John Q Public Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

John Q Public What does John Q Public mean?	John Q Public is the typical, average person.
	Some Random Idioms
put a hold on (something) What does "put a hold on (something)" mean?	to place a restriction on something to show that it is reserved/delayed	I put a hold on several books at the library.
in the red What does "in the red" mean?	unprofitable; showing a financial loss.	"We have to do something to increase profit anddecrease losses.We've been in the red for two months in a row."
in flux What does "in flux" mean?	in constant change, changing	The school administration has been in flux for several months now.
tone (something) down What does "tone (something) down" mean?	to make something less harsh or strong, to moderate something	The union leader was forced to tone down his language after the strike became violent.
eat out of (someone's) hand What does "eat out of (someone's) hand" mean?	to do what someone else wants	The secretary had her boss eating out of her hand and she could do whatever she wanted.
come to terms with (someone or something) What does "come to terms with (someone or something)" mean?	to reach an agreement with someone, to accept something	We came to terms with the bank and were able to buy the house.

have a case (against someone) What does "have a case (against someone)" mean?	have much evidence that can be used against someone	The police have a very good case against the man who is selling the stolen cars.
take attendance What does "take attendance" mean?	to make a record of persons attending something	Our teacher always takes attendance when we arrive in the morning.
not lift a finger/hand (to help someone) What does "not lift a finger/hand (to help someone)" mean?	to do nothing to help someone	The girl will not lift a finger to help her mother.
beat the rap What does "beat the rap" mean?	to escape conviction and punishment (for a crime)	The man beat the rap and did not have to go to jail.

American Idioms and Expressions

John Q Public Idiom