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.
.
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. |
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
rag
What does "rag" mean? | tampon; pad |
|
|
| |
Say when
What does "Say when" mean? | People say this when pouring a drink as a way of telling you to tell them when there's enough in your glass. |
|
grace (someone or something) with one's presence
What does "grace (someone or something) with one's presence" mean? | to honor someone or something by being present | The Queen graced the opening of the hospital with her presence.
|
drag on
What does "drag on" mean? | to pass very slowly, to make something longer | The speech was dragging on so we decided to leave early.
|
rip into (someone or something)
What does "rip into (someone or something)" mean? | to attack someone or something physically or verbally | My mother ripped into me when I came home late from the party.
|
with hat in hand
What does "with hat in hand" mean? | with humility | The boy went to his father with hat in hand to ask to borrow some money.
|
take a hand in (something)
What does "take a hand in (something)" mean? | to help plan or do something | The man is always ready to take a hand in any work that needs to be done.
|
|
| |
dorkette
What does "dorkette" mean? | female dork; dumb, incompetent woman |
|
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.
|
chow
What does "chow" mean? | food. | "How's the chow in the university cafeteria?"
|
grit
What does "grit" mean? | verve; courage. | "True Grit" (movie title). 2. Show some grit and fight.
|
Stew in your own juices
What does "Stew in your own juices" mean? | If you leave someone to stew in their own juices, you leave them to worry about the consequences of what they have done wrong or badly. |
|