K American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

Keep your pants on What does "Keep your pants on" mean?	Calm down, be patient.	I will be off the telephone in a minute, so keep your pants on. Appears to suggest that one should calm down because romance is not imminent.

Kiss of death What does "Kiss of death" mean?	Something that is a precursor to failure, that will lead to future failure.	Even a hint by Greenspan that interest rates may rise is like a kiss of death to the stock market. From the fabled Mafia practice. A kiss from the Don meant curtains (death) for the receiver.
Knock on wood What does "Knock on wood" mean?	Tap on a wooden surface for gook luck or to keep from putting a jinx on yourself for having mentioned some hope or dream aloud.	If good luck is willing. I am sure that your tax returns will not be audited, knock on wood. One theory is that it originated in the middle ages when there were in circulation, pieces of the Holy Rood or Cross on which Jesus was crucified. To touch one of these was supposed to bring good luck hence touch wood for good luck.
keep an eye on What does "keep an eye on" mean?	check something regularly.	"You're busy, so you'll need to keep an eye onthe time. Remember that we have to leave at 4:30."
keep an eye out for What does "keep an eye out for" mean?	watch for.	"I'll keep an eye out for John. If I see him,I'll tell him you want to talk to him."
keep one's chin up What does "keep one's chin up" mean?	remain brave and confident in a difficult situation; don't despair or worry too much.	"I know that things have been difficult for yourecently, but keep your chin up. Everything will be better soon."
keep one's nose to the grindstone What does "keep one's nose to the grindstone" mean?	stay diligent; steadily work hard, without breaks or an uneven pace.	"If I keep my nose to the grindstone, I shouldbe finished by the end of the day."
keep/stay in touch (with someone) What does "keep/stay in touch (with someone)" mean?	(with someone): remain informed (about someone) / in contact (with someone) by writing, calling, sending e-mail, etc. on a regular basis.	"I haven't seen Frank for two or three years but wekeep (stay) in touch by e-mail."

keep one's fingers crossed What does "keep one's fingers crossed" mean?	hope for the best.	A: "How did you do on the test?"
kid (noun) What does "kid (noun)" mean?	(noun): child.	A: "You have three kids, don't you?"B: "That's right. I have two girls and a boy."
kid (verb) What does "kid (verb)" mean?	(verb): playfully say something that isn't true.	"I was kidding when I said my teacher was amonster. She's strict, but she's actually a very nice person."
kind of What does "kind of" mean?	rather; more or less; a little.	"I'm feeling kind of hungry. I think I'll makemyself a sandwich."
know something backwards and forwards What does "know something backwards and forwards" mean?	know/understand something completely and thoroughly.	"If you have a question about html tags, ask Susan.She knows html backwards and forwards."
know something inside out What does "know something inside out" mean?	know/understand something thoroughly.	"If you have a question about grammar, ask Dr. Martin.She knows grammar inside out."
kangaroo court What does "kangaroo court" mean?	an illegal court formed by a group of people to settle a dispute among themselves	The men were convicted by a kangaroo court in the town and nobody agreed with the decision.
Katie bar the door What does "Katie bar the door " mean?	get ready for trouble, a desperate situation is at hand	The gang arrived at the hotel and were ready to come in and fight. "Katie bar the door."
keel over What does "keel over" mean?	fall over and faint	Three of the members of the band keeled over because of the heat.
keel over What does "keel over" mean?	turn upside down, tip over	The boat keeled over in the middle of the lake but everybody was safe.
keen on (someone or something) What does "keen on (someone or something)" mean?	be enthusiastic about someone or something	My girlfriend is keen on going to a movie this weekend.
keep a civil tongue What does "keep a civil tongue" mean?	speak decently and politely	The angry customer was asked to keep a civil tongue when talking with the sales clerk.
keep a close watch on (someone or something) What does "keep a close watch on (someone or something)" mean?	monitor or observe someone or something	The woman always keeps a close watch on her child when she is at the shopping center.
keep a close watch over (someone or something) What does "keep a close watch over (someone or something)" mean?	guard or care for someone or something	I kept a close watch over the soup as it was cooking.
keep a secret What does "keep a secret " mean?	to not tell a secret to others	I have been trying to keep a secret about my friend's boyfriend for a long time now.
keep a stiff upper lip What does "keep a stiff upper lip" mean?	be brave, face trouble bravely	The storm victims tried hard to keep a stiff upper lip in spite of the hardships of their situation.
keep a straight face What does "keep a straight face" mean?	stop oneself from smiling or laughing	It was difficult to keep a straight face when the man fell off his chair into the grass.
