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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Passed with flying colors
What does Passed with flying colors mean? | To exceed expectations, to do better than expected. | The California smog test is tough, but my car passed with flying colors.
Color(s) has numerous meanings. An early use of the word is flag, pennant, or badge.
"Passed with flying colors" comes from sailing ships that, when passing other ships at sea, would fly their colors (flags) if they wanted to be identified. |
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Some Random Idioms
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a grain of truth
What does "a grain of truth" mean? | the smallest amount of truth | There was only a grain of truth in what the witness said during the trial.
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book
What does "book" mean? | charge a person with a crime. | We got our man, let's book him.
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come back
What does "come back" mean? | to return to the place where you are now | My cousin came back from her holidays last week.
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take (something) out on (someone or something)
What does "take (something) out on (someone or something)" mean? | to direct one's anger or fear onto someone or something | The woman often takes her anger out on her husband.
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scumbag
What does "scumbag" mean? | condom, in particular a used one |
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give (someone) a tongue-lashing
What does "give (someone) a tongue-lashing" mean? | to give someone a severe scolding | The mother gave her daughter a tongue-lashing when she got home from school.
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reach a compromise
What does "reach a compromise" mean? | to achieve a compromise with someone | The company tried very hard to reach a compromise with the workers.
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put one's shoulder to the wheel
What does "put one's shoulder to the wheel" mean? | to get busy and start working | I put my shoulder to the wheel and tried to finish my work so I could go home early.
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Warm and fuzzy
What does "Warm and fuzzy" mean? | Meaning the feeling evoked as though you were enclosed in a warm and fuzzy blanket. |
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play
What does "play" mean? | plan; strategy; tactic. | Okay, here's our next play. You fake left, you go deep.
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