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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get a bright idea
What does get a bright idea mean? | to have a clever thought or idea occur to you (often used as sarcasm) | My father got the bright idea that he should buy a motorcycle.
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Some Random Idioms
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take effect
What does "take effect" mean? | a law or rule becomes effective or in use | There is a new law related to Internet advertising that will soon take effect.
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bite off more than one can chew
What does "bite off more than one can chew" mean? | to try to do more than you can deal with | I am trying not to bite off more than I can chew so that I do not overwork myself.
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watch (someone or something) like a hawk
What does "watch (someone or something) like a hawk" mean? | to watch someone very carefully | The mother watched her young child like a hawk.
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have a good thing going
What does "have a good thing going" mean? | have or do something that is beneficial | I have a good thing going with my company and my schedule is very good.
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at a loss
What does "at a loss" mean? | at less than the cost, at a financial loss | Everything was on sale but at a loss so the prices were very low.
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Have your cake and eat it too
What does "Have your cake and eat it too" mean? | If someone wants to have their cake and eat it too, they want everything their way, especially when their wishes are contradictory. |
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make a check out (to someone)
What does "make a check out (to someone)" mean? | write a check to give to someone with their name on it | I made a check out to the animal hospital after they cared for our dog.
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slice of the cake/pie
What does "slice of the cake/pie" mean? | a share of something | The government wants a slice of the cake of the money from the new casinos.
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follow through on/with (something)
What does "follow through on/with (something)" mean? | to finish an action, to keep a promise | Our boss said that wages would improve soon but he never followed through with his promise.
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heart goes out to (someone)
What does "heart goes out to (someone)" mean? | one feels sympathy for someone | My heart went out to the victims of the railway accident.
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have a bee in one's bonnet
What does "have a bee in one's bonnet" mean? | have an idea or thought that stays in one's mind | My sister has a bee in her bonnet about going to Mexico to teach.
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give chase to (someone or something)
What does "give chase to (someone or something)" mean? | to chase or run after someone or something | The police gave chase to the man who robbed the store.
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PR
What does "PR" mean? | Public Relations | Public RelationsWith good PR the politician was able to easily gain the support of many people.
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Butterfingers
What does "Butterfingers" mean? | Someone who has butterfingers is clumsy and drops things. |
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