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.
keep abreast (of something) What does "keep abreast (of something)" mean?	keep informed about something	I read the newspaper regularly so that I can keep abreast of current events.
keep after/at (someone) What does "keep after/at (someone)" mean?	remind someone over and over about something	I always have to keep after my friend to do her job properly.
keep an eye on (someone or something) What does "keep an eye on (someone or something)" mean?	watch and take care of something (but not just look at something)	"Will you keep an eye on the baby while I go to the store."
keep an eye out for (someone or something) What does "keep an eye out for (someone or something)" mean?	watch for the arrival or appearance of someone or something	I kept an eye out for a nice restaurant after I arrived in the small town.
keep at (something) What does "keep at (something) " mean?	persist with something	He has decided to keep at his studies and I am sure that he will succeed.
keep body and soul together What does "keep body and soul together" mean?	keep alive, survive	It was very cold during the winter but somehow she was able to keep body and soul together and survived.
keep books What does "keep books" mean?	keep records of money gained and spent, do the work of a bookkeeper	My first job was to keep books for a small company in my hometown.
keep company (with someone) What does "keep company (with someone)" mean?	associate with or spend much time with someone	I like to keep company with my friends from university.
keep cool What does "keep cool" mean?	stay calm	The police officers were trained to keep cool in difficult situations.
keep down (something) What does "keep down (something)" mean?	keep from progressing or growing, keep within limits, control	The students were told to keep down the noise as some of the other classes were having exams.
keep from (doing something) What does "keep from (doing something)" mean?	prevent/refrain from doing something	I love ice cream and couldn`t keep from eating three bowls.
keep good time What does "keep good time " mean?	work accurately (used for a clock or watch)	My watch has not been keeping good time lately.
keep harping on (something) What does "keep harping on (something)" mean?	continue to talk or complain about something	The boy's father keeps harping on the fact that his son never does his homework.
keep house What does "keep house " mean?	look after a house or a household	She has been keeping house for her father while he is sick.
keep in touch (with someone) What does "keep in touch (with someone)" mean?	talk or write to someone	I have always tried to keep in touch with my friends from high school.
keep late hours What does "keep late hours" mean?	stay up or stay out until very late	My friend keeps late hours now that he is working for the newspaper.
keep off (something) What does "keep off (something)" mean?	stay off someone's land or other property	The students were asked to keep off the grass which was being replanted.
keep on (doing something) What does "keep on (doing something)" mean?	continue	She is careless and keeps on making the same mistakes over and over.
keep on an even keel What does "keep on an even keel" mean?	remain cool and calm	I was very busy with my job and school but I tried very hard to keep on an even keel and get everything done.
keep on one's toes What does "keep on one's toes" mean?	stay alert and watchful	I try to keep on my toes during a class where the teacher may ask me a question.
keep one`s chin up What does "keep one`s chin up" mean?	be brave, be determined	"Try and keep your chin up. Things will get better in the future."
keep one`s cool What does "keep one`s cool" mean?	to stay/remain calm	I tried to keep my cool during the argument with my neighbor.
keep one's distance from (someone or something) What does "keep one's distance from (someone or something)" mean?	maintain a certain distance from someone or something	The girl always keeps her distance from the other students in the class.
keep one`s eye on the ball What does "keep one`s eye on the ball" mean?	be watchful and ready for something	"You should keep your eye on the ball or you will make a mistake."
keep one's eyes open What does "keep one's eyes open" mean?	remain alert and watchful for someone or something	"Please keep your eyes open for a good place to eat so that we can have lunch."
keep one's feet on the ground What does "keep one's feet on the ground" mean?	remain firmly established	My friend lost his job but he is trying hard to keep his feet on the ground.
keep one`s fingers crossed What does "keep one`s fingers crossed" mean?	wish for good results in something one is doing	"Please keep your fingers crossed that I will pass my exam."
keep one's hand in (something) What does "keep one's hand in (something)" mean?	retain some control of something	My uncle sold his business but he is still trying to keep his hand in some of its operations.
keep one's hands off (someone or something) What does "keep one's hands off (someone or something)" mean?	refrain from touching or handling someone or something	My aunt asked her nephew to keep his hands off her furniture.
keep one`s head What does "keep one`s head" mean?	stay calm when there is trouble or danger	He is a very good leader and is able to keep his head during an emergency.
keep one`s head above water What does "keep one`s head above water" mean?	have the ability to pay one`s bills	He is having trouble keeping his head above water since his salary decreased.
keep one`s mouth shut What does "keep one`s mouth shut" mean?	be/stay silent	I was very angry and I told my friend to keep his mouth shut. Later I had to apologize.
keep one`s nose clean What does "keep one`s nose clean" mean?	stay out of trouble	He has been able to keep his nose clean since he moved to the new town.
keep one's nose out of (someone's) business What does "keep one's nose out of (someone's) business" mean?	refrain from interfering in someone else's business	I try hard to keep my nose out of my friend's business so he doesn't become angry with me.
keep one`s nose to the grindstone What does "keep one`s nose to the grindstone" mean?	work very hard	He is keeping his nose to the grindstone these days and I haven`t had a chance to meet him.
keep one's opinions to oneself What does "keep one's opinions to oneself" mean?	don't give your opinion (especially when you disagree with others)	I try to keep my opinions to myself when I talk to my father about the local city government.
