SATFA

TYPICAL AMERICAN EXPRESSIONS
EXPRESSION	DEFINITION/EXAMPLE
A‑1	Excellent; first class; Our Colonel is also an A‑1 pilot.
AAFES	Army Air Force Exchange Service; We buy most of our office supplies from AAFES.
ABOUT RIGHT	Adequate; correct; The Captain thought that we would need twelve trucks, and the estimate was ABOUT RIGHT.
ABOVE BOARD	Honest; straightforward; Rapid advancement is likely uf one is consistently ABOVE BOARD.
ABREAST OF THE SITUATION	To know what is happening; These reports keep the staff ABREAST OF THE SITUATION.
ACE	Excellent; star; Captain Bradley was an ACE engineer even before joining the Army.
ACE IN THE HOLE	A surprise; an advantage; The reserve force is the General's ACE IN THE HOLE.
ACQUIRE	To obtain; It is not uncommon for the victors in battle to ACQUIRE the weapons of the defeated enemy.
ACTING JACK	Acting Sergeant; Specialist Cooke is ACTING JACK while Sergeant Davis is away.
ACTION	Activity; excitement; There hasn't been any ACTION in the battle zone since early Tuesday.
ALIVE AND KICKING	Very alert and active; The 58th Infantry has been ALIVE AND KICKING since 0500 hours.
ALL FOR IT	Agree with entirely; This is a good plan and I am ALL FOR IT.
ALL OUT	Complete; The light scrimmaging has not turned in an ALL OUT war.
ALL SHOT	RuIned; If the bridge is destoryed, our placs will be ALL SHOT.
ALONG WITH, TO GO	Agree with; to follow; I advise you to go ALONG WITH the idea; it is very sound.
AMMO	Ammunition; Safety rules must be rigidly observed in handling AMMO.
ANCHORMAN	The one who is last; Being the last Jones was the ANCHORMAN in his group.
AROUND THE CLOCK	A full day; 24 hours a day; The staff worked AROUND THE CLOCK to finish on time.
ASAP	As soon as possible; Since we are running low on ammunition, we need to land the helicopter ASAP.
ASK FOR IT	Invite trouble; He will ASK FOR IT if he fails to report as scheduled.
ATTACK JUMPS OFF	The arrack begins; The ATTACK JUMPS OFF at 0430 hours.
ATTACK STALLS	The attack is retarded or slows down; Our ATTACK STALLS whenever we encounter heavy fire.
AWOL	Absent Without Officer Leave; Sometimes said to represent "After women and liquor" or "A wolf on the loose;" The Sergeant was court martialed for being AWOL for nine days.
BABY	A problem, job, or assignment; Making the estmate of the situation is you BABY.
BACKBREAKER	Difficult job; Turning in all of these small tools is a BACKBREAKER.
BACKED UP BY	Reinforced by; The 58th Infantry will be BACKED UP BY supporting artillery.
BACKTRACK, TO	To return over the same course or route; Because of bad roads, the supply convoy had to BACKTRACK six miles.
BAD SHAPE, IN	In a difficult position; in a bad physical condition; Our reserve failed, so now we are really in BAD SHAPE.
BAG, TO	Capture; to get; We expect to BAG five hundred prisoners in the next twenty four hours.
BALL, ON THE	Correct; efficient; The G3 in that offis always on the BALL.
BANK ON, TO	Depend or rely on; Is it safe to BANK ON the Colonel returning tomorrow?
BARK UP THE WRONG TREE	Look for a solution in the wrong place; Smith couldn't get a correct answer because he was BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE.
BARREL THROUGH	Travel or drive through quickly; The armor will have to BARREL THROUGH the gap in hot pursuit.
BARREL TESTED	Proven worthy; The division was a BATTLE TESTED unit after four months of combat.
BEAT, TO	Defeat; Our purpose in every encounter is to beat the enemy.
BEAT AROUND THE BUSH	Delay coming directly to the point; Instead of telling the truth, they tried to BEAT AROUND THE BUSH.
BEAT TO THE PUNCH	Take action before another acts; We must get there first in order to BEAT them TO THE PUNCH.
BEAT FEET	Run; We had better BEAT FEET out of here.
BEATS ME	I don't understand this; What does this dispatch mean? It BEATS ME.
BEEF UP, TO	Reinforce; We'll have to BEEF UP the main effort with extra artillery support.
BE IN CHARGE OF, TO	Command; You are supposed to BE IN CHAGE OF these soldiers.
BE ON TAP, TO	To be present; ready, waiting; Make sure that you are here at 0800 hours; the Commanding General will also BE ON TAP.
BE STUCK WITH	To be obliged to keep or continue on with something; Charles asked for the job initially, and now he is STUCK WITH it.
BE UP AGAINST	To be faced with; Being inexperienced, he really doesn't know what he is UP AGAINST when he accepts a mission like that.
BENDS OVER BACKWARDS	To try hard; so all in your power; Bill BENDS OVER BACKWARDS to be nice to everyone.
BET	Wager, often without putting up stakes; I'll BET he doesn't finish his project on time.
BIG PICTURE, THE	Complete view or plan; After the briefing, we could see the BIG PICTURE much better.
BIRD DOG, TO	Supervise or watch closely; I'm going over there to BIRD DOG the problem tonight.
BIRD'S EYE VIEW	Overall explanation; Before starting the movement, I will give you a BIRDS EYE VIEW of the plan.
BLAB	To talk without discretion; Tell someone a secret and they will surely BLAB it.
BLACKED OUT	Without lights for security; All vechicles will be BLACKED OUT tonight.
BLAST, TO	Strike a hard blow; This tank is able to BLAST any pillbox.
BLAST, TO HAVE A	To have fun; a good time; Now that the war is over, we will have a BLAST when we get home.
BLINK, ON THE	Not functioning; My jeep is on the BLINK. May I borrow yours?
BLITZ, TO	Attack and overcome quickly; With this plan, we hope to Blitz the enemy.
BLOW A BRIDGE	Destory a bridge; Great skill is required to safely and effectively BLOW A BRIDGE.
BLOW UP; BLOW YOUR TOP; BLOW A GASKET; BLOW A FUZE; BLOW YOUR STACK.	To become angry or excited; to lose self control; The colonel BLEW his stack whe he saw the sloppily written report.
BOG DOWN	Slow down or stop. The attack will BOG DOWN if we do not get more fire support.
BOOMERANG, TO	Come back and cause unexpected harm to the orginator; You don't want this whole thing to BOOMERANG on you.
BOTTLE UP	Trap or encircle; If we attack at once, we will BOTTLE UP the enemy.
BOWL OVER	Defeat in one blow; With a strong reserve, our team could easily BOWL OVER all opponents.
BRAIN	Intelligent person; He was the BRAIN in class today.
BRASS, THE	High ranking officers; The BRASS will inspect us today, so get everything ready.
BREAKDOWN	An analysis; Give me a BREAKDOWN of your air requirements for tomorrow.
BREAKDOWN	Failure; The message did not get through because of communications BREAKDOWN.
BREAK OUT AGAIN, TO	Occur again; We believe heavy firing is about to BREAK OUT AGAIN.
BREATHE DOWN THE NECK	Follow closely in pursuit; It is sometimes dangerous to BREATHE DOWN THE NECK of an unpredictable enemy.
BRIEFING	Explantion of a plan; To let the men know what is going on..Before the attack begins, the soldiers are given a complete BRIEFING.
BRING OUT A POINT, TO	Illistrate; I want to BRING OUT the following POINT as a summary.
BRING TO LIGHT, TO	Reveal; illustrate; This intelligence is likely to BRING TO LIGHT to presence of new enemy reinforcements.
BUFFALO, TO	Confuse;bewilder; An instructor who tried to BUFFALO students will lose their respect.
BUG	Defect; This radio sat has a BUG in it.
BUG, TO	To bother or annoy; It is not smart to BUG the General with trivial, insignificant matters.
BUILD AN EMPIRE	Enlarge; increase; That supervisor is trying to BUILD AN EMPIRE in his unit.
BUMP INTO, TO	Meet; engage; Opposing flank movements tend to BUMP INTO each other.
BURN A COPY	To Xerox; to make a Xerox copy; Specialist Smith, BURN me A COPY of those orders.
BUST, TO	Demote in military rank or grade; Sergeant Yeager was absent without leave and was BUSTED to Specialist.
BUTT HEADS WITH, TO	Argue; engage in a fight or violet discussion; They are going to BUMP HEADS WITH each other because they both insist that the other person is wrong.
BUTTON, ON THE	Exactly correct; I answered every question on the BUTTON, so my grade is 100%.
BUTTON UP, TO	Finish; close; This memorandum will serve to BUTTON UP the issue.
BUY, I'LL	Accept; agree with; That is a good plan, I'll BUY it.
CALL YOUR SHOT, TO	Estimate correctly; Just as you said, The enemy is trying to envelop us, G2. You sure know how to CALL YOUR SHOT.
CAN MAKE IT	Arrive on time; be there; Even though I have a meeting at 8 o'clock, I believe I CAN MAKE IT at 9 o'clock.
CANNED MESSAGE	A prepared message; During pracital exercises, we use many CANNED MESSAGES.
CAN'T BE BOTHERED WITH	To be unwilling to do; I CAN'T BE BOTHERED WITH that job. I have too many others.
CAN'T PUT ONE'S FINGER ON	Cannot locate or specify; This radio is on the blink, and I CAN'T PUT MY FINGER ON what's wrong.
CAN'T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES	Too busy with details to see the overall plan; All the men in the division are not kept informed; therefore, the CAN'T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES.
CARE FOR	To like; Does John really CARE FOR Jane?
CARRY ON WITH, TO	Continue; After the briefing, each section will be able to CARRY ON WITH its work.
CARRY OUT AN ORDER, TO	Execute an order; To CARRY OUT AN ORDER efficiently, one must first understand it.
CATCH, THERE'S A	There is a trick or concealed drawback; This plan is OK, but there is a CATCH in it; we do not have enough transportation.
CATCH ON, TO	Understand; We don't want them to CATCH ON to our plan because he is the enemy during the field exercise.
CAUGHT OFF BASE	Unprepared; We had better think of a good answer if we don't want to be CAUGHT OFF BASE.
CAUGHT SHORT, TO BE	Unprepared; without supply; We will need extra ammunition; we cannot be CAUGHT SHORT.
CHECK!	Right! Correct! Is this what you wanted? CHECK! Thanks.
CHECK IT OUT	To look into a matter; Smith said that there was 6 inches of snow on the ground. CHECK IT OUT.
CHECK UP ON	Verify or inspect; Good staff officers CHECK UP ON orders being carried out correctly.
CHEW OUT, TO	Reprimand; It is not good to CHEW OUT a person in the presense of others.
CHEWED TO PIECES	Severly damaged; The enemy forces were CHEWED TO PIECES by our accuract artillery fire.
CHICKEN OUT	To lose heart; abandon a course of action; The attack was proceeding nicely until the second platoon CHICKENED OUT.
CHIEF AND INDIANS	Leaders and assistants; There are too many CHEFS and not enough INDIANS in this office.
CHIN, TO TAKE IT ON THE	To endure suffering; Because we are not yet prepared, we will have to take it on the CHIN is the enemy attacks now.
