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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damage
What does damage mean? | cost; amount of a bill |
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Some Random Idioms
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In the country of the BLIND, the ONE-EYED man is KING
What does "In the country of the BLIND, the ONE-EYED man is KING" mean? | A man of even limited ability is at a great advantage in
the company of those less able. | It doesn't matter if you don't completely understand how the Internet works! You know more than anyone else here. So, in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
An English proverb cited by John Ray in 1678 tells us that "a man were better be half blind than have both eyes out." Not only would he be able to avoid the ditch (fallen into by the blind leading the blind), he might find himself in a position if leadership. "In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king" is quoted in Erasmus' "Adagia," in 1536. We also see it in John Palsgrave's translation of the "Comedy of Acolastus." In 1522, in his "Why Come Yet Not to Court?" John Skelton tells us that: "an one eyed man is Well sighted when is is amonge blynde men." |
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engage in (something)
What does "engage in (something)" mean? | to be busy with something, to be occupied with something |
The man is engaged in a new project.
The woman was engaged in a long conversation.
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have a word with (someone)
What does "have a word with (someone)" mean? | talk briefly with someone | I will have a word with my boss before he goes home tonight.
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Money makes many things
What does "Money makes many things" mean? | This means that money is important. |
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Tall story
What does "Tall story" mean? | A tall story is one that is untrue and unbelievable. |
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appear out of nowhere
What does "appear out of nowhere" mean? | to appear suddenly, to appear without warning | The dog appeared out of nowhere during our walk on the beach.
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(to be) high time
What does "(to be) high time" mean? | to be time that something should already have been done | It is high time that we spent some time cleaning up our house.
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kill the goose that layed/lays the golden egg
What does "kill the goose that layed/lays the golden egg" mean? | spoil something that is good or something that one has by being greedy | He was always complaining about his job but now it is gone. He has killed the goose that layed the golden egg.
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as sick as a dog
What does "as sick as a dog" mean? | very sick | My friend was as sick as a dog when he left the restaurant last night.
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Perish the thought
What does "Perish the thought" mean? | Perish the thought is an expression meaning that you really hope something will not happen. |
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On the skids
What does "On the skids" mean? | When things or people are on the skids, they are in serious decline and trouble. |
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