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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Crocodile tears
What does Crocodile tears mean? | Pretending to cry in an attempt to manipulate or
exploit, phony tears. | OJ gave his testimony through crocodile tears.
It was often thought that crocodiles shed tears that slid down into their mouths, moistening their food and making it easier for them to swallow. Hence the tears appear to be an expression of emotion but are in fact a means to make it easier to swallow (possibly the observer). |
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Some Random Idioms
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bird-dog
What does "bird-dog" mean? | monitor someone |
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bang
What does "bang" mean? | a thrill; something exciting |
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acid head
What does "acid head" mean? | user of LSD. | He was an acid head in college but hasn't used since.
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get the short end of the stick
What does "get the short end of the stick" mean? | to get less than others | I sometimes get the short end of the stick and I have to do more work than the other students.
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Throw the book at someone
What does "Throw the book at someone" mean? | If you throw the book at someone, you punish them as severely as possible. |
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paper over the cracks (in/of something)
What does "paper over the cracks (in/of something)" mean? | to try to hide faults or difficulties | Our boss is trying to paper over the cracks in the office and will not deal with the problems of the staff.
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wait on (someone) hand and foot
What does "wait on (someone) hand and foot" mean? | to serve someone in every possible way, to do everything for someone | I always wait on my sister hand and foot when she comes to visit me.
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a sight for sore eyes
What does "a sight for sore eyes" mean? | a welcome sight | The man was a sight for sore eyes when he came home from his trip.
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snake in the grass
What does "snake in the grass" mean? | a low and dishonest person | The man is a snake in the grass and nobody likes him.
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blow a fuse
What does "blow a fuse" mean? | to burn out a fuse, to become angry | We quickly replaced the old fuse when our house blew a fuse last night.
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day and night
What does "day and night" mean? | all of the time | We worked day and night to finish the project before the end of the month.
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break the law
What does "break the law" mean? | fail to obey the law | The woman was forced to quit her job after it was discovered that she had broken the law.
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lose out on (something)
What does "lose out on (something)" mean? | fail to get or take part in something | He lost out on a chance to go to Mexico City because he was too busy with other things.
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clip
What does "clip" mean? | high speed; fast |
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