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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Hunky Dory
What does Hunky Dory mean? | If something is hunky dory, it is perfectly satisfactory, fine. |
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Some Random Idioms
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Toe the line
What does "Toe the line" mean? | Follow the group, don't disagree, do what others are
doing. | Your lifestyle has gone on for too long. It is time for you to toe the line - get a wife, a job, some kids, and be miserable just like everyone else.
Many mistakenly think the phrase is "tow the line", thus obscuring the meaning.
This term comes from military line-ups for inspection. Soldiers are expected to line up, that is put their toes on a line, and submit to the inspection. |
from the heart
What does "from the heart" mean? | sincerely, honestly |
The boy gave his girlfriend some flowers with a message from the heart.
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Don't hold your breath.
What does "Don't hold your breath." mean? | Don't stop breathing to wait for something (because it will never happen). |
"Don't hold your breath," I said when my friend asked when he would be able to borrow our friend's car.
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on trial
What does "on trial" mean? | being tried in court |
The man is on trial for stealing money from his company.
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sorry-assed
What does "sorry-assed" mean? | depressed; sad; pathetic; worthless |
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Touch wood
What does "Touch wood" mean? | This idiom is used to wish for good luck.
('Knock on wood' is also used.) |
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in spite of
What does "in spite of" mean? | in opposition to, despite | In spite of the terrible weather we went to the beach for a picnic.
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cover for (someone)
What does "cover for (someone)" mean? | to do someone else's work | We always cover for each other when someone at work is sick.
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hush-hush
What does "hush-hush" mean? | something kept secret or hidden | "Why the big hush-hush? Everyone is very quiet this morning."
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beyond a shadow of a doubt
What does "beyond a shadow of a doubt" mean? | to be completely without doubt | Everyone believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that the man had stolen the money.
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