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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keep one's eye on the ball
What does "keep one's eye on the ball" mean? | remain alert, keep one's attention focused on the ball or the
matter at hand | remain alert, keep one's attention focused on the ball or the matter at handHe was told that during the meeting he must keep his eye on the ball and concentrate on the matter at hand.
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lay off (someone)
What does "lay off (someone)" mean? | stop bothering someone, leave someone alone | The coach told the players to lay off the new player so that he could relax before the game.
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find (someone) innocent
What does "find (someone) innocent" mean? | decide that someone is innocent in a court of law | The woman went to court but the judge found her innocent of all charges.
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big cheese
What does "big cheese" mean? | an important person, a leader |
My uncle is a big cheese in his company so you should be very nice to him.
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come to one's senses
What does "come to one's senses" mean? | to wake up, to begin to think clearly | The man came to his senses and finally stopped spending his money as soon as he receives it.
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Wear your heart on your sleeve
What does "Wear your heart on your sleeve" mean? | Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve shows their emotions and feelings publicly. |
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as mad as a hornet
What does "as mad as a hornet" mean? | very angry, in a fighting mood |
Our boss was as mad as a hornet when he came to work this morning.
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winning streak
What does "winning streak" mean? | a series of several wins one after the other | Our baseball team has been on a winning streak for several weeks now.
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sweet and sour
What does "sweet and sour" mean? | a combination of sweet and sour tastes (found in many Chinese dishes) | The dish had a sweet and sour taste that was very delicious.
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die in one's boots
What does "die in one's boots" mean? | to die fighting |
The soldiers died in their boots after fighting very hard.
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