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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an egghead
What does an egghead mean? | a very intelligent person. | "Jake didn't make very good grades in school,but his sister was a real egghead."
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Some Random Idioms
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DQ
What does "DQ" mean? | Dairy Queen |
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back and forth
What does "back and forth" mean? | backwards and forwards, first one way and then the other way | The argument went back and forth before the judge made a decision.
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to the bone
What does "to the bone" mean? | thoroughly, entirely | I became wet to the bone during the heavy rain.
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open Pandora's box
What does "open Pandora's box" mean? | to uncover more problems/issues than you expected or wanted | The investigation of the company was like opening Pandora's box. Many other problems were discovered.
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dead in one's/its tracks
What does "dead in one's/its tracks" mean? | to be stopped exactly where someone or something is at the moment | The police stopped the robber dead in his tracks.
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have (someone) over
What does "have (someone) over" mean? | invite someone to your house | We plan to have my parents over when we settle into our new house.
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shmoose
What does "shmoose" mean? | gossip; discuss; cat |
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turn the clock back
What does "turn the clock back" mean? | to return to an earlier period | The politician wanted to turn the clock back to an earlier time but everyone knew it was impossible.
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idiot light
What does "idiot light" mean? | red or flashing lights on dashboard panel of a car that warn the driver of a problem |
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earn one's keep
What does "earn one's keep" mean? | to earn one's pay or a place to live by doing some work | I work hard in my uncle's garden in order to earn my keep when I stay with him.
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take shape
What does "take shape" mean? | to begin to be organized and specific (plans/ideas/arguments) | The plans for our school reunion are beginnning to take shape.
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caught in the middle/cross fire
What does "caught in the middle/cross fire" mean? | to be caught between two opposing people or groups so it is difficult to remain neutral | I was caught in the middle when my friend and his girlfriend had a big fight.
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draw up an agreement/contract
What does "draw up an agreement/contract" mean? | put something into writing, prepare a written statement | I spent several hours with my lawyer trying to draw up an agreement to buy the small business.
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no holds barred
What does "no holds barred" mean? |
idiom. unfettered; without rules or regulations; harsh; rough |
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