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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You reap what you sow
What does You reap what you sow mean? | This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or good things if you do good things. It is normally used when someone has done something bad. |
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Some Random Idioms
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favorite son
What does "favorite son" mean? | a political candidate supported by his home area | We voted for the candidate because he is the favorite son of our state.
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same old story
What does "same old story" mean? | something that occurs or has occurred in the same way before | It is always the same old story with my friend. He borrows money but he never wants to pay it back.
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in session
What does "in session" mean? | a court is operating or functioning | The court was in session when we arrived at the courthouse.
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out of step
What does "out of step" mean? | to be out of harmony | He is out of step with the rest of the group and needs to think about what he should be doing.
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burst at the seams
What does "burst at the seams" mean? | to explode with pride or laughter, to be full to the breaking point | The train was bursting at the seams as it entered the station.
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charity begins at home
What does "charity begins at home" mean? | one should help one's family or close friends before helping other people | one should help one's family or close friends before helping other peopleThe man was always doing volunteer work. He did not understand that charity begins at home and he should spend more time helping his own family.
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in hand
What does "in hand" mean? | under control | After several hours the riot police had the problems with the crowd in hand.
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Damp squib
What does "Damp squib" mean? | (UK) If something is expected to have a great effect or impact but doesn't, it is a damp squib. |
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OTOH
What does "OTOH" mean? | on the other hand |
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high and low
What does "high and low" mean? | everywhere | We looked high and low for her watch but we couldn`t find it.
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on top of (something/things)
What does "on top of (something/things)" mean? | to know all about something, to be up-to-date | He reads the newspaper every morning and is on top of the latest news.
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birthday suit
What does "birthday suit" mean? | a completely naked body | The little boy was running down the street in his birthday suit.
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to be onto (someone or something)
What does "to be onto (someone or something)" mean? | to have discovered the truth about someone or something | My supervisor in onto the new saleswoman who is taking money from her sales register.
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set one back on one's heels
What does "set one back on one's heels" mean? | to surprise/shock/overwhelm someone | The announcement on the school's loudspeaker set everyone back on their heels.
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