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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Blow off some steam
What does Blow off some steam mean? | To enjoy oneself by relaxing normal formalities. | He is a true workaholic who has misguided priorities, when he wants to blow off some steam he comes to work on Saturday wearing blue jeans.
Boilers are commonly used in steam heating systems and steam engines such as those used in a steam locomotive. The boilers contain water that is heated by burning some fuel such as oil. The heated water turns to steam, which is then sent through a system of radiators (in the case of heating systems) or harnessed by a steam engine.
The steam creates considerable pressure in the boiler. If the pressure becomes too great, there is a danger of the boiler exploding. Hence boilers are equipped with safety valves called blow off valves that open if the pressure becomes to great.
"Blowing off steam" prevents explosions by relieving the pressure in a boiler by venting excess steam and pressure. |
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Some Random Idioms
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back the wrong horse
What does "back the wrong horse" mean? | to support someone or something that cannot win or succeed |
We backed the wrong horse in the election and our candidate lost badly.
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FWIW
What does "FWIW" mean? | for what it's worth |
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more often than not
What does "more often than not" mean? | usually | More often than not we eat at home rather than go out.
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Go-to guy
What does "Go-to guy" mean? | A go-to guy is a person whose knowledge of something is considerable so everyone wants to go to him or her for information or results. |
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pumped
What does "pumped" mean? | thrilled; excited; stimulated; eager |
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seeing is believing
What does "seeing is believing" mean? | you must see something before you can believe that it really exists | Seeing is believing and until we saw the Egyptian pyramids we could not imagine their beauty.
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yours truly
What does "yours truly" mean? | a polite phrase to end a letter | I usually end my letters with "Yours sincerely" but sometimes I use "Yours truly."
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in transit
What does "in transit" mean? | in the process of being transported | The cars were in transit when there was a train and truck accident.
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Look before you leap
What does "Look before you leap" mean? | This idiom means that you should think carefully about the possible results or consequences before doing something. |
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field questions
What does "field questions" mean? | to answer questions | The speaker began to field questions as soon as he finished talking.
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