MVN Expressions

Phrase people who think or act the same tend to group
The old saying goes "Birds of a feather flock together." They were definitely not talking about birds of the "Eagle" family, because the Philadelphia Eagles just released one of their own.
Phrase containing or holding as much as possible with no empty space
Anthony Pisano rents a narrow store front in lower Manhattan which he calls home, filled to the brim with photos and curious bric-a-brac. He often leaves his door open so passers-by can come in and "satisfy their curiosity."
Phrase became aware of something, usually accidentally
Maybe your co-worker accidentally let the cat out of the bag. (It happens.) In any case, your boss got wind that your last few “doctor’s appointments” have actually been interviews. Can you walk away unscathed?
Phrase something that has the appearance of strength but is actually ineffectual
As prospects become bleak for Congress's supercommittee to reduce the deficit, many now say that the spending cuts, meant to be a fail-safe, might be a paper tiger.
Phrase take advantage by associating with the success of something else
"Mockbusters" are low-budget films that ride on the coattails of Hollywood blockbusters. Drafting on all that free publicity, filmmakers are able to make fast-turnaround genre films on the cheap.
Phrase like someone immediately
In one of the most improbable - and adorable - animal pairings the gregarious dolphins seem to take a shine to the cat, named Thunder.
Verb be brave and not complain when bad things happen to you
‘Who’s the fairest of them all,’ is a cruel question to pose to a Hollywood beauty in her forties facing competition from ever-younger starlets. See Julia Roberts gamely take it on the chin in Mirror Mirror.
Phrase give in to a winning force
throw in the towel
Floods in Venice usually mean breaking out the waders, but a few dauntless souls in St. Mark's Square throw in the towel and strip down to swimsuits.
Phrase change around the way things happen
McDonald’s — battered by almost constant criticism of its negative nutritional and environmental impacts — is attempting to turn the tide by opening its first “green” restaurant.
Phrase using force or intimidation to bring about something
Steven Spielberg's biographical drama portrays the 16th president of the United States as an ambivalent leader, not above twisting arms and exploiting the system to get the right thing done.