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REFERENCE

town and gown

idiom

On the one hand, the members of the city, borough, or similar community near a university and, on the other hand, the students and faculty of the university itself, especially when understood as rivals in a state of tension or conflict.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big end of town

    The top end of town.

  2. 02

    blow town

    To suddenly leave one's residence.

  3. 03

    company town

    A town, city, or other municipality in which a single large business has a controlling influence over the economy and, sometimes, over the societal structure and the local government.

  4. 04

    go to town

    To proceed enthusiastically, vigorously, or expertly.

  5. 05

    go to town on

    To devour or consume (something); to enthusiastically or assiduously work on (something); to tear into (something).

  6. 06

    man about town

    A worldly, social man who frequents fashionable places.

  7. 07

    new kid in town

    Synonym of new kid on the block.

  8. 08

    one-horse town

    A very small town, especially one of a rural nature and offering very few or no attractions.

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