the odds-on favourite. Fig. the most popular
choice of a wager. Fred is the odds-on favorite for president of the board
of trustees.
of the first water. 1. Fig. [of a gemstone] of the
finest quality. (The water is probably from the Arabic word for water also
having the meaning of luster or splendor. Diamonds or pearls of the first water
are of the highest quality.) This is a very fine pearl—a pearl of the
first water. 2. Fig. of an excellent person or thing. Tom is of the
first water—a true gentleman.
of two minds (about so/sth). Fig. holding
conflicting opinions about someone or something; being undecided about someone
or something. I am of two minds about whether I should go to the convention.
*off on a tangent. Fig. to be on a somewhat
related or irrelevant course while neglecting the main subject. (*Typically:
be~; go~; send so~) Just as we started talking, Henry went off on a tangent
about the high cost of living.
off the charts. Fig. record setting; beyond the
expected range of measurement. (Refers especially to huge sales of a book or
CD.) His book was a tremendous success. It is off the charts and making heaps
of money.