Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, originating from the financial term referring to the nominal value of a security or currency as printed on its face.

Meaning:
To accept something as it appears without questioning.

Usage:

1. Don't take his promises at face value.
2. She accepted the offer at face value.
3. The statement can't be taken at face value.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Accept as is," "Believe as presented," "Take at word."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal or surface-level worth of something. The term "value" directly ties to the meaning of assessing something at its apparent worth, making it more literal in nature.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing praise that is so weak or minimal that it can be interpreted as criticism.

Meaning:
Praise that is so weak or minimal that it can be interpreted as criticism.

Usage:

1. His remark about her cooking was faint praise.
2. The review was full of faint praise.
3. She received faint praise for her efforts.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Damning with faint praise," "backhanded compliment," "lukewarm praise."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to giving minimal or lukewarm approval. The meaning is closely tied to the words "faint" (weak) and "praise" (approval), making it more contextual than idiomatic.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing something done honestly and without cheating.

Meaning:
Done honestly and without cheating.

Usage:

1. He won the game fair and square.
2. She made sure to play fair and square during the competition.
3. They settled the dispute fair and square.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Honestly," "Without cheating," "Above board."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being done honestly or straightforwardly, in accordance with the rules. While it can be metaphorical, the meaning is tied directly to the individual words "fair" (honest) and "square" (proper), so it refers to something being completed in a clear and understandable way. The literal meaning of the phrase is easily grasped, even when used metaphorically.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the mid-19th century, symbolizing an opportunity to present one's case fully and without bias.

Meaning:
An opportunity to present one's case fully and without bias.

Usage:

1. She insisted on getting a fair hearing for her argument.
2. He was granted a fair hearing before the decision was made.
3. They ensured everyone received a fair hearing during the meeting.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Impartial hearing," "Just consideration," "Unbiased hearing."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the act of listening to all sides of a situation in a just or impartial way. The phrase stays closely tied to the literal interpretation of "fair" (just) and "hearing" (listening), and it has a direct meaning related to fairness in legal or conversational contexts. The connection to the literal words remains clear.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing an action that leads to failure or danger.

Meaning:
An action that leads to failure or danger.

Usage:

1. One false move could jeopardize the entire operation.
2. He knew that any false move would result in severe consequences.
3. She was warned not to make a false move during the negotiation.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Misstep," "Wrong move," "Blunder."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a wrong or inappropriate action, especially one made in a sensitive or critical situation. The phrase stays closely tied to the literal meaning of "false" (incorrect) and "move" (action), so the meaning is more directly related to the individual words. While it has a figurative meaning, the connection to the literal words is relatively clear.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, primarily in British English, symbolizing the act of being attracted to someone. It comes from the idea of having a "fancy" or liking for someone.

Meaning:
To be attracted to someone.

Usage:

1. She admitted she fancied him.
2. He realized he fancied her the moment they met.
3. They found out they both fancied each other.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Like," "Be attracted to," "Have a crush on."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to having a romantic or physical attraction to someone, and while it may have a metaphorical layer, the meaning is directly connected to the literal words. The phrase does not have a complex figurative meaning that would obscure the direct interpretation, so it is closer to a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing the expression of surprise or amazement. It comes from the idea of being fancied or impressed by something unexpected.

Meaning:
An expression of surprise or amazement.

Usage:

1. Fancy that! I never thought I'd see you here.
2. Fancy that! They finally got married.
3. Fancy that! He won the competition.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Imagine that," "Well, I never," "Who would have thought."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it expresses surprise or disbelief. The meaning is directly tied to the word "fancy," which in this context means "imagine" or "consider," making it contextual rather than figurative.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of modestly disassociating oneself from the action being suggested, often used to preface a suggestion or opinion.

Meaning:
To modestly disassociate oneself from the action being suggested, often used to preface a suggestion or opinion.

Usage:

1. Far be it from me to tell you what to do, but I think you should reconsider.
2. Far be it from me to criticize, but the plan needs some changes.
3. Far be it from me to interfere, but you might want to check the details again.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Not to impose," "Don't want to intrude," "Just a suggestion."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the speaker’s reluctance or denial to do something or express an opinion on a matter. The connection to the literal words is clear, as "far" and "be" have straightforward meanings in this context. While it can be used in a figurative sense to indicate distance from a particular action or opinion, it remains tied to the literal meaning.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing something that is very different from something else.

Meaning:
Something that is very different from something else.

