constant

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Related to constant: Constant term

be a thorn in the side

To be a constant or persistent cause of annoyance, frustration, or trouble. My little brother is such a thorn in the side—he always wants to do stuff with me, especially when I'm trying to hang out with my friends. My professor was an environmental activist when he was younger. Apparently, he was a constant thorn in the side for oil companies back then. This project has turned into a real thorn in the side.

change is the only constant in life

Nothing is permanent. I know you're terrified of change, honey, but actually, people and things change in small ways all the time. Change is the only constant in life. I try to remind myself that change is the only constant in life so that I don't get too attached to whatever plans I've made. I know you're grieving now, but the pain will ease up in time. After all, change is the only constant in life.

constant dripping wears away a stone

proverb Success is earned through persistence and determination. My swing only got better after I started practicing it every day, so I guess it's true that constant dripping wears away a stone. You can make progress with small actions, you just have to do them consistently. Remember, constant dripping wears away a stone. I know you're frustrated, but you can't give up because constant dripping wears away a stone.

See also: away, constant, dripping, stone, wear

constant dropping wears away a stone

proverb Success is earned through persistence and determination. My swing only got better after I started practicing it every day, so I guess it's true that constant dropping wears away a stone. You can make progress with small actions, you just have to do them consistently. Remember, constant dropping wears away a stone. I know you're frustrated, but you can't give up because constant dropping wears away a stone.

See also: away, constant, dropping, stone, wear

in a (constant) state of flux

Apt to change or fluctuate; prone to instability. A: "No, their wedding plans are in a constant state of flux." B: "Wow, I wonder if they'll actually make it down the aisle." Well, all of our vacation plans are in a state of flux now that Sheila's broken her ankle.

under pressure

1. Literally, forced through or into some vessel with great compressive force. The contents of this container are under pressure, so do not pierce it or expose it to fire or you could risk triggering an explosion. Crude oil underneath the ground can be under intense pressure, which is why it can erupt into a geyser when drilled into directly.

2. (While) facing or enduring a great amount of stress caused by some compelling or constraining influence. I can't talk now, I'm under pressure to get this done before the end of the day! Sorry, I'm just under so much pressure at work that it's made me rather irritable.

Constant dropping wears away a stone,

and Constant dripping wears away a stone.

Prov. Persistence accomplishes things. Jill: How did you get Fred to give you a raise? Jane: I just kept asking him for it every week. Constant dropping wears away a stone.

See also: away, constant, dropping, stone, wear

*under pressure

1. and *under a deadline; *under the gun (about something) Fig. facing or enduring something such as pressure or a deadline. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) I have to get back to work. I am under a deadline. I am under a lot of pressure lately. The management is under the gun for the mistakes made last year.

2. [of a gas or liquid] being forced, squeezed, or compressed. (*Typically: be ~; deliver something ~; put something ~.) The gas in the pipes leading to the oven are under pressure.

under ˈpressure

1 if a liquid or a gas is kept under pressure, it is forced into a container so that when the container is opened, the liquid or gas escapes quickly
2 being forced to do something: The director is under increasing pressure to resign.
3 made to feel anxious about something you have to do: The team performs well under pressure.