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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a body blow
What does a body blow mean? | something that causes something to be badly damaged or destroyed | The small food store was hit with a body blow when the large supermarket moved in next door.
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a body blow
What does a body blow mean? | something that causes something to be badly damaged or destroyed |
The small food store was hit with a body blow when the large supermarket moved in next door.
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Some Random Idioms
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mistake (someone) for (someone) else
What does "mistake (someone) for (someone) else" mean? | think that one person is another person | I mistook my friend's sister for someone else when I went to the airport.
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foist (something) off on (someone)
What does "foist (something) off on (someone)" mean? | to force someone to take something that they do not want | I tried to foist my old bicycle off on my friend but he would not take it.
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at first
What does "at first" mean? | at the beginning |
At first, I did not want to go to the movie but I later changed my mind.
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funny bone
What does "funny bone" mean? | the place at the back of the elbow that tingles when hit | I hit my funny bone today and it still hurts a little.
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leave word with (someone)
What does "leave word with (someone)" mean? | leave a message with someone | I left word with my father to have my mother phone me tonight.
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nip (something) in the bud
What does "nip (something) in the bud" mean? | to stop something at the start | They found out about the computer problem but were able to nip the problem in the bud.
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keep the wolf from the door
What does "keep the wolf from the door" mean? | to maintain oneself at the most basic level | My friend's part-time job is enough for him to keep the wolf from the door.
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chivvy
What does "chivvy" mean? | repeatedly tell somebody to do something |
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Meet your Maker
What does "Meet your Maker" mean? | If someone has gone to meet their Maker, they have died. |
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Throw your hat in the ring
What does "Throw your hat in the ring" mean? | If someone throws their hat in the ring, they announce that they want to take part in a competition or contest.
'Toss your hat in the ring' is an alternative. |
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Close, but no cigar
What does "Close, but no cigar" mean? | Nearly achieving success, but not quite. | That free throw was close, but no cigar.
Carnival games of skill, particularly shooting games, once gave out cigars as a prize. A contestant that did not quite hit the target was close, but did not get a cigar. |