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 out one`s shingle
What does hang out one`s shingle mean? | notify the public of the opening of an office - especially an office of a doctor, lawyer or other professional | He has decided to hang out his shingle now that he has graduated from law school.
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Some Random Idioms
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company town
What does "company town" mean? | a town dominated by one industry or company | When the coal mine closed, the company town faced severe economic times.
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fuck around
What does "fuck around" mean? | spend time doing minor, irrelevant things. | Don't fuck around anymore.
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in
What does "in" mean? | fashionable, trendy |
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get down to brass tacks
What does "get down to brass tacks" mean? | to begin the work or business that must be done | "Let's get down to brass tacks and begin talking about the new contract."
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in the public eye
What does "in the public eye" mean? | visible to all, in public | Very often the wife or husband of a politician does not like to be in the public eye.
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Take the rough with the smooth
What does "Take the rough with the smooth" mean? | People say that you have to take the rough with the smooth, meaning that you have to be prepared to accept the disadvantages as well of the advantages of something. |
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nothing to sneeze at
What does "nothing to sneeze at" mean? | to be something that you should take seriously and respect | His new salary is nothing to sneeze at.
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Foot in mouth
What does "Foot in mouth" mean? | This is used to describe someone who has just said something embarrassing, inappropriate, wrong or stupid. |
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make an issue of (something)
What does "make an issue of (something)" mean? | turn something into an important matter | Our supervisor often tries to make an issue of events that are not important at all.
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not have the heart to do (something)
What does "not have the heart to do (something)" mean? | to be unwilling to say or do something that may hurt or upset others | I did not have the heart to tell the woman that soon she may lose her job.
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stick to one`s guns
What does "stick to one`s guns" mean? | to defend an action or opinion despite an unfavorable reaction | Our boss is sticking to his guns on his decision to fire the manager of the store.
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Rest is gravy
What does "Rest is gravy" mean? | If the rest is gravy, it is easy and straightforward once you have reached that stage. |
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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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