CHOPPER	Helicopter; The wounded soldiers were taken to the hospital be CHOPPER.
CHOW	Food; What time is CHOW served in the cafeteria?
CLEAN UP, TO	Finish; Our division took two days to CLEAN UP pockets of resistence.
CLEAN OUT	Definite, specific; It was undoubtedly a CLEAN CUT victory.
CLEAR UP, TO	Explain; solve; I don't understand this point. Will you plase CLEAR it UP for me?
CLICK	Work harmoniously; Well drilled units can be expected to CLICK in any situation.
CLOBBER	Destory; deliver hard blows; Our overpowering tanks will CLOBBER the enemy reserves.
CLOCKWORK	Smoothly; The operation was running like CLOCKWORK.
CLOSE SHAVE	Just barely successful; just barely avoiding an accident; The enemy attack failed to destory the bridge, but it was a CLOSE SHAVE.
CLOSE THE PINCERS	Surround; isolate; By a double envelopement, we can CLOSE THE PINCERS on the enemy.
CLOUD THE ISSUE	Make something less easy to understand; His lengthy explanations tend to CLOUD THE ISSUE.
CLUTTERED UP	Congested; includes many minor details; Your overlay is too CLUTTERED UP to understand.
COCK AND BULL STORY	An unbelievable, improbable story presented as truth; His explanation was just a COCK AND BULL STORY.
COLD WAR	Intense ideological rivalry just short of military conflict; war without shooting; The conflict between the East and the West is a COLD WAR.
COMB THROUGH	Search thoroughly; Someone ought to COMB THROUGH these reports carefully to find any errors.
COME OUT IN FOOD SHAPE, TO	Withstand an attack; All regiments will COME OUT IN GOOD SHAPE if the plan is executed correctly.
COME UP WITH THE SOLUTION, TO	Solve; to find an answer; You know the problem, now your job is to COME UP WITH THE SOLUTION.
COOK UP, TO	Prepare; make a plan; Try to COOK UP something new to surprise the enemy.
COUNT ON, TO	Depend or rely on; To COUNT ON others all of the time is unwise. One must learn to be self reliant.
COVER A LOT OF GROUND	Discuss a lare amount; We have to COVER A LOT OF GROUND during this period.
COVER THE HIGH POINTS	Cover the important points; I want to COVER THE HIGH POINTS once again so that you will understand the lessen thoroughly.
CRACK DOWN	Deal with severely; He will CRACK DOWN on us if we don't complete all of the reading assignments.
CRACKPOT	One given to ecentric or lunatic notions; That CRACKPOT thinks he can ski in Kansas during the month of July.
CRACKUP	An accident; Three fighter planes had a CRACKUP on landing.
CRANK UP	Start; It's nearly time to cross the initial point; CRANK UP your motors.
CRAP OUT	Stop functioning; fall asleep; Boy, what a place for this truck to CRAP OUT!
CROP UP, TO	Appear suddenly or unexpectedly; to occur; Remember how you handled the situation because it is likely to CROP UP again.
CROSSCHECK, TO	Verify from different sources; I want you to check with the Captain and to CROSSCHECK with everyone else involved.
CURTAIN OF FIRE	Barrage; Our troops advanced behind a heavy CURTAIN OF FIRE.
CURVE BALL	Trick, unfair solution; There are no CURVE BALLS in this examination.
CUSTOMER	A user of; Division Artillery is the big CUSTOMER for 155mm shells.
CUT OFF	Surround; isolate; In the defense of an extended front, some units may be CUT OFF for a while.
CUT TO THE BONE	Reduce to adsolute minimum; If we send this group to Corps, we will be CUT TO THE BONE.
DARK, IN THE	Ignorant of; What does this mean, G2? Don't keep me in the DARK.
DEAD WEIGHT	Heavy or oppressive burden; useless; T hat clerk is just DEAD WEIGHT in the orderly room.
DEAD DUCK; DEAD IN THE WATER	Precarious position; defeated; He should prepare throughly for his mission, or he'll be a DEAD DUCK.
DEAD WOOD	Worthless; I'd like to transfer the soldiers who are just DEAD WOOD in the section,
DEADLINE	Prevent the use of; We should DEADLINE that vehicle because the brakes are faulty.
DEAL	To distribute playing cards in a card game; Mary DEALS cards quickly.
DEAL ME IN	Include; DEAL ME IN if you go to the movies.
DEAL ME OUT	Exclude; do not rely or depend on; DEAL ME OUT if you go shopping.
DEAL WITH	Do business with; handle a situation; We must DEAL WITH that problem before we can begin.
DEUCE AND A HALF	2 1/2 ton truck; That DEUCE AND A HALF has plenty of power.
D DAY	Day of attack; We were all nervous when we woke up because we knew it was D DAY.
DENT	Make a slight gain; Our secondary effort will probably only DENT their lines.
DIG OUT, TO	Discover; study; You will have to DIG OUT these experience actors from FM 101.10
DISH IT OUT, TO	Give hard blows; We've taken a lot of damage; now it's our turn to DISH IT OUT.
DIVVY UP	Divide; The Supply Sergeant will DIVVY UP the rations for each company.
DO YOU MIND	Are you willing; I know you are busy, but DO YOU MIND coming early tomorrow?
DONE FOR	Finished; defeated; If the storm hits now, we'll be DONE FOR; we have no cold weather gear.
DONE IN	Tired; After sitting in class all day. I'm really DONE IN.
DON'T BET ON IT	Don't depend or rely on it; I will try to be there but DON'T BET ON IT.
DON'T FIGHT THE PROBLEM	Accept things as they are; don't offer resistance; I know that this is a difficult matter, but DON'T FIGHT THE PROBLEM. We must work slowly and carefully.
DOUGH	Money; I don't have enough DOUGH to buy that expensive computer.
DOVETAIL	Coincide; The adjacent division's plas for the attack DOVETAIL very well our own.
DOWN A BLIND ALLEY	Reach an impasse; You're DOWN A BLIND ALLEY, we won't get extra trucks for this movement.
DOWN THE HOME STRETCH	Finishing or ending; We'll be going DOWN THE HOME STRETCH in Phase I in two weeks.
DRAG OUT, TO	To last a long time; slow; The attack through the fortified position is likely to DRAG OUT for some time.
DRAW THE LINE	Prohibit from going any further; When it comes to smoking during instruction, he DRAWS THE LINE.
DREAM UP	Think up or create from nothing; Boy, he can really DREAM UP the answers.
DRIVING AT	An attempt to communicate an idea; I do not know what he is trying to tell us; do you know what he is DRIVING AT?
DROP THE BALL	Committed an error; missed an opportunity; We certainly DROP THE BALL when we didn't follow the instructions in the manual.
DRUCK, BLASTED, FRIED, BLINKED, STIFF, BOILED, STONED, SWACKED, HIGH, CROCKED, TIPSY	Intoxicated; At the party, Larry got DRUCK before I arrived.
DUCK	Evade or avoid; Let's DUCK into the nearest building to get away from sniper fire.
DUD, A	A disappointing failure; The comedian was a DUD; his jokes were not funny.
EAGER BEAVER	First in line; volunteer; Captain Bean is an EAGER BEAVER; he is always happy to take on any mission.
EARMARK	Set aside for a specific purpose; Your infantry battalion is EARMARKED for division reserve.
EGGS IN ONE BASKET, ALL YOUR	To venture everything in one enterprise; chances of success in one effort; Make out three separate plans; don't put all your EGGS IN ONE BASKET.
END PRODUCT	The result; The END PRODUCT of this training showed up well in the training test.
END RUN AROUND, TO MAKE AN	Envelop; Our best course of action is to make an END RUN AROUND the enemy's left flank.
EYEBALL TO EYEBALL	Face to face; Our doughboys fought EYEBALL TO EYEBALL in the enemy trenches.
EYE ON, TO KEEP AN	Watch closely; You ought to keep an EYE ON enemy activity.
FALL DOWN ON	Fail; to be inefficient in; This operation is of supreme importance. No one must FALL DOWN ON the job.
FAN OUT, TO	Disperse; deploy; The leading battalion will FAN OUT to cover our advance.
FEDERAL CASE, MAKE A	Exaggerate; stress something which is not important; Don't make a FEDERAL CASE out of this matter because it's not very important.
FEED, TO	Send; transmit; The job of the division is to FEED G2 information on daylight movements of the enemy.
FIFTY‑FIFTY	Half and half; equal; Let's split the dinner bill FIFTY‑FIFTY.
FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL, TO	Fight heavily; closely engage; To take that hill, you'll have to FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL.
FIGURE OUT, TO	Understand; solve; Speak slowly so that I can FIGURE OUT what you are trying to say.
FILL THE GAP	Stop a breakthrough; We were threatened, but arrived in time to FILL THE GAP.
FILL IN THE GAPS	Provide missing information; We FILL IN THE GAPS on our intelligence of the enemy by careful observation.
FINE TOOTH COMB, WITH A	Search very carefully; Search the office with a FINE TOOTH COMB for the missing reports.
FINGERTIPS, TO HAVE AT YOUR	Available; accessible; What's your estimate, G3? Do you have it at your FINGERTIPS ?
FINISH OFF	Defeat; end; When that last strong point surrenders, we can FINISH OFF the rest easily.
FIRM UP, TO	Complete; finish; The General wants us to FIRM UP all plans by 1300 hours.
FIRST SHIRT	First Sergeant; When the FIRST SHIRT is not around, I am in charge.
FIX, IN A BAD	In trouble; When the jeep axle broke, we were really in a bad FIX.
FIX THE ENEMY, TO	Keep the enemy inactive; The base of fire serves to FIX THE ENEMY in place.
FLAIR UP, TO	Begin action; Sporadic firing is expected to FLAIR UP all through the night.
FLAP, IN A	In great confusion; Because of a lack of information, the staff was in a FLAP.
FOLLOW‑UP, TO	Verify; supervise; Staff officers are to FOLLOW UP on all plans and orders issued.
FORCE one's HAND	Cause one to reveal planned action; This reconnaissance may cause me to FORCE MY HAND.
FOR THE BIRDS	Unrealistic; The irresponsible answer he gave us is FOR THE BIRDS.
FOULED UP	Wrong; thwarted; confused; Because of unexpected guerrilla activity, all our plans for secrecy were FOULED UP.
FOXHOLE	A single soldier's fighting position; Sergeant Smith told all the soldiers to dig a FOXHOLE.
FREEZE, TO	Restrict or stop in place; If there is not enough time to evacuate civilians, it will be necessary to FREEZE them in place.
FRESH BLOOD	Reinforcements or replacements; The enemy was waiting for FRESH BLOOD before making a new attack.
FRIEND OR FOE	Ally or enemy; We did not know if the troop we saw in the distance was a FRIEND OR FOE .
FRITTER AWAY, TO	Waste; employ piecemeal; An uncoordinated attack may cause you to FRITTER AWAY your advantage.
G1	General staff member responsible for personnel issues, i.e. assignments, morale, and discipline; G1 has been working around the clock to get our replacements here.
G2	General staff member responsible for gathering information about the enemy force; The enemy is trying to envelop us, just as the G2 predicted.
G3	General staff member responsible for operations and training; The Corps G3 gave us a brief summary of Corps Operations.
