This
database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available.
American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time.
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Armed to the teeth
What does Armed to the teeth mean? | To be heavily armed. | Don't even think about going into Chicago's housing projects unless you are armed to the teeth.
This is a pirate phrase originating in Port Royal Jamaica in the 1600's. Having only single shot black powder weapons and cutlesses, they would carry many of these weapons at once to keep up the fight.
In addition they carried a knife in their teeth for maximum arms capability. |
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Some Random Idioms
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create an uproar
What does "create an uproar" mean? | to cause a sensation | The referees created an uproar when they asked the star player to leave the game.
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make a point
What does "make a point" mean? | state something important | The speaker used some good examples in order to make a point during his speech.
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run around
What does "run around" mean? | to go to various places to do things | We ran around all day and now we are very tired.
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feed the kitty
What does "feed the kitty" mean? | to contribute money to a special collection | Everybody had to feed the kitty in order to collect money for the party.
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jock
What does "jock" mean? | athlete; athletic supporter (clothing) |
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join forces (with someone)
What does "join forces (with someone)" mean? | unite/join with someone | The two high schools joined forces to try and raise money for the city library expansion.
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in the clouds
What does "in the clouds" mean? | far from real life, in dreams, in thought | His head is usually in the clouds so you may have trouble finding out what you want to know from him.
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Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
What does "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" mean? | If you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you are born into a rich family. |
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hundred and one
What does "hundred and one" mean? | very many | I can think of a hundred and one reasons why the new employee is not capable of doing his job.
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Game on
What does "Game on" mean? | When someone says 'Game on!', it means that they are accepting a challenge or ready to get something done. |
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Searching question
What does "Searching question" mean? | A searching question goes straight to the heart of the subject matter, possibly requiring an answer with a degree of honesty that the other person finds uncomfortable. |
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bail a company out
What does "bail a company out" mean? | to help or rescue a company that has financial problems | The government bailed out the bank in order to maintain stability in the economy.
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