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.
.
fall on hard times
What does fall on hard times mean? | to meet many troubles | The town fell on hard times after the computer company moved to another town.
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
patch up (something)
What does "patch up (something)" mean? | to fix something | I have been trying to patch up my differences with my friend for many months.
|
|
| |
one-off
What does "one-off" mean? | something done or happening only one time; something unique |
|
pound (something) out
What does "pound (something) out" mean? | to type something on a typewriter, to play a song on a piano | I spent several hours trying to pound an essay out on my computer.
|
touch and go
What does "touch and go" mean? | uncertain, in a dangerous situation | It was touch and go whether the girl was going to survive after the car accident.
|
By cracky
What does "By cracky" mean? | A term used by rural folks in years past to emphasize a matter of importance or urgency. An example: 'By cracky, you need to get out there in the field with that mule and plow and finish the sod-busting before dark.' |
|
lower one's voice
What does "lower one's voice" mean? | speak more softly | The usher in the movie theater asked me to lower my voice.
|
Different kettle of fish
What does "Different kettle of fish" mean? | If something is a different kettle of fish, it is very different from the other things referenced. |
|
|
| |
Hot as blue blazes
What does "Hot as blue blazes" mean? | If something's as hot as blue blazes, it's extremely hot. |
|
paper trail
What does "paper trail" mean? | evidence in written or document form that proves somebody did something |
|
shot
What does "shot" mean? | launch of a rocket |
|
come into fashion
What does "come into fashion" mean? | to become fashionable | My sister says that although bell-bottom pants have come into fashion again she will never wear them.
|
bow to the porcelain altar
What does "bow to the porcelain altar" mean? | vomit; throw up (n.b.: the porcelain alter refers to a toilet bowl) |
|