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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If I had a nickel for every time
What does If I had a nickel for every time mean? | When someone uses this expression, they mean that the specific thing happens a lot. It is an abbreviation of the statement 'If I had a nickel for every time that happened, I would be rich' |
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Some Random Idioms
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fall head over heels in love with (someone)
What does "fall head over heels in love with (someone)" mean? | to fall deeply in love with someone |
My sister fell head over heels in love with a boy in her English class.
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For donkey's years
What does "For donkey's years" mean? | (UK) If people have done something, usually without much if any change, for an awfully long time, they can be said to have done it for donkey's years. |
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eat one`s cake and have it too
What does "eat one`s cake and have it too" mean? | to use or spend something but still keep it | The man wants to eat his cake and have it too and he will never give up anything.
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Don't wash your dirty laundry in public
What does "Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" mean? | (UK) People, especially couples, who argue in front of others or involve others in their personal problems and crises, are said to be washing their dirty laundry in public; making public things that are best left private. (In American English, 'don't air your dirty laundry in public' is used.) |
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true to form
What does "true to form" mean? | exactly as expected, following the usual pattern | True to form our teacher refused to accept any of our papers late.
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White feather
What does "White feather" mean? | If someone shows a white feather, they are cowards. |
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a wildcat strike
What does "a wildcat strike" mean? | a strike spontaneously arranged by a group of workers | There was a wildcat strike at the factory and over 100 people stopped work.
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work out (a problem)
What does "work out (a problem)" mean? | to solve a problem, to provide the details of something |
I spent the weekend trying to work out the budget estimates for next year.
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stand one's ground
What does "stand one's ground" mean? | to maintain and defend one's position | Although the other negotiating team was very aggressive we stood our ground and bargained hard.
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get under (someone`s) skin
What does "get under (someone`s) skin" mean? | to bother or upset someone | The woman always gets under my skin although I do not really know why.
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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.) |
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