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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Back handed compliment
What does Back handed compliment mean? | A compliment that also insults or puts down at the
same time. | They gave me a backhanded compliment when they said I was smart for a girl.
Back-handed is synonymous with left-handed. For example in tennis, a backhand stroke is a strike by a right-handed player from the left side of the body.
The left side of the body has always been deemed sinister. The Latin word for left is sinister. Hence, back-handed means round-about, indirect, or devious. |
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Some Random Idioms
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booze
What does "booze" mean? | alcoholic beverage of any sort. | Gimme some booze, now.
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sweat blood
What does "sweat blood" mean? | feel very tense or anxious |
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Rusty needle
What does "Rusty needle" mean? | When something is described as a rusty needle, it is badly damaged but still works, or if someone very is sick or tired but still manages to do things at a fairly good level. An alternative form is "a tarnished needle". |
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con artist
What does "con artist" mean? | swindler; someone who deceives people out of money |
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have what it takes
What does "have what it takes" mean? | have the ability or courage to do something | I don't believe that my friend has what it takes to be a good teacher.
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straight
What does "straight" mean? | no longer using drugs or alcohol |
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off the record
What does "off the record" mean? | to be not published or revealed, to be a secret | I told my boss off the record that I would probably not return after the summer holiday.
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swap spits
What does "swap spits" mean? | kiss |
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Your call
What does "Your call" mean? | If something is your call, it is up to you to make a decision on the matter. |
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Keep posted
What does "Keep posted" mean? | If you keep posted about something, you keep up-to-date with information and developments. |
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keep an ear out for (something)
What does "keep an ear out for (something)" mean? | to listen carefully for something | I plan to keep an ear out for any information about a new job for my friend.
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take (something)
What does "take (something)" mean? | to endure something | I find it very difficult to take the woman's constant complaining.
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look (someone) in the eye/face
What does "look (someone) in the eye/face" mean? | face someone directly | I looked the man in the eye when I asked him to move his car out of my way.
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