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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go on a fishing expedition
What does go on a fishing expedition mean? | to attempt to discover information | The lawyer went on a fishing expedition to try and discover the facts of the case.
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go on a fishing expedition
What does go on a fishing expedition mean? | to attempt to discover information |
The lawyer went on a fishing expedition to try and discover the facts of the case.
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Some Random Idioms
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get one`s feet wet
What does "get one`s feet wet" mean? | to begin something, to do something for the first time |
The writer got his feet wet in the publishing business and he is now ready to start his own business.
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old boy network
What does "old boy network" mean? | the situation where people (usually men) who went to the same school help each other get good jobs | It was an old law firm and being part of an old boy network was necessary to get a job there.
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under cover
What does "under cover" mean? | hidden, concealed | The police officer went under cover to look for the drug dealers.
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in a pig`s eye
What does "in a pig`s eye" mean? | hardly, unlikely, never | In a pig`s eye will I let him borrow my car next weekend.
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arrive on the scene
What does "arrive on the scene" mean? | to appear in a certain place | When the fire department arrived on the scene the fire was almost out.
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Talk the hind legs off a donkey
What does "Talk the hind legs off a donkey" mean? | A person who is excessively or extremely talkative can talk the hind legs off a donkey. |
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cut up
What does "cut up" mean? | upset; distressed |
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up in arms
What does "up in arms" mean? | very angry and wanting to fight, equipped with guns or weapons and ready to fight |
The students were up in arms over the school's plan to make them wear uniforms.
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Bite someone's head off
What does "Bite someone's head off" mean? | If you bite someone's head off, you criticise them angrily. |
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play ball with (someone)
What does "play ball with (someone)" mean? | to cooperate with someone, to join in an effort with others | "If you play ball with the new manager things should go well for you."
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set one's heart against (something)
What does "set one's heart against (something)" mean? | to turn against something, to become totally against something | From the beginning my friend set his heart against my proposal for having a birthday party for our teacher.
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Don't wash your dirty laundry in public
What does "Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" mean? | (UK) People, especially couples, who argue in front of others or involve others in their personal problems and crises, are said to be washing their dirty laundry in public; making public things that are best left private. (In American English, 'don't air your dirty laundry in public' is used.) |
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