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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Down to the wire
What does Down to the wire mean? | Undecided until the end, at the last minute | We almost missed our flight, it came right down to the wire. The traffic on the way to the airport was horrible and we had to run to our gate.
This phrase refers to races where the winner is determined by whoever crosses the finish line first. Think of horse racing and foot races. A string is stretched across the finish to help the judges see clearly who crosses first in a close race. That string is called the wire or tape, the winner is the one who breaks the wire first.
The "wire" is actually string, tape, or paper and not a metal wire at all. No need to be concerned about those horses tripping and getting themselves caught in the wire. |
down to the wire
What does down to the wire mean? | to be nearing a deadline, to be running out of time | We went down to the wire but we were able to finish the job on time.
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down to the wire
What does down to the wire mean? | near a deadline, with little time remaining | They were down to the wire but the two sides finally agreed to a new contract.
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down to the wire
What does down to the wire mean? | at the very last minute (from the wire at the end of a horse
race) | at the very last minute (from the wire at the end of a horse race)The election went down to the wire but in the end the President was re-elected to another term in office.
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down to the wire
What does down to the wire mean? | at the very last moment, very close to the time when something is due (from the wire at the end of a horse race) |
The election went down to the wire but the candidate was re-elected to another term in office.
We went down to the wire but we were able to finish the project on time.
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down to the wire
What does down to the wire mean? | near a deadline, with little time remaining |
They went down to the wire but the two sides finally agreed to a new contract.
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down to the wire
What does down to the wire mean? | at the very last moment, very close to the time when something is due (from the wire at the end of a horse race) |
The election went down to the wire but the candidate was re-elected to another term in office.
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Some Random Idioms
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goof up
What does "goof up" mean? | make errors; mess up |
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get a feel for (something)
What does "get a feel for (something)" mean? | to become accustomed to something and learn how it works, to learn how to do something |
I am beginning to get a feel for my new job.
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back off
What does "back off" mean? | to retreat or move away (from a fight or argument or an object) |
The man wanted to start an argument but finally he backed off.
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winning streak
What does "winning streak" mean? | a series of several wins one after the other | Our baseball team has been on a winning streak for several weeks now.
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dawn on (someone)
What does "dawn on (someone)" mean? | to become clear or occur to someone | It finally dawned on me why my friend was angry.
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warts and all
What does "warts and all" mean? | including one's bad points | He likes to be able to relax, warts and all, with his friends.
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take a bath (on something)
What does "take a bath (on something)" mean? | to come to financial ruin, to lose much money on something | My aunt took a bath on the stock market last year and she is afraid to buy stocks now.
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not give it another thought
What does "not give it another thought" mean? | to not worry/think about something | I did not give it another thought when I agreed to help my friend move from his apartment.
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cost an arm and a leg
What does "cost an arm and a leg" mean? | to cost much money |
My father's new car cost an arm and a leg.
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Sell your soul
What does "Sell your soul" mean? | If someone sells their soul, their betray the most precious beliefs. |
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