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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Katie bar the door
What does Katie bar the door mean? | get ready for trouble, a desperate situation is at hand | The gang arrived at the hotel and were ready to come in and fight. "Katie bar the door."
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Some Random Idioms
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read (someone) his or her rights
What does "read (someone) his or her rights" mean? | to make the required statement of legal rights to a person who has been arrested | The police officer read the bank robber his rights when he was arrested.
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fight (someone or something) tooth and nail
What does "fight (someone or something) tooth and nail" mean? | to fight against someone or something with great energy | The citizens fought the government tooth and nail over the government plans for the new airport.
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(not) have two cents to rub together
What does "(not) have two cents to rub together" mean? | to not have much money | My friend does not have two cents to rub together and he is usually broke.
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miss out on (something)
What does "miss out on (something)" mean? | lose an opportunity | He missed out on the new job because he was late for the interview.
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rake (someone) over the coals
What does "rake (someone) over the coals" mean? | to scold/reprimand someone | My boss raked me over the coals when he heard about the lost sales report.
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over the long run/haul
What does "over the long run/haul" mean? | over a long period of time | Over the long run he plans to expand his business slowly.
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follow one's nose
What does "follow one's nose" mean? | to go straight ahead | We followed our nose until we found the train station.
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at the hands of (someone or something)
What does "at the hands of (someone or something)" mean? | something bad happens because of someone/something else | We were at the hands of nature as we waited for the severe windstorm to end.
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bite the bullet
What does "bite the bullet" mean? | to endure a difficult situation, to face a difficult situation bravely | I have decided to bite the bullet and begin to study for my Master`s degree.
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Here goes.
What does "Here goes." mean? | ready to to do something while hoping for the best results | "Well, here goes. I am going to go and ask that girl for a date right now."
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stoned
What does "stoned" mean? | under the influence of drugs |
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as a duck takes to water
What does "as a duck takes to water" mean? | easily and naturally | The little boy started to swim just as a duck takes to water.
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the straight and narrow
What does "the straight and narrow" mean? | a straight and law-abiding route through life | The boy took the straight and narrow after he was in trouble with the law.
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set one's teeth on edge
What does "set one's teeth on edge" mean? | to be unpleasant and to give one an uncomfortable feeling | The idea that we would have to leave our apartment immediately set my teeth on edge.
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