G4	General staff member responsible for logistical issues, i.e., maintenance, bookkeeping, and supply; G4 , are the plans for the forward movement finalized yet?
GEAR	Equipment; All right, men, make sure all your GEAR is clean.
GADGET	Any mechanical device; What's that GADGET, Captain? I think that it is a special tool for radios.
GEARED TO	To prepare or adapt to a particular situation; Our advance must be GEARED TO that of the adjacent divisions so we can accomplish the mission.
GET ACTION	Obtain results; We need that material right away. We must GET ACTION on the requisition.
GET A LUCKY BREAK	To be fortunate; gain an advantage; We will GET A LUCKY BREAK if there is no heavy precipitation.
GET AHEAD, TO	Advance; Don't try to GET AHEAD too fast.
GET A KICK OUT OF	To enjoy; I really GET A KICK OUT OF that humorous person.
GET ALONG WITHOUT, TO	Exist without; to tolerate the absence of; We will have to GET ALONG WITHOUT hot meals for two or three days.
GET AROUND A DIFFICULTY, TO	Find an answer; A resourceful staff officer knows how to GET AROUND A DIFFICULTY.
GET AWAY WITH	Succeed by taking a chance; You may GET AWAY WITH it this time, but you won't always be so lucky.
GET BY WITH, TO	Manage; succeed; We may have to GET BY WITH only a few men because we have many training exercises to support.
GET GOING	Begin; start; Sergeant, GET GOING on the report because I will need it in fifteen minutes.
GET HANDS ON	Obtain; Do you know where to GET your HANDS ON any more ammunition right away?
GET IN THE ACT	Join in doing something, usually without being asked; Every time we plan to go to town, he tries to GET IN THE ACT.
GET IN YOUR HAIR	To bother; to annoy; That child really GETS IN MY HAIR.
GET LOST	Go away; I told the troublemaker to GET LOST; we do not want any distractions while we are working.
GET ON THE STICK	Get ready; Start moving; We have to GET ON THE STICK if we want to get to the next village by nightfall.
GET OUT OF	To avoid; He GOT OUT OF the call by going on sick call.
GET OVER	To overcome the bad effects; He GOT OVER his illness quickly.
GET IN TOUCH WITH, TO	Communicate with; If you want to GET IN TOUCH WITH the Colonel, it is best to call the office.
GET ON WITH	Continue; Excuse the delay, class -- let's GET ON WITH the lesson.
GET RID OF, TO	Eliminate; send away; Prior to combat, we want to GET RID OF all physically unfit soldiers.
GET ROLLING	Begin; start; Promptly at 2030 hours, the column will GET ROLLING.
GET THE HANG OF	To understand the general idea; I can't GET THE HANG OF this complex procedure.
GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD	Begin; start; We have been ordered to GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD at 2245.
GET THE WORD	To find out the information; I GOT THE WORD about the next problem.
GET TOGETHER WITH	To meet or confer with; G2 and G3 GET TOGETHER WITH each other on all operations.
GI	Government Issue, as in a soldier; Every GI has opportunities for advancement.
GI	Government Issue; Our GI clothing is given free in wartime.
GIMMICK	A troublesome point or hidden disadvantage; a device; This GIMMICK is causing the bearing to wear away.
GINGERLY	Softly; carefully; Mines must be placed in a position GINGERLY.
GIZMO	Anything whose name you don't know; What's that GIZMO? It's a new safety device.
GIVE A HAND; LEND A HAND	Help; He will GIVE OR LEND A HAND to help move the furniture.
GIVE A RUNDOWN ON	Give a summary of; GIVE me A RUNDOWN ON the situation; I must brief the Colonel in 15 minutes.
GIVE AWAY	Fail to deceive; to make known; Those newly cut trees in that area sure GIVE AWAY our position.
GIVE GROUND	Withdraw; fall back; The enemy is expected to GIVE GROUND slowly and stubbornly.
GIVE IT THE ONCE OVER	Scrutinize or examine; This order needs checking . . . GIVE IT THE ONCE OVER, will you?
GIVE IT THE SHOTGUN METHOD	Do quickly; Don't try to GIVE IT THE SHOTGUN METHOD. I want you to be specific.
GIVE THE BROAD BRUSH, TO	Cover in very general terms; It will take just two minutes to GIVE THE BROAD BRUSH to the situation.
GIVE THE HIGHLIGHTS	Cover only the most important points; Reports which GIVE THE HIGHLIGHTS are useful in getting the overview quickly.
GIVE THE NOD TO, TO	Approve; Tomorrow I may decide to GIVE THE NOD TO your suggestion.
GIVE THE GREEN LIGHT	Signal to continue; to signal agreement; The bottleneck is cleared up, so GIVE them THE GREEN LIGHT.
GIVE THE ONE-TWO PUNCH TO	Strike your hardest blows; Because of our artillery and pre‑planned air strikes, we are in a position to GIVE them THE ONE-TWO PUNCH.
GIVE THE WORKS, TO	To give everything needed I required; Now it's time to GIVE them THE WORKS.
GIVE UP	Surrender; If you're surrounded don't GIVE UP. We will get help to you somehow.
GO ALONG WITH	Agree; I don't GO ALONG WITH what you recommend, Captain. We need more time and more soldiers to accomplish this mission.
GOBBLEDY‑GOOK	Unintelligible information; What is that GOBBLEDY‑GOOK? It's a cryptographic message. Here is a clear text.
GOBBLE UP	Capture; to take; A rapid advance may GOBBLE UP many prisoners of war.
GO FOR BROKE	A final desperate effort; We will have to GO FOR BROKE or face certain defeat.
GO FOR RECORD	Do something officially; The General remarked to the staff prior to engaging in combat for the first time, "Now we GO FOR RECORD.”
GO OVER	To be received; accepted; Valerie GOES OVER big at the pool in her new bikini.
GO OVER LIKE A LEAD BALLOON	Not well received; His old jokes GO OVER LIKE A LEAD BALLOON.
GOES OUT	Fails to function; My receiver GOES OUT as soon as I move it.
GOING OFF HALF‑COCKED	Speaking or acting without proper preparation; The commander was unhappy with our briefing; that's what we get for GOING OFF HALF-COCKED.
GOOD DEAL	Wonderful; To one's liking; How do you like your new job? It's a GOOD DEAL.
GOOFED OFF	To avoid work; to act foolishly; That young soldier is lazy; he GOOFED OFF all day.
GOOFED UP	Made a mistake; He GOOFED UP on his first repair job.
GOOSE EGG	Zero; failure; He received a GOOSE EGG for his effort in the test.
GOT IT MADE	Assured of success; no need to worry; If this meeting solves the problem, you've GOT IT MADE.
GO TO POT	Deteriorate; fall to pieces; become worthless; Without good leadership, any unit will soon GO TO POT.
GO THROUGH THE MILL	Experience; to undergo hardship; Soldiers have to GO THROUGH THE MILL to be successful.
GRAVEYARD SHIFT	From 2200-0600 hours; night work; It's your turn next month as duty officer on the GRAVEYARD SHIFT.
GRAVY	Something extra; benefit beyond what is due or expected; These extra rounds of ammunition are just GRAVY.
GREASE MONKEY	Mechanic; It is easier for a GREASE MONKEY to repair the truck than for the supply sergeant to repair it.
GREAT DEAL	Many; much; lots of; Have you seen a GREAT DEAL of Mary lately? No, she has been on leave.
GRIPE, TO	Complain; voice objections to; When morale is low, the soldiers are sure to GRIPE.
GROUNDED	Not permitted to fly; All of our pre-planned observation missions were GROUNDED during the snowstorm.
GROUND FLOOR, TO GET IN ON THE	To be one of the first; have an opportunity to share in founding a promising enterprise; He advanced quickly because he was able to GET IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR.
GROUND RULE	A normal procedure; a fixed rule; We have a no GROUND RULE for such actions. You must follow formal procedures.
GROUND WORK	Basic detail work; The early GROUND WORK on the plan was done by the Assistant G3.
GUM UP	Spoil; do poorly; I don't want to GUM UP this job; it's important to my future.
GUTS	Bravery; the will to fight; The soldier with the rifle is the one who has the GUTS in battle.
HACKED OFF; BURNED UP	Angry; I'm really HACKED OFF at that guy ‑ he ran into my car.
HAD IT, YOU'VE	You're finished; you have no other chance; If you're under an atomic burst, brother, YOU'VE HAD IT.
HALF‑BAKED IDEA	An unrealistic, foolish idea; Going on this trip in the summer was not well thought out; it was a HALF‑BAKED IDEA.
HAND‑IN‑GLOVE WITH	Closely related; close together; The assistant G4 for transportation works HAND‑IN‑GLOVE WITH G3 on movement.
HANDLE	To do; accomplish; take charge of; I think Sergeant Jones can HANDLE this situation; he is very sensible.
HANDS ARE TIED	Cannot act; I cannot disobey my superior's orders; my HANDS ARE TIED.
HANG ON	Persevere; continue to resist; We can HANG ON for eight hours. Our relief is on the way.
HARD AND FAST RULE	Invariable; fixed; There is no HARD AND FAST RULE in such an unusual situation.
HARD GO OF IT	Difficulty; The troops in defense were having a HARD GO OF IT. They need more field training.
HASH IT OVER	Discuss the situation; You'd better HASH IT OVER with the commanding officer.
HASSLE	A fight or argue; G4 and the Ordnance Officer had a big HASSLE about maintenance.
HAVE A BALL	Have a good time; We HAD A BALL at the party last night.
HAVE A CLUE	To have an idea of; understand; I don't HAVE A CLUE about how we can solve this sensitive problem.
HAVE PROBLEM WHIPPED, LICKED, SOLVED	To be within sight of a successful solution; After hours of discussion, I think we HAVE THIS PROBLEM SOLVED.
HAVE IT IN FOR _ _ _	To wait for the chance to do someone harm; His wife HAS IT IN FOR HIM because he came home late.
HAVE TWO STRIKES AGAINST	To have many disadvantages at the beginning; Smith already HAS TWO STRIKES AGAINST him; he is loud and stupid.
HAVE A GO AT IT, TO	Attempt; try; It will be a difficult stream to bridge, but the engineers want to HAVE A GO AT IT anyway.
HAVE A HEYDAY	Have things one's own way; During the pursuit, our Air Forces will HAVE A HEYDAY with the retreating columns.
HAVE AN EDGE	Have an advantage; We HAVE AN EDGE over the enemy in firepower.
HAVE IT MADE	Be successful; If we can cut off the enemy's retreat, we will HAVE IT MADE.
HAVE ON HAND	To have; own; Each unit makes a daily report on how much gas they HAVE ON HAND.
HAVE one's HANDS FULL	Very busy or occupied; Go to see my assistant because I HAVE my HANDS FULL right now.
HAZY ABOUT	Doubtful; uncertain; I am still HAZY ABOUT when my unit will move.
HEADACHE	Trouble or difficulty; Maintenance of vehicles during an attack is always a HEADACHE .
HEAD ON, MEET	Meet squarely or face to face; If we commit our reserve here, our two forces will meet HEAD ON.
HEDGE, TO	To guess; assume; Don't try to HEDGE ON the date the replacements are due. You've got to be more specific.
HELD UP	Delayed; Our forces were HELD UP by heavy enemy fire.
