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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do or die
What does do or die mean? | to make a great effort | It was do or die for the man when he started his new job.
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do or die
What does do or die mean? | to make a great effort |
It was do or die for the man when he started his new job.
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Some Random Idioms
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O-sign
What does "O-sign" mean? | comatose patient with his mouth agape |
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lay (something) on the table
What does "lay (something) on the table" mean? | to present a matter for discussion |
I went to the meeting and laid my concerns about the new product on the table.
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tie up (something)
What does "tie up (something)" mean? | to limit or prevent the use of something | All of my uncle's money is tied up in real estate investments.
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putty in (someone's) hands
What does "putty in (someone's) hands" mean? | very willing to do what someone else thinks or wants |
The woman is putty in our hands and we can get everything that we want from her.
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by the skin of one`s teeth
What does "by the skin of one`s teeth" mean? | only just, barely | We arrived on time for the train by the skin of our teeth.
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join the fray
What does "join the fray" mean? | join a fight or argument | I did not want to join the fray and argue with the other members of the group.
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skin and bones
What does "skin and bones" mean? | a person or animal that is very thin/skinny | The dog was skin and bones after his owner stopped giving him food.
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A Burnt Child Dreads the Fire
What does "A Burnt Child Dreads the Fire" mean? | One does not repeat a painful lesson twice. | I've tried to get little Johnny to quit running and jumping on the furniture before he hurts himself, but only a burnt child dreads the fire.
Very similar in meaning to another proverb, "Once bitten, twice shy," today's proverb is an old one. It appeared in English literature as early as 1320, in "The Proverbs of Hendyng." Another proverb, which is similar, comes from the French: "A scalded dog fears cold water" carries an even stronger message; that those who have experienced a great deal of difficulty or pain will not only avoid it in the future, but will be afraid even where there is no cause.
Other languages also have like proverbs, such as, "One bitten by a serpent is afraid of a rope's end" (Jewish), "A man who has received a beating with a firebrand runs away at the sight of a firefly" (Singhalese), and "A dog which has been beaten with a stick fears its own shadow" (Italian). |
in one breath
What does "in one breath" mean? | spoken rapidly without stopping to breathe |
I told my friend in one breath what happened at the party.
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for fear of (something)
What does "for fear of (something)" mean? | because of the fear of something |
We stayed home all weekend for fear of getting hit by the big storm.
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