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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call of nature
What does call of nature mean? | the need to go to the toilet | The driver stopped his truck to answer the call of nature.
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Some Random Idioms
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odds are against one
What does "odds are against one" mean? | there is little chance that you will succeed | there is little chance that you will succeedThe odds were against the boy joining the team but he tried very hard anyway.
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Keep at bay
What does "Keep at bay" mean? | If you keep someone or something at bay, you maintain a safe distance from them. |
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ten to one
What does "ten to one" mean? | very likely | I think that ten to one our secretary will come to work late again today.
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nut
What does "nut" mean? | eccentric, peculiar individual; insane person |
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wack
What does "wack" mean? | stupid; embarrassing. | That's just wack. No way it's real.
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few and far between
What does "few and far between" mean? | not many, rare | The gas stations were few and far between on the highway through the mountains.
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ill-gotten gains
What does "ill-gotten gains" mean? | money or other goods acquired illegally or dishonestly | The man used his ill-gotten gains from the sale of the stolen car to go on a holiday.
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come up smelling like roses
What does "come up smelling like roses" mean? | to look good after a difficult or bad time | Everybody in the company looked bad except for my friend who came up smelling like roses.
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Bolt from the blue
What does "Bolt from the blue" mean? | If something happens unexpectedly and suddenly, it is a bolt from the blue. |
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slow down
What does "slow down" mean? | to go more slowly than usual, to cause something to reduce speed | You should slow down when you are driving on a wet road.
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wired
What does "wired" mean? | connected electronically using cable(s) or radio connections |
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to hush up
What does "to hush up" mean? | to be or make quiet, to stop talking/crying/making noise | The mother told her child to hush up when they were in the department store.
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excuse me for living
What does "excuse me for living" mean? |
idiom. no; no way (a strong, sarcastic rebuke) |
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Give me five!
What does "Give me five!" mean? | Hit me with your hand to show that you are happy about something. | "Give me five!" I said after I scored a goal in the game.
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