half mile of hell
n.— «He competed in the pony chuckwagon and chariot races that are a staple of small town rodeos.…The race itself, around an oval field—affectionately known as the “half mile of hell”—is just as fast and still dangerous.» —“A cowboy’s spine” by Brian Bergman Maclean’s (Can.) July 6, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Book recommendations and the art of apology. Martha and Grant share some good reads, including an opinionated romp through English grammar, a Spanish-language adventure novel, an account of 19th-century dictionary wars, and a gorgeously illustrated...
Book recommendations, including a collection of short stories inspired by dictionaries, and a techno-thriller for teens. Or, how about novels with an upbeat message? Publishers call this genre up lit. Plus, a clergyman ponders an arresting phrase in...