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 country of the BLIND, the ONE-EYED man is KING
What does In the country of the BLIND, the ONE-EYED man is KING mean? | A man of even limited ability is at a great advantage in
the company of those less able. | It doesn't matter if you don't completely understand how the Internet works! You know more than anyone else here. So, in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
An English proverb cited by John Ray in 1678 tells us that "a man were better be half blind than have both eyes out." Not only would he be able to avoid the ditch (fallen into by the blind leading the blind), he might find himself in a position if leadership. "In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king" is quoted in Erasmus' "Adagia," in 1536. We also see it in John Palsgrave's translation of the "Comedy of Acolastus." In 1522, in his "Why Come Yet Not to Court?" John Skelton tells us that: "an one eyed man is Well sighted when is is amonge blynde men." |
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Some Random Idioms
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heart is in one's mouth
What does "heart is in one's mouth" mean? | to feel very nervous or frightened or have strong emotions about something | My heart was in my mouth when I saw the little boy standing on the ladder.
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Mud-slinging
What does "Mud-slinging" mean? | If someone is mud-slinging, they are insulting someone and trying to damage that person's reputation. |
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have the best of both worlds
What does "have the best of both worlds" mean? | be able to enjoy two different opportunities | The man has the best of both worlds and can enjoy the outdoors and nature while he is working at his job.
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on the money
What does "on the money" mean? | exactly the right place/time/amount of something, exactly the right idea | Our supervisor's estimate of next year's budget is right on the money.
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as snug as a bug in a rug
What does "as snug as a bug in a rug" mean? | cozy and snug | The children were as snug as a bug in a rug as they read a book in the big bed.
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neuro
What does "neuro" mean? | neorology; neurological service in a hospital. | Call neuro. We won't figure this out on our own.
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hang on by one's fingernails
What does "hang on by one's fingernails" mean? | to continue or manage to do something in a difficult situation | The man is continuing at his job but he is only hanging on by his fingernails.
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close but no cigar
What does "close but no cigar" mean? |
idiom. unsuccessful; almost but not quite good enough |
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Johnny-on-the-spot
What does "Johnny-on-the-spot" mean? | someone who is at the right place when needed or is right on time | He is always Johnny-on-the-spot. Just when we need him he arrives.
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buck(s)
What does "buck(s)" mean? | dollar(s). | "The cheapest tickets for the concert cost 25bucks. Do you still want to go?"
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as gaudy as a butterfly
What does "as gaudy as a butterfly" mean? | gaudy, colorful | The woman was as gaudy as a butterfly when she left for the concert.
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put ideas into (someone's) head
What does "put ideas into (someone's) head" mean? | to suggest something (often bad) to someone | My mother was angry because I was putting ideas into my sister's head.
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go halves
What does "go halves" mean? | to share equally | We decided to go halves on buying a new computer.
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born with a silver spoon in one`s mouth
What does "born with a silver spoon in one`s mouth" mean? | to be born to wealth and comfort, to be born rich | The boy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he has never worked in his life.
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