| 单词 | on a sixpence |
| 释义 | > as lemmason (also upon) a sixpence on (also upon) a sixpence: in a very small space or short distance. Frequently (and earliest) in to turn on (also upon) a sixpence and variants: to turn (or be able to turn) or manoeuvre in a very small space or short distance; (figurative) to change (or be liable to change) position or direction quickly, suddenly, or unexpectedly.Not in North American use, where the equivalent phrase is on a dime (see dime n. Additions). ΚΠ 1843 Era 26 Nov. 10/2 In the Ashdown Park Stakes, Mr. Palmer's Palestine proved himself a dog of great speed, with the power of turning upon a sixpence. 1876 J. Grant Did she love Him? III. xii. 182 A lovely little craft she is..either on a wind or before a wind, and answers her helm, so that one might turn her round on a sixpence. 1907 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 3 Aug. 956/1 [The bay mare] wheeled, she swerved, answering to the least pressure of knee..; she got up a rush—stopped—turned on a sixpence, and Billy cantered back. 1950 C. S. Blackton in S. C. McCulloch Brit. Humanitarianism ii. 41 The Port Phillip Patriot, a one-time enemy of convictism, spun on a sixpence and endorsed the Wentworth report. 1992 J. Peters & J. Nichol Tornado Down (1993) vi. 46 These massive warships can turn virtually on a sixpence, skidding themselves round in the sea until they are nose-to-nose with attacking aircraft. 2019 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 31 Aug. Anything can happen, as we all know. Life can turn on a sixpence. < as lemmas |
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