From The Ground Up Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

from the ground up What does from the ground up mean?	from the beginning (as in building a house or other building or a business)	My uncle built his business from the ground up.
from the ground up What does from the ground up mean?	from the beginning (as in building a house or other building or a business)	My uncle built his business from the ground up.
	Some Random Idioms
in flight What does "in flight" mean?	while flying	Two wonderful meals were served while we were in flight.

in awe of (someone or something) What does "in awe of (someone or something)" mean?	fearful and respectful of someone or something	All of the children were in awe of the firemen who came to visit the school.
much ado about nothing What does "much ado about nothing" mean?	a lot of excitement about nothing	There was much ado about nothing over the small scandal in the city government.
Squared away What does "Squared away" mean?	Being prepared or ready for business or tasks at hand. Having the proper knowledge, skill and equipment to handle your assignment or station. 'He is a great addition to the squad; he is squared away.'
keep the wolf from the door What does "keep the wolf from the door" mean?	to maintain oneself at the most basic level	My friend's part-time job is enough for him to keep the wolf from the door.
throw one's hands up in horror What does "throw one's hands up in horror" mean?	to be shocked, to raise one's hands in horror	The woman threw her hands up in horror when she saw the results of the accident.
play up (someone or something) What does "play up (someone or something)" mean?	to call attention to someone or something, to emphasize someone or something	During the job interview I played up my experience as a computer operator.

have a (good) head on one`s shoulders What does "have a (good) head on one`s shoulders" mean?	be smart or sensible	That new salesman really has a head on his shoulders.
take (someone) under one's wings What does "take (someone) under one's wings" mean?	to begin to look after and care for a person	The teacher took the young boy under her wings when he first came to the school.
cry over spilled/spilt milk What does "cry over spilled/spilt milk" mean?	to cry or complain about something that has already happened	You should not cry over spilled milk. The past is past and you cannot do anything to change it.
chip in What does "chip in" mean?	to contribute to something, to pay jointly for something	We chipped in and bought our father a birthday present.
come from far and wide What does "come from far and wide" mean?	to come from many different places	The people came from far and wide to hear the new band.

American Idioms and Expressions

From The Ground Up Idiom