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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Cut from the same cloth
What does Cut from the same cloth mean? | To be similar, usually in terms of behavior. | You and your father are cut from the same cloth; fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life son.
If you're making a suit, the jacket and trousers should be cut from the same piece of cloth to ensure a perfect match, since there may be differences in color, weave etc. between batches of fabric. Only if the whole suite is cut from the same piece of cloth can we be sure of the match. |
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Some Random Idioms
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dog in the manger
What does "dog in the manger" mean? | someone who prevents others from doing what he does not want them to do (from Aesops Fables) | The girl was a dog in the manger when she cancelled the dinner because she could not attend.
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above average
What does "above average" mean? | better or higher than average | The boy received above average marks in all subjects except history.
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on ice
What does "on ice" mean? | to be away for safekeeping or later use, to be postponed | The city have put the plans for the new stadium on ice while they try to raise more money.
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piss off
What does "piss off" mean? | go away; drop dead (used to reject something or as a retort) |
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mean business
What does "mean business" mean? | to be serious | Our boss means business when he tells everyone to work harder.
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far out
What does "far out" mean? | rarefied; obscure; difficult to comprehend |
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pinch pennies
What does "pinch pennies" mean? | to be careful with money, to be thrifty | He has been pinching pennies for many months in order to save money for his vacation.
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specs
What does "specs" mean? | eyesglasses |
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be on the road
What does "be on the road" mean? | be traveling. | "You won't be able to contact me tomorrow because I'llbe on the road."
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familiarity breeds contempt
What does "familiarity breeds contempt" mean? | knowing a person closely for a long time sometimes leads to bad feelings | knowing a person closely for a long time sometimes leads to bad feelingsFamiliarity breeds contempt and after living together for several months the two girls were always fighting.
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as scarce as hen's teeth/scarcer than hen's teeth
What does "as scarce as hen's teeth/scarcer than hen's teeth" mean? | very scarce or nonexistent | Cheap hotels in this city are as scarce as hen's teeth.
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PBJ
What does "PBJ" mean? | peanut butter and jelly sandwich (n.b.: other forms, such as shakes, also exist) |
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down-and-out
What does "down-and-out" mean? | having no money | My friend was down-and-out for many years before he got a job and began to make money.
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call a meeting
What does "call a meeting" mean? | to request that a meeting be held | The board of directors will call a meeting for next week.
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