before : Idioms & Phrases


Accessary before, ∨ after, the fact

  • . See under Accessary.
Webster 1913

Accessary before the fact

  • (Law), one who commands or counsels an offense, not being present at its commission.
Webster 1913

accessory before the fact

  • noun a person who procures or advises or commands the commission of a felony but who is not present at its perpetration
WordNet

before christ

  • adverb before the Christian era; used following dates before the supposed year Christ was born
    B.C.; BC.
    • in 200 BC
WordNet

before long

  • adverb in the near future
    shortly; soon; presently.
    • the doctor will soon be here
    • the book will appear shortly
    • she will arrive presently
    • we should have news before long
WordNet

Before the mast

  • (Naut.), as a common sailor, because the sailors live in the forecastle, forward of the foremast.
Webster 1913

Before the wind

  • (Naut.), in the direction of the wind and by its impulse; having the wind aft.
Webster 1913

come before

  • verb be the predecessor of
    precede.
    • Bill preceded John in the long line of Susan's husbands
WordNet

earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization

  • noun income before interest and taxes and depreciation and amortization have been subtracted; an indicator of a company's profitability that is watched by investors (especially in leveraged buyouts)
    EBITDA.
WordNet

equality before the law

  • noun the right to equal protection of the laws
WordNet

To carry all before one

  • to overcome all obstacles; to have uninterrupted success.
Webster 1913

To get before

  • to arrive in front, or more forward.
Webster 1913

To lay before

  • to present to; to submit for consideration; as, the papers are laid before Congress.
Webster 1913

To put (∨ getset) the cart before the horse

  • to invert the order of related facts or ideas, as by putting an effect for a cause.
Webster 1913

To set before

  • . (a) To bring out to view before; to exhibit. (b) To propose for choice to; to offer to.
Webster 1913