

by polo November 25, 2004

house of cards

metaphor pertaining to something of a fragile or volatile nature.

-from an old past-time of standing up playing cards together in the form of a house, this "structure" can fall apart at any time from the slightest action (e.g. an air current).

"We must plan this campaign implementing maximum precision, else it will disintegrate into a house of cards."

by Polo January 6, 2008

up in arms

to be in an extremely angry or agitated state

"My father was up in arms when he found out my sister became pregnant before she got married."

by Polo June 5, 2007