HELTER‑SKELTER	Unorganized; The enemy patrol ran HELTER‑SKELTER back to their own lines.
HEM IN	Surround; isolate; By this turning movement, we can HEM IN the enemy unit.
HIGH AND DRY	Isolated; abandoned; The cracked‑up plane was left HIGH AND DRY in No Man's Land.
HIGHLIGHT	The most important part; The HIGHLIGHT of this operation will be the surprise element.
HIGHLIGHT, TO	Emphasize; stress; The purpose of this booklet is to HIGHLIGHT the slang you will hear most often.
HIGH POWERED	Important; He was made Corps Chief of Staff, which is a very HIGH POWERED job.
HIGHTAIL, TO	Leave hurriedly; We want the enemy to HIGHTAIL to the rear without a real fight.
HIKE ON FOOT, TO	March; There is no transportation, so the troops will have to HIKE ON FOOT.
HINGE	To depend on; Success of the battle will HINGE on the good weather.
HIT OR MISS	Disorganized; poorly done; This is sloppily done; it looks like a HIT OR MISS job to me.
HITS THE NAIL ON THE HEAD	Exactly correct; Your perceptive solution HITS THE NAIL ON THE HEAD.
HIT THE ROAD	Begin; start; Let's HIT THE ROAD. We've still got three hours to drive to the command post.
HIT THE SACK	Go to sleep; I'm tired so I think I'll HIT THE SACK.
HOLD AGAINST	To resent or bear ill will toward someone; He is very impolite. I will always HOLD THAT AGAINST him.
HOLD DOWN	Reduce to a minimum; To preserve surprise, we will have to HOLD DOWN all noise.
HOLD OUT	Continue to resist; You must HOLD OUT until relieved by the link‑up forces.
HOLD OUT (a unit)	Keep in reserve; The 60th Infantry will HOLD OUT one battalion, subject to division orders.
HOLD UP one's END	Do one's share of the work; Each staff member must HOLD UP their own END of the load, or we will never meet our deadline.
HOLDING THE BAG	Held responsible; If the rations don't arrive, the mess officer will be left HOLDING THE BAG .
HOOAH	Referring to or meaning anything and everything except "no;" yes; great; understood; thank you; Are you ready to do a marathon? HOOAH! Anytime, Drill Sergeant.
HOOK UP WITH, TO	To join; to link up Our flank patrol is to HOOK UP WITH those of the adjacent division.
HORNS OF A DILEMMA, ON THE	In a difficult position; What is your position? I'm on the HORNS OF A DILEMMA.
HORSE AROUND	Engage in rough boisterous fun; His chances for promotion are poor, for he HORSES AROUND instead of working.
HOT NEWS/POOP, THE	Latest important information; What is the HOT NEWS/POOP from the front?
HOT POTATO	Difficult problem or situation; That question is some HOT POTATO. Have you any ideas on it?
HOT SKINNY	Information; What's the HOT SKINNY on my TDY orders?
HOT SHOT	Very efficient; very important person; This efficient regimental S3 is really a HOT SHOT on everything.
HOT UNDER THE COLLAR	Angry; The colonel was HOT UNDER THE COLLAR about the mistake.
HOT WAR	Open military conflict; shooting war; From April 1940 to May 1945, Europe was in a HOT WAR.
HOT WATER, IN	In trouble; If that bridge goes out, we'll be in HOT WATER.
HOT WORK	Difficult; Fighting hand to hand is always HOT WORK.
HUNKER DOWN	To crouch; In order to avoid being a casualty, we HUNKERED DOWN in our positions during the artillery barrage.
I'LL BUY THAT	I agree or accept; G4, your plan looks O.K. to me. I'LL BUY THAT.
I'LL GO ALONG WITH THAT	I agree or accept; Captain, your plans look OK to me. I'LL GO ALONG WITH THAT.
I'LL GO FOR THAT	I like that; I'll accept that; Would you like five days leave? Sure, I'LL GO FOR THAT.
I'LL SETTLE FOR THAT	I'll accept that; I need forty trucks, but I have only twenty‑five. I will not SETTLE FOR THAT .
I'M SOLD ON	I like; I support; I'M SOLD ON the idea of small unit rotation because it enhances unit readiness.
IN A JAM	Difficult situation; They got themselves IN A JAM when they disregarded his order.
IN A SWEAT	To be worried; He was IN A SWEAT about the general's inspection.
IN A TIGHT OR TOUGH SPOT	To be in a difficult situation; We are in a TIGHT SPOT because we are surrounded.
INDIAN	An ordinary worker; Well, here are my orders; I'll just be an INDIAN in the Pentagon.
INFO	Shortened form of information; The G2 will provide the INFO on intelligence matters.
IN THE BAG	Positive; certain; After we take that last hill, their surrender is IN THE BAG.
IN THE MILL	Being processed; All outstanding requisitions still IN THE MILL are canceled.
IN TUNE WITH	Agree; in accord with; All division operations must be IN TUNE WITH the Commanding General's guidance.
IRONCLAD RULE	Invariable; without exception; It is an IRONCLAD RULE that subordinates respect supervisors.
IRON OUT, TO	Settle; arrange the details of; coordinate; You must see the Division Adjutant TO IRON OUT this rotation program.
IT'S ALL YOURS	It's your problem or assignment; I need a recommendation on the issue before 1700 hours; IT'S ALL YOURS.
IT'S BEYOND ME	I don't understand this; We have waited two days for a response. I can't under-stand why Theresa has no news; IT'S BEYOND ME.
IT'S AT A PREMIUM	Badly needed; in high demand; Gas is expensive because IT'S AT A PREMIUM right now.
IT'S IN YOUR HANDS/LAP	It's your problem or assignment; What are we going to do about this? IT'S IN YOUR HANDS/LAP .
IT STRIKES ME THAT	I think; I believe; IT STRIKES ME THAT we need reinforcements just to be safe.
IT'S YOUR BABY	It's your problem or assignment; What are we going to do about this? IT'S YOUR BABY.
JACK‑OF‑ALL TRADES	A versatile person; That boy is a JACK‑OF‑ALL TRADES in sports. There is not a sport he cannot play.
JAM, IN A	In trouble; That battalion is out of ammunition and gas. They're in a JAM for sure.
JELLED	Resolved; come together; Our plans were all JELLED before the Commanding Officer returned.
JIGSAW	A riddle (a type of puzzle); mixed up; The G2 is the one who must solve the JIGSAW puzzle of enemy strategy.
JITTERY	Nervous; tense; Our plans are well‑organized, so don't be JITTERY.
JIVE WITH, TO	Agree with; This report appears to JIVE WITH what the observation team indicated.
JUMP AHEAD OF, ONE	Planned in advance; I'm one JUMP AHEAD of you. I've already arranged that.
JUMP OFF (of an attack)	Begin; Our attack is to JUMP OFF tomorrow morning at 0430.
JUMP THE GUN	To do anything prematurely; to start too early; Smith is nervous about the project, and he is likely to JUMP THE GUN.
JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS	Decide too quickly; This issue is serious so don't JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS.
JUNK	Worthless material; Our equipment is JUNK after three months on the front.
KEEP AN EYE ON OR OUT FOR	To watch or watch for; KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR her. She will be here soon.
KEEP CLEAR OF, TO	Avoid; Warn your troops to KEEP CLEAR OF that mine field near you.
KEEP CLOSE TABS ON	Watch closely; Because we are getting ready to attack, we will have to KEEP CLOSE TABS ON that enemy armored division.
KEEP HAMMERING AT	Continue to attack; KEEP HAMMERING AT them in that area until we open their line.
KEEP one IN THE PICTURE, TO	Advise or inform; G2, be sure to KEEP me IN THE PICTURE on any new enemy reinforcements.
KEEP IN MIND	Remember; During the heat of battle, we must KEEP IN MIND our final objective and our mission.
KEEP THE ENEMY OFF YOUR BACK	Prevent the enemy from bothering you; In a withdrawal, the purpose of the detachment being left engaged is to KEEP THE ENEMY OFF YOUR BACK.
KEEP YOUR FINGER ON	Control or keep in contact with; You have to KEEP YOUR FINGER ON everyone involved at all times so that we are ready.
KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU	Be calm; Don't get excited during the enemy attack, just KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU.
KEYSTONE	Something on which associated things depend; the principal point; The KEYSTONE of the maintenance system is the user of equipment.
KICK AROUND, TO	Discuss; We have two days to KICK the plan AROUND before deciding on a solution.
KICKOFF, AT THE	At the beginning; The General went down to the 59th Infantry to watch the KICKOFF of the attack.
KICKOFF, TO	Begin; The red flare was the signal to KICKOFF the attack.
KNOCK-DOWN‑DRAG‑OUT AFFAIR	A fight to the final conclusion; The hotly contested air battle, like ours on the ground, turned into a KNOCK‑DOWN‑DRAG‑OUT AFFAIR.
KNOCK OFF/OUT, TO	Kill; take out of action; We tried to KNOCK OFF/OUT the enemy artillery the first day.
KNOW‑HOW	The ability; the knowledge; We mistakenly believed that the Sergeant had the KNOW‑HOW to be a good G3.
KNOW THE ROPES	Knowledgeable about procedures; As a former successful G3, he appears to KNOW THE ROPES pretty well.
KNOW THE SCORE, TO	Knowledgeable about; The Captain wrote the proposal and should KNOW THE SCORE about this project.
KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND, TO	To be (become) familiar with; In each new job, it takes time to KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND .
LAST DITCH	Final resistance or effort; When we blow up all bridges in the rear, the enemy had to make a LAST DITCH.
LAST INNING(S), IN THE	In the final phase; We launched our exploiting forces in the LAST INNINGS of the campaign.
LAST LEGS	Just short of exhaustion; making one's final resistance; Come on, they're on their LAST LEGS; we can force the enemy to surrender.
LAST RESORT, AS A	As a final means; The service elements of the division are used in combat only as a LAST RESORT.
LAST STAND	Final resistance; The Battle of the Bulge was really the German Army's LAST STAND.
LATE SHIFT	Late tour of duty; I'm on duty from 2000--0600 hours; that's the LATE SHIFT.
LAY IT IN one's LAP	Give an assignment to; It's not my responsibility, so don't LAY IT IN my LAP.
LAY ON	Pre-arrange; prepare; G3 Air, LAY ON three air alert missions for tomorrow's attack.
LAYOUT	Physical arrangement; The LAYOUT of the communication center must be efficient and convenient.
LAY THE CARDS ON THE TABLE, TO	Explain the details; Before we commit the reserve company, he will have to LAY THE CARDS ON THE TABLE to the old man.
LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR, TO	Make first preparations; Part of the staff is detached to LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR the next operation.
LEAN FORWARD IN THE FOXHOLE	Troops are ready and eager to begin the attack; At H‑hr, all troops were LEANING FORWARD IN THEIR FOXHOLES.
LET'S GET GOING	Let's begin; Since we are already late, LET’S GET GOING to the division rear.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK	Let's examine; On the way, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT/INTO the plan for tomorrow.
LETTER OF THE LAW	Each detail of the law; We've done nothing wrong, so we've complied with the LETTER OF THE LAW .
LIVE OFF THE LAND	Use local resources; Enemy policy is to LIVE OFF THE LAND as much as possible.
