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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field a call
What does field a call mean? | to pick up a telephone call |
The salesman fielded many calls when the new product appeared.
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Some Random Idioms
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Always a bridesmaid, never a bride
What does "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride" mean? | If someone is always a bridesmaid, never a bride, they never manage to fulfill their ambition- they get close, but never manage the recognition, etc, they crave. |
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rub (someone's) nose in (something)
What does "rub (someone's) nose in (something)" mean? | to remind someone of something that they have done wrong | The girl's supervisor always rubs the girl's nose in it when she makes a mistake.
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curry favor with (someone)
What does "curry favor with (someone)" mean? | to flatter someone to get his or her help or friendship | Our boss has been working hard to curry favor with the other members of the committee.
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bean counter
What does "bean counter" mean? | an accountant |
We asked the bean counters to look at the figures in the new budget.
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set in
What does "set in" mean? | to begin and probably continue (used for a weather or mental condition) | The rain has set in and it looks like it will not stop for awhile.
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blow a fuse
What does "blow a fuse" mean? | to burn out a fuse, to become angry | We quickly replaced the old fuse when our house blew a fuse last night.
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Upper Hand
What does "Upper Hand" mean? | Control of a situation. | If you are wondering who has the upper hand in your relationship, the next time you get up to fetch drinks, take a look on the sofa. There you will find that person.
This phrase originated with the advent of sandlot baseball. In order to determine which team would bat first, one player would grasp the baseball bat at the lower end. A player from the opposing team would then place his hand directly above the first player's hand. They would alternate hands up the bat until the end was reached and one of the players had the "upper hand". |
be of the persuasion that (something) is so
What does "be of the persuasion that (something) is so" mean? | to believe that something is true or exists | My grandfather is of the persuasion that it is more important to work than to go to school.
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find fault with (someone or something)
What does "find fault with (someone or something)" mean? | to criticize someone or something, to complain about something |
My boss finds fault with everything that I do.
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clip joint
What does "clip joint" mean? | a low-class business where people are cheated |
The men went into a clip joint near the bus station and had to pay a lot of money.
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