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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in a quandary
What does in a quandary mean? | confused and uncertain about what to do | I am in a quandary about where I should go on my vacation next month.
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Some Random Idioms
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try out for (something)
What does "try out for (something)" mean? | to attempt to join or take part in a team or a play etc. | My friend has decided to try out for the football team this summer.
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curry favor with (someone)
What does "curry favor with (someone)" mean? | to flatter someone to get his or her help or friendship | Our boss has been working hard to curry favor with the other members of the committee.
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in a rut
What does "in a rut" mean? | always doing the same thing | She feels that she is in a rut after doing the same job for seven years.
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give (someone) a black eye
What does "give (someone) a black eye" mean? | to hit someone near their eye so it becomes dark, to hurt someone's reputation | The boy gave his friend a black eye.
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share (someone's) pain
What does "share (someone's) pain" mean? | to understand and sympathize with someone's pain or discomfort | I tried hard to share my friend's pain after his father died.
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ship shape
What does "ship shape" mean? | in good condition; functioning well |
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keep the home fires burning
What does "keep the home fires burning" mean? | keep things going as usual while someone is away | "Don`t worry about anything. I will stay home and keep the home fires burning while you are on your holiday."
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in public
What does "in public" mean? | in a place/way where other people can see | People are not allowed to smoke in public in many places.
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The Mountie always gets his man
What does "The Mountie always gets his man" mean? | (Canada) The Mounties are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and they have a reputation for catching criminals they are after. |
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cop
What does "cop" mean? | police officer. | The cops around here are actually very nice and helpful.
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It cost an arm and a leg
What does "It cost an arm and a leg" mean? | If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive indeed. |
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wade into
What does "wade into" mean? | attack, join in | The football player waded into the fight to help his teammate.
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rise to the bait
What does "rise to the bait" mean? | to be lured by some kind of bait/enticement | My friend rose to the bait when I offered to help him if he would help me to do something much more difficult.
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mean business
What does "mean business" mean? | to be serious | Our boss means business when he tells everyone to work harder.
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