A Grain Of Truth 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. .

a grain of truth What does a grain of truth mean?	the smallest amount of truth	There was only a grain of truth in what the witness said during the trial.
	Some Random Idioms
keep on one's toes What does "keep on one's toes" mean?	to stay alert and watchful	The students were forced to keep on their toes by their new teacher.

brainstorm (something) What does "brainstorm (something)" mean?	to try to develop an idea or think of new ideas	The students got into groups to brainstorm ideas for the school play.
pull up one`s socks What does "pull up one`s socks" mean?	to make a greater effort	"It is time that you pull up your socks and begin to work hard and take this job seriously."
dressed to the nines/teeth What does "dressed to the nines/teeth" mean?	to be dressed elegantly	The movie stars were dressed to the nines during the awards ceremony.
play one's cards close to one's chest What does "play one's cards close to one's chest" mean?	negotiate in a careful and private manner	I played my cards close to my chest when I went to talk to my supervisor about changing jobs.
by virtue of (something) What does "by virtue of (something)" mean?	because of something	My father got his new job by virtue of his volunteer work in the community.
E What does "E" mean?	Ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA)
have one too many What does "have one too many" mean?	have too much alcohol to drink	The man had one too many so his friends would not let him drive home.

swipe What does "swipe" mean?	take something
hold one`s fire What does "hold one`s fire" mean?	keep back arguments or facts, keep from telling something	I tried to hold my fire during the meeting and save the rest of the information until next week.
back to basics What does "back to basics" mean?	an approach in education which uses traditional ideas or methods that have been successful in the past	The teacher believed that back to basics was important in her classroom and the parents were happy with the results.
whitewash (something) What does "whitewash (something)" mean?	to cover up or gloss over faults/errors/wrongdoing	The government was accused of trying to whitewash the scandal about the illegal money.

American Idioms and Expressions

A Grain Of Truth Idiom