Be the death of
cause the death of something or someone, as in this comedian is so funny, he’ll be the death of me. although this phrase can be used literally, meaning “to kill someone or something,” it has also been used hyperbolically (as in the example) since the late 1500s. shakespeare used it in 1 henry iv (2:1): “since the price of oats rose, it was the death of him.”
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- Be the making of
be the means or cause of progress or success, as in marriage will be the making of him. this idiom, using making in the sense of “advancement,” was first recorded about 1470.
- Be the end of one
be one’s downfall, as in his heavy drinking may well be the end of him, or that math -ssignment will be the end of me. this phrase originally alluded to something that would cause someone’s death. today, while it may be used seriously (as in the first example), it more often is used more lightly […]
- Be there for
verb phrase be available to help or support someone in a difficult circ-mstance
- Be there with bells on
be there with bells on sentence an expression of happiness about being someplace; i am eager and happy to be here: i will be there with bells on
- Bethink
to think; consider (used reflexively): he bethought himself a moment. to remind (oneself): to bethink oneself of family obligations. to remember; recall (used reflexively): she lives in the past now, bethinking herself of happier days. to determine; resolve: under the circ-mstances i could not otherwise bethink me. archaic. to bear in mind; remember. archaic. to […]