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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go down in history
What does "go down in history" mean? | to be remembered as an important historical event | The concert will go down in history as the biggest in the world.
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in the act of (doing something)
What does "in the act of (doing something)" mean? | while doing something | The young man was arrested in the act of stealing the stereo from the store.
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one's lucky stars
What does "one's lucky stars" mean? | a certain star or planet which is thought to bring a person good luck and success in life | You can count your lucky stars that you don`t have to work on a rainy day like today.
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go into orbit
What does "go into orbit" mean? | to lose one`s temper, to become very angry | The bank manager went into orbit when he learned about the missing money.
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freak
What does "freak" mean? | lose control; panic |
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sweat bullets
What does "sweat bullets" mean? | feel very tense or anxious |
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falsies
What does "falsies" mean? | artificially enlarged breasts (either through surgery or padding). | Nice falsies on her, but I'd rather have the real thing.
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bean counter
What does "bean counter" mean? | an accountant | We asked the bean counters to look at the figures in the new budget.
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sit back
What does "sit back" mean? | to relax/rest, to take a break | We decided to sit back for the day and not do anything.
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red tape
What does "red tape" mean? | excessive formalities in official transactions | There was much red tape when we went to the city to get a business license.
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hit the sauce
What does "hit the sauce" mean? | to drink alcohol (usually regularly) | I think that the woman began to hit the sauce after her husband lost his job.
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shoot the breeze/bull
What does "shoot the breeze/bull" mean? | to talk idly | I met my friend at the supermarket and we decided to shoot the breeze for a few minutes.
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work out (for the best)
What does "work out (for the best)" mean? | to end successfully | I hope that everything will work out for my friend when she moves to London next week.
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The Mountie always gets his man
What does "The Mountie always gets his man" mean? | (Canada) The Mounties are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and they have a reputation for catching criminals they are after. |
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