Hold On! Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

Hold on! What does Hold on! mean?	wait a minute, stop, wait and not hang up the phone	"Please hold on for a minute while I go back and lock the window."
	Some Random Idioms
keep one's finger's crossed What does "keep one's finger's crossed" mean?	to wish for good luck	I will keep my fingers crossed that I get the new job that I applied for.
instead of What does "instead of" mean?	in place of	"Let`s meet at the restaurant instead of the department store as we had planned."
let one`s hair down What does "let one`s hair down" mean?	to act freely and naturally, to relax	We were able to let our hair down at the party and have a good time.
take an interest in (something) What does "take an interest in (something)" mean?	to develop an interest in something	Recently my cousin has taken an interest in fishing.
play the devil's advocate What does "play the devil's advocate" mean?	to argue against something even if you may agree with it	I was playing the devil's advocate when I asked my friend some questions about his plan to change jobs.
fit and trim What does "fit and trim" mean?	to be slim and in good physical shape	My sister looked fit and trim after spending six months at the spa.
break ground for (something) What does "break ground for (something)" mean?	to start digging the foundation for a building	The hospital will break ground for the new building soon.
keep up with (someone or something) What does "keep up with (someone or something)" mean?	go at the same speed as a person or thing, maintain the same rate of progress	I can`t keep up with the rest of the class.
like water off a duck`s back What does "like water off a duck`s back" mean?	without effect, without changing one`s feelings or opinion	He always criticizes his friend but his friend ignores it so the criticism falls away like water off a duck`s back.
get a head start What does "get a head start" mean?	to get an advantage when you start doing something or going somewhere	We woke up early in the morning in order to get a head start on our holiday.

American Idioms and Expressions

Hold On! Idiom