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 charge of (someone or something)
What does in charge of (someone or something) mean? | in control or authority, responsible for someone or something | He is in charge of the sales department at his company.
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in charge of (someone or something)
What does in charge of (someone or something) mean? | to be in control of someone or something, to be responsible for someone or something | My sister has been in charge of buying supplies at her company for many years.
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Some Random Idioms
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fix (someone) up with (someone)
What does "fix (someone) up with (someone)" mean? | to help someone get a date by arranging a meeting between the two people |
I am trying to fix my sister up with my best friend.
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Make your hair stand on end
What does "Make your hair stand on end" mean? | If something makes your hair stand on end, it terrifies you. |
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long face
What does "long face" mean? | a sad look, a disappointed look | He had a long face when he came into work this morning. Something must have happened to him.
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get out of (somewhere)
What does "get out of (somewhere)" mean? | to leave somewhere, to escape | I want to hurry and get out of my house so I will not be late for work.
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every other
What does "every other" mean? | every second one | I have to work every other Saturday evening.
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Down to the wire
What does "Down to the wire" mean? | Undecided until the end, at the last minute | We almost missed our flight, it came right down to the wire. The traffic on the way to the airport was horrible and we had to run to our gate.
This phrase refers to races where the winner is determined by whoever crosses the finish line first. Think of horse racing and foot races. A string is stretched across the finish to help the judges see clearly who crosses first in a close race. That string is called the wire or tape, the winner is the one who breaks the wire first.
The "wire" is actually string, tape, or paper and not a metal wire at all. No need to be concerned about those horses tripping and getting themselves caught in the wire. |
off and running
What does "off and running" mean? | make progress in something from the beginning (from horses who run quickly from the start of a race) | make progress in something from the beginning (from horses who run quickly from the start of a race)The two candidates were off and running in the race to become mayor of the city.
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Moot point
What does "Moot point" mean? | If something's a moot point, there's some disagreement about it: a debatable point.
In the U.S., this expression usually means that there is no point in debating something, because it just doesn't matter.
An example: If you are arguing over whether to go the beach or to the park, but you find out the car won't start and you can't go anywhere, then the destination is said to be a moot point. |
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take a pay cut
What does "take a pay cut" mean? | to accept a decrease in one's salary | The telephone workers were forced to take a pay cut after the strike.
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