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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Dressed to a tea
What does Dressed to a tea mean? | Well dressed with attention to detail. | Beware any salesman that is dressed to a tea, smiles too much, and talks fast.
A short way of saying "dressed for a tea" or "dressed to go to a tea". In the Victorian era, high tea was a formal affair. All proper people dressed in appropriate attire. |
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Some Random Idioms
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You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
What does "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours." mean? | if you will do me a favor, I will do you a favor | The construction industry is known for its practice of you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
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hole up
What does "hole up" mean? | hide; conceal oneself |
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live from hand to mouth
What does "live from hand to mouth" mean? | to live on very little money | My friend has been living from hand to mouth since he lost his job.
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pass for/as (someone or something)
What does "pass for/as (someone or something)" mean? | to succeed in being accepted as someone or something | The young woman was trying to pass for a reporter when she went to the concert.
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cross the Rubicon
What does "cross the Rubicon" mean? | to do something where you cannot go back (Julius Ceasar crossed the Rubicon and made a fight with the Roman Senate inevitable) | The man crossed the Rubicon when he began on a course that he could never turn back from.
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get the runaround
What does "get the runaround" mean? | to receive a series of excuses and delays | I got the runaround when I went to talk to the company about my parking ticket.
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think up (an excuse/idea)
What does "think up (an excuse/idea)" mean? | to invent or create an excuse or idea | Our boss has thought up many interesting ideas for our company.
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As good as new
What does "As good as new" mean? | If something has been used but is still in extremely good condition, it is as good as new. |
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Ruffle a few feathers
What does "Ruffle a few feathers" mean? | If you ruffle a few feathers, you annoy some people when making changes or improvements. |
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curiosity killed the cat
What does "curiosity killed the cat" mean? | being too nosy may lead a person into trouble | "You should not worry about what your friend is doing. Remember, curiosity killed the cat."
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have broad shoulders
What does "have broad shoulders" mean? | have the ability to work hard and take on responsibilities and accept criticism (because you are strong with broad shoulders) | The man has broad shoulders and does much more than his share of work in our company.
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do (someone) good
What does "do (someone) good" mean? | to be good or beneficial for someone | It will do me good to go on a holiday.
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in need
What does "in need" mean? | someone requires basic things like food/clothing/housing | The victims of the hurricane were very much in need after the storm was over.
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