American Idioms and Expressions

Fly In The Ointment Idiom

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. .

fly in the ointment What does fly in the ointment mean?	a small thing that spoils one's enjoyment of something	The problem with the music was a fly in the ointment during the wedding ceremony.
fly in the ointment What does fly in the ointment mean?	something small that spoils one`s fun	The complaints about the food were a fly in the ointment and gave everyone a bad feeling about the gathering.
fly in the ointment What does fly in the ointment mean?	something small that spoils one`s fun	The complaints about the food were a fly in the ointment that gave everyone a bad feeling about the gathering.
	Some Random Idioms
a cut-and-dried (case/decision) What does "a cut-and-dried (case/decision)" mean?	fixed, determined beforehand	The case was cut-and-dried and it ended in less than one hour.

dipstick What does "dipstick" mean?	jerk; twit; oaf
when the cat's away, the mice will play What does "when the cat's away, the mice will play" mean?	when you are not watching someone they may get into trouble	When the cat's away, the mice will play and when the teacher left the classroom the students began to play around. pig/hog Idioms
Nickel tour What does "Nickel tour" mean?	If someone gives you a nickel tour, they show you around a place. ('Fifty-cent tour' is also used.)
hot under the collar What does "hot under the collar" mean?	angry; upset
in defiance of (someone or something) What does "in defiance of (someone or something)" mean?	in resistence to someone or someone's orders	The union was in defiance of the court order and was given a large fine.
bug-eyed What does "bug-eyed" mean?	to be wide-eyed with surprise	The little boy was bug-eyed when he got a new bicycle for his birthday.
cast one's lot in with (someone) What does "cast one's lot in with (someone)" mean?	to join with someone and accept whatever happens - good or bad	The woman cast her lot in with the new company and worked hard to make it a success.

moral turpitude What does "moral turpitude" mean?	behavior that is contrary to accepted rules of behavior	The judge accused the lawyer of moral turpitude after his questionable tactics to defend his client.
play footsie with (someone) What does "play footsie with (someone)" mean?	to engage in some kind of collaboration in a political situation	The opposition party was playing footsie with the government in order to try and influence their policy.
Drive home What does "Drive home" mean?	The idiomatic expression 'drive home' means 'reinforce' as in 'The company offered unlimited technical support as a way to drive home the message that customer satisfaction was its highest priority.'
change hands What does "change hands" mean?	to be sold or given to someone else	The small corner store has changed hands many times recently.
say (something) under one's breath What does "say (something) under one's breath" mean?	to say something so softly that nobody can hear it	The clerk in the store said something under her breath about the customer.

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