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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Busting your chops
What does Busting your chops mean? | To say things intended to harass. | Don't get mad, I am just busting your chops.
At the turn of the century, wearing very long sideburns—called mutton chops or lamb chops -- was en vogue. Lamb chop side burns also made a comeback in the late 1960s. A bust in the chops was to get hit in the face. Since Mutton Chops are no longer considered high fashion, the term has come to be figurative rather than literal. |
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Some Random Idioms
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lay a finger on (someone or something)
What does "lay a finger on (someone or something)" mean? | to touch or bother someone or something | The teacher told the students not to lay a finger on the new textbooks.
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do
What does "do" mean? | have sexual relations |
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Straight and narrow
What does "Straight and narrow" mean? | To stay out of trouble. | Ever since getting out of jail on bond I have been on the straight and narrow.
This phrase comes from the Bible and describes the path to heaven.
Matthew 7:14 to be exact: "Broad is the way that is the path of destruction but narrow is the gate and straight is the way which leadeth to the house of God." |
horse around
What does "horse around" mean? | to play around (in a rough way) | The teacher told the children not to horse around while they were getting ready for class.
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cash-and-carry
What does "cash-and-carry" mean? | selling something for cash only and with no delivery | We were able to get a good price on a sofa in a cash-and-carry deal at the furniture store.
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not know one's own strength
What does "not know one's own strength" mean? | to not realize how destructive or harmful one's strength can be | The little boy does not know his own strength and does much damage when he plays.
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to put it mildly
What does "to put it mildly" mean? | to understate something, to say something politely | To put it mildly the food at the restaurant was some of the worst that I have ever tasted.
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get engaged
What does "get engaged" mean? | decide to marry someone | decide to marry someoneHe got engaged to his wife several years before they actually got married.
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take on (something)
What does "take on (something)" mean? | to load (something) | The ship took on most of its cargo the week before it left the port.
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at stake
What does "at stake" mean? | to be able to be won or lost, to be at risk | Much money was at stake during the negotiations for the oil pipeline.
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come by (something) honestly
What does "come by (something) honestly" mean? | get something honestly | The woman came by a large amount of money honestly but many people wondered where it had come from.
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tune in
What does "tune in" mean? | to get in touch with something important like one`s own feelings etc. | The woman works hard to tune in to her feelings.
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have a whale of a time
What does "have a whale of a time" mean? | have an exciting time | Everybody had a whale of a time at the school picnic.
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