American Idioms and Expressions

Explain (something) Away Idiom

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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explain (something) away
What does explain (something) away mean?		 to explain something so that it seems less importantThe sales clerk tried to explain away the problem with the sales receipt.

Some Random Idioms
rear
What does "rear" mean?		buttocks
get behind (a person or idea)
What does "get behind (a person or idea)" mean?		 to support or help someone or something Many people wanted to get behind the candidate who promised to cut taxes.

give a wide birth to (someone or something)
What does "give a wide birth to (someone or something)" mean?		 to keep away from someone or something, to keep a safe distance from someone or somethingI usually give a wide birth to my boss when he is angry.
make (someone's) blood run cold
What does "make (someone's) blood run cold" mean?		 to shock or horrify someone It made my blood run cold when I saw the little boy run into the road.

from stem to stern
What does "from stem to stern" mean?		 from one end to the other, from the front to the back of a ship The boat was damaged from stem to stern after the big storm.

Kissing cousin
What does "Kissing cousin" mean?		 A kissing cousin is someone you are related to, but not closely.
hold over (something)
What does "hold over (something)" mean?		 extend the engagement of somethingThe movie was held over for another week.
the tail wagging the dog
What does "the tail wagging the dog" mean?		 a situation where a small part controls the whole thing The tail is wagging the dog. The receptionist controls everything in the office.

come up to (someone or something)
What does "come up to (someone or something)" mean?		 to approach someone or something The man came up to me and asked me for directions.

come up with (something)

- to produce/find/create a thought or idea or answer

put flesh on (something)
What does "put flesh on (something)" mean?		 to add details to something so that it becomes clearer and more detailed I worked all weekend to try and put flesh on my ideas for a company proposal.

doctor shopping
What does "doctor shopping" mean?		practice of going from doctor to doctor to obtain prescriptions for pharmaceuticals
drag
What does "drag" mean?		 dull, annoying person
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