LOCK HORNS WITH	Argue; engage in a fight or discussion; It we attack there, we'll only LOCK HORNS WITH their prepared position.
LOOK DOWN YOUR THROAT	Have dominant observation; From that hill mass, the enemy can LOOK DOWN YOUR THROAT.
LOOK INTO	Examine; Here is the report, Captain. LOOK INTO it at once, please.
LOOK INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL	Make a guess; A good G2 does not LOOK INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL for answers he looks for indications.
LOWER THE BOOM, TO	Strike a heavy blow; Our air support should really be able to LOWER THE BOOM on them.
LUMP TOGETHER	Add or total; LUMP TOGETHER all the data on this situation for me so that I can give the brigade commander an overview.
MADE A FINE PLAY	Did something very well; The tank‑infantry team MADE A FINE PLAY through that hole punched into the enemy lines.
MAKE A STAB AT IT	Attempt, try, or guess; I don't know the correct answer, but I'll MAKE A STAB AT IT.
MAKESHIFT	Improvised; This was a MAKESHIFT plan pending a complete analysis of the situation.
MAKE GOOD, TO	Be successful; We expect division units to MAKE GOOD on their combat readiness test.
MAKEUP	Composition; arrangement; The MAKEUP of that task force parallels that of a covering force.
MAN‑HOUR	Work of one individual for one hour; Five MAN‑HOURS are needed to get that truck operating again.
MAULED	Damaged; hurt; Because of the enemy's tenacity, the troops in the counterattack, though successful, were severely MAULED.
MEANS TO THE END	Method of accomplishing something; Clarity in operation orders is only one MEANS TO THE END. Now we must execute the orders.
MEAT OF THE MATTER	The important point; The MEAT OF THE MATTER is contained in the second paragraph.
MESS UP	Ruin or spoil; Now that you are in command, be careful not to MESS UP your chances for a promotion.
MISS THE BOAT &	Fail; We will MISS THE BOAT if we over-estimate the enemy strategy.
MOP UP	Finish; The 20th Infantry, following the 23rd Armored, will MOP UP the last enemy resistance.
MOVE OUT, TO	Begin movement; march; The leading serials will have to MOVE OUT of their areas right on time.
MOVE UP A NOTCH	Advance, as in a promotion; Next month I'll MOVE UP A NOTCH from Assistant G3 to G3.
MOW DOWN	Wound or kill many; Our interlocking fire will MOW DOWN the enemy infantry.
MUDDLED UP	Confused; This latest poop leaves me more MUDDLED UP than before.
MUFF YOUR CHANCE	Fail or miss; Don't MUFF YOUR CHANCE to earn a promotion.
MULL OVER	Think about; Wait a minute; I have to MULL OVER this news awhile before I make a decision.
NAIL DOWN	To make final, firm, or specific; It was difficult to NAIL DOWN the enemy infantry.
NASTY BUSINESS	Dirty; The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital will have a lot of NASTY BUSINESS after the attack.
NEEDLE	Annoy; NEEDLE them with questions to make them talk; he won't offer information unless forced to do so.
NEVER SAY DIE	Never give up hope; don't surrender; We still have a chance, you know -- NEVER SAY DIE.
NEVER MIND	Forget about it; NEVER MIND, I will submit a new plan myself.
NEWBIE	New person in a unit; The NEWBIE usually has to clean the latrines.
NIP AND TUCK	Very close, almost evenly matched; The fighting on our first objective was NIP AND TUCK because both sides were equally matched.
NITPICK	Bother with minor questions; Don't NITPICK the instructor during class; ask him afterwards.
NONCOM	Noncommissioned officer; The First Sergeant is the senior NONCOM of our company.
NOSE, ON THE	Exactly; correctly; The patrol hit the objective right ON THE NOSE.
NO SWEAT	Don't worry; that which can be performed easily; NO SWEAT , I can get this stubborn engine operating.
NUTSHELL, IN A	Briefly; In a NUTSHELL, General, we can support your plan.
ODDS AND ENDS	Remnants; small parts; The entire room was filled with ODDS AND ENDS, left over from two world wars.
O‑DARK‑THIRTY	Before dawn; If we want to arrive by sundown, we will have to leave the camp at O‑DARK‑THIRTY.
OFF BALANCE, TO CATCH	By attacking at 2300 hours, we should be able to catch the enemy OFF BALANCE.
OFF BASE	Wrong; incorrect; You are way OFF BASE on your time and space calculation -- redo them.
OFFHAND	At first glance; OFFHAND , I estimate that we'll capture about two hundred Prisoners on D‑day.
OFF THE CUFF/RECORD	Not official; not to be quoted; impromptu comment; Here are some factors to help you which I'll give you OFF THE CUFF/RECORD.
OFF THE TRACK	Away from; unaware; This maneuver will keep the enemy OFF THE TRACK of our main effort.
O.K.	Acceptable; correct; Your plan is O.K.
OLD MAN	Senior officer; The OLD MAN doesn't always agree with the G3.
OLD STANDBY	Someone or something which has been proven reliable; The Commanding General is permitted to select an OLD STANDBY as Chief of Staff.
OLD STUFF	Familiar to everyone; That's OLD STUFF; it was in use at the outbreak of World War II.
ONE SHOT	Only once; We can give it a ONE SHOT treatment.
ON THE BALL, TO BE	Alert; quick‑thinking; That young officer is really ON THE BALL; he is ready to Command a company now.
ON THE CARPET	Reprimand; The Old Man will definitely call you ON THE CARPET for Careless, thoughtless mistakes.
ON THE DRAWING BOARD	Being planned; We have several new jet aircrafts ON THE DRAWING BOARD.
ON THE FENCE	Undecided; Right now, the General is ON THE FENCE regarding the two courses of action.
ON THE HOOK	In a difficult position; You've got me ON THE HOOK by assigning me that job! but I'll do the best I can.
ON THE LAST LAP	Near the end; Here is the Command Post. We're ON THE LAST LAP now.
ON THE ROPES	Almost defeated; The enemy is ON THE ROPES, so let's keep hammering at them.
ON THE SPOT	In a position requiring a decision; normally under pressure; Your question puts me ON THE SPOT, but here's my recommendation.
ON YOUR OWN	Independent; alone; During an independent operation, the commander is pretty much ON HIS OWN.
OPEN AND SHUT	Sure; certain; positive; There is so much evidence that it is an OPEN AND SHUT case against the accused.
OUTFIT	Unit; organization; Hospital returnees should be reassigned to their old OUTFIT.
OUT OF HAND	Out of control; After the police used tear gas, the situation got OUT OF HAND.
OUT OF THE BLUE	Without warning; unexpected; We had not seen him in years, and he dropped in the house OUT OF THE BLUE; what a pleasant surprise.
OUT OF THE QUESTION	Impossible; not considered; That solution is completely OUT OF THE QUESTION; we do not have the manpower to support that solution.
OUT OF THE WOODS	Successful conclusion in sight; In another day, we should be OUT OF THE WOODS, reinforcements are on their way.
OUT OF YOUR MIND	Speaking or acting foolishly; Are you OUT OF YOUR MIND? You should speak more politely to a superior officer.
OUT ON A LIMB	Undecided; doubtful; The colonel went OUT ON A LIMB with that decision, but the chance he took was worth it.
OUT TO GET	To wait for the chance to do someone harm; Jack is really OUT TO GET Fred because Fred does not do his share of the work.
OVERALL PICTURE	Complete situation; I realize your calendar is full, but I can brief you on the OVERALL PICTURE in ten minutes.
OVER one's HEAD, TO GO	Appeal to higher authority; If the Lieutenant's request is refused by the authorities in your office, it may be necessary to go OVER their HEADS and ask the Captain.
OVER MY HEAD	Difficult to understand; The Colonel's explanation is OVER MY HEAD; I don't understand it.
PACK A WALLOP, TO	To be powerful or strong; Because of the thickness of the armor, the new missile will really have to PACK A WALLOP to be effective.
PAIN IN THE NECK	A boring person; a disturbing person; Mr. Jones is a PAIN IN THE NECK; he is always complaining about something.
PAINT A ROSY PICTURE, TO	Describe in an ideal or optimistic manner; He is sometimes too optimistic, he tends to PAINT A ROSY PICTURE.
PASS THE BUCK, TO	Avoid responsibility by giving it to another; Don't try to PASS THE BUCK to me because that problem is yours.
PASS THE WORD DOWN THE LINE	Communicate; to convey the message; PASS THE WORD DOWN THE LINE about possible use of gas masks.
PAT ANSWER	A sure, specific reply; This question calls for a PAT ANSWER; it could affect this officer's chance for promotion.
PAT, HAVE DOWN	Memorize; to be very knowledgeable about; The patrol will HAVE the area DOWN PAT after so many gunnery exercises.
PAY DEARLY	Be costly; If we try to infiltrate, we will PAY DEARLY for it in lives.
PAYOFF, THE	The result; climax; THE PAYOFF of proper fire support coordination is the enemy’s defeat.
PAY OFF, TO	Produce good results; Good maintenance ought TO PAY OFF in a reduced number of deadlined vehicles.
PEAK LOAD	Greatest amount of work; The G3 has a PEAK LOAD from about 0900 to 1800 hours.
PEP TALK, A	A talk to raise morale; You look disappointed; what's the matter. You need a PEP TALK.
PICK AND SHOVEL WORK	Difficult assignment(s); The new members on a staff do most of the PICK AND SHOVEL WORK.
PICK ONE OUT OF THIN AIR	Guess; There are several possible solutions, so I'll PICK ONE OUT OF THIN AIR.
PIN DOWN THE ENEMY	Keep the enemy in control; immobilize by fire; Our artillery will PIN DOWN THE ENEMY indefinitely.
PINPOINT	Locate accurately; identify; You must PINPOINT your targets when requesting artillery support.
PIPELINE, IN THE	According to requisition; Individually trained replacements arrive in the PIPELINE.
PLANT, A	A spy; Some G1 men mingle with refugees as a PLANT to discover enemy agents.
PLASTER, TO	Destroy; Ask for an air strike to PLASTER that target.
PLAY SAFE, TO	To be cautious; On the defense, we requisition extra Class V supplies just to PLAY it SAFE.
PLOW THROUGH	Pass through quickly; An armored division cannot PLOW THROUGH heavily fortified positions.
PLUG THE GAP	Stop a breakthrough; The General committed the Engineer Battalion to PLUG THE GAP.
POINT, THERE IS NO	There is no reason; useless; THERE IS NO POINT in asking for it since there are none in stock.
POINT UP	Emphasize; reveal; The arrival of the enemy reinforcements would POINT UP a stiffening defense.
POLISH OFF	Defeat; complete; The mission of this unit is to POLISH OFF remaining resistance.
POLL THE CLASS	Take a vote; ask for opinions; I'll POLL THE CLASS on these three courses of action, then we will make our final recommendation.
POOP	Information; According to the POOP, we'll occupy blocking positions.
POOPED OUT	Tired; exhausted; In mountain operations, soldiers become POOPED OUT easily.
POOP SHEET	Information sheet; Where is that movement POOP SHEET with the critical points on the route?
POOR; BAD; LOUSY; BUM DEAL	An unfavorable arrangement; Going to school on Saturdays is a LOUSY DEAL.
POP UP	Occur; happen; During a briefing, anything can POP UP, so be alert.
