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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carry the torch
What does carry the torch mean? | to show loyalty to a cause or a person | The man has been carrying the torch for the candidate for a long time.
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Some Random Idioms
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on the bench
What does "on the bench" mean? | a judge is sitting and directing a session of court | There was no indication by the court of who would be sitting on the bench during the important trial.
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nine-day wonder
What does "nine-day wonder" mean? | someone or something who briefly attracts a lot of attention | The man was a nine-day wonder but he was soon forgotten by most people at his former company.
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set up shop (somewhere)
What does "set up shop (somewhere)" mean? | to establish one's place of work somewhere | The small fire alarm company decided to set up shop in the suburbs of the city.
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shit-bag
What does "shit-bag" mean? | unappealing, incompetent person |
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play fair
What does "play fair" mean? | avoid cheating | avoid cheatingThe boxer was an honorable athlete and always played fair when he was in the boxing ring.
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down to the last detail
What does "down to the last detail" mean? | considering all of the details | We fixed up everything on the boat, right down to the last detail.
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tackle a problem
What does "tackle a problem" mean? | attack a problem with much effort (from American football where one player tackles another player) | attack a problem with much effort (from American football where one player tackles another player)All of the members of the sales team gathered to tackle the problem of decreasing sales.
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walk the plank
What does "walk the plank" mean? | be forced by pirates to walk a long plank from the ship out over the water to your death | The pirates captured the small ship and forced the captain to walk the plank.
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shoot from the hip
What does "shoot from the hip" mean? | speak directly and frankly, fire a gun that is held at one's side and against one's hip | The manager always shoots from the hip and everyone likes her because of that.
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toe jam
What does "toe jam" mean? | smelly gunk between toes on unwashed feet |
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heart of gold
What does "heart of gold" mean? | a kind/generous/forgiving personality | My grandmother has a heart of gold and everyone loves her.
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there is no such thing as a free lunch
What does "there is no such thing as a free lunch" mean? | you cannot get something without working for it or paying for it | There is no such thing as a free lunch and you must work hard if you want to get something in life.
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run short
What does "run short" mean? | to not have enough of something | They ran short of gasoline at the gas station and had to close early.
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