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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Packed like sardines
What does Packed like sardines mean? | If a place is extremely crowded, people are packed like sardines, or packed in like sardines. |
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Some Random Idioms
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wannabe
What does "wannabe" mean? | somebody who aspires to greatness or to a particular position or achievement |
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hang on (someone's) coattails
What does "hang on (someone's) coattails" mean? | to have one's fortune or success depend on another person |
The man is hanging on the coattails of his successful boss.
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under the wire
What does "under the wire" mean? | at the very last moment | We finished the documents and sent them to the lawyer right under the wire.
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BCGs
What does "BCGs" mean? | birth control glasses, i.e. military glasses that repel women because they are very ugly |
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By the back door
What does "By the back door" mean? | If something is started or introduced by the back door, then it is not done openly or by following the proper procedures. |
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Eyes are bigger than your stomach
What does "Eyes are bigger than your stomach" mean? | When a person wants more than is good for
them. | Be careful not to pile the food up too high on your plate. I think your eyes are bigger than your stomach and you'll have to throw much of it away.
A person seeing a table piled high with sumptuous food has a tendency to get too many and/or too large a portion. Since the problem is brought on by the eyes and a lack of reason, the person is portrayed a one whose eyes are bigger than their stomach.
This statement can indicate that a person is immature or greedy. One who is not in control of wants, feelings, or emotions. One who does not consider the needs or feelings of those around them. |
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bugger
What does "bugger" mean? | cause serious trouble or harm to somebody |
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as warm as toast
What does "as warm as toast" mean? | very warm and cozy |
Our house was as warm as toast when we came in from the rain.
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decide in favor of (someone or something)
What does "decide in favor of (someone or something)" mean? | to determine the winner of something, to decide who is right | The city decided in favor of building a new bridge over the river.
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gain ground
What does "gain ground" mean? | to go forward, to make progress | The toy company is gaining ground in their effort to sell more products.
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a nervous Nellie
What does "a nervous Nellie" mean? | a timid person who lacks determination and courage | He is a nervous Nellie and is afraid of the other students in the school.
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bottom line
What does "bottom line" mean? | the result or final outcome of something, the last figure on a financial statement | Although I do not want to buy a new car, the bottom line is that I need a car for work.
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