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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Long in the tooth
What does Long in the tooth mean? | To be getting old. | Daddy needs a new Porsche. The old one is getting a bit long in the tooth.
Strange as it may seem this phrase's origin is closely related to the origin of the phrase "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth".
The age of a horse can be roughly determined by examining its teeth, since a horse's gums recede as they age. The longer the teeth of a horse appear to be, the older the horse. |
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Some Random Idioms
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pour out
What does "pour out" mean? | to come out in great number or quantity, to stream out of a place | After the football game thousands of fans poured out of the stadium.
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runt
What does "runt" mean? | short, usually slender peson (typically male) |
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count (someone) out
What does "count (someone) out" mean? | to exclude someone from something | "Please count me out of your plans to go skiing for the weekend."
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take the Fifth
What does "take the Fifth" mean? | in the United States a witness at a trial has the right to refuse to incriminate him or herself because of the protection of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States | The business executive decided to take the Fifth rather than give testimony at the trial.
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false pretenses
What does "false pretenses" mean? | intentionally misrepresent facts to cheat or defraud someone | The woman was acting under false pretenses when she went to the bank and asked for a loan.
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in over one's head
What does "in over one's head" mean? | to be having more difficulties than one can manage | The electrician seems to be in over his head and he does not know how to fix the electrical problem.
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piece of cake
What does "piece of cake" mean? | something readily or easily accomplished |
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phat
What does "phat" mean? | excellent; good |
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eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
What does "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" mean? | a system of punishment where you punish someone in the same way that they hurt you | The citizens wanted an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth when they learned about the child's murder.
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gunner
What does "gunner" mean? | hardworking, serious student |
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full of beans
What does "full of beans" mean? | to feel energetic, to be in high spirits | My aunt is full of beans tonight and she does not want to stop talking.
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go out with (someone)
What does "go out with (someone)" mean? | to date someone | The woman went out with her boyfriend for two years before they got married.
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the off chance
What does "the off chance" mean? | a slight possibility | I went to the department store on the off chance that I would find a new jacket that I liked.
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