Usage:

1. His current job is a far cry from what he used to do.
2. The weather here is a far cry from the tropical climate he is used to.
3. The new policy is a far cry from what we expected.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Worlds apart," "Polar opposite," "Completely different."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means something is very different or distant from another thing, either in quality or nature. The words themselves directly refer to a noticeable difference, and the meaning is closely tied to the literal interpretation of "far" (distance) and "cry" (a call or sound), which makes the connection to the meaning clear.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of outsourcing work or tasks to others. It comes from the idea of delegating farming tasks to others.

Meaning:
To outsource work or tasks to others.

Usage:

1. They decided to farm out the production to a third-party company.
2. She farmed out the administrative tasks to a temp agency.
3. He recommended farming out the design work to freelancers.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Outsource," "Delegate," "Contract out."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the act of outsourcing a task or responsibility to another person or entity. While it can be metaphorical, it has a more direct connection to the literal meaning of "farming out," which involves delegating or giving away work or responsibility. The connection to the literal words remains relatively clear.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the late 20th century, symbolizing someone who is ahead of the current trends in fashion.

Meaning:
Someone who is ahead of the current trends in fashion.

Usage:

1. She is known for her fashion-forward style.
2. His fashion-forward ideas often set new trends.
3. They love shopping at fashion-forward boutiques.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Trendsetter," "Stylish," "Avant-garde."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to someone who is ahead of current fashion trends, and the meaning is closely tied to the literal interpretation of "fashion" and "forward." The words themselves convey the idea of being ahead in fashion without relying on any figurative or non-literal interpretation. While metaphorical, the meaning is directly connected to the individual words.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing something that happens very quickly and with a lot of energy.

Meaning:
Something that happens very quickly and with a lot of energy.

Usage:

1. The action in the movie was fast and furious.
2. The debate turned fast and furious as more people joined in.
3. The pace of work was fast and furious before the deadline.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Rapid and intense," "High-energy," "Frenzied."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something happening quickly and intensely. The meaning is easily understood from the literal words, as "fast" and "furious" describe the speed and intensity of an action. The metaphorical use of "fast and furious" is still closely tied to the individual meanings of the words, so it’s a phrase rather than a non-literal idiom.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing a rapid route to success or achievement. It comes from the notion of a fast-moving track that allows for quick progress.

Meaning:
A rapid route to success or achievement.

Usage:

1. She took the fast track to get promoted at work.
2. They decided to fast track the project to meet the deadline.
3. He’s on the fast track to becoming a doctor.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Accelerate," "Quick route," "Rapid advancement."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a direct and expedited route to success or accomplishment. The meaning is tied to the literal concept of moving quickly or efficiently, though metaphorical in some contexts.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the mid-20th century, symbolizing someone who acts as a mentor or protector, similar to a father.

Meaning:
Someone who acts as a mentor or protector, similar to a father.

Usage:

1. The coach was a father figure to many of the players.
2. She saw her mentor as a father figure in her career.
3. He became a father figure to the younger employees at the company.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Mentor," "Protector," "Guide."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a person who behaves as a father in the sense of providing guidance, care, or authority, often in a non-biological relationship. While metaphorical, the meaning is closely tied to the literal meaning of "father" and "figure," which makes it a phrase. The connection between the individual words and the meaning is direct.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 17th century, symbolizing the act of defending oneself from an attack or warding off unwanted attention. It comes from the idea of fending or pushing away.

Meaning:
To defend oneself against a physical or verbal attack or unwanted advances.

Usage:

1. She managed to fend off the attacker.
2. He fended off criticism with calm responses.
3. The company fended off a hostile takeover.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Repel," "Ward off," "Deflect."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to defending oneself or keeping something or someone away. Although metaphorical in some contexts, the meaning is directly tied to the act of repelling or warding off.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing a minor car accident with little damage.

Meaning:
A minor car accident with little damage.

Usage:

1. She had a fender bender in the parking lot.
2. He was late because of a fender bender on the way to work.
3. They exchanged information after the fender bender at the intersection.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Minor accident," "Small collision," "Little crash."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a minor car accident or collision, specifically involving the fender. The connection between the literal words "fender" and "bender" closely relates to the idea of a small or harmless collision, so it is a phrase rather than an idiom. The meaning is based on the literal interpretation of the individual words.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing something that is rare or infrequent.

Meaning:
Rare or infrequent.

