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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Broad strokes
What does Broad strokes mean? | If something is described or defined with broad stokes, then only an outline is given, without fine details. |
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Some Random Idioms
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turn one`s back on (someone or something)
What does "turn one`s back on (someone or something)" mean? | refuse to help someone in trouble or need | The woman turned her back on her friend when the friend asked her for some money.
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Take up the torch
What does "Take up the torch" mean? | If you take up the torch, you take on a challenge or responsibility, usually when someone else retires, or leaves an organisation, etc. |
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try out (something)
What does "try out (something)" mean? | to test something | We were not permitted to try out the computer before we bought it.
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half a loaf is better than none
What does "half a loaf is better than none" mean? | a proverb that says that having part of something is better than having nothing at all | Half a loaf is better than none and I would rather work part-time than have no job at all.
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put in time
What does "put in time" mean? | to spend time doing something | He put in a lot of time fixing up his house and now it looks very beautiful.
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have a run of bad luck
What does "have a run of bad luck" mean? | have a period of bad luck | My uncle had a run of bad luck and he lost his business as well as his house.
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a bad workman blames his tools
What does "a bad workman blames his tools" mean? | someone blames his tools or the material that he is working with for his own bad work | The carpenter was angry that his saw did not cut well. As often happens, a bad workman blames his tools.
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green
What does "green" mean? | raw; inexperienced; new to something |
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Keep at bay
What does "Keep at bay" mean? | If you keep someone or something at bay, you maintain a safe distance from them. |
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Up to the neck
What does "Up to the neck" mean? | If someone's in something up to the neck, they are very involved in it, especially when it's something wrong. |
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Spot on
What does "Spot on" mean? | If something is spot on, it is exactly right. |
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