Tale Of The Tape Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

Tale of the tape What does Tale of the tape mean?	This idiom is used when comparing things, especially in sports; it comes from boxing where the fighters would be measured with a tape measure before a fight.
	Some Random Idioms
play possum What does "play possum" mean?	to pretend to be inactive/asleep/dead	My friend was playing possum and did not respond to the conversation around him.
cannot see beyond the end of one's nose What does "cannot see beyond the end of one's nose" mean?	to not be able to see beyond what concerns one at the present time	My friend cannot see beyond the end of his nose and he has no idea about what is happening around him.
as far as possible What does "as far as possible" mean?	as much as possible	We went as far as possible with the project before we had to stop.
woody What does "woody" mean?	erection of the penis
Hanged for a sheep as a lamb What does "Hanged for a sheep as a lamb" mean?	This is an expression meaning that if you are going to get into trouble for doing something, then you ought to stop worrying and should try to get everything you can before you get caught.
repo What does "repo" mean?	repossessed item (usually an automobile)

hold up What does "hold up" mean?	remain good, not get worse	Sales during the first six months of the year are holding up very well compared to last year.
a sitting target What does "a sitting target" mean?	someone who is in a position that can be easily attacked	The manager was a sitting target for the criticism by the staff.
whole enchilada What does "whole enchilada" mean?	everything, all of something	I decided to buy the whole enchilada when I saw the set of dishes and kitchen goods.
look (someone) up What does "look (someone) up" mean?	seek and find someone	When I was in New York City I looked up my friend from university.
rub (someone) the wrong way What does "rub (someone) the wrong way" mean?	to irritate someone (just as you would irritate a dog or cat if you rub their fur the wrong way)	The woman who I work with rubs me the wrong way.
in nothing flat What does "in nothing flat" mean?	quickly	I will have this information printed out for you in nothing flat.

American Idioms and Expressions

Tale Of The Tape Idiom