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 doldrums What does In the doldrums mean? | To be depressed or unmotivated. | I'd like to provide a good example, but I'm feeling in the doldrums. Doldrums is the name of a place in the ocean that is located near the equator and is characterized by unstable trade winds. A sailing ship caught in the Doldrums can be stranded due to lack of wind. |
| Some Random Idioms
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lose out on (something) What does "lose out on (something)" mean? | fail to get or take part in something | He lost out on a chance to go to Mexico City because he was too busy with other things.
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smell a rat What does "smell a rat" mean? | to be suspicious, to feel that something is wrong | I smell a rat. There is something wrong with the offer of a free credit card.
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a millstone around (someone's) neck What does "a millstone around (someone's) neck" mean? | a burden or handicap for someone | My parents' condominium is a millstone around their neck and I hope that they can sell it.
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shot What does "shot" mean? | attempt; attempt to do something |
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go postal What does "go postal" mean? | go berserk; go crazy; become violent |
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prevail upon (someone) What does "prevail upon (someone)" mean? | to ask or beg someone (for a favor) | I had to prevail upon my friend to lend me some money for my holiday.
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dweeb What does "dweeb" mean? | very hardworking student |
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get on What does "get on" mean? | have (usually good) relations with somebody |
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once in a while What does "once in a while" mean? | occasionally | We like Japanese food so we go to that restaurant once in a while.
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with open arms What does "with open arms" mean? | greet someone warmly or eagerly | My aunt and uncle were at the airport to greet us with open arms.
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stick one's nose into (something) What does "stick one's nose into (something)" mean? | to interfere with something, to be nosey about something | I wish that my neighbor would stop sticking his nose into my business.
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have a pick-me-up What does "have a pick-me-up" mean? | eat or drink something stimulating | The carpenter bought a protein drink as a pick-me-up in the middle of the afternoon.
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GP What does "GP" mean? | General Practitioner - a general doctor | General Practitioner - a general doctorI went to see a GP when I broke my leg last summer.
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throw (someone) to the wolves What does "throw (someone) to the wolves" mean? | to send someone into danger without protection, to sacrifice someone | The salesman decided to throw his co-worker to the wolves when he asked him to meet the angry customer.
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