- Home
- Idioms
- nod
nod
Homeric nod
A continuity error in a work of fiction. An allusion to the Greek poet Homer, whose epic poems contain several apparent errors in continuity. Though the film is being heralded by many as the director's masterpiece, there is a Homeric nod towards the end that is undeniably jarring.
even Homer (sometimes) nods
Even the best creators of fiction sometimes commit errors. An allusion to the Greek poet Homer, whose epic poems contain several apparent errors in continuity. The film is without a doubt the filmmaker's masterpiece, despite a minor plot hole in the third act; even Homer nods, after all.
have a nodding acquaintance (with someone or something)
To have a slight or precursory knowledge of someone or something. Jim asked me to help fix his computer for him, but I'm afraid I only have a nodding acquaintance with how his machine works. Ruth and I had only a nodding acquaintance before going to the party, but once we got talking, it was like we'd been friends our whole lives.
a nod is as good as a wink
A small sign is enough to a person who is ready to act. I'm prepared to start on this project once you all are ready, so a nod is as good as wink to get me going.
give the nod to
To indicate someone or something as one's choice or show one's approval of someone or something. I gave the nod to Amanda because she is the most qualified candidate. Mom gave the nod to pizza for dinner!
in the Land of Nod
Asleep. The phrase likely alludes to how one's head nods when one is falling asleep. I would have told you this last night, but you were already in the Land of Nod, and I didn't want to wake you.
nod's as good as a wink
An acknowledgement of the true but hidden meaning of an expression or statement. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Even though you said otherwise, I know you really have no interest in going out tonight—a nod's as good as a wink.
be in the Land of Nod
To be asleep. The phrase likely alludes to how one's head nods when one is falling asleep. I would have told you this last night, but you were already in the Land of Nod, and I didn't want to wake you.
land of Nod
a state of sleep. (Humorous. From the fact that people sometimes nod when they are falling asleep.) The baby is in the land of Nod. Look at the clock! It's time we were all in the land of Nod.
*nod
Fig. someone's choice for a position or task. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) The manager is going to pick the new sales manager. I think Ann will get the nod. I had the nod for captain of the team, but I decided not to do it.
nod at someone
to make a motion to someone with one's head indicating a greeting, agreement, or something else. I nodded at Fred, but I really didn't agree. Molly nodded at Fred, and Fred, knowing she wanted to leave the party, went for their coats. When she offered him some ice cream, he only nodded. She thought he was rude and decided not to give him any.
nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse
Prov. You cannot get people to take a hint if they are determined not to. Jill: I keep hinting to the boss that I deserve a raise, but he doesn't seem to get the point. Jane: I'm not surprised. A nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse.
nod off
to fall asleep, usually while sitting up. Jack nodded off during the minister's sermon. Father always nods off after Sunday lunch.
get the nod
to be approved or chosen for something Martinez got the nod from the manager to be the starting pitcher in tomorrow's game.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of nod (to move your head)
nod off
to go to sleep, esp. when not in bed or intending to sleep I nodded off once or twice during the movie.
be in the land of nod
(old-fashioned) to be sleeping Joe's in the land of nod at last.
A nod's as good as a wink.
(British & Australian humorous) something that you say when you have understood what was meant by something although it was not expressed in a direct way I know when I'm not wanted, so don't try to say anything more - a nod's as good as a wink.
give somebody the nod
(British & Australian informal) to give someone permission to do something We're just waiting for the council to give us the nod then we'll start building. (British & Australian informal)
on the nod
(British & Australian informal) if a suggestion is agreed to on the nod, it is accepted without discussion The Stock Exchange clearly hopes these proposals will go through on the nod.
get the nod
Receive approval or assent, as in, The contestant got the nod from the judges. Similarly give the nod means "to show approval or assent." These expressions allude to the quick inclination of the head to indicate approval. [First half of 1900s]
nodding acquaintance
Superficial knowledge of someone or something, as in I have a nodding acquaintance with the company president, or She has a nodding acquaintance with that software program. This expression alludes to knowing someone just well enough to nod or bow upon meeting him or her. "Early 1800s]
nod off
Fall asleep momentarily, doze, as in
Grandma spends a lot of time in her rocking chair, nodding off now and then. This expression alludes to the quick involuntary dropping of one's head from an upright position when drowsy or napping. The verb
nod alone was so used from the mid-1500s. Also see
drop off, def. 1.
nod off
v. To fall asleep, especially without intending to do so: Some of the students nodded off during the lecture.
nod out
v. Slang To fall asleep without intending to do so, especially as a result of taking a drug or medicine: The medicine made me so tired that I nodded out on the subway.
get the nod
give someone the nod
1. tv. to signal someone by nodding. (Not slang.) I gave Pete the nod, and he started the procedure.
2. tv. to choose someone. (see also
get the nod.)
The committee gave Frank the nod for the job. nodded out
mod. in heroin euphoria; under the influence of heroin. (Drugs.) Max nodded out after his fix.
Common Names:
| Name | Gender | Pronounced | Usage |
|---|
| Aristaios | | - | Greek Mythology |
| Silvie | | - | Czech |
| Meirion | | - | Welsh |
| FÁBio | | - | Portuguese |
| Veeti | | VE:-tee | Finnish |
| Werner | | VER-ner (German), VER-nər (Dutch), WER-nər (Dutch) | German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish |