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.
.
black sheep (of a family)
What does black sheep (of a family) mean? | a person who is a disgrace to a family or group | The man is the black sheep in his family and has not made a success of his life.
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
to/of no avail
What does "to/of no avail" mean? | with no effect, unsuccessful | My complaints to the company were to no avail and nothing at all was done.
|
|
| |
Shilly-shally
What does "Shilly-shally" mean? | If people shilly-shally, they can't make up their minds about something and put off the decision. |
|
on hold
What does "on hold" mean? | to be waiting, to be temporarily halted | The construction of the building is on hold while the city engineers finish their inspection.
|
Cooking with gas
What does "Cooking with gas" mean? | To be working fast, proceeding rapidly. | After working with those old hand tools, power tools will make you feel like you are really cooking with gas.
Although common place today, gas stoves have not always been the norm. Gas stoves started to be available in the 1800's, and until that time wood stoves were the standard.
Now you're "cooking with gas" comes from an old advertisement for gas stoves. The phrase suggests that gas is faster, easier, cleaner, better than cooking with wood. |
Don't stand there with curlers in your hair
What does "Don't stand there with curlers in your hair" mean? | This means 'don't keep me waiting'. It's said to someone who is taking too long to get moving. |
|
twiddle one`s thumbs
What does "twiddle one`s thumbs" mean? | to do nothing, to be idle |
The girl twiddled her thumbs all week and is now unable to pass her exam.
|
make of (someone or something)
What does "make of (someone or something)" mean? | think or have an opinion about someone or something | "What do you make of the new manager in accounting."
|
Monday morning quarterback
What does "Monday morning quarterback" mean? | advice given after the fact, with the benefit of hindsight and otherwise not useful |
|
|
| |
heads will roll
What does "heads will roll" mean? | someone will be punished | Heads will roll when our boss learns about the money that we have lost.
|
better safe than sorry
What does "better safe than sorry" mean? | it is better to be careful than to take risks |
Better safe than sorry so I always leave early when I go to the airport.
|
punker
What does "punker" mean? | person (usually young) who emulates the fashion and behavior of punk rock musicians |
|
green around the gills
What does "green around the gills" mean? | looking sick |
My friend looked green around the gills after the long bus ride.
|
blow one's top
What does "blow one's top" mean? | become extremely angry. | A: "Was your father upset when you came home at 3AM?"B: "He was more than upset. He blew his top!"
|