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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every which way
What does every which way mean? | in all directions | The small children at the birthday party were running every which way.
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Some Random Idioms
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black and white
What does "black and white" mean? | either good or bad, either one way or the other way but not in between | Our boss sees everything in black and white although he knows this is impossible.
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Have your cake and eat it too
What does "Have your cake and eat it too" mean? | If someone wants to have their cake and eat it too, they want everything their way, especially when their wishes are contradictory. |
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be broke
What does "be broke" mean? | be without money. | "No, I can't lend you ten dollars. I'mcompletely broke until payday."
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come into (some money)
What does "come into (some money)" mean? | to get possession of some money, to inherit some money | The man came into a lot of money which he donated to charity.
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level playing field
What does "level playing field" mean? | a situation where everyone has an equal chance at
success | a situation where everyone has an equal chance at successWe were able to achieve a level playing field with the other schools when the government made some new rules regarding the competition.
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a copycat
What does "a copycat" mean? | someone who copies another person`s work or actions | The little boy was accused of being a copycat by the other children.
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lick one's chops
What does "lick one's chops" mean? | to show one's eagerness to do something or eat something (by licking one's lips) | The salesman began to lick his chops when he saw the potential customers at the business convention.
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night on the town
What does "night on the town" mean? | a night of celebration | We went out for a night on the town when we finished the project.
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a hop, skip and a jump
What does "a hop, skip and a jump" mean? | a short distance | The hospital was a hop, skip, and a jump from our new apartment.
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flexitarian
What does "flexitarian" mean? | vegetarian who sometimes eats meat or fish |
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count noses
What does "count noses" mean? | to count people | The teacher stopped to count noses before the students got on the bus.
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lose face
What does "lose face" mean? | to be embarrassed or ashamed by an error or failure, to lose self-respect | The manager lost face when the person who she hired was a terrible worker.
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take (something) to one's grave
What does "take (something) to one's grave" mean? | to carry a secret with you until you die | The woman plans to take the secret about her sister to her grave.
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sick at heart
What does "sick at heart" mean? | very sad or upset about something | The woman was sick at heart over the illness of her cat.
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