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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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.
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Some Random Idioms
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big cheese/gun/wheel
What does "big cheese/gun/wheel" mean? | an important person, a leader | The new director was a big wheel in his previous company but he is not so important now.
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out of the blue
What does "out of the blue" mean? | without any warning, by surprise (like something that comes out of a blue sky) |
My friend decided out of the blue to quit his job and go to Europe.
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Man Friday
What does "Man Friday" mean? | From 'Robinson Crusoe', a 'Man Friday' refers to an assistant or companion, usually a capable one. The common feminine equivalent is 'Girl Friday'. (Also, 'right-hand man'. ) |
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get a run for one's money
What does "get a run for one's money" mean? | to receive a challenge, to receive what one deserves | The man got a run for his money when he decided to volunteer for the cleaning project.
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cut a fine figure
What does "cut a fine figure" mean? | to look good, to dress well |
The man cut a fine figure when he entered the dining room.
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swamped with (something)
What does "swamped with (something)" mean? | to be overwhelmed with something | "I am swamped with work at the moment so I can`t meet you tonight."
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bird in hand is worth two in the bush
What does "bird in hand is worth two in the bush" mean? | something that you already have is better than something that you might get | A bird in hand is worth two in the bush so we decided to sell the car to our neighbor rather than wait to get a higher price.
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laugh out of the other side of one's mouth
What does "laugh out of the other side of one's mouth" mean? | to change from being happy to being sad | The woman was laughing out of the other side of her mouth when she learned that she would not be promoted.
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Jog my memory
What does "Jog my memory" mean? | If you jog someone's memory, you say words that will help someone trying to remember a thought, event, word, phrase, experience, etc. |
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decide in favor of (someone)
What does "decide in favor of (someone)" mean? | to determine that someone is not guilty or is the winner of something |
The court decided in favor of the government in its dispute with the striking workers.
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get one's just deserts
What does "get one's just deserts" mean? | to get what one deserves |
The apartment manager got her just deserts when she was fired for bothering the tenants.
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