dearly


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cost (someone) dearly

To cause dire, harmful, or problematic consequences for someone, especially regarding a foolish action or a mistake. Drinking all night before his final exams is going to cost him dearly. That late penalty could cost them dearly, as it now puts their opponents within range to tie the game. The crimes of his youth cost him dearly when he started applying for jobs.
See also: cost, dearly

dear(ly) departed

euphemism One who has died. Myrna was a wonderful woman, and we are all gathered here today to remember our dearly departed. Our dear departed suffered through a long illness. At least she is at peace now. You never forget the dearly departed—they live on in your heart forever.
See also: departed

pay too dearly for (one's) whistle

To spend a lot of money or effort on something that is ultimately disappointing or unfulfilling. The phrase refers to a story by Benjamin Franklin about a boy who wanted a whistle so much that he overpaid for it and soon lost interest in it. I worked night and day to get this position, but now I have very few friends—I guess I paid too dearly for my whistle.
See also: dearly, for, pay, whistle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive ?
Dearly loved son of the late Jean and Mr Francis of Scotswood, dearest Dad of Andrea and Peter and much loved brother of all the family.
Beloved wife of the late Gerry and Ken, dearly loved mam of Linda and Michael, dear mother in law of Chris and Jackie, a much loved grandma of Paul, Kate, Kimberly and Scott, great grandma of Millie, Dylan and Joe and will be remembered with love by Angela and Peter and their families.
Annie (Ann) nee McAndrew, loving Wife of Leonard, dearly loved Mam of Karl, Karen & the late Jeff, Mother in law of Angela.
"The orphan crisis is complex, but our goal is simple," said Mike Gallagher, Co-Founder and President of Chosen & Dearly Loved, "permanent, loving families for every orphaned child.
THOMAS Sydna (nee Evans) Passed away Jan 13, aged 83, after a long illness; dearly loved wife of the late Maldwyn, loving mother of Christine, Elaine, Gaynor and Gareth, mother-in-law to Derek, Simon, Alex and Michelle, grandmother to Lloyd, Laura, Chloe, Angharad, Bryony, Emily, Andrew, Rebecca and the late Josh, greatgrandmother to Ava Rose, Poppy and Cattleya.
Peacefully at her home in Golcar, Kathy, aged 71 years, dearly loved and loving Wife of Howard, a much loved Mum of Louise and Alex, devoted nana of Fabian and Myron and grandma of Cole and Scarlet.
CURRY Beverley Dawn Suddenly on Nov 13, whilst on holiday in Tunisia, Bev of Heol Las, Pencoed; dearly loved partner of Neil, much loved mother of Kylie and Sam, loving Nanny to Demi, Ceigan, Theo, Mason, Brennan, Kayden and Annayah, dearly loved daughter of Gwyn and Carol, devoted sister to Jayne, Kelvin and the late Steven.
Dearly loved and greatly missed by Sandra, Trev and all of his family and friends.
Dearly loved husband to June, dear father to Andrea and Cheryl, and a much loved grandad.
A BRITISH soldier killed while patrolling an Afghanistan dam which will bring power to a million homes, was "too dearly loved to be forgotten", his family said yesterday.
THIS week we have received a donation of pounds 115 'in memory of Mavis Vernon, April 11, 2008, a dearly loved sister and aunt.
Written by Andrew Macbeth (rector of the Calvary Church in Memphis, Tennessee), Dearly Beloved: Navigating Your Church Wedding is a no-nonsense guide to planning and navigating one's marriage ceremony.
I WOULD dearly, dearly love to be at tomorrow's Powergen Challenge Cup quarter-final between Saints and Wigan.
DEARLY followed up two good efforts in similar company this season when taking the Victor McCalmont Memorial Fillies Stakes at Gowran Park last night, writes Tony O'Hehir.