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 hold on (someone)
What does have a hold on (someone) mean? | have a strong and secure influence on someone | The coach has a very strong hold on the members of the team.
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Some Random Idioms
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Fed up to the back teeth
What does "Fed up to the back teeth" mean? | When you are extremely irritated and fed up with something or someone, you are fed up to the back teeth. |
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Explore all avenues
What does "Explore all avenues" mean? | If all avenues are being explored, then every conceivable approach is being tried that could possibly get the desired result. |
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screw up
What does "screw up" mean? | to make a mess of something, to cause trouble for someone or something | My travel agent screwed up my travel schedule and I had to stay at the airport overnight.
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come out in the wash
What does "come out in the wash" mean? | to work out all right, to turn out well in the end, to become understood eventually |
Everything came out in the wash as the students discussed their problems.
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line up
What does "line up" mean? | take places in a line or formation, stand one behind another | We were forced to line up in front of the movie theater for over one hour.
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Light years ahead
What does "Light years ahead" mean? | If you are light years ahead of others, you are a long way in front of them in terms of development, success, etc. |
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paint the town red
What does "paint the town red" mean? | to go out and party and have a good time |
When my cousin came to visit us we decided to go out and paint the town red.
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roll out the red carpet
What does "roll out the red carpet" mean? | to welcome an important guest by putting a red carpet down for him or her to walk on | They rolled out the red carpet when the Queen came for a visit.
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Break your duck
What does "Break your duck" mean? | (UK) If you break your duck, you do something for the first time. |
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keep a tight/close rein on (someone or something)
What does "keep a tight/close rein on (someone or something)" mean? | strictly watch and control someone or something | Our principal keeps a tight rein on what is being taught in the classrooms.
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like crazy
What does "like crazy" mean? | very fast, with great energy | They were running like crazy but still they couldn`t catch their friend.
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