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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firing on all cylinders
What does firing on all cylinders mean? | to be working and making every possible effort | We were firing on all cylinders when we began work on the new drop-in center.
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firing on all cylinders
What does firing on all cylinders mean? | to be working and making every possible effort |
We were firing on all cylinders when we began work on the new project.
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Some Random Idioms
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thread (one's way) through (something)
What does "thread (one's way) through (something)" mean? | to make a path for oneself through a crowded area | The shopping mall was crowded but we were able to thread our way through the many people.
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get into trouble
What does "get into trouble" mean? | to become involved in some kind of trouble | The young boys try not to get into trouble when they are left at home alone.
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Irons in the fire
What does "Irons in the fire" mean? | Having or pursuing multiple opportunities
simultaneously. | I have been out of work for 6 months, but I have a number of irons in the fire.
Blacksmiths traditionally worked iron into shape by hammering. The iron being worked would be heated in the fire until it was red-hot and malleable. The Smith removes the iron from the fire and shapes it with repeated blows from a hammer. They need to work quickly before the iron cools. Once the iron is cool, it becomes brittle and cannot be hammered.
Once removed from the fire, the iron cools quickly. It takes longer to heat the iron to red-hot than it takes for it to cool. Blacksmiths work more efficiently by having multiple pieces of iron in the fire heating simultaneously. In that way, the Smith can always have a piece of iron red-hot and ready for hammering. The cooled piece would be returned to the fire if it needed more hammering. |
T&A
What does "T&A" mean? | tits and ass (in reference to women) |
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WAG
What does "WAG" mean? | wild-ass guess |
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TBA
What does "TBA" mean? | To Be Announced - used when something will be announced
later | To Be Announced - used when something will be announced laterI looked in the television guide to see what the 7:00 movie would be but it only said TBA.
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work up
What does "work up" mean? | stir up, excite | He really likes to work up a sweat when he does his exercises.
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strapped for cash
What does "strapped for cash" mean? | to have little or no money available | I am strapped for cash at the moment so I will not be able to go with you on a holiday.
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eager beaver
What does "eager beaver" mean? | a person who is always eager to work hard or do extra work | My colleague is an eager beaver and is always ready to work hard when we need him.
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cop
What does "cop" mean? | police officer. | The cops around here are actually very nice and helpful.
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pass muster
What does "pass muster" mean? | to pass a test or checkup, to measure up to a certain standard | The player was not able to pass muster and was not included on the team.
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