Usage:

1. Good opportunities in this field are few and far between.
2. Her visits became few and far between after she moved away.
3. Rainy days are few and far between in this desert region.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Rare," "Infrequent," "Scarce."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something that is rare or infrequent, with the literal meaning of "few" and "far between" clearly communicating the idea of rarity or sparsity. While the phrase is metaphorical in nature, the connection to the literal meaning is straightforward, so it is categorized as a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing an opportunity for enjoyment or a successful time.

Meaning:
An opportunity for enjoyment or a successful time.

Usage:

1. The reporters had a field day with the scandal.
2. The children had a field day at the park.
3. She had a field day shopping during the sales.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Enjoyment," "Fun time," "Great opportunity."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to an enjoyable or successful experience, often in a competitive or eventful context. The phrase uses "field" and "day" literally to imply an event or outing, and the meaning is directly tied to the individual words, making it a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing the act of completing something that is incomplete or providing missing information.

Meaning:
To complete something that is incomplete or provide missing information.

Usage:

1. Please fill in the blanks on this form.
2. He asked her to fill in the blanks of the story.
3. The team worked together to fill in the blanks of the project plan.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Complete," "Provide details," "Finish."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the literal act of providing missing information or completing something that is incomplete. The meaning is tied closely to the literal interpretation of "fill" and "blanks," and while it may be used metaphorically in some contexts, the connection to the literal words is clear, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing the act of making small adjustments to improve or optimize something.

Meaning:
To make small adjustments to improve or optimize something.

Usage:

1. The team spent hours fine tuning the presentation.
2. She is fine tuning her essay to ensure it’s perfect.
3. They are fine tuning the car's engine for better performance.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Refine," "Adjust," "Tweak."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the act of making small adjustments or refinements, typically to improve something. The literal meaning of "fine" and "tuning" closely relates to the idea of making subtle changes, especially in mechanical or technical contexts. While it could be used metaphorically, the connection to the individual words is clear and direct, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of examining something very carefully. It comes from the idea of using a comb with fine teeth to thoroughly search for lice.

Meaning:
To examine something very carefully and meticulously, often to ensure nothing is missed.

Usage:

1. The report was gone through with a fine-tooth comb.
2. She checked the contract with a fine-tooth comb.
3. He reviewed the documents with a fine-tooth comb.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Scrutinize," "Inspect," "Examine closely."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to examining something carefully or thoroughly. The metaphorical use of "fine-tooth comb" is tied closely to the literal action of meticulous examination.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-20th century, symbolizing the act of blaming or accusing someone.

Meaning:
To blame or accuse someone.

Usage:

1. The meeting turned into a session of finger-pointing.
2. They were tired of the constant finger-pointing among team members.
3. She avoided finger-pointing and focused on finding solutions.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Blame game," "Accusation," "Assigning blame."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the act of assigning blame or responsibility to someone. While it could imply a figurative meaning in certain contexts, the idea of "finger-pointing" literally connects to the action of using one's finger to direct attention to someone or something. The meaning is closely tied to the literal words, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the mid-19th century, symbolizing the act of prioritizing something above all else.

Meaning:
Prioritizing something above all else.

Usage:

1. First and foremost, we need to address the budget issue.
2. She considers safety first and foremost in her work.
3. They focused on customer satisfaction first and foremost.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Primarily," "Above all," "Most importantly."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the primary or most important thing in a sequence or hierarchy. The literal words "first" and "foremost" directly convey the idea of something being of highest importance or priority, so it is a phrase rather than an idiom. While metaphorical, the connection to the individual words is clear and direct.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the mid-20th century, symbolizing something that is suitable or adequate for its intended use.

Meaning:
Suitable or adequate for its intended use.

Usage:

1. The equipment was not fit for purpose and needed to be replaced.
2. He ensured that the product was fit for purpose before the launch.
3. They tested the software to make sure it was fit for purpose.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Suitable," "Adequate," "Appropriate."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something being suitable or adequate for a specific task or goal. The meaning is closely tied to the individual words "fit" and "purpose," and it can be understood in context without requiring any figurative interpretation. It’s more directly related to the literal sense of the words, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the mid-20th century, symbolizing the stubble that appears on a man's face by the end of the day after a morning shave.

Meaning:
The stubble that appears on a man's face by the end of the day after a morning shave.

Usage:

1. By evening, he had a noticeable five o'clock shadow.
2. She joked about his five o'clock shadow making him look rugged.
3. He checked his appearance in the mirror, seeing the five o'clock shadow.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Stubble," "Day-end beard," "Facial hair growth."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the stubble or short facial hair that appears on a man’s face late in the afternoon or after a day's growth. The phrase uses the literal time of "five o'clock" and "shadow" to describe a specific physical appearance. While it could have metaphorical connotations, its connection to the literal meaning is clear, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing someone who is inflexible and resistant to change. It comes from the notion of being firmly set in one's habits or routines.