POUND TO PIECES	Strike or attack heavily; Our artillery fire will POUND TO PIECES any defense they establish.
POUR OUT THE LEAD	Shoot a great deal of ammunition; This new automatic rifle can really POUR OUT THE LEAD.
POWER PLAY	A strong movement; A penetration is normally a POWER PLAY through the middle.
PRESSED FOR TIME	Have very little time; I would like to stay longer, but I'm really PRESSED FOR TIME -- I have to hurry along.
PROS AND CONS	Advantages and disadvantages; Let's discuss the PROS AND CONS of this course of action.
PROD, TO	Urge; Someone ought to PROD the Old Man into taking action.
PULL OFF AN OPERATION	Execute a maneuver; We can't PULL OFF this OPERATION without control of the approaches.
PULL THE PIN, TO	Depart; end; I think that it's about time for us to PULL THE PIN on this operation.
PULLS OUT; PULL OUT	Withdraws; When a unit PULLS OUT by order, it also pulls stakes.
PULL STAKES, TO	Depart; pull up tent pegs; The enemy had to PULL STAKES in a hurry because we were penetrating their position.
PUNCH THROUGH	Penetrate; If we can PUNCH THROUGH the enemy's defenses to Hill 201, we've got it made.
PUSH OFF, TO	Begin; The pre‑dawn attack is scheduled to PUSH OFF at 0317 hours.
PUSH ON, TO	Advance; In the pursuit, mobile forces are to PUSH ON to cut off the enemy retreat.
PUT A HANDLE ON	Give something a name; be specific; Can you PUT A HANDLE ON that new gadget? I have never heard of it.
PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET	Put all your resources into one effort; A unit cannot fight a continuing battle if it PUTS ALL ITS EGGS IN ONE BASKET.
PUT ON THE SPOT	Place in a difficult position; effort is.
PUT OFF	Postpone; Let's PUT it OFF until later. We have more important things to do.
PUT OUT AN ORDER	Publish an order; PUT OUT AN ORDER in compliance with the General's guidance.
PUT OUT THE POOP	Publish information; I'll PUT OUT THE POOP on the overall picture periodically to keep you up to date.
PUT YOUR FINGER ON IT	Be specific; explain; Where's the gimmick in this? Can you PUT YOUR FINGER ON IT ?
QUIBBLE	Argue over a small point; Let's not QUIBBLE over the form, just complete it without delay.
RAT RACE	Seemingly senseless situation; hectic; Working at headquarters was a real RAT RACE. We were short of manpower and overloaded with taskings.
RECAP, TO	Summarize; To RECAP briefly, our advance during the past twelve hours has encountered stiff resistance.
RECON	Reconnaissance; a search or inspection made for useful military information; This is a typical RECON and fighter airfield of the tactical air force.
REHASH	Discuss again; review; Let's REHASH the situation briefly. First, bring out all significant new enemy activity.
RESUME	A summary; A brief RESUME is the same as a recap, and it is efficient but effective.
RHIP	A brevity meaning: Rank Has Its Privileges; It doesn't seem fair that the colonels get the best parking spaces, but RHIP.
RIGAMAROLE	Puzzle; a complicated process; The observation section can help the G2 solve the RIGAMAROLE of enemy tactics.
RIGHT DOWN one's ALLEY	Very familiar; I'd like that job, Captain. It's RIGHT DOWN my ALLEY because I have many months of training in desert warfare.
RIGHT DOWN THE LINE	According to standard procedure; We've made many administrative moves, and all of them were RIGHT DOWN THE LINE.
RIGHT OFF THE BAT	At once; initially; I've had a terrible morning. Our instructor gave us a quiz RIGHT OFF THE BAT.
RIGHT ON THE NOSE	Did very well; direct hit on the target; Because I studied, I really hit that examination RIGHT ON THE NOSE.
RIPE, THE SITUATION IS	Correct time to act; The situation is RIPE for a counterattack, General.
ROACH COACH	Mobile snack bar; Believe it or not, we ate hamburgers and fries from the ROACH COACH for two weeks straight!
ROAD, HIT THE	To travel; to move on again; As soon as the graduation ceremony is over, I'm going to HIT THE ROAD.
ROGER	An "affirmative" response; yes; often used with "wilco;" ROGER , I understand.
ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET	To welcome someone enthusiastically, elaborately; We're going to ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET for the general.
ROOF FALLS IN, THE	Everything collapses; When all enemy units are surrounded, THE ROOF FALLS IN.
ROPED IN	Given a job unwillingly; The Assistant G3 was ROPED IN to help the inspection team today even though he was on leave.
ROUGH GOING, HAVE	Have difficulty; Our patrols on the mountains have ROUGH GOING when communications fail.
ROUGH IDEA, A	A general conception; A brief resume' gives you a ROUGH IDEA of past action.
ROUGH TIME	Difficult time; With two of the staff absent, the chief was having a ROUGH TIME.
ROUND FIGURES, IN	Approximately; Our losses to date in ROUND FIGURES amount to about 2100.
ROUND THE CLOCK	24 hours a day; a full day; The staff worked ROUND THE CLOCK to finish on time.
RTP	Read the problem or paper; The examination is easy if the students RTP and analyze the problem before writing a solution.
RUB	Difficulty; The RUB is that we have no spare parts available.
RULE OF THUMB	Fixed rule; There is no RULE OF THUMB to solve all your problems.
RUN, TO	Command; Executive Officer will have to RUN the company during the Company Commander's leave.
RUNDOWN, GIVE A	A quick review or summary of information; The G3 can give a RUNDOWN at any time of all units organic and attached to the division.
RUN INTO A STONE WALL	Unable to penetrate; impossible to find the answer; encounter an obstacle; We'll RUN INTO A STONE WALL when we get to that fortified position.
RUN LOW, TO	To have only a little; to need; We're about to RUN LOW on water. Hurry and send for more.
RUN OF THE MILL	Average, normal; The recent sporadic enemy air attacks only show RUN OF THE MILL air activity.
RUN OUT OF	Come to the end of the available supply; After 8 hours of driving, we RAN OUT OF gas.
RUN, ON THE	Withdrawing or moving quickly; We've got them ON THE RUN. Bring more ammunition ON THE RUN, soldier.
RUN THE SHOW, TO	To command; to be in charge; Your job is to RUN THE SHOW at your assigned position.
S1	Battalion staff member responsible for personnel issues, i.e. assignments, morale, and discipline; S1 has been working around the clock to get our replacements here.
S2	Battalion staff member responsible for gathering information about the enemy force; The enemy is trying to envelop us, just as the S2 predicted.
S3	Battalion staff member responsible for operations and training; The Corps S3 gave us a brief summary of Corps Operations.
S4	Battalion staff member responsible for logistical issues, i.e., maintenance, bookkeeping, and supply; S4, are the plans for the forward movement finalized yet?
SACK OUT	To sleep; to go to bed; I'm going to SACK OUT after dinner; I've had a hard day.
SADDLED WITH	Responsible for; The Military Government Officer is SADDLED WITH the problems of the refugee.
SAVED BY THE BELL	Just barely escaped disaster; a narrow escape; It looked awfully bad for us for a while, but we were SAVED BY THE BELL. The ammo arrived just in time.
SAVVY	Intelligence; understanding; That S3 has lots of SAVVY; no problem is too difficult for him.
SCALE DOWN, TO	Reduce; We will have to SCALE DOWN our assault echelon because we don't have sufficient reserves.
SCAPEGOAT	A person who is made to bear blame for others; The MP is usually the SCAPEGOAT if traffic becomes congested.
SCHEDULE, TIGHT	A closely packed schedule which affords little leeway; Visiting four divisions in one day is a TIGHT SCHEDULE.
SCRAM	Depart; Wow, there are three tanks coming! Let's SCRAM into this gully.
SCRAP	A fight, Our main effort was engaged in a hot SCRAP before noon.
SCRAPE TOGETHER	Gather or collect with difficulty; It required four days for the S4 to SCRAPE TOGETHER enough rations for the forced march.
SCRATCH OFF	Eliminate; SCRATCH OFF the two bulldozers on the requisition because they are not available.
SCREWED UP	Ruined through bungling; That was a really SCREWED UP test; we were not given enough time.
SCRIMMAGING	Light action; There was only light SCRIMMAGING all along the main line of resistance.
SECOND BEST, TO COME OUT	To lose; to fail; I am afraid we are going to come out SECOND BEST because we had little time to prepare.
SEE THE LIGHT, TO	Understand; Thank you for the explanation. I am beginning to SEE THE LIGHT.
SELL A BILL OF GOODS, TO	Influence or convince; They tried to SELL us A BILL OF GOOD, but we were not convinced.
SETTLE FOR	Agree on; to accept; I will have to SETTLE FOR one truck, although I need two.
SET RULE	Answer; solution; regulation; There is no SET RULE for each situation. Use your imagination and initiative.
SET UP, TO	Prepare; establish; At the evening briefing, we are going to SET UP plans for the next day's mission.
SETUP	Arrangement; The SETUP of the G2‑G3 tent must not be dominated by the G3 section.
SEWN UP	Ready; engaged; busy; G4, are all the plans for the forward movement SEWN UP?
SHAKE LOOSE	Release; free; If we can SHAKE LOOSE that Armored Division, we've got it made.
SHAKE OFF, TO	Get rid of; to lose; After an nuclear attack, you've got to SHAKE OFF fear and resume the attack.
SHAKE‑UP	Change; Because of the last defeat, there will be a SHAKE‑UP in command.
SHARP	Intelligent; smart; A good soldier is always SHARP; he gets that through proper training.
SHINE	Be superior; outstanding; He has done well in the past; he should continue to SHINE.
SHIFT, MIDNIGHT	Tour of duty from 2400 to 0800; Activities are usually quiet during the MIDNIGHT SHIFT.
SHOOT !	Go ahead!; If you have any questions, SHOOT!
SHOOT THE BREEZE	Talk informally; The students get together during break periods and SHOOT THE BREEZE.
SHOOT THE WORKS	Use everything; When you commit your reserve, you SHOOT THE WORKS. There is nothing left but hope.
SHOOT THROUGH	Cut through quickly; You should be able to SHOOT THROUGH the gap easily enough.
SHORT CUT	A quick way or method to save time; After experience in any job, you get to know the SHORT CUT.
SHORT END OF THE STICK	Receiving unfair or unfavorable treatment; I've been chosen as the “blue goose” again; I think I'm getting the SHORT END OF THE STICK.
SHORTHANDED	Lacking men; Our recent losses have left us SHORTHANDED.
SHORT OF	Need; not all the way to; I'm SHORT OF ammunition. The patrol stopped SHORT OF the outpost about 200 yards.
SHOT	Ruined; worn out; used up; If the bridge is destroyed, our plans will be all SHOT; we'll be unable to reach and destroy the enemy.
SHOT, TAKE A	Attempt; try; It's your turn to TAKE A SHOT at it, Jim. I can't seem to persuade him.
SHOT IN THE DARK	Guess; The old man doesn't take a SHOT IN THE DARK; he acts on factual information.
SHOT UP	Wounded; disorganized; My battalion was badly SHOT UP in this attack.
SHOVE OFF	Depart; leave; I'm late. I've got to SHOVE OFF to visit the 58th and 59th before the end of the duty day.
