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 one-night stand
What does a one-night stand mean? | an activity lasting one night | The band played many one-night stands in the small towns close to the city.
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a one-night stand
What does a one-night stand mean? | an activity that lasts only one night | The rock band played several one-night stands last month.
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a one-night stand
What does a one-night stand mean? | an activity that lasts only one night |
The rock band played several one-night stands last month.
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a one-night stand
What does a one-night stand mean? | an activity lasting only one night |
The band played one-night stands in many small towns.
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Some Random Idioms
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not know (someone) from Adam
What does "not know (someone) from Adam" mean? | to not know someone at all | I did not know the man who came to our door from Adam.
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GOK
What does "GOK" mean? | God only knows (what is wrong with the patient) |
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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. |
show (someone) to his or her seat
What does "show (someone) to his or her seat" mean? | to direct someone to a place to sit | The usher showed the members of the audience to their seats.
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take (someone) by surprise
What does "take (someone) by surprise" mean? | to startle someone, to surprise someone | The sudden resignation of the mayor took everyone by surprise.
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(have the) cheek to do something
What does "(have the) cheek to do something" mean? | rudeness, impudence | The woman had the cheek to tell me that she was sick and could not come to work today.
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throw one's hands up in despair
What does "throw one's hands up in despair" mean? | to raise one's hands making a sign of giving up, to give up | I threw my hands up in despair and said that I could no longer continue to work on the project.
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toy with (someone or something)
What does "toy with (someone or something)" mean? | to tease someone, to play or fiddle with something | The woman in the bank was toying with me when she began to ask me many questions.
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show-and-tell
What does "show-and-tell" mean? | in the lower grades of elementary school children bring something interesting to show to the rest of the class |
The little girl brought in a turtle shell to show-and-tell at school.
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