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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Still in the game
What does Still in the game mean? | If someone is still in the game, they may be having troubles competing, but they are not yet finished and may come back. |
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Some Random Idioms
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Clean as a whistle
What does "Clean as a whistle" mean? | If something is as clean as a whistle, it is extremely clean, spotless. It can also be used to mean 'completely', though this meaning is less common nowadays. If somebody is clean as a whistle, they are not involved in anything illegal. |
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let the cat out of the bag
What does "let the cat out of the bag" mean? | to tell something that is supposed to be a secret |
The teacher let the cat out of the bag when she began talking about the plans to close the school.
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feel fit
What does "feel fit" mean? | to feel well and healthy |
I feel fit so I plan to go for a long walk this weekend.
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eyes are bigger than one`s stomach
What does "eyes are bigger than one`s stomach" mean? | to take or want more food than you can eat | The man's eyes are bigger than his stomach. He will never finish all of the food that he took.
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take precedence over (someone or something)
What does "take precedence over (someone or something)" mean? | to have the right to come before someone or something else | The rights of people who do not smoke take precedence over the rights of smokers in many cities.
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on speaking terms with (someone)
What does "on speaking terms with (someone)" mean? | on friendly terms with someone | My mother is not on speaking terms with her older sister.
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keep one`s eye on the ball
What does "keep one`s eye on the ball" mean? | be watchful and ready for something | "You should keep your eye on the ball or you will make a mistake."
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Wood for the trees
What does "Wood for the trees" mean? | (UK) If someone can't see the wood for the trees, they get so caught up in small details that they fail to understand the bigger picture. |
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high-handed
What does "high-handed" mean? | bossy, dictatorial, depending on force rather than what is right | My supervisor always takes a high-handed approach when dealing with her employees.
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Abject lesson
What does "Abject lesson" mean? | (India) An abject lesson serves as a warning to others.
(In some varieties of English 'object lesson' is used.) |
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pull an all-nighter
What does "pull an all-nighter" mean? | study or work all night without
getting any sleep. | A: "You look really tired."B: "I am. I pulled an all-nighter to get ready for the meetingthis morning."
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come hell or high water
What does "come hell or high water" mean? | no matter what happens | Come hell or high water I plan to go to the concert next week.
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throw together (people)
What does "throw together (people)" mean? | to group people together by chance | We were thrown together with a variety of people when the storm forced the train to stop for a day.
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on one's mind
What does "on one's mind" mean? | occupying one's thoughts, currently being thought about | Recently I have had many things on my mind.
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