SHOWDOWN	Confrontation; This afternoon there will be a SHOWDOWN between the various staff agencies.
SHOWDOWN INSPECTION	Detailed inspection; The old man is going to have a SHOWDOWN INSPECTION tonight.
SIDELIGHT	An interesting aspect; One SIDELIGHT on this captured materiel is the relative shortage of carbines.
SIDETRACK	Divert from main purpose; Unverified information may SIDETRACK you in making your estimate of the situation.
SILVER LINING, THE	The happy part of a situation that seems difficult; Don't get discouraged; always look for the SILVER LINING.
SILVER PLATTER, ON A	Without effort; The enemy won't give you that dominant position on a SILVER PLATTER; you must advance and take it.
SIT TIGHT	Wait; do not move; Just SIT TIGHT until his next move.
SHAKY ON	Weak or doubtful about; I'm a little SHAKY ON my figures. Will you check them?
SHAPE UP, TO	To take definite form; to meet requirements; Now the picture begins to SHAPE UP after this latest poop. You've got to SHAPE UP or I will have to replace you.
SIXTY‑FOUR DOLLAR ($64) QUESTION	The most important question; Where are their reserves? That's the SIXTY‑FOUR DOLLAR QUESTION.
SIZE UP THE SITUATION	Estimate a situation; The Colonel quickly SIZED UP THE SITUATION and then issued orders.
SKATE ON THIN ICE	Conduct oneself in a manner verging on questionable behavior or dangerous; If you do not study the map carefully, you will be SKATING ON THIN ICE.
SKETCHY	Lacking in detail; I couldn't act on such SKETCHY information; I need more facts.
SKIMPY ON, TO BE	Economize; use sparingly; The ammunition is low, so we'll have to be SKIMPY ON it for a while.
SKIN A CAT	Accomplish a mission; Our first attempt failed, but we continued because there is more than one way to SKIN A CAT.
SKIN OF YOUR TEETH, BY THE	Just barely succeed; Your determination allowed you to take that hill by the SKIN OF YOUR TEETH.
SKIP OVER, TO	Avoid mention of; omit; Some of this is irrelevant so allow me to SKIP OVER the next three items; now how about evacuation?
SKIRT, TO	Avoid; We've got to SKIRT around that machine‑gun nest to get at the blockhouse.
SLAM INTO	Meet; engage violently; We must SLAM INTO position with everything we have.
SLANG	Idioms which are commonly used; If you don't know our SLANG, you won't understand some of our discussions.
SLANT	Idea; Here's another SLANT; try another route.
SLANT, HAVE THE WRONG	Have an incorrect idea; You have the WRONG SLANT on it.
SLEW OF	A great number of; We found a SLEW of enemy troops concealed in a ravine.
SLIDE OVER	Explain briefly; Don't SLIDE OVER the important matters. They should be explained at length.
SLIP OUT OF THE BAG	Escape; In spite of our mopping up, many enemies will SLIP OUT OF THE BAG.
SLIPSHOD	Careless; A poor job is generally done in a SLIPSHOD manner.
SLIP UP, TO	Make a blunder; to err; When you are tired and nervous, you are likely to SLIP UP on your job.
SLOT, IN THIS	In this job; Do you have a capable officer to place IN THIS SLOT?
SLUG, A	A bullet; SLUGS were flying thick and fast during the training exercise.
SLUG WITH WORK, TO	Assign a great deal of work; I begged them not to SLUG me WITH WORK, but they snowed me under.
SLUGGING MATCH	An intense fight; Capturing the final objective was a real SLUGGING MATCH.
SLUG IT OUT, TO	Fight very intensely; We had to SLUG IT OUT for three hours before overcoming the enemy.
SMACK INTO, RUN	Meet face to face; A patrol may run SMACK INTO enemy ambushes.
SMOOTH SAILING	Easy, without trouble; The operation was SMOOTH SAILING over the outnumbered enemy.
SNAFU	Confused; in a turmoil; Since there is another bottleneck at the bridge, our plans are SNAFU for sure.
SNAG INTO	Seize; hold; SNAG INTO every inch of ground you can before you are relieved.
SNAP DECISION, MAKE A	Act hastily; decide quickly; Don't make a SNAP DECISION, take some time to study the situation.
SNEAK AROUND THE END, TO	Make an envelopment; One course of action is to SNEAK AROUND THE END tonight and confine the enemy.
SNOWBALL, TO	Increase; Unresolved problems tend to SNOWBALL.
SNOW JOB	A pleasing but exaggerated speech; It was amusing to listen to the guest's SNOW JOB. He makes a gloomy situation look bright.
SNOW UNDER	Overwhelm; We organize reliefs for our staff because we don't want to SNOW them UNDER with work.
SOFT SPOT, A	A weakness; First, find the enemy's SOFT SPOT, and then reinforce the initial success.
SOP (pronounced ESS‑O‑PEE)	Standing Operating Procedure; written directive describing correct procedures; If you run the comcenter according to the SOP, nothing will go wrong.
SORT OF	Somewhat; in a way; Every new job is SORT OF strange at first.
SOUP UP, TO	Improve; increase; We've got to SOUP UP the attack with all available artillery or we will fail.
SOUR, TO GO	Go wrong; to fail; Keep on the lookout for obstacles so that your plans don't GO SOUR.
SPADE WORK	Initial work; difficult jobs; The new people on the staff do the SPADE WORK in our office.
SPECS	Specifications; a detailed description of requirements; Don't just ask for higher rank, Private; read the SPECS and work for it.
SPELL OUT	Be specific; explain step by step; Please SPELL OUT just what you mean so that I can understand and then do what you are requesting.
SPOT, TO	Discover, see, or observe; Visual air reconnaissance is used TO SPOT enemy movements.
SPOT CHECK	Random sampling or quick sample investigation; Battalion Commanders SPOT CHECK equipment periodically during maintenance.
SPUR OF THE MOMENT, ON THE	Spontaneously; without hesitation; Ideas which come on the SPUR OF THE MOMENT can be useful.
STACK UP, TO	Compare; Their new weapons appear to STACK UP well with ours in quality.
STALE, TO GO	Become careless or indifferent; After a long time on the same job, one tends to go STALE.
STALEMATE	An impasse; a fight without victory for either side; After days of fruitless attacks, both sides decided it was a STALEMATE .
STALL, TO	Fail; to be delayed; Your main effort is likely TO STALL for lack of fire support.
STALL OFF, TO	Delay a decision; I think they are just trying to STALL OFF because he has not researched the problem.
STANDBY	Aid; help; assistance; Your weapon is your best STANDBY in a difficult spot.
START FROM SCRATCH	Start from the very beginning; What happened in my absence? START FROM SCRATCH, please; I appreciate detail.
START THE BALL ROLLING	Begin; Let's start the briefing; G1, you START THE BALL ROLLING.
STAY LOOSE; HANG LOOSE	Don't get excited; STAY LOOSE. Today we will be forced to make many changes in our training schedule.
STAYING POWER	Ability to resist; sustain; With all those reinforcements, they will have lots of STAYING POWER against our attack..
STEEL POT	Helmet; It is important to wear your STEEL POT in the combat zone.
STICK AROUND, TO	Remain in the vicinity; Tell my aide to STICK AROUND here until I get back.
STICK CLOSE	Stay near; During the foggy weather, all these planes have to STICK CLOSE to base.
STICK IT OUT	Endure; Can you STICK IT OUT until reinforcements arrive?
STICK YOUR NECK OUT	Take a chance; Don't STICK YOUR NECK OUT without thorough recon‑ naissance.
STICKY POINT	Difficult situation; The question of exactly when to counterattack may sometimes be a STICKY POINT.
STOCK ANSWER	Easy or predetermined solution; There's no STOCK ANSWER in such a contingency; use your best judgment.
STOP COLD	Halt immediately; Our concealed minefield ought to STOP them COLD.
STRAIGHTEN OUT	Take corrective action; Go down there and STRAIGHTEN OUT that outfit, Captain. You are responsible for B Company.
STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION	Visualize with exaggeration; Can't you STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION to realize that this is possible?
STRIDE, TAKE IN	Deal with calmly; without effort; Our main effort was so strong that we TOOK their counterattack IN STRIDE.
STRIKE OUT	Fail; I’ll bet I STRIKE OUT on that examination.
STUMPED	Perplexed; That's got me STUMPED. What's your recommendation?
SUNDAY PUNCH	Best effort; Commitment of the reserve constitutes your SUNDAY PUNCH.
SUNK	Lost; defeated; If we don't capture Hill 395, we're SUNK; we will fail to meet mission requirements.
SWAP, TO	Exchange; During the night, the new unit is to SWAP places with the old one.
SWEAT IT OUT	Wait with uncertainty; endure until the end;> We'll just have to SWEAT IT OUT until we know their nuclear capability.
SWING, TO	Arrange successfully; Can you SWING a deal to swap weapons at once?
SWITCH	Change over to; Radio operator, SWITCH over to channel B.
TACK ONTO	Add on; He will TACK this job ONTO those already assigned to the unit.
TACKLE	Study; work on; We'll TACKLE this now and have the plan ready by 1600.
TAILOR‑MADE	Appropriate for a particular task; correct; This tank is TAILOR‑MADE for the job at hand.
TAKE A CHANCE	Endanger; place in jeopardy; risk; Don't TAKE A CHANCE with that patrol. The area is covered with mines.
TAKE A CRACK AT	Attempt, try; Let me TAKE A CRACK AT IT with my outfit. We've trained hard to overcome challenges like this one.
TAKE IT, CAN	Can endure difficult situations; I admire their courage; they can TAKE IT. He is an officer who can handle any situation.
TAKE IT EASY	Relax; Don't let your problems upset you; instead, TAKE IT EASY.
TAKE A PEEK AT	Look at; Now let us TAKE A PEEK at these air photos.
TAKEN CARE OF	All prepared; Have you TAKEN CARE OF all the details for the unit party?
TAKE OFF, TO	To depart; departure; Jet planes need a long runway to TAKE OFF because their TAKE OFF is not fast.
TAKE OFF	Begin; Start; It is approaching zero hour; TAKE OFF now.
TAKE ON	To accept; agree to attempt; I'll TAKE ON that job because I am familiar with the requirements.
TALK OUT OF TURN	Blab; talk without discretion; He is famous for TALKING OUT OF TURN when he should keep quiet.
TAKE OVER	Take the place of; replace in command; The colonel is to TAKE OVER the regiment today, and will run the outfit well.
TAKE YOUR PICK	Choose; Here are two identical photos. TAKE YOUR PICK and send me the other.
TALK INTO, TO	Influence; convince; They wanted to TALK us INTO accepting their decision.
TANGLE WITH, TO	To engage; come into contact with; A patrol is likely to TANGLE WITH several infiltrating groups.
TANGLED UP	Confused; incorrect; Your first report has many details TANGLED UP, but you will learn.
TANK DOZER	Tank with a scraper blade; Do you know if there is an auxiliary engine in the TANK DOZER ?
TDY (Pronounced TEE‑DEE‑WHY)	Temporary Duty; This is not my home base; but I’ve been assigned here for three months for TDY.
TEAR ALONG, TO	Proceed rapidly; Once we get on the paved road, we'll be able to TEAR ALONG.
