First Port Of Call Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

First port of call What does First port of call mean?	The first place you stop to do something is your first port of call.
	Some Random Idioms
engage in small talk What does "engage in small talk" mean?	to talk about minor things rather than more important things	The sales staff engaged in some small talk before the meeting.
lie in wait What does "lie in wait" mean?	watch from hiding in order to attack or surprise someone	The police decided to lie in wait for the bank robbers to appear at the bank.
look like something the cat dragged in What does "look like something the cat dragged in" mean?	to look tired or worn out or dirty	I was very tired and I looked like something the cat dragged in.
give (someone) pause to think What does "give (someone) pause to think" mean?	to cause someone to stop and think	The accident on the highway gave everyone pause to think.
engage in small talk What does "engage in small talk" mean?	to talk about minor things rather than more important things	The sales staff engaged in some small talk before the meeting.
go over big/well with (someone) What does "go over big/well with (someone)" mean?	to be liked, to be successful	I am sure that my idea will go over well with my friends.
ship shape What does "ship shape" mean?	in good condition; functioning well

Johnny on the spot What does "Johnny on the spot" mean?	A person who is always available; ready, willing, and able to do what needs to be done.('Johnny-on-the-spot' is also used.)
luck out What does "luck out" mean?	to suddenly get lucky even though it looks like you won`t succeed	He lucked out with the concert tickets and was able to buy four of them.
cut-rate What does "cut-rate" mean?	inexpensive; cheap
rack time What does "rack time" mean?	time spend in bed asleep
at a loss What does "at a loss" mean?	at less than the cost, at a financial loss	The store was selling things at a loss so the prices were very low.

American Idioms and Expressions

First Port Of Call Idiom