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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The smoking lamp is out
What does The smoking lamp is out mean? | No smoking! | California is a strange place. In restaurants and bars the smoking lamp is out, but in the cannabis buyers club you can smoke all you like.
The smoking lamp probably came into use during the 16th Century when seamen began smoking on board vessels. The lamp was used to light the smoke before matches were invented.
The smoking lamp was also a safety measure. It was devised mainly to keep the fire hazard away from highly combustible woodwork and gunpowder.
Most navies established regulations restricting smoking to certain areas on board. Usually, the lamp was located in the forecastle or the area directly surrounding the galley indicting that smoking was permitted in this area. |
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Some Random Idioms
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Fur coat and no knickers
What does "Fur coat and no knickers" mean? | Someone with airs and graces, but no real class is fur coat and no knickers. |
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upshot of (something)
What does "upshot of (something)" mean? | result or outcome of something | The upshot of the meeting was that we would no longer continue to keep the store open.
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freak out
What does "freak out" mean? | lose control; panic |
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at the top of one`s lungs
What does "at the top of one`s lungs" mean? | with a very loud voice | I yelled at the top of my lungs to get the man's attention.
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learn (something) the hard way
What does "learn (something) the hard way" mean? | learn something by experience (often something unpleasant) | The young man learned things the hard way when he was sent to jail for stealing the computer.
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eat humble pie
What does "eat humble pie" mean? | to admit one`s error and apologize | The boy had to eat humble pie when his friends discovered his mistake.
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keep up with the Joneses
What does "keep up with the Joneses" mean? | try to be the same as your neighbors | He always worries about keeping up with the Joneses and is always frustrated.
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right side up
What does "right side up" mean? | with the correct side upwards | The bus drove off the highway and rolled over but it landed right side up when it stopped.
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T.G.I.F.
What does "T.G.I.F." mean? | Thank God it's Friday |
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break into tears
What does "break into tears" mean? | to start crying suddenly | The woman broke into tears when she heard the bad news.
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at bay
What does "at bay" mean? | at a distance | We were able to keep the dog at bay when we entered the building.
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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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square away (something)
What does "square away (something)" mean? | to put something away or in order, to take care of something, to square the yards of a sailing vessel | "Have you squared away your plans for your holidays yet?"
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