Hang By A Hair/thread Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms - What does Hang By A Hair/thread Idiom mean?

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. .

hang by a hair/thread What does hang by a hair/thread mean?	to be in an uncertain position and depend on something not substantial	The results of the election are still undecided and are hanging by a hair.
	Some Random Idioms
all-out-effort What does "all-out-effort" mean?	a very good and thorough effort	We made an all-out-effort to finish our work.

as plain as the nose on one's face What does "as plain as the nose on one's face" mean?	obvious	It is as the plain as the nose on our face who broke the computer.
bring (someone or something) to its/their knees What does "bring (someone or something) to its/their knees" mean?	to have a negative effect or destroy someone or a group of people, to defeat someone/something	The strike by the teachers quickly brought the school to its knees.
piddle around What does "piddle around" mean?	work slowly and without focus
to be on the safe side What does "to be on the safe side" mean?	to take no chances	It may rain so to be on the safe side I think that I will bring my umbrella.
out of step What does "out of step" mean?	to be out of harmony	He is out of step with the rest of the group and needs to think about what he should be doing.

the pot calling the kettle black What does "the pot calling the kettle black" mean?	a person who is criticizing someone else may be as guilty as the person he or she criticizes	It was like the pot calling the kettle black when the woman who is always late for work criticized her coworker for also coming late.
Show someone the ropes What does "Show someone the ropes" mean?	If you show someone the ropes, you explain to someone new how things work and how to do a job.
on the alert (for someone or something) What does "on the alert (for someone or something)" mean?	to be watchful and attentive for someone or something	The police are on the alert for the man who robbed the small store.
vote of thanks What does "vote of thanks" mean?	a speech expressing appreciation and thanks to a speaker or organizer	The speaker received a vote of thanks from the audience.
birthday suit What does "birthday suit" mean?	a completely naked body	The little boy was running down the street in his birthday suit.

American Idioms and Expressions

Hang By A Hair/thread Idiom