Stump
to travel over (a region) making political speeches or supporting a cause
Example
Although he has become a vocal Trump supporter, the speech marked the first time that the tech entrepreneur stumped at a major presidential rally.
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Grasp at straws
grasp at straws
To make a desperate attempt to salvage a bad situation
Examples
The government is really grasping at straws now in its attempt to defend the controversial legislation.
“Grasping at straws!”
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Rife with
Rife with
Full of something unpleasant
Example
The internet is rife with anecdotes from wellness enthusiasts exploring natural alternatives to conventional beauty products.
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come across as (something) to (one)
come across as (something) to (one)
To be viewed or interpreted by one in a particular way; to seem to be a particular way.
Examples
Did I come across as confident to you when I made my speech?
His comments may not come across as music to her ears.
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Neck and neck
neck and neck
Extremely close together; at or near an equal level. Usually said of competitors in a race or competition.
Examples
The two athletes have been neck and neck for this entire race.
The election is neck and neck. We’re going to have to wait until the very last votes are tallied.
They are not neck and neck. Bull. Polls lie.
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Go to the dogs
Go to the dogs
to become much worse in quality or character; To deteriorate or go awry
Examples
After Joe retired, the business went to the dogs.
Former Labour advisor James Schneider has said that the UK steel industry has “gone to the dogs” after the UK’s biggest steelworks has shut down production after more than 100 years running.
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Take somebody down
Take somebody down
to defeat someone, or to stop someone from causing harm
Example
The Indiana Pacers took down Cleveland, 80–74.
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Get testy
Get testy
Become easily irritated; impatient and somewhat bad-tempered
Example
The mayor got testy when pressed on his response for the hurricane .
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Scramble
Scramble
To struggle or contend frantically in order to get something
To take off with all possible haste, as to intercept enemy aircraft.
Examples
Authorities scrambling to save survivors
Jets scrambling to intercept bomers off the coast
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Take a swipe at
Take a swipe at
to direct criticism or insults toward (a particular person or group)
Example
He has taken a swipe at the leadership hopefuls as he claimed the Party’s brand is now “split” and “broken”.
English Journalistic Gems 