jump at or to: To embrace eagerly, as an offer or opportunity. In this sense never “jump to,” but one may jump to the floor, as from a chair.
just going to. Compare [GOING].
K
kettle of fish, pretty: A colloquial phrase for “a perplexing state of affairs,” or “a muddle,” both of which are preferable expressions.
key, quay: Exercise care in the use of these words. A key is that with which something is opened or disclosed; also, a small low-lying island; a quay is a wharf or landing place where ships discharge passengers or cargo. These words are pronounced alike. Compare [DOCK].
kibosh: A slang term for “humbug.” To put the kibosh on, a slang phrase for “to put an end to or stop anything.”
kick is not used instead of “protest” by careful speakers, notwithstanding the fact that George Eliot introduced it into literature (see Silas Marner, ch. iv. p. 52). The term is slang.
kid: A common vulgarism for “child” and as such one the use of which can not be too severely condemned.
kid on: A vulgarism used in England for “humbug; hoax; or, try to induce one to believe something that is not true:”—no kid, no kidding: Vulgar terms for “without any humbug.” Undesirable locutions.
killing. Compare [PERFECTLY].