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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beat around the bush
What does beat around the bush mean? | evade an issue; avoid giving a direct
answer. | "Quit beating around the bush! If you don'twant to go with me, just tell me!"
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Some Random Idioms
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work in (someone or something)
What does "work in (someone or something)" mean? | insert someone or something (into a schedule) | My doctor was very busy but she was able to work me into her schedule.
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brain bucket
What does "brain bucket" mean? | helmet for when riding a bicycle or motorcycle |
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turn the other cheek
What does "turn the other cheek" mean? | to ignore someone's abuse or insult, to not hit back when someone hits you | The children were told that they should turn the other cheek when they were attacked by someone.
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give or take (a certain amount of something)
What does "give or take (a certain amount of something)" mean? | plus or minus a small amount | I think that the man is about 45 years old give or take five years.
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on all fours
What does "on all fours" mean? | on one's hands and knees | The man was on all fours looking for his car keys.
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in honor of (someone or something)
What does "in honor of (someone or something)" mean? | showing respect or admiration for someone or something | The dinner was in honor of the first principal of our school.
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put one's heads together
What does "put one's heads together" mean? | to discuss/talk about something with someone or a group of people and try to solve a problem | We put our heads together with the other members of the department to try and find a solution to the problem.
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Let sleeping dogs lie.
What does "Let sleeping dogs lie." mean? | Don't cause problems by doing
something when it isn't necessary. | "I know that what Julie said made you angry, butlet sleeping dogs lie. If you say or do anything, you'll only make things worse."
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hang in the balance
What does "hang in the balance" mean? | be in an undecided state | The future of the criminal was hanging in the balance as he waited for the judge's decision.
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bummer
What does "bummer" mean? | something or someone unappealing or unpleasant. | Major bummer, losing your job like that.
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order (someone) around/about
What does "order (someone) around/about" mean? | to give commands to someone | Our new supervisor is always trying to order people around.
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par for the course
What does "par for the course" mean? | to be just what was expected, to be nothing unusual | That was par for the course. He always comes late when there is a lot of work to do.
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none of (someone's) business/beeswax
What does "none of (someone's) business/beeswax" mean? | to be not of someone's concern | My personal financial situation is none of my friend's business.
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