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 split second
What does in a split second mean? | in just an instant | The car accident happened in a split second before anyone could do anything to prevent it.
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Some Random Idioms
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breathe down (someone`s) neck
What does "breathe down (someone`s) neck" mean? | watch someone closely (often by standing right behind them), pressure someone to do something | My boss has been breathing down my neck all day to try and get me to finish the report.
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get through (a course or set of material)
What does "get through (a course or set of material)" mean? | finish (a course or set of material) | The boy was a very good student and quickly got through every course that he started.
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out for blood
What does "out for blood" mean? | be very determined to defeat/punish someone, be very angry at someone | My boss was out for blood when he discovered that someone had deleted some files on his computer.
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lie fallow
What does "lie fallow" mean? | remain unused (a field or land lies fallow) | The farmer let the field lie fallow for one growing season.
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thunder-thighs
What does "thunder-thighs" mean? | fat or large thighs (usually on a woman) |
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Grey pound
What does "Grey pound" mean? | (UK) In the UK, the grey pound is an idiom for the economic power of elderly people. |
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squirrel (something) away
What does "squirrel (something) away" mean? | to hide or store something | My niece likes to squirrel away as much money as possible from her part-time job.
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Full Monty
What does "Full Monty" mean? | (UK) If something is the Full Monty, it is the real thing, not reduced in any way. |
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a matter of life and death
What does "a matter of life and death" mean? | an issue of great urgency | It was a matter of life and death to rescue the young boy from the water quickly.
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eat
What does "eat" mean? | worry or bother (somebody). | What's eating you? Why so upset?
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wring (someone's) hand
What does "wring (someone's) hand" mean? | to hold someone's hand tightly when you greet or say good-bye to him of her | The man stood wringing my hand for a long time when I met him.
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plug
What does "plug" mean? | promotion or advertisement (often free) for a product or service |
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play into (someone's) hands
What does "play into (someone's) hands" mean? | to do something that another person can use against you | Our manager played into the hands of the other side during the meeting when he became angry.
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take off clothes/shoes etc.
What does "take off clothes/shoes etc." mean? | to remove clothes shoes etc. | "Please take off your shoes before you enter our house."
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