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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Get a leg up
What does Get a leg up mean? | To get a boost or advantage. | I could get up a 5:00 am to get a leg up on my competition, but I don't think so.
This phrase may incorrectly invoke images of a dog raising its leg.
In fact "Getting a leg up" is from the act of an equestrian receiving help in mounting a horse. The helper would create a foothold by cupping the hands to heft the rider upward, throwing a leg up and over the steed. |
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Some Random Idioms
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shank
What does "shank" mean? | knife; blade |
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pay dirt
What does "pay dirt" mean? | dirt in which much gold is found, a profitable or useful discovery or venture | The company hit pay dirt when they published the new computer software.
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take inventory
What does "take inventory" mean? | to make an inventory list, to count the goods in a store or warehouse | We stayed late at our store to take inventory.
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With flying colours (colors)
What does "With flying colours (colors)" mean? | If you pass something with flying colours (colors), you pass easily, with a very high mark or grade. |
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have one's hand in the till
What does "have one's hand in the till" mean? | be stealing money from a company or organization | The man had his hand in the till for many years before he was caught.
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At your wit's end
What does "At your wit's end" mean? | If you're at your wit's end, you really don't know what you should do about something, no matter how hard you think about it. |
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put in an appearance
What does "put in an appearance" mean? | to appear somewhere for a short time | I was forced to put in an appearance at the party although I was very tired.
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make ends meet
What does "make ends meet" mean? | to have enough money to pay one`s bills | I have been having trouble making ends meet because the rent for my apartment is very high.
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bone of contention
What does "bone of contention" mean? | the subject or reason for a fight/dispute | The size of the project was a bone of contention during the talks between the city and the developer.
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By the by
What does "By the by" mean? | This is used as a way of introducing an incidental topic in a conversation or to say that something is irrelevant. ('By the bye' is also used.) |
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go about one's business
What does "go about one's business" mean? | to be busy or start working on something | Everybody is going about their business again after the holidays.
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cuss out
What does "cuss out" mean? | curse someone; scold someone |
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