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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In the black
What does In the black mean? | To be making money. | Live below your means and you will always be running in the black.
Standard practice for accounting is to record positive numbers in black ink and negative numbers in red ink. Operating "in the black" is to record positive numbers, that is to say earnings. |
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Some Random Idioms
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tie (someone) up in knots
What does "tie (someone) up in knots" mean? | to make someone very nervous or worried | My colleague was tied up in knots before the speech at the convention.
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give (someone) a clean bill of health
What does "give (someone) a clean bill of health" mean? | to declare that someone is healthy (usually done by a doctor) | My doctor gave me a clean bill of health during my recent checkup.
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the handwriting is on the wall
What does "the handwriting is on the wall" mean? | a sign that something bad or significant will happen | The handwriting is on the wall. Business conditions are bad so nobody will get a pay raise this year.
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pour money down the drain
What does "pour money down the drain" mean? | to waste money | The city was pouring money down the drain when they built the new subway line.
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in the prime of life
What does "in the prime of life" mean? | in the best and most productive and healthy period of life | The young man was in a terrible car accident and died in the prime of life.
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drive a hard bargain
What does "drive a hard bargain" mean? | to bargain hard and try to make an agreement to one's advantage | The sales manager drives a hard bargain and it is difficult to negotiate with him.
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birthday suit
What does "birthday suit" mean? | complete nakedness | The little boy was running through the park in his birthday suit.
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Tried and tested
What does "Tried and tested" mean? | If a method has been tried and tested, it is known to work or be effective because it has been successfully used long enough to be trusted. |
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hard-nosed
What does "hard-nosed" mean? | not weak or soft, stubborn - especially in a fight or contest or negotiations | The company had a hard-nosed attitude while bargaining with the union.
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take a look for (someone or something)
What does "take a look for (someone or something)" mean? | to look for someone or something | Tomorrow I will take a look for the pen which I lost.
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have a crush on (someone)
What does "have a crush on (someone)" mean? | to be attracted to someone | The girl has a crush on someone at her university.
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pick up (someone)
What does "pick up (someone)" mean? | to take someone to the police station, to arrest someone | The police picked up the man for drinking and driving.
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come home to haunt (someone)
What does "come home to haunt (someone)" mean? | result in undesirable effects eventually |
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as red as a cherry
What does "as red as a cherry" mean? | bright red | My new sweater is as red as a cherry.
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