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.
.
come to grips with (something)
What does come to grips with (something) mean? | to struggle successfully with an idea or problem |
The woman has finally come to grips with her husband`s gambling.
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
off-color
What does "off-color" mean? | not the exact color | We painted our kitchen in an off-color of white.
|
One Red Cent
What does "One Red Cent" mean? | A single symbolic penny. | I refuse to pay even one red cent for the work until you complete the whole job.
The "Red" refers to both the color of a penny (one cent) and the image that used to be on the penny, an American Indian head. Redskin is a slang term used for American Indians.
Before today's Lincoln penny was the Indian Head penny.
The Indian Head penny was first issued in 1859 and looks just like that as issued in 1908 (before the Lincoln Cent). The only difference was that those from 1859-1864 were of a different copper-nickel alloy while 1864 started the common bronze, which was used until 1982. (You didn't know it changed then, did you?)
The copper-nickel alloy has a reddish tint, which turns redder with time and skin oil.
Before the Indian Head penny was the "Buzzard Cent", as the One Cent coins in 1856-1858 were called. The flying eagle on the coin was damned as an ugly bird and it wasn't popular.
However, it was the first "small cent" using about the same size as our penny today. In the half century before this, One Cent coins were about the size of today's Half Dollar! |
eat humble pie
What does "eat humble pie" mean? | to admit one`s error and apologize |
The boy had to eat humble pie when his friends discovered his mistake.
|
as to
What does "as to" mean? | with regard to, according to | "As to your question, I will answer it tomorrow."
|
sky's the limit
What does "sky's the limit" mean? | there is no limit to the success that can be achieved or the money that can be spent or made | The sky is the limit for my friend and his new job.
|
|
| |
draw (someone) out or draw out (someone)
What does "draw (someone) out or draw out (someone)" mean? | to make a person talk or tell something |
The girl was very quiet but we were able to draw her out and she began talking.
|
listen to (someone) with half an ear
What does "listen to (someone) with half an ear" mean? | to not listen carefully to someone |
I listened to my friend with half an ear while I listened to the radio.
|
go blooey
What does "go blooey" mean? | fail; fall apart; cease to function |
|
melt in one`s mouth
What does "melt in one`s mouth" mean? | to taste very good, to be very tender (for meat) | The pasta served at the new restaurant melted in our mouths.
|