Sniping

hi,

I need to know the meaning for the following phrases...

1.what do we mean when we describe something as "freakin horrible".

We mean the thing is horrible. "Freakin'" is added for emphasis. It's a slightly more genteel substitute for the expletive "fucking."

2.he would "wind up on the wrong end of a knife".

He would be stabbed eventually.

3."took on a life of its own". could u give an example?

The Phrase Finder Discussion Forum was established as an arena for research into the origins and meanings of English phrases. It has since taken on a life of its own.

4."to get off the hook".

To be freed from an obligation or an unpleasant duty. (The phrase comes from fishing with a hook and line.)

5.Tony Blair "steps into" the record book. anything noble he did?

Not that I know of.

6.see a "culture of deceit" at the heart of his government.

High officials in the particular government operate in secrecy and tell lies to hide their actions.

7.he would "soldier on".

He proceeded bravely toward a goal despite obstacles and setbacks.

8."sniped over" the failure.

I don't know the meaning of that one.

thank you all for the help.

A sniper was a single armed soldier who shot at individual enemy soldiers. Sniping was later used to mean criticising an opponent.

It has a new meaning on eBay;
"Then suddenly, with seconds to go, someone else swoops in with an even higher offer. Before the novice has time to retaliate, the auction closes. In eBay jargon, the second-to-last bidder has been hit by a sniper."