American Idioms and Expressions

Chalk Up (something) Idiom

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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chalk up (something)
What does chalk up (something) mean?
to record somethingThe stock prices of the company chalked up a big increase last week.

Some Random Idioms
no dice
What does "no dice" mean?
no, certainly not"No dice. I will never lend you that much money."
Clear as a bell
What does "Clear as a bell" mean?
Clearly understood.You don't have to repeat yourself. Your message is clear as a bell.
Bells such as the type used in churches are large and loud. Their sound can be heard from a great distance. Bells sound a single, clear note so their sound is distinctive and not easily confused.
Before electric sirens and amplification systems, bells were a valuable means of signaling people and alerting of important events like an impending attack. The bell and the message intended could be heard clearly over a large area.
Back in the 1910's, many companies were trying to get into the manufacturing and selling one the hottest items around, the phonograph. One of those companies was the Sonora Chime Company.
This company started the Sonora Phonograph Company and used "Clear as a Bell" as their slogan, touting the fidelity of their machine's sound reproduction.
gold brick
What does "gold brick" mean?
avoid work; hide from a task or assignment. Stop gold bricking and get back to work.
a stick-in-the-mud
What does "a stick-in-the-mud" mean?
someone who is old-fashioned or does not want to join in with others and do somethingThe girl is a stick-in-the-mud and will never join in any of the activities at a party.
pick (someone`s) brains
What does "pick (someone`s) brains" mean?
to extract ideas or information from someone for one`s own useThey are always picking my brains to get new ideas for their business.
have a pick-me-up
What does "have a pick-me-up" mean?
to eat or drink something stimulating I wanted to have a pick-me-up so I stopped for a coffee.

stick one`s neck out for (someone or something)
What does "stick one`s neck out for (someone or something)" mean?
to take risks, to support someoneThe man never sticks his neck out for anyone at work and he has few friends.
turn (someone`s) stomach
What does "turn (someone`s) stomach " mean?
to make someone feel sick, to disgust someone The sight of the dead dog on the road turned my stomach.

muster up the courage
What does "muster up the courage" mean?
build up one's courage to do somethingI plan to muster up the courage and ask the woman for a date.
from hand to hand
What does "from hand to hand" mean?
from one person to another person and then to anotherWe passed the papers from hand to hand until they were all distributed.
Vicar of Bray
What does "Vicar of Bray" mean?
(UK) A person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray
lose one's lunch
What does "lose one's lunch" mean?
vomit; throw up
guest of honor
What does "guest of honor" mean?
the special person for whom a party or ceremony is heldMy father was the guest of honor at the company banquet.
get a fix on (something)
What does "get a fix on (something)" mean?
to receive a reading of a distant object by electronic means We were able to get a fix on the island and took the boat safely to the harbor.

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