False Pretenses 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. .

false pretenses What does false pretenses mean?	intentionally misrepresent facts to cheat or defraud someone	The woman was acting under false pretenses when she went to the bank and asked for a loan.
false pretenses What does false pretenses mean?	intentionally misrepresenting the facts in order to cheat or defraud someone	The woman was acting under false pretenses when she went to the bank and asked for a loan.
	Some Random Idioms
chicken (adjective or noun) What does "chicken (adjective or noun)" mean?	(adjective or noun): cowardly.	"Fred will never ask Lucy for a date. He'schicken / a chicken.
eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth What does "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" mean?	a system of punishment where you punish someone in the same way that they hurt you	The citizens wanted an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth when they learned about the child's murder.
ask for trouble What does "ask for trouble" mean?	to behave in a way that trouble is likely	The boy is asking for trouble if he misses another class.
old boy network What does "old boy network" mean?	the situation where people (usually men) who went to the same school help each other get good jobs	It was necessary to be part of an old boy network to get a job at the law firm.
Bust my chops What does "Bust my chops" mean?	When someone says that they're not going to bust their chops, it means they are not going to work that hard or make much effort.
none too (something) What does "none too (something)" mean?	not very something, not at all something	The boy was none too smart to try and steal the CDs from the store.

in labor What does "in labor" mean?	a woman going through childbirth	The man's wife was in labor for three hours.
Climb the greasy pole What does "Climb the greasy pole" mean?	Advance within an organisation - especially in politics.
not stand for (something) What does "not stand for (something)" mean?	to not allow something to happen, to not permit something	Our teacher will not stand for somebody coming to his class late.
flirt with the idea of (doing something) What does "flirt with the idea of (doing something)" mean?	to think about doing something	We flirted with the idea of buying a new house but we decided not to.
set (someone) back on his or her heels What does "set (someone) back on his or her heels" mean?	to surprise/shock/overwhelm someone	The announcement by the principal set the teachers back on their heels.
if the shoe fits, wear it What does "if the shoe fits, wear it" mean?	if something that is said describes you then it probably is meant for you as well	He was complaining that many workers at his company were lazy. However, his friend looked at him and said that if the shoe fits, wear it.

American Idioms and Expressions

False Pretenses Idiom