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.
.
Death of a thousand cuts
What does Death of a thousand cuts mean? | If something is suffering the death of a thousand cuts, or death by a thousand cuts, lots of small bad things are happening, none of which are fatal in themselves, but which add up to a slow and painful demise. |
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
write off (a debt/loan)
What does "write off (a debt/loan)" mean? | to remove a debt/loan from a business record, to cancel a debt |
It was impossible for the bank to collect the money so they were forced to write off the loan.
|
|
| |
dead end
What does "dead end" mean? | the end of a road, an impasse |
The negotiations between the players and the owners have reached a dead end.
|
Babe in arms
What does "Babe in arms" mean? | A babe in arms is a very young child, or a person who is very young to be holding a position. |
|
one's stamping grounds
What does "one's stamping grounds" mean? | a place where a person spends/spent much of his time | My cousin went back to his old stamping grounds which he remembered as a teenager.
|
palm off (something)
What does "palm off (something)" mean? | to sell or give something away by pretending that it is more valuable than it is | I think that the man palmed off a television set that does not work.
|
chips and dip
What does "chips and dip" mean? | potato chips and something to dip them into before eating them |
We bought some chips and dip for the party.
|
by word of mouth
What does "by word of mouth" mean? | orally, from person to person by speaking | I learned about the holiday next week by word of mouth.
|
draw first blood
What does "draw first blood" mean? | the first point or advantage gained in a contest (often in
boxing or fighting with swords) | the first point or advantage gained in a contest (often in boxing or fighting with swords)The heavyweight champion drew first blood in the boxing match but in the end was defeated by his opponent.
|
|
| |
wanabe
What does "wanabe" mean? | somebody who aspires to greatness or to a particular position or achievement |
|
Dog-eared
What does "Dog-eared" mean? | If a book is dog-eared, it is in bad condition, with torn pages, etc. |
|
provided that (something is so)
What does "provided that (something is so)" mean? | on the condition that something is so | We plan to go hiking this weekend provided that the weather is nice.
|
get one's hands on (someone or something)
What does "get one's hands on (someone or something)" mean? | to get someone or something in one's grasp |
"When I get my hands on a hammer I will help you fix the door."
|