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hay
in (one's) heyday
In, at, or during the period of one's greatest success, power, vigor, etc. In my heyday as a stock broker, I was making millions of dollars each year, but when the economy crashed, I lost nearly everything.
between hay and grass
Unable to be easily categorized. Our inventory is between hay and grass—it will take weeks to summarize everything in the warehouse. Bill's interest in the position is between hay and grass—I still can't figure out what his motive is.
dance the antic hay
To lead a life of hedonism. The "hay" was a lively country dance that emerged in the 16th century. Bill doesn't even have a job! He just parties all the time, dancing the antic hay without a care in the world!
roll in the hay
A sexual encounter, often one considered casual. You know, you can try to get to know the girls you date before you have a roll in the hay.
what the hey
slang Why not? An aside used to emphasize one's nonchalance toward something. Often used as a euphemism for "what the hell." Sure, I'm not doing anything today, let's go to the beach—what the hey? What the hey, I'll go to the movies with you tonight.
hit the hay
and hit the sackFig. to go to bed. I have to go home and hit the hay pretty soon. Let's hit the sack. We have to get an early start in the morning.
Make hay while the sun shines.
Prov. If you have an opportunity to do something, do it before the opportunity expires. Jane: While my husband's out of town, I'm going to watch all the movies he wouldn't take me to see. Jane: Why not? Make hay while the sun shines.
That ain't hay.
Inf. That is not a small amount of money. (The highly informal word ain't is built into the expression.) I paid forty dollars for it, and that ain't hay! Bob lost his wallet with $200 in it—and that ain't hay.
hit the hay
to get into bed hit the sack It was time to hit the hay and drift off to sleep.
make hay
to use an opportunity to get the most benefit
Critics continue to make hay over the president's lack of self-discipline. Usage notes: usually said about a competitive situation
hit the sack
to get into bed hit the hay When I hit the sack, I read for a few minutes, then turn out the light.
make hay while the sun shines
to do something while the situation or conditions are right I've got a few hours to finish the housework before the kids come home so I might as well make hay while the sun shines.
See hit the sackhit the sack
(British, American & Australian informal) also hit the hay (American informal) to go to bed I'm going to hit the sack - I'm exhausted.
a roll in the hay
(humorous) sexual activity which is quick and enjoyable and does not involve serious feelings I wouldn't sacrifice my marriage for a roll in the hay with a waitress.
hit the hay
Also, hit the sack. Go to bed, as in I usually hit the hay after the eleven o'clock news, or I'm tired, let's hit the sack. The first colloquial expression dates from the early 1900s, the variant from about 1940.
make hay while the sun shines
Take advantage of favorable circumstances, as in Car sales have finally improved so we're making hay while the sun shines. This expression alludes to optimum dry weather for cutting grass. [Early 1500s]
roll in the hay
Sexual intercourse, as in The main character in the movie was always looking for a roll in the hay. This phrase alludes to secret lovemaking in a hayloft. [Slang; mid-1900s]
that ain't hay
That's a great deal, especially of money; also, that's important. For example, He's making ten thousand a month, and that ain't hay. Originally used to describe a sum of money that is large, this phrase was later extended to other circumstances, as in She married a titled lord, and that ain't hay. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
hay burner
1. n. a worthless racehorse; any old and worn-out horse. I went to a dude ranch, and they gave me an old hay burner to ride.
2. and hay head n. a marijuana smoker. (Drugs.) Some hay head was around trying to sell raffle tickets that looked handmade.
hay head
verbhit the hay
and hit the sack tv. to go to bed. Time to go home and hit the hay! Let’s hit the sack. We have to get an early start in the morning.
hit the sack
verbThat ain’t hay!
exclam. That’s money, not something worthless. That car cost $40,000, and that ain’t hay!
make hay
To turn to one's advantage: The candidate's opponents made hay of the scandal.
roll in the hay
Slang Sexual intercourse.