American Idioms and Expressions

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 your wires crossed What does Get your wires crossed mean?	If people get their wires cross, they misunderstand each other, especially when making arrangements. ('Get your lines crossed' is also used.)
	Some Random Idioms
in short supply What does "in short supply" mean?	not enough, in less than the amount or number needed	Chairs were in short supply so some of the guests had to sit on the floor.
for kicks What does "for kicks" mean?	for fun	We decided to go to the airport to watch the airplanes for kicks.
at large What does "at large" mean?	to be free, to be uncaptured	The criminal was at large for over three months.
big cheese What does "big cheese" mean?	an important person, a leader	My uncle is a big cheese in his company so you should be very nice to him.
go for the jugular What does "go for the jugular" mean?	attack someone in a way that you know will harm them most (the jugular is a large vein in the neck)	As soon as the political candidate was having problems the other candidates decided to go for the jugular and attack.
tough What does "tough" mean?	difficult.
hide one's face in shame What does "hide one's face in shame" mean?	cover one's face because of shame or embarrassment	The man wanted to hide his face in shame after he lost his job.
set (someone or something) loose What does "set (someone or something) loose" mean?	to set someone or something free, to release someone or something that you are holding	The wildlife department decided to set loose the bear that it had captured.
out of one`s element What does "out of one`s element" mean?	to be in a situation where one does not belong or fit in	He is out of his element teaching the computer course. He does not know anything about computers.
in a huff What does "in a huff" mean?	in an angry or offended manner	The head of our department left the meeting in a huff.