THAT'S THE RUB	That's the difficulty; We can't get hold of any more rations anywhere; THAT'S THE RUB.
THAT’S THE WAY THE BALL BOUNCES	That's fate; Our football team lost again; THAT'S THE WAY THE BALL BOUNCES.
THAT'S YOUR BABY	That's your assignment; That's your problem;> Don't give me this project, THAT'S YOUR BABY.
THAT WILL DO	That is enough; stop; THAT WILL DO , young man; we do not tolerate insubordination.
THINK UP	Create; How did you ever THINK that UP?
THRASH IT OUT, TO	Discuss the details; We'll need a staff conference to THRASH IT OUT.
THROW IN THE TOWEL	To concede defeat; to surrender; The enemy suffered many casualties and were ready to THROW IN THE TOWEL.
THROW ON	Dress quickly; I THROW ON my clothes and rush outside when the fire alarm sounds.
THROW OUT THE WINDOW, TO	Eliminate; discard; This new information means we have to THROW all earlier plans OUT THE WINDOW and prepare new plans.
THROW THE BOOK AT	Give a severe punishment; The court will THROW THE BOOK AT anyone for desertion.
THUMBNAIL SKETCH	Very general and brief discussion; I've got only five minutes, G2, give me a THUMBNAIL SKETCH .
TIE DOWN, TO	Limit; restrict; The interrogation team tries to TIE DOWN prisoners on specific information which G2 wants.
TIE IN WITH, TO	Agree with; support; related to; This information ought to TIE IN WITH what you found out.
TIED UP	Busy; detained; You cannot see the officers in charge right now because they are TIED UP.
TIED TOGETHER	Related; coordinated; joined; The work of the G2 and G3 is TIED TOGETHER.
TIGHT SQUEEZE	Difficult to manage; Getting our column past that critical point on time will be a TIGHT SQUEEZE.
TIGHT SPOT	A situation from which it would be difficult to get out; After flunking three examinations, Smith is in a TIGHT SPOT.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE	Time is very important; Hurry and bring that ammo over the river. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.
TIME'S RUNNING SHORT	Not much time remains; Can you still do it before the deadline? TIME'S RUNNING SHORT.
TIME SAVER, A	A quick method to save time; During briefing sessions, charts, graphs, and experience tables are great TIME SAVERS.
TIP YOUR HAND	Give advance information; Don't TIP YOUR HAND by moving your reserves too early.
TO PIECES	Ruined, collapsed; Because of our air attacks, the enemy's capacity to engage in a ground war has fallen TO PIECES.
TOEHOLD, TO GET A	Penetrate; establish a position; Once you are able to get a TOEHOLD, set up a Command Post.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE	Things which help one to accomplish a job; The G3's thorough knowledge of division units is the TOOLS OF THE TRADE.
TOO MUCH	Beyond comprehension in either a good or bad sense; That management course is TOO MUCH because there is a great deal of homework assigned.
TOOTH AND NAIL	With every means; We were fighting TOOTH AND NAIL to capture the enemy trench system.
TOP MAN/WOMAN	The boss; the commander; LTC Brown is the TOP MAN/WOMAN in this battalion.
TOPSIDE	At higher levels; in the air; Column cover planes normally protect a movement TOPSIDE.
TOUCH AND GO	Hazardous or delicate state; The situation on both sides was TOUCH AND GO until our reinforcements arrived.
TOUCH ON	Mention; Now let's TOUCH ON supply; G4 will be responsible for all rations.
TOUGH NUT TO CRACK	Difficult problem or situation; The aggressor fortified zone was a TOUGH NUT TO CRACK.
TOUGH TIME, TO HAVE A	Difficult to accomplish; The Engineer Company is likely to have a TOUGH TIME putting in the bridge because of the strong river current.
TRADE IN, TO	Exchange; My support staff is becoming very careless. I think I'll have to TRADE them IN.
TRAFFIC JAM	Slowing down or stopping of vehicles; Maximum flow and minimum necessary controls in a traffic plan will avoid a TRAFFIC JAM.
TRAFFIC IS OUT OF HAND	Traffic is out of control; No one can get anywhere because TRAFFIC IS OUT OF HAND.
TRAIN THREE DEEP	Train three individuals for each job; During the division training program, TRAIN THREE DEEP for all key jobs.
TRIGGER HAPPY	Overanxious; nervous; Just prior to the assault landing, we lost three planes because of TRIGGER HAPPY gunners.
TURN INTO	Become; Our attack could very easily TURN INTO a rout of our inexperienced enemy.
TURN LOOSE	Release; Have your tanks ready so you can TURN them LOOSE at the right time.
TV	Television; What are you going to watch on TV tonight?
TWO UP AND ONE BACK	Two regiments in front lines, and one regiment in division reserve; In a normal defense position, we employ our infantry battalions TWO UP AND ONE BACK.
UMPTY‑UMPH	Something without a specific name or number; Where are they from? I think they're from the UMPTY‑UMPH battalion which just joined us.
UNCLE SAM	The United States; I am a soldier in UNCLE SAM'S army.
UNDERSTUDY	One who trains for another person's position; I have been reassigned and 1LT Smith is my UNDERSTUDY.
UNDER THE GUN	Dominated by enemy observation; time constrained/shortage of time; Engineers putting up a bridge before the line is taken are working UNDER THE GUN.
UNDER WAY, TO GET	Begin; start; The battle is about to get UNDER WAY we are ready to cross the line of departure.
UP A TREE	Undecided; I am UP A TREE about whether or not to move my battalion. What do you think?
UP IN THE AIR	Undecided; uncertain; All plans are UP IN THE AIR since the old man is about to leave.
UP (ONE'S ALLEY)	To be entirely within one's capabilities; I enjoy tactics; therefore, this course is definitely UP MY ALLEY.
UPSET THE APPLECART	Ruin the plans; The range fires certainly UPSET THE APPLECART by delaying our tank gunnery competition.
UPSTAIRS	In the air; If we have superiority UPSTAIRS, we'll see many topside.
UP TO DATE	Latest or most recent information; Bring me UP TO DATE on what has happened in the last four hours.
UP TO SNUFF	Satisfactory; up to a certain standard; My battalion is UP TO SNUFF on supply economy, as far as I can see.
UP TO THE MINUTE	Current; most recent; What's the latest UP TO THE MINUTE news? Any changes?
UP TO YOU, IT'S	It depends on you; your decision; Captain, it's UP TO YOU and your counterattack. Give them your Sunday punch!
USE YOUR HEAD	Think intelligently; It is especially important to USE YOUR HEAD in crisis situations.
VIP (pronounced VEE‑EYE‑PEE)	Very Important Person; The Corps Commanding General and another VIP came to present three awards to GIs in the battalion.
WAIT IT OUT	Relax; take no active part; Don't do anything; WAIT IT OUT.
WALLOP	A strong blow; The new 280 millimeter‑gun packs quite a WALLOP, even at that range.
WALLOP, TO	Hit strongly; If we can manage to WALLOP them with a surprise artillery attack, we've got it made.
WAR OF NERVES	War without shooting; The WAR OF NERVES during September 1939 to April 1940 was mostly a cold war.
WATCH YOUR MOUTH	Be careful of what you say; When you talk to him, you must WATCH YOUR MOUTH because he repeats everything he hears.
WATER, IN HOT	In trouble, especially with those in authority; I am IN HOT WATER with my instructor, because I did not finish the assignment.
WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE, IT'S	A past event; You can't change a mistake, Captain, it's WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE.
WAY, IN A BIG	Enthusiastically; to a great extent; Because it was a warm summer day, the children responded to the ice cream IN A BIG WAY.
WEAR TWO HATS	Hold two positions at once; There are several officers on the Division Supply Staff who WEAR TWO HATS.
WEASEL OUT	To renege on a promise, usually for selfish reason; Having no money, Smith tried to WEASEL OUT of paying his debt.
WEED OUT	To separate; to eliminate; That examination really WEEDED OUT the poorer students.
WEIGHT, DEAD	Without value; That clerk is just DEAD WEIGHT in the orderly room; he never does his share of the work.
WHAT'S HIS FACE	Anyone whose correct name you don't know; The course was taught by WHAT'S HIS FACE; you know who I mean?
WHAT THE HELL?	An interjection indicating anger, surprise, disappointment, etc.; Don't care attitude; WHAT THE HELL? Who gave him permission to use my car?
WHAT ARE YOU DRIVING AT	An interjection indicating anger, surprise, disappointment, etc.; Questioning a point of view or opinion; WHAT ARE YOU DRIVING AT by suggesting a change in leave quotas? Should I deny some of my soldiers leave time?
WHAT GIVES; WHAT'S NEW; WHAT’S UP	A command greeting usually requiring no answer; Instead of saying hello, Smith came up to our group and said, "WHAT GIVES?"
WHATCHAMACALLIT	Anything whose correct name you don't know; Give me that WHATCHAMACALLIT, the one by your left hand.
WHIP, TO	Beat; defeat; We must try to WHIP the enemy before winter sets it.
WHIP OUT AN ORDER, TO	Publish an order quickly; The Chief of Staff told the G3 to WHIP OUT THE ORDER at once.
WHIPPED	Tired; defeated; I'm WHIPPED. I have worked 48 hours without relief.
WHOLE HOG	Completely; to the utmost; He went WHOLE HOG in carrying the responsibility on his shoulders because no one volunteered to help him.
WILCO	Short for "will comply;" Roger, WILCO.
WIND UP AN OPERATION	Finish; This pursuit to the Rhine will WIND UP THE OPERATION.
WORKHORSE	Hard worker; The WORKHORSES in the Pentagon are the new staff members.
WORK IT OUT, TO	Solve; Here's the problem; try to WORK IT OUT. And report to me your solution.
WORRY WART	Person who tends to worry habitually and needlessly; Having no confidence, that WORRY WART will take too long to make a decision.
WORTH one's own WEIGHT IN GOLD	Very valuable; Good classification officers are WORTH their WEIGHT IN GOLD when the division first receives its replacements.
WRAP IT UP	To finish it; In another day I will be ready to WRAP IT UP, and I'll be home by Friday afternoon.
WRAPPED UP IN	To devote full time or attention to; Robert is all WRAPPED UP IN his work because he wants to be top man in his class.
WRITE OFF AS LOST	Consider lost, damaged, or ruined; We must WRITE OFF AS LOST twenty‑five percent of the tanks which took part in attack.
YANKEE	An American from Northern States; He is a YANKEE from New York.
YARDSTICK, AS A	Standard of measurement or judgment; Experience tables can be used as a YARDSTICK to figure your requirements.
YOU BET	Surely; certainly; an expression of affirmation; Dave, would you like some dessert? YOU BET!
YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING THERE	You have an important point there; I had not thought of that, but YOU’VE GOT SOMETHING THERE.
YOURS TRULY	I; me; the speaker; YOURS TRULY gave the welcoming speech.
YOU'VE HAD IT	Finished; no more chances; If you are under an atomic burst, YOU'VE HAD IT.
ZERO HOUR	Critical time; The ZERO HOUR for this attack will be 0130 hours.
ZERO IN, TO	Locate accurately; The mission of this battery is to ZERO IN on enemy artillery positions.
ZILLION	An exceedingly large, indeterminate number; a larger number than can be imagined; I've got a ZILLION things to do today.