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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thunder-thighs
What does "thunder-thighs" mean? | fat or large thighs (usually on a woman) |
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burn a hole in one`s pocket
What does "burn a hole in one`s pocket" mean? | to stimulate someone to spend money quickly | I got paid today and the money is burning a hole in my pocket.
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tell the truth and shame the devil
What does "tell the truth and shame the devil" mean? | it is better to tell the truth even though there may be good reasons not to | The woman had information about the illegal activities at her company. She was hesitant to become involved but she felt that it was better to tell the truth and shame the devil than to remain silent.
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warts and all
What does "warts and all" mean? | including all one's faults and disadvantages | I opened my heart to my friend and told him everything - warts and all.
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out on parole
What does "out on parole" mean? | out of jail but being supervised by the police | While the criminal was out on parole he was forced to meet with a social worker every two weeks.
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swim against the tide/current
What does "swim against the tide/current" mean? | to do the opposite of what most people want to do | My friend likes to swim against the tide and never wants to do what others are doing.
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put one's head in a noose
What does "put one's head in a noose" mean? | to say or do something that could harm you or your image | The man put his head in a noose when he became angry and criticized his boss at the meeting.
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True colours
What does "True colours" mean? | If someone shows their true colours, they show themselves as they really are.
('True colors' is the American spelling.) |
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go for it
What does "go for it" mean? | give it a try; do it; |
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come out of left field
What does "come out of left field" mean? | be completely unexpected | be completely unexpectedHis idea about going to Turkey came right out of left field.
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caught short
What does "caught short" mean? | to not have enough money when you need it | I was caught short and had to borrow some money from my father last week.
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sleaze
What does "sleaze" mean? | worthless item or object |
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on standby
What does "on standby" mean? | to be waiting for a seat/ticket to become available on a train/plane/bus | We decided to fly to visit my parents on standby.
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in pen
What does "in pen" mean? | written or signed with a pen | The teacher asked the students to make sure that they wrote the essay in pen.
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