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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fold (something) up
What does fold (something) up mean? | to put an end to something (a business etc.) | The number of people coming to the exhibition was very low so we decided to fold up our exhibit and go home.
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Some Random Idioms
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Walking on broken glass
What does "Walking on broken glass" mean? | When a person is punished for something. e.g. 'She had me walking on broken glass.' |
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Sound as a bell
What does "Sound as a bell" mean? | If something or someone is as sound as a bell, they are very healthy or in very good condition. |
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holy Moses
What does "holy Moses" mean? | used to express strong feelings of astonishment, pleasure or anger | "Holy Moses! It is already noon and I haven`t even started work yet."
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filled to the brim
What does "filled to the brim" mean? | to be filled up to the top edge of something | The coffee cup was filled to the brim.
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Asleep at the wheel
What does "Asleep at the wheel" mean? | If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully.
'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative. |
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as scared as a rabbit
What does "as scared as a rabbit" mean? | very scared | I was as scared as a rabbit when I entered the empty room.
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Toe the line
What does "Toe the line" mean? | Follow the group, don't disagree, do what others are
doing. | Your lifestyle has gone on for too long. It is time for you to toe the line - get a wife, a job, some kids, and be miserable just like everyone else.
Many mistakenly think the phrase is "tow the line", thus obscuring the meaning.
This term comes from military line-ups for inspection. Soldiers are expected to line up, that is put their toes on a line, and submit to the inspection. |
cushy
What does "cushy" mean? | easy; soft; pleasant |
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come up
What does "come up" mean? | to happen unexpectedly | I know that I will not be able to go to the party if something comes up.
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to the letter
What does "to the letter" mean? | exactly, nothing done wrong or left undone, perfectly | The union representative followed the contract agreement to the letter.
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