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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hang on by one's fingernails
What does hang on by one's fingernails mean? | to continue or manage to do something in a difficult situation | The man is continuing at his job but he is only hanging on by his fingernails.
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Some Random Idioms
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Rough around the edges
What does "Rough around the edges" mean? | If someone is rough around the edges, they haven't mastered something, though they show promise. |
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cook (something) to perfection
What does "cook (something) to perfection" mean? | to cook something perfectly |
The chef always cooks the food to perfection at his small restaurant.
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blood, sweat and tears
What does "blood, sweat and tears" mean? | signs of great personal effort | We put much blood, sweat and tears into building the small cabin.
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Dead and buried
What does "Dead and buried" mean? | If something is dead and buried, it has all long been settled and is not going to be reconsidered. |
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Jobs for the boys
What does "Jobs for the boys" mean? | Where people give jobs, contracts, etc, to their friends and associates, these are jobs for the boys. |
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take (something) for granted
What does "take (something) for granted" mean? | to assume that something is a certain way or is correct | "I took it for granted that you knew him. Otherwise I would have introduced you."
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Come to call
What does "Come to call" mean? | If someone comes to call, they respond to an order or summons directly. |
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Beamer
What does "Beamer" mean? | BMW automobile |
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a case of mistaken identity
What does "a case of mistaken identity" mean? | an incorrect identification of someone | It was a case of mistaken identity when the police arrested the wrong person.
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make a beeline for (someone or something)
What does "make a beeline for (someone or something)" mean? | to go straight toward someone or something (like bees when they fly in a straight line) | Whenever my friend goes to a football game he makes a beeline for the food stand.
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acid test
What does "acid test" mean? | a test where the conclusions are beyond doubt | The problem was an acid test of our faith in the manager.
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