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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Put some dirt on it
What does Put some dirt on it mean? | This means that when you get hurt, you should rub it off or shake it off and you'll be ok. |
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Some Random Idioms
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have one's back to the wall
What does "have one's back to the wall" mean? | be in a defensive position | The boy has his back to the wall and must pass his exam or leave school.
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Call the tune
What does "Call the tune" mean? | The person who calls the tune makes the important decisions about something. |
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instrumental in (doing something)
What does "instrumental in (doing something)" mean? | playing an important part in doing something | Our teacher was instrumental in getting the school to change their policy on using the library after school.
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Zigged before you zagged
What does "Zigged before you zagged" mean? | If you did things in the wrong order, you zigged before you zagged. |
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cover a lot of ground
What does "cover a lot of ground" mean? | to deal with much information or facts, to travel a great distance |
We covered a lot of ground in our history class at school.
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chicken shit
What does "chicken shit" mean? | fearful; cowardly |
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butter (someone) up or butter up (someone)
What does "butter (someone) up or butter up (someone)" mean? | to flatter someone in order to get his or her favor or friendship |
The man spends much time trying to butter up his boss so that he will not have to work so hard.
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it takes two to tango
What does "it takes two to tango" mean? | if a problem or an argument involve two people then both people are responsible for the problem | It takes two to tango and my friend should not blame me for all of our problems.
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after a fashion
What does "after a fashion" mean? | poorly, barely adequate |
The cleaning staff cleaned the lunchroom after a fashion but not very well.
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Go play in traffic
What does "Go play in traffic" mean? | This is used as a way of telling someone to go away. |
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pimpmobile
What does "pimpmobile" mean? | big, flashy car, often with bright colors, lights, and chrome |
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with open arms
What does "with open arms" mean? | warmly, eagerly, happily |
The author was welcomed with open arms when he came to visit the city.
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the handwriting is on the wall
What does "the handwriting is on the wall" mean? | a sign that something bad or significant will happen | The handwriting is on the wall. Business conditions are bad so nobody will get a pay raise this year.
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a copycat
What does "a copycat" mean? | someone who copies another person`s work etc. |
The boy is a copycat and copies the other students' work.
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