Meaning:
To be inflexible and resistant to change.

Usage:

1. He was fixed in his ways and wouldn't try new technologies.
2. She realized she was fixed in her ways and needed to adapt.
3. They found it hard to work with someone so fixed in their ways.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Set in stone," "Stubborn," "Unyielding."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to being resistant to change or having a set routine or pattern. The meaning is closely tied to the literal interpretation of "fixed" (unchanging) and "ways" (habits or methods). The connection to the words is clear and can be easily understood in context, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the late 17th century, originally referring to the failure of a musket to fire properly. Symbolically, it means something or someone that initially shows great promise but fails to deliver long-term success or impact.

Meaning:
Something or someone that initially shows great promise but fails to deliver long-term success or impact.

Usage:

1. His popularity was just a flash in the pan.
2. The project was a flash in the pan.
3. Her success was only a flash in the pan.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Short-lived success," "One-hit wonder," "Momentary brilliance."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a sudden and brilliant idea. The meaning is metaphorical but directly tied to the words, where "flash" implies a momentary occurrence.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing a sudden and brilliant idea. It comes from the image of a sudden flash of light representing a moment of clarity.

Meaning:
A sudden and brilliant idea or insight.

Usage:

1. He had a flash of inspiration during the meeting.
2. The invention came to her in a flash of inspiration.
3. The artist's work was a result of a flash of inspiration.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Eureka moment," "Sudden insight," "Brainwave."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a sudden and brilliant idea. While metaphorical, the meaning is closely tied to the words "flash" (implying suddenness) and "inspiration" (creative thought), making it contextually understandable.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing attention-seeking behavior or something designed to attract notice. It comes from the image of flashing lights used to grab attention.

Meaning:
Attention-seeking behavior or something designed to attract notice.

Usage:

1. The new advertisement was like flashing lights in the middle of the street.
2. His arrogance was like flashing lights in a quiet room.
3. Her talent in the competition was flashing lights for all to see.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"In the spotlight", "Stand out", "Catch one's eye"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it literally describes lights that flash. Any metaphorical use of the term would depend heavily on context, but its primary meaning is literal.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of adding more details or substance to something. It comes from the idea of adding flesh to bones to create a complete body.

Meaning:
To add more detail or information to something, making it more complete or comprehensive.

Usage:

1. She needs to flesh out the outline for her report.
2. The director asked him to flesh out the script.
3. They spent weeks fleshing out their business plan.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Expand on," "Elaborate," "Add detail."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to add details or substance to an idea or plan. While slightly metaphorical, the meaning is directly tied to the act of "fleshing" something, akin to adding flesh to a skeleton.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 17th century, symbolizing the act of people with similar interests or characteristics gathering or associating with each other. It comes from the image of birds flocking together.

Meaning:
People with similar interests or characteristics gathering or associating with each other.

Usage:

1. Birds of a feather flock together.
2. Teenagers often flock together based on interests.
3. The scientists flocked together at the conference.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Congregate," "Group together," "Associate."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it describes individuals or groups gathering, much like birds of the same species do. While metaphorical in human contexts, the meaning is tied to the literal behavior of birds.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing someone who is experiencing success or happiness. It comes from the image of flying high in the sky, representing soaring to great heights.

Meaning:
To be very successful, happy, or excited.

Usage:

1. The company's profits are flying high this quarter.
2. He's been flying high ever since he got the promotion.
3. After winning the championship, the team was flying high.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"On cloud nine," "Riding high," "Soaring."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it can mean to achieve success or have elevated aspirations. While metaphorical, the meaning is directly tied to the words and their contextual usage.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing a quick and successful beginning.

Meaning:
A quick and successful beginning.

Usage:

1. The project got off to a flying start.
2. She had a flying start in her new career.
3. The team's season began with a flying start.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Head start," "Great beginning," "Strong start."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to an early and fast beginning, particularly in a race or competition, where "flying" implies speed, and "start" is the literal beginning of the event. While it could have a metaphorical usage, the connection to the literal words is clear, as it can be understood directly in context, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing something that provides mental stimulation or insight.

Meaning:
Something that provides mental stimulation or insight.

