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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first come, first served
What does first come, first served mean? | the person who comes first will have his turn first | "First come, first served" my aunt called as she put the food on the table.
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first come, first served
What does first come, first served mean? | the person who comes first will have his turn first or be served something first | It was first come, first served at the banquet so we went to the food table quickly.
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Some Random Idioms
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wring one's hands
What does "wring one's hands" mean? | to worry and be upset about something and not be able to do anything about it |
The woman stayed up most of the night wringing her hands while she waited for her son to come home.
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fair and impartial
What does "fair and impartial" mean? | fair and unbiased |
The criminal was given a fair and impartial trial by the court.
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bring (someone) into line
What does "bring (someone) into line" mean? | to persuade someone to agree with you | The woman was able to bring the other members of the committee into line.
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kike
What does "kike" mean? | Jew; Jewish person |
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look like something the cat dragged in
What does "look like something the cat dragged in" mean? | to look tired/worn out/dirty | I was very tired and I am sure that I looked like something the cat dragged in.
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down and out
What does "down and out" mean? | having no money or place to live; in the gutter |
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under the wings of (someone)
What does "under the wings of (someone)" mean? | to be under the care or control or protection of someone |
The new teacher is now under the wings of the principal of the school.
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full-court-press
What does "full-court-press" mean? | a total effort or offensive, an all-out effort to put pressure on someone, a basketball tactic in which the defenders put pressure on the opposing team over the entire court and try to disrupt the ot |
The company used a full-court-press in order to pressure the manager to resign.
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have (something) in one's hands
What does "have (something) in one's hands" mean? | to have control of or responsibility for something, to possess something | "When I have the documents in my hands I will call you."
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street
What does "street" mean? | real world (as opposed to jail, prison, or other confinement) |
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draw up (something)
What does "draw up (something)" mean? | to put something in writing | They were able to draw up the contract while we were waiting.
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put flesh on (something)
What does "put flesh on (something)" mean? | 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 new company education committee.
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