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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chip on one's shoulders
What does chip on one's shoulders mean? | a tendency to try to argue or get into a conflict with others |
The man has a chip on his shoulders and wants to fight with everybody.
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Some Random Idioms
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level with (someone)
What does "level with (someone)" mean? | be honest with someone | I tried to level with my friend and tell her what I thought about her new hairstyle.
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base one's opinion on (something)
What does "base one's opinion on (something)" mean? | to form an opinion from something |
I based my opinion on the man's previous work and decided not to give him a job.
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ass
What does "ass" mean? | a woman as a sexual object. | I gotta get me some ass.
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as soft as a baby's bottom
What does "as soft as a baby's bottom" mean? | very soft and smooth |
My new silk pajamas are as soft as a baby's bottom.
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Get a leg up
What does "Get a leg up" mean? | To get a boost or advantage. | I could get up a 5:00 am to get a leg up on my competition, but I don't think so.
This phrase may incorrectly invoke images of a dog raising its leg.
In fact "Getting a leg up" is from the act of an equestrian receiving help in mounting a horse. The helper would create a foothold by cupping the hands to heft the rider upward, throwing a leg up and over the steed. |
a yoke around (someone's) neck
What does "a yoke around (someone's) neck" mean? | a burden, something that oppresses people | The legal problems of my friend were a yoke around his neck which he wanted to deal with.
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Make a better fist
What does "Make a better fist" mean? | If someone makes a better fist of doing something, they do a better job. |
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Worth a shot
What does "Worth a shot" mean? | If something is worth a shot, it is worth trying as there is some chance of success. |
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work out (a problem)
What does "work out (a problem)" mean? | to solve a problem, to provide the details of something |
I spent the weekend trying to work out the budget estimates for next year.
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weave in and out (of something)
What does "weave in and out (of something)" mean? | move, drive, or walk in and out of something such as traffic | The man was driving very fast and was weaving in and out of the traffic.
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chugalug
What does "chugalug" mean? | drink quickly without gulping |
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at the drop of a hat
What does "at the drop of a hat" mean? | without waiting or planning, immediately, promptly | Our boss will stop working and help someone at the drop of a hat.
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