blue hawk
/ˈbluː hɔːk/noun
1Any of various birds of prey with bluish-grey plumage; specifically the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), the merlin (Falco columbarius), the peregrine (F. peregrinus), and the male hen harrier (Circus cyaneus). Now historical.
2 US. The male hen (or northern) harrier (Circus cyaneus) and the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Now rare.
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in The Monthly Review. From blue + hawk.
- take the floor
- take the gilt off the gingerbread
- take the King's (or Queen's) shilling
- take the King's shilling
- take the law into one's own hands
- take the liberty
- take the long view
- take the mound
- take the (or one's etc.) secret to the grave
- take the part of
- take the piss (out of someone/thing)
- take the place of
- take the plunge
- take the rap
- take the rough with the smooth
- take the salute
- take the shine off
- take the starch out of
- take the trouble
- take the veil
- take the wind out of someone's sails
- take the words out of someone's mouth
- take thought
- take time by the forelock
- take to