saint
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(as) sober as a judge
Other figures associated with sobriety are occasionally used in place of "judge," typically ecclesiastical figures such as "deacon," "priest," "parson," etc.
1. Stoic and reserved, perhaps even somber. Anita has been as sober as a judge ever since she heard of Marshall's death. The coach stood at the side of the field, sober as a judge, as the clock counted down on his team's championship ambitions. When I walked into the boss's office and everyone was sober as a judge, I knew I was being laid off.
2. Calm and rational. We need someone who can consider these issues without their emotions interfering—you'll need to be as sober as a judge from beginning to end! I don't want you in this meeting if you can't be sober as a judge. The last thing I want to do is referee a fight between the two of you. I don't think we should discuss this now, while we're all worked up about it. Let's reconvene in a few days when we're sober as a judge.
3. Not at all intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. I haven't been drinking at all, I swear! I'm as sober as a judge! Bill tried to convince me he was sober as a judge, but I didn't buy it—that's why I didn't let him drive home. John's remained sober as a deacon ever since the car accident three years ago.
(something) is enough to plague a saint
Something is so trying or frustrating as to bother even the most patient person. Being with screaming kids all day is enough to plague a saint. I've always thought that the hassle of navigating the crowds during the Black Friday sales is enough to plague a saint. Having to deal with construction at your house for six months straight is enough to plague a saint. I definitely regret not getting more of this work done before we moved in!
be no saint
To not be perfectly virtuous or unquestionable in one's morals. Look, I'm no saint, but even I wouldn't resort to stealing! I know you respect Ted, but don't fool yourself about the quality of his character. He's no saint, after all. I was no saint growing up, but my days of looking for trouble are long behind me.
enough to plague a saint
So trying or frustrating as to bother even the most patient person. The annoying action can be stated between "enough" and "to." Being with screaming kids all day is enough to plague a saint. The kids have really let loose today with enough shrieking to plague a saint. A: "This project has had enough setbacks to plague a saint." B: "I know, but we can't give up!"
have the patience of a saint
To have an immense and unyielding degree of patience, especially in the face of problems or difficulty. This field of work requires people to have the patience of a saint, so if you're looking for immediate results, you're in the wrong profession. My sister is amazing. She has five unruly children, but she has the patience of a saint with every single one of them. Man, you have to have the patience of a saint to deal with all these miserable callers!
patron saint of (someone or something)
1. In Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, a saint who is regarded as an advocate or intercessor for a particular place, group, nation, activity, class of person, etc. The festival is dedicated to St. Mungo, patron saint of the city of Glasgow. We all prayed to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer healing, when my mother began her chemotherapy.
2. Someone who has become a protector, champion, or major supporter of someone or something. The former actor has in recent years become the patron saint of the homeless and unemployed, dedicating his time and wealth to helping those in need. The mayor is also a patron saint of the arts, always making it a priority for each year's budget.
3. Someone who is exemplary, emblematic, or symbolic of something or some group. Many consider her the patron saint of banjo players, a legendary figure within the scene. When it comes to confronting my own faults, I'm the patron saint of denial.
the patience of a saint
An immense and unyielding degree of patience, especially in the face of problems or difficulty. This field of work requires the patience of a saint, so if you're looking for immediate results, you're in the wrong profession. My sister is amazing. She has five unruly children, but she has the patience of a saint with every single one of them.
the patience of Job
An immense and unyielding degree of patience and conviction, especially in the face of problems or difficulty. A reference to the biblical figure Job, whose absolute faith in God remained unshaken despite the numerous afflictions set upon himself, his family, and his estate by Satan. This field of work requires the patience of Job, so if you're looking for immediate results, you're in the wrong profession. My sister is amazing. She has five unruly children, but she has the patience of Job with every single one of them.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
enough something to plague a saint
and something is enough to plague a saintRur. enough of something to annoy even a patient person. That little boy has enough curiosity to plague a saint! Sally's a well-meaning woman, but her endless gossiping is enough to plague a saint.
have the patience of a saint
and have the patience of JobFig. to have a great deal of patience. Steve has the patience of Job given the way his wife nags him. Dear Martha has the patience of a saint; she raised six children by herself.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
the patience of a ˈsaint/of ˈJob
very great patience: I don’t know how she does it — she’s got the patience of a saint, that woman! ♢ You need the patience of Job to deal with customers like that.Job was a character in the Bible who lost his family, his home and his possessions, but still did not reject God.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017