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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Brand Spanking New
What does Brand Spanking New mean? | New and unused. | What you really need is a brand spanking new Porsche turbo.
Doctors have traditionally spanked babies immediately after delivery to start them crying, and breathing. |
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Some Random Idioms
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fish or cut bait
What does "fish or cut bait" mean? | to either do what you are supposed to do or quit and let someone else do it | It was time to fish or cut bait so I decided to let someone else handle the problem.
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short of (something)
What does "short of (something)" mean? | to not have enough of something | We are short of sugar so I will buy some when I am at the store.
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nuke
What does "nuke" mean? | nuclear weapon |
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play the devil's advocate
What does "play the devil's advocate" mean? | to argue against something even if you may agree with it | I was playing the devil's advocate when I asked my friend some questions about his plan to change jobs.
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false witness
What does "false witness" mean? | a person who deliberately offers inaccurate evidence | The man was accused of being a false witness after he testified at the trial.
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once in a while
What does "once in a while" mean? | occasionally, infrequently | We only go to that small Mexican restaurant once in a while.
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Bag of bones
What does "Bag of bones" mean? | If someone is a bag of bones, they are very underweight. |
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rough it
What does "rough it" mean? | to live in uncomfortable conditions without the usual comforts (such as on a camping trip) | We were forced to rough it for a few days when the storm knocked out the electricity supply.
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a foot in the door
What does "a foot in the door" mean? | an opening or opportunity | I finally got a foot in the door when the company accepted my application.
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get better
What does "get better" mean? | to improve one's skill at doing something, to improve one's health | The little boy is getting better at riding his bicycle.
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With a heavy hand
What does "With a heavy hand" mean? | If someone does something with a heavy hand, they do it in a strict way, exerting a lot of control. |
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at one with (someone)
What does "at one with (someone)" mean? | to share the same view as others, to be in agreement with others | The members of the committee are at one with me over my decision to cancel the meeting.
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