American Idioms and Expressions

Be All Ears Idiom

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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be all ears
What does be all ears mean?
be eager to hear what someone has to say.A: "I just got an e-mail message from our old friendSally."B: "Tell me what she said. I'm all ears!"

Some Random Idioms
keep a stiff upper lip
What does "keep a stiff upper lip" mean?
be brave, face trouble bravelyThe storm victims tried hard to keep a stiff upper lip in spite of the hardships of their situation.
come/go away empty-handed
What does "come/go away empty-handed" mean?
to return without anything, to go away without anythingWe returned from the department store empty-handed.
save one`s breath
What does "save one`s breath" mean?
keep silent because talking will not do any good"You can save your breath and not bother talking to him. He never listens to anyone."
pokey
What does "pokey" mean?
slow; very slow
a hue and cry
What does "a hue and cry" mean?
an excited protest/alarm/outcryThe bank raised a hue and cry when we failed to notify them about our financial problems.
crib
What does "crib" mean?
a dwelling or home. Come on and check out my crib. It's just around the corner.
look like the cat that ate/swallowed the canary
What does "look like the cat that ate/swallowed the canary" mean?
seem very self-satisified, look like you have just had some kind of successHe looked like the cat that ate the canary when he came in with a smile on his face after receiving his special bonus.
lose face
What does "lose face" mean?
be embarrassed or ashamed by an error or failure, lose dignityOur boss lost face when his employees decided not to support him during the meeting.
greenhorn
What does "greenhorn" mean?
an untrained/inexperienced/naive personThe young man was a greenhorn and he had much to learn about his new job.
klotz
What does "klotz" mean?
clumsy, often dumb, person
whistle a different tune
What does "whistle a different tune" mean?
change one`s attitude, contradict previous ideasHe is whistling a different tune now that he has been promoted and has more responsibility at his job.
kill the goose that layed/lays the golden egg
What does "kill the goose that layed/lays the golden egg" mean?
spoil something that is good or something that one has by being greedyHe was always complaining about his job but now it is gone. He has killed the goose that layed the golden egg.
hedge one's bets
What does "hedge one's bets" mean?
reduce one's loss on something by counterbalancing the loss in some wayWe will hedge our bets and go to a movie if the weather isn't good enough for camping.
sub
What does "sub" mean?
sandwich made with Italian bread sliced lengthwise, filled with cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables

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