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 the shots
What does call the shots mean? | to be in charge, to give orders | The vice-president is now calling the shots and is in control of the company.
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Some Random Idioms
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Have your lunch handed to you
What does "Have your lunch handed to you" mean? | If you have you lunch handed to you, you are outperformed and shown up by someone better. |
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in round figures/numbers
What does "in round figures/numbers" mean? | an estimated number, a number that has been rounded off to an easier/shorter number | The mechanic told us in round figures how much it will cost to fix our car.
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polish the apple
What does "polish the apple" mean? | to try to win someone's favor by flattering him or her | The teacher does not like students who try to polish the apple with her.
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at the mercy of (the court/someone)
What does "at the mercy of (the court/someone)" mean? | having no defense against the court/someone | My friend was at the mercy of the court when he went before the judge.
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straight from the horse's mouth
What does "straight from the horse's mouth" mean? | direct from a source that has authority and is dependable | I heard about the party straight from the horse's mouth.
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ticket
What does "ticket" mean? | something needed for a particular purpose |
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smooth (something) over
What does "smooth (something) over" mean? | to make something seem better or more pleasant | We tried to smooth over the problems between the two managers.
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circle the drain
What does "circle the drain" mean? | be moribund; be in the process of dying or failing |
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on the ball
What does "on the ball" mean? | to be intelligent, to be able to do things well | He is on the ball and can usually get his work done quickly.
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You reap what you sow
What does "You reap what you sow" mean? | This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or good things if you do good things. It is normally used when someone has done something bad. |
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run around like a chicken with its head cut off
What does "run around like a chicken with its head cut off" mean? | to be in a state of chaos, to run around with what seems to be no purpose | I spent the morning running around like a chicken with its head cut off when I heard that my mother was in the hospital.
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lay eyes on (someone or something)
What does "lay eyes on (someone or something)" mean? | see someone or something | I have never laid eyes on a more beautiful dog in my life.
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deadpan
What does "deadpan" mean? | an expressionless or emotionless face | My friend had a deadpan expression when he told us the story.
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