Donkeys Years 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. .

donkey's years What does donkey's years mean?	a very long time	I was happy to see my friend because I had not seen her in donkey's years.
	Some Random Idioms
Nip at the bit What does "Nip at the bit" mean?	If someone is nipping at the bit, they are anxious to get something done and don't want to wait.

every minute counts What does "every minute counts" mean?	time is very important	Every minute counts when the fire department goes to fight a fire.
draw blood What does "draw blood" mean?	to make a wound that bleeds, to anger someone	The politician was very careful not to draw blood during the debate.
lead/live the life of Riley What does "lead/live the life of Riley" mean?	live an easy life of luxury, live a pleasant life	My father has been leading the life of Riley since he retired from his job.
sum and substance What does "sum and substance" mean?	a summary, the gist of something	The sum and substance of what the speaker said was very interesting.
do an about-face What does "do an about-face" mean?	to suddenly reverse one's opinion	We did an about-face on our decision to permit drinking coffee in the library.
cozy up to (someone) What does "cozy up to (someone)" mean?	to try to be extra friendly to someone	I do not know what my neighbor wants but recently he has been trying to cozy up to me.
paw What does "paw" mean?	hand

stinking rose What does "stinking rose" mean?	garlic
raise its (ugly) head What does "raise its (ugly) head" mean?	a problem or bad situation appears or happens after not happening for a period of time	The problem between the two managers raised its ugly head again after many months of calm.
wild goose chase What does "wild goose chase" mean?	absurd or hopeless search	The man led the police on a wild goose chase when he ran away from them downtown.
Twist someone's arm What does "Twist someone's arm" mean?	If you twist someone's arm, you put pressure on them to try to make them do what you want them to do.
every so often What does "every so often" mean?	occasionally	You should stand up every so often when you are on a long plane trip.

American Idioms and Expressions

Donkeys Years Idiom