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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have a close call/shave
What does have a close call/shave mean? | almost be involved in an accident or something similar | I had a close call this morning when I was almost hit by a car.
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Some Random Idioms
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Baker's dozen
What does "Baker's dozen" mean? | A Baker's dozen is 13 rather than 12. |
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come to terms
What does "come to terms" mean? | to reach an agreement | After negotiating all night the government and the company came to terms on an arrangement for the new water system.
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Cut from the same cloth
What does "Cut from the same cloth" mean? | To be similar, usually in terms of behavior. | You and your father are cut from the same cloth; fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life son.
If you're making a suit, the jacket and trousers should be cut from the same piece of cloth to ensure a perfect match, since there may be differences in color, weave etc. between batches of fabric. Only if the whole suite is cut from the same piece of cloth can we be sure of the match. |
receive (someone) with open arms
What does "receive (someone) with open arms" mean? | to greet someone eagerly |
The employees received their new boss with open arms.
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one's bark is worse than one's bite
What does "one's bark is worse than one's bite" mean? | one's words are worse than one's actions |
You should not worry about the secretary. Her bark is worse than her bite and she is really a very nice person.
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as red as a rose
What does "as red as a rose" mean? | intensely red | The morning sunrise was as red as a rose.
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Slowly, slowly catchy monkey
What does "Slowly, slowly catchy monkey" mean? | This means that eventually you will achieve your goal. |
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on target
What does "on target" mean? | to be on schedule, to be exactly as predicted | Our company is on target to have its best year of sales ever.
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hold one`s fire
What does "hold one`s fire" mean? | keep back arguments or facts, keep from telling something | I tried to hold my fire during the meeting and save the rest of the information until next week.
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pure and simple
What does "pure and simple" mean? | absolutely, without further complication | It was pure and simple. I did not want to go away for the weekend.
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guest of honor
What does "guest of honor" mean? | the special person for whom a party or ceremony is held | My father was the guest of honor at the company banquet.
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have never had it so good
What does "have never had it so good" mean? | have never been in such a good situation | We have never had it so good since the new supervisor came to our department.
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Low-hanging fruit
What does "Low-hanging fruit" mean? | Low-hanging fruit are things that are easily achieved. |
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