Descriptionary

bargaining chip n. a thing of value that can be traded for something of equal value. In future nego­tiations, the president will use free trade as a bargain­ing chip.

bastion n. (BAS chun) a stronghold or place of great fortification. Around the world, America is consid­ered a great bastion of freedom.

beachhead n. (BEECH hed) a metaphor for the establishment of a base of operations, especially at the shoreline of enemy territory. The company has established a beachhead in France and has plans to expand its sales base throughout Europe.

bear by the tail a metaphor for a very trying or harrowing predicament; the "tail grabber" either suf­fers great turmoil (being dragged through the under­brush), or risks being bitten or consumed (by the bear) if he lets go. With his vote to outlaw dancing on school grounds, the principal has grabbed the prover­bial bear by the tail.

beard the lion to confront something or someone with great daring. By taking our complaints directly to the mayor, we would beard the lion in his own den.

bearish adj. (BAIR ish) pessimistic, particularly con­cerning the stock market. The market on Wall Street turned bearish today as the Dow Industrial Average dropped nearly 100 points.

beat a dead horse to argue or debate a point that has already been discussed or settled. After refusing for the fourth time to give me a raise, my boss told me not to ask any more; I was beating a dead horse.

beguile vb. (bi GUYL) to deceive, trick, or mislead. The swindler will easily beguile you with his charm.

behemoth n. (bi HEE muth) anything gigantic. The

company started as a mom and pop store but is now a franchising behemoth.

beleaguer vb. (bi LEE gur) to harass or plague. the IRS tends to beleaguer only those who attempt to cheat on their tax returns.

bellicose adj. (BEL i KOHS) pugnacious, quarrel­some. The diplomats were worried about the dicta­tor's bellicose manner.

belligerent adj. (buh LIJ ur unt) aggressive; looking for a fight. The dictator's belligerent manner offended everyone.

bells and whistles extras, accessories, options, or luxury items. We bought a new computer with all the latest bells and whistles.

bellwether n. (BEL WETH ur) any person or thing in a position of leadership, sometimes used as an indi­cator of where the followers will be headed. Among computer companies, IBM has a long history as a bellwether.

benchmark n. (BENCH mark) any standard by which others are measured. The auto maker's newest model will serve as a technological benchmark for the competition.

Benedict Arnold n. any traitorous person; coined after the American Revolution general. Roger pulled a Benedict Arnold and went to work for the competition.