Close But No Cigar Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

close but no cigar What does close but no cigar mean?	idiom. unsuccessful; almost but not quite good enough
	Some Random Idioms
skip bail What does "skip bail" mean?	to run away and not come to trial and therefore give up any money that you may have paid the court to guarantee that you appear	The man skipped bail and went to another city before he was arrested again.

close to (someone) What does "close to (someone)" mean?	to be fond of someone	The boy is very close to his grandfather.
Basket case What does "Basket case" mean?	If something is a basket case, it is so bad that it cannot be helped.
back to the salt mines What does "back to the salt mines" mean?	to go back to work (this is a humorous expression to express going back to unpleasant work)	"Lunch is over so let`s go back to the salt mines for the afternoon."
take over (something) or take (something) over What does "take over (something) or take (something) over" mean?	to take control or possession of something, to take charge or responsibility for something	The government decided to take over the bank after it declared bankruptcy.
on one`s toes What does "on one`s toes" mean?	to be alert	The teacher asks the students many questions to keep them on their toes.
poky What does "poky" mean?	prison; jail

cut a wide swath What does "cut a wide swath" mean?	to attract a lot of attention	The man cuts a wide swath when he enters a room.
Tears before bedtime What does "Tears before bedtime" mean?	(UK) This idiom is used when something seems certain to go wrong or cause trouble.
turnover What does "turnover" mean?	the rate at which a product is sold and replaced	The turnover of drinks is very high in the store.
Off-hand What does "Off-hand" mean?	Off-hand means without preparation. People say that they don't know the answer off-hand, meaning that they don't know it at that time.

American Idioms and Expressions

Close But No Cigar Idiom