NIFOC 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. .

NIFOC What does NIFOC mean?	nude in front of computer
	Some Random Idioms
upset the applecart What does "upset the applecart" mean?	to ruin a plan or event by a surprise or accident	Everything was going well at the picnic until my former boyfriend arrived and upset the applecart.

come to a head What does "come to a head" mean?	to come to a point where a problem must be solved	The issue came to a head and everyone was forced to talk about the problem.
back out (of something) What does "back out (of something)" mean?	to get out of an agreement, to fail to keep a promise	The property developer backed out of the plan to build the new city hall.
by the way What does "by the way" mean?	incidentally	"By the way, could you please bring your computer tomorrow."
jump bail What does "jump bail" mean?	run away and fail to come to trial and therefore give up the money that you have already paid to the court	The man jumped bail and went to live in a foreign country.

chivvy What does "chivvy" mean?	repeatedly tell somebody to do something
down to the wire What does "down to the wire" mean?	near a deadline, with little time remaining	They were down to the wire but the two sides finally agreed to a new contract.
for dear life What does "for dear life" mean?	as though afraid of losing one`s life	The mountain climber held on to the rock for dear life as he waited for someone to rescue him.
come out of the closet What does "come out of the closet" mean?	to reveal one's secret interests, to reveal that one is gay	Nobody was surprised when my cousin came out of the closet.
leave one's mark on (someone or something) What does "leave one's mark on (someone or something)" mean?	affect the behavior and performance of another person or of something	The former president left his mark on the way that the company was run for many years after he retired.
take the Fifth What does "take the Fifth" mean?	to hide behind the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution which guarantees any witness the right not to incriminate himself or herself while testifying at a trial	The man decided to take the Fifth rather than tell all of the facts at the trial.

American Idioms and Expressions

NIFOC Idiom