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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Hat trick
What does Hat trick mean? | The accomplishment of three successes or wins. | Pam has pulled off a hat trick, three divorces, three big settlements.
"Hat trick" originated from the English game of Cricket. The term originally referred to a bowler retiring three consecutive batsman with three consecutive balls.
This is roughly equivalent to a pitcher in baseball striking out three consecutive batters using only three pitches to each! This was considered quite an accomplishment and was traditionally rewarded with a hat.
The term is now used for other sports, always referring to an accomplishment of three. A popular use today is three goals by a single player in one game of hockey or soccer. |
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Some Random Idioms
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rip-off
What does "rip-off" mean? | con; deception |
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as phony as a three-dollar bill
What does "as phony as a three-dollar bill" mean? | phony, not genuine | The man who was asking for donations for the charity was as phony as a three-dollar bill.
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the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing
What does "the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing" mean? | there is not good communication in an organization so one part of the organization does not know what the other part is doing | The assistant manager knew nothing about what the manager was doing in the company. It seems like the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
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white elephant
What does "white elephant" mean? | a useless possession (that often costs money to maintain) | The new airport is a white elephant and nobody wants to use it.
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shoot up
What does "shoot up" mean? | to grow quickly | The boy seemed to shoot up quickly during the summer.
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judging by (something)
What does "judging by (something)" mean? | considering something | Judging by the weather, I don't think that we will be able to go to the festival today.
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take a hike
What does "take a hike" mean? |
idiom. leave; get out; go away |
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at risk
What does "at risk" mean? | to be in danger | The children were at risk of getting sick when the disease spread in the school.
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talk down to (someone)
What does "talk down to (someone)" mean? | to use words or ideas that make you seem smarter or better than others | I do not like that woman because she is always talking down to the people around her.
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hit the hay
What does "hit the hay" mean? | go to bed; go to sleep. | "It's late, so I guess I'll hit the hay."
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hate (someone's) guts
What does "hate (someone's) guts" mean? | hate someone very much | I think that my neighbor hates my guts. He will never say hello to me.
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early to bed, early to rise
What does "early to bed, early to rise" mean? | going to bed early is good for you | going to bed early is good for youThe man believed that early to bed, early to rise was good for him and he always went to bed at 9:30 every night.
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give (someone) a swelled head
What does "give (someone) a swelled head" mean? | to make someone conceited | The girl's high test scores are giving her a swelled head.
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