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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On the ball
What does On the ball mean? | To be paying attention, to respond promptly, to be
doing one's job. | If you were a bit more on the ball, we might have averted the reactor melt down.
From the early days of baseball, a pitcher who "had nothing on the ball" was one who was having a bad outing. The term implies that the pitcher has no control or speed on the ball. |
on the ball
What does on the ball mean? | to be intelligent, to be able to do things well | He is on the ball and can usually get his work done quickly.
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on the ball
What does on the ball mean? | intelligent, able to do things well |
The man is on the ball and can usually get his work done quickly.
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Some Random Idioms
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nuke
What does "nuke" mean? | nuclear weapon |
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close to home
What does "close to home" mean? | to be close to someone`s personal feelings or wishes or interests |
My statement about the woman's work habits hit close to home and she became very quiet.
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Put your thumb on the scales
What does "Put your thumb on the scales" mean? | If you put your thumb on the scales, you try to influence the result of something in your favour. |
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live in an ivory tower
What does "live in an ivory tower" mean? | not be aware of the realities of everyday life | The university professors lived in an ivory tower and had no idea what was going on around them.
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balls
What does "balls" mean? | testicles |
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put (something) on ice
What does "put (something) on ice" mean? | to delay or postpone something | The city put the plans for the new stadium on ice as they tried to get more money for the project.
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Broad church
What does "Broad church" mean? | If an organisation is described as broad church, it is tolerant and accepting of different opinions and ideas. |
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for hours on end
What does "for hours on end" mean? | for many hours |
The boy often plays video games for hours on end.
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hero
What does "hero" mean? | sandwich made with Italian bread sliced lengthwise, filled with cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables |
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picked over
What does "picked over" mean? | rejected, worn | All of the best shoes were picked over in the shoe sale.
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