Usage:

1. The lecture provided a lot of fodder for thought on the subject of climate change.
2. Her new book is full of fodder for thought about social justice.
3. The documentary served as fodder for thought about the future of technology.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Food for thought", "Brain food", "Stimulating ideas"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to material or ideas that provoke thinking or discussion. "Fodder" typically means food for livestock, and "thought" refers to thinking or contemplation. The literal interpretation of these words ties closely to the meaning of material for thinking, so it remains a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of following someone's example or pursuing a similar path. It comes from the image of literally stepping where someone else has stepped.

Meaning:
To follow someone's example or pursue a similar path.

Usage:

1. He decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become a doctor.
2. She wanted to follow in her mentor's footsteps in the industry.
3. They admired her for following in her mother's footsteps.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Emulate," "Imitate," "Take after."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to do something in the same way that someone else did it, often implying imitation or learning from another person's example. The literal words, "follow" and "footsteps," directly relate to the idea of walking in the same path as someone else, so the meaning is connected to the individual words.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of completing something that was started. It comes from sports, where follow-through refers to the completion of a stroke or movement.

Meaning:
To complete something that was started.

Usage:

1. He started the project but failed to follow through.
2. You need to follow through with your promises to be trusted.
3. They have a lot of ideas, but they rarely follow through.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Carry out", "See through", "Stick with it"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to completing an action or commitment. While metaphorical in some contexts, its meaning is closely tied to its literal interpretation.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of engaging in playful or frivolous behavior. It comes from the idea of acting like a fool or being silly.

Meaning:
To waste time or engage in playful, often silly activities.

Usage:

1. Stop fooling around and get back to work!
2. They spent the afternoon fooling around at the park.
3. He’s always fooling around instead of doing his homework.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Mess around", "Goof off", "Play around"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means to behave playfully or irresponsibly. While metaphorical in certain contexts, the meaning is directly tied to the actions described.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 16th century, symbolizing the idea that something is effectively or practically true in every important way. It comes from legal language meaning "in every practical sense."

Meaning:
In practical terms; essentially or effectively.

Usage:

1. For all intents and purposes, the project is finished even though we still have a few loose ends.
2. For all intents and purposes, she was in charge of the team, though the title hadn’t been officially given.
3. The company is, for all intents and purposes, bankrupt after the recent financial scandal.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"In effect", "As good as", "Basically"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it is used to mean "in every practical sense." Its meaning is tied to the literal interpretation of the words "intents" and "purposes," even though it may simplify or generalize an idea.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the current period but not indefinitely.

Meaning:
For the current period but not indefinitely.

Usage:

1. For the time being, they are staying with relatives.
2. She decided to keep the job for the time being.
3. He is living in the city for the time being.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Temporarily," "For now," "At present."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means for the present or temporary period, and it uses the literal words "for" and "time being" in a way that can be directly understood in context. There’s no need for figurative interpretation here, so it is categorized as a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the late 20th century, symbolizing unspecified reasons or a variety of reasons.

Meaning:
Unspecified reasons or a variety of reasons.

Usage:

1. She decided to leave the party for XYZ reasons.
2. He couldn't attend the meeting for XYZ reasons.
3. They made the changes for XYZ reasons.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Various reasons," "Unspecified reasons," "Multiple reasons."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it is used to explain a rationale for something, typically in a formal or placeholder manner. The meaning is directly tied to the words "for" and "reasons," and it doesn’t involve any figurative interpretation. The phrase is typically used in a context where the reasons are either unspecified or implied, making it a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the mid-19th century, symbolizing an action performed automatically due to regular repetition.

Meaning:
An action performed automatically due to regular repetition.

Usage:

1. He checked his phone out of force of habit.
2. She followed the same routine by force of habit.
3. They greeted each other by force of habit.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Automatic," "Routine," "Reflex."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the natural or unconscious behavior of doing something out of routine or tradition. The words "force" and "habit" have a clear, literal connection to the idea of an action done repeatedly without conscious thought, making it a phrase that doesn't require figurative interpretation.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the late 18th century, symbolizing the press or media as a societal or political force.

Meaning:
The press or media as a societal or political force.

Usage:

1. The Fourth Estate plays a crucial role in democracy.
2. She joined the ranks of the Fourth Estate as a journalist.
3. They acknowledged the power of the Fourth Estate in shaping public opinion.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Press," "Media," "Journalism."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to the press or media as a collective force or institution, traditionally considered a "fourth" pillar of democracy (after the executive, legislative, and judicial branches). The term directly connects to the literal meaning of "estate" as a social or political institution, making it a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing a situation full of risk or peril.

