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 feel for (something)
What does get a feel for (something) mean? | to become accustomed to something and learn how it works, to learn how to do something | I am beginning to get a feel for my new job.
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Some Random Idioms
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money to burn
What does "money to burn" mean? | much money, more money than is needed | My friend has money to burn and never has to worry about working.
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Practise what you preach
What does "Practise what you preach" mean? | If you practise what you preach, you do what you say other people should do.(In American English, the verb is 'practice') |
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Death warmed up
What does "Death warmed up" mean? | (UK) If someone looks like death warmed up, they look very ill indeed. ('death warmed over' is the American form) |
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all ears
What does "all ears" mean? | to be eager to listen to someone |
"I`m all ears, please tell me about the party."
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like a ton of bricks
What does "like a ton of bricks" mean? | strongly or forcefully, a surprise to someone | The news of his retirement hit me like a ton of bricks.
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just off the boat
What does "just off the boat" mean? | newly arrived (usually from another country) |
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burst into tears
What does "burst into tears" mean? | to begin to cry suddenly |
The parents burst into tears of happiness when their daughter graduated.
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get out of (something)
What does "get out of (something)" mean? | to take some clothes off so that you can put on more comfortable clothes |
I want to get out of my wet clothes quickly.
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shoot the breeze
What does "shoot the breeze" mean? | make relaxed, casual conversation. | "No, we weren't talking about anything important.We were just shooting the breeze."
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Busting your chops
What does "Busting your chops" mean? | To say things intended to harass. | Don't get mad, I am just busting your chops.
At the turn of the century, wearing very long sideburns—called mutton chops or lamb chops -- was en vogue. Lamb chop side burns also made a comeback in the late 1960s. A bust in the chops was to get hit in the face. Since Mutton Chops are no longer considered high fashion, the term has come to be figurative rather than literal. |
gusto
What does "gusto" mean? | verve; courage |
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