Meaning:
Full of risk or peril.

Usage:

1. The journey was fraught with danger.
2. His plan was fraught with danger and required careful execution.
3. They knew the expedition would be fraught with danger.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Perilous," "Risky," "Hazardous."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it describes something full of or involving danger in a direct, literal sense. The words "fraught" and "danger" are understood to refer to a situation that is dangerous, with no need for further figurative interpretation, so it qualifies as a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing the freedom to act independently and without restrictions. It comes from the idea of having one's hands free to do as one pleases.

Meaning:
To have the freedom to act independently and without restrictions.

Usage:

1. The manager was given a free hand to implement changes.
2. She had a free hand in designing the new website.
3. The team had a free hand to approach the project creatively.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Autonomy," "Freedom," "Unrestricted control."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means having the freedom to act as one chooses. The meaning is metaphorical but directly tied to the concept of unrestricted action.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing extremely cold weather or temperatures. It comes from the idea of temperatures so cold that they cause freezing.

Meaning:
Extremely cold weather or temperatures.

Usage:

1. It was freezing cold outside last night.
2. The room is freezing cold without the heater.
3. She felt freezing cold in the winter wind.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Bitterly cold", "Icy", "Frigid"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it literally describes very low temperatures. While commonly exaggerated, the meaning is tied to the physical sensation of cold.

Origin:
This phrase has been used since the early 20th century, symbolizing the start of a new practice or decision from the present time forward.

Meaning:
The start of a new practice or decision from the present time forward.

Usage:

1. From now on, I will exercise every morning.
2. He promised to be punctual from now on.
3. They decided to focus on quality from now on.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Going forward," "Henceforth," "Starting now."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers directly to a time frame starting from the present moment and extending into the future. The meaning is literal and can be understood directly from the individual words "from" and "now on," making it a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing the act of starting from the beginning without any prior preparation or advantage. It comes from the image of starting a race from the scratch line.

Meaning:
To start from the beginning without any prior preparation or advantage.

Usage:

1. She baked the cake from scratch.
2. They built the business from scratch.
3. He had to learn the new system from scratch.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"From the ground up", "From the beginning", "Start anew."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it means starting from the very beginning with no prior preparation. While metaphorical, the meaning is closely tied to the literal idea of "scratch" as a starting point.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 19th century, symbolizing something that happens occasionally.

Meaning:
Something that happens occasionally.

Usage:

1. She visits her hometown from time to time.
2. He checks his email from time to time throughout the day.
3. They go hiking from time to time on weekends.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Occasionally," "Sometimes," "Now and then."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something occurring occasionally, but its meaning is closely tied to the individual words. The phrase describes a frequency of events in a very literal way and can be understood directly from the context or the words used, which makes it a phrase rather than an idiom.

Origin:
This phrase originated in the early 20th century, symbolizing someone or something that is the leading contender in a competition or race.

Meaning:
The leading contender in a competition or race.

Usage:

1. She is the front runner in the election.
2. His proposal is the front runner for the new project.
3. They emerged as the front runners in the competition.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Leading candidate," "Top contender," "Favorite."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to a leading candidate or competitor in a race or contest. The individual words "front" and "runner" directly relate to a person who is leading or ahead, and the meaning is literal and contextually clear, making it a phrase.

Origin:
This phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, symbolizing the act of manipulating or altering figures dishonestly. It comes from the idea of making something appear different from the truth.

Meaning:
To manipulate or falsify figures or data, often to deceive or create a misleading impression.

Usage:

1. He fudged the numbers to make the report look better.
2. The accountant was caught fudging the numbers.
3. They accused him of fudging the numbers in the budget.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Cook the books", "Manipulate figures", "Distort data"

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to manipulating data dishonestly. While slightly metaphorical, the meaning is closely tied to the context of altering numbers.

Origin:
This phrase dates back to the early 20th century, symbolizing dishonest or deceitful behavior.

Meaning:
Dishonest or deceitful behavior.

Usage:

1. She suspected there was some funny business going on with the accounts.
2. They warned him not to try any funny business during the negotiation.
3. He was caught in funny business and faced disciplinary action.

Similar Idioms / Phrases:
"Dishonesty," "Shady dealings," "Underhanded behavior."

Justifications:
This is a phrase because it refers to something suspicious or inappropriate happening. While it can have some figurative meaning, it is closely tied to the literal understanding of "business" being something unusual or out of the ordinary in a specific context. The meaning is directly tied to the words "funny" and "business," making it more of a phrase.