keep one`s own counsel What does "keep one`s own counsel" mean?	keep one`s ideas and plans to oneself	He always keeps his own counsel and never reveals his plans to anyone.
keep one's place What does "keep one's place" mean?	exhibit behavior suitable to one's position/place in life	I was told to keep my place when I began to complain about the food in the school cafeteria.
keep one`s shirt on What does "keep one`s shirt on" mean?	be calm, keep from losing one`s temper or becoming too impatient	"Try and keep your shirt on! Everything will be all right in a few minutes."
keep one`s wits about one What does "keep one`s wits about one" mean?	stay calm when there is trouble or danger	Although there was a fire in the building, he was able to keep his wits about him and help everybody to safety.
keep one`s word What does "keep one`s word" mean?	fulfill/keep one`s promise	She never keeps her word, so I don`t believe that she will come to the party as she said.
keep pace (with someone or something) What does "keep pace (with someone or something)" mean?	go as fast or go at the same rate as someone or something	It is difficult to keep pace with the other students but somehow I manage.
keep quiet What does "keep quiet" mean?	remain silent	"Could you please keep quiet and listen to the instructions."
keep (someone) company What does "keep (someone) company" mean?	sit and stay with someone (especially someone who is lonely or sick)	I stayed home last night so that I could keep my mother company.
keep (someone) from (doing something) What does "keep (someone) from (doing something)" mean?	prevent someone from doing something	I tried hard to keep my friend from buying a new car.
keep (someone or something) in check What does "keep (someone or something) in check" mean?	keep under control, restrain	The economic policy was designed to keep inflation in check.
keep (someone) in line What does "keep (someone) in line" mean?	make someone behave properly	The teacher is very strict and she knows how to keep her students in line.
keep (someone or something) in mind What does "keep (someone or something) in mind" mean?	remember and think about someone or something	I told my co-workers to keep the new starting time for work in mind.
keep (someone) in stitches What does "keep (someone) in stitches" mean?	cause someone to laugh continuously	The man kept me in stitches with his funny stories.
keep (someone) on What does "keep (someone) on" mean?	allow someone to continue working for you	Although we have too many workers we have decided to keep everybody on until business improves.
keep (someone) on tenterhooks What does "keep (someone) on tenterhooks" mean?	keep someone anxious or in suspense	I was kept on tenterhooks as I waited to hear the results of my exam.
keep (someone) posted What does "keep (someone) posted" mean?	keep someone informed or up-to-date	I asked my friend to keep me posted on his new job and address.
keep (someone or something) still/quiet What does "keep (someone or something) still/quiet" mean?	make someone or something silent or less noisy	The mother had a hard time keeping her child still in the airplane.
keep (someone) up What does "keep (someone) up " mean?	prevent someone from going to bed	My neighbors kept me up last night with their loud music.
keep (something) down What does "keep (something) down" mean?	keep food in one's stomach (without vomiting it up when sick)	The child was sick and found it difficult to keep his food down.
keep (something) to oneself What does "keep (something) to oneself" mean?	keep something a secret	I asked my friend to keep the news to herself.
keep (something) under one`s hat What does "keep (something) under one`s hat" mean?	keep a secret, do not tell something	He won`t say where he is going for his holiday. He wants to keep it under his hat.
keep (something) under wraps What does "keep (something) under wraps" mean?	keep something concealed (until some future date)	We decided to keep our plans for the new project under wraps.
keep still What does "keep still" mean?	do not move	I tried to keep still during the long lecture.
keep tabs on (someone or something) What does "keep tabs on (someone or something)" mean?	watch/check/observe someone or something	We have been keeping tabs on the spending of the sales department.
keep the ball rolling What does "keep the ball rolling" mean?	keep up an activity or action, not allow something that is happening to slow or stop	We should try to keep the ball rolling and get most of our work done now.
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."
keep the lid on (something) What does "keep the lid on (something)" mean?	restrain something, keep something quiet	The hospital worked hard to keep the lid on the drug scandal.
keep the wolf from the door What does "keep the wolf from the door" mean?	maintain oneself at a basic level	My job pays just enough money to keep the wolf from the door.
keep time What does "keep time" mean?	keep track of the time in a game or athletic contest	I kept time during the football game at our high school.
keep time What does "keep time" mean?	keep the beat, keep the same musical rhythm	It is difficult for the girl to keep time when she is playing in the band.
keep time What does "keep time" mean?	to keep accurate time (for a watch or clock)	My old watch will not keep time at all.
keep to oneself What does "keep to oneself" mean?	stay away from other people	Our neighbor is very quiet and likes to keep to herself.
keep track of (someone or something) What does "keep track of (someone or something)" mean?	maintain a record of something	"Please carefully keep track of your expenses during the trip."
keep up What does "keep up" mean?	do not stop, continue	We are working hard to keep up the same level of production as last year.
keep up What does "keep up" mean?	keep something at the same level or in good condition	He spends a lot of time trying to keep up the garden of his house.
keep up an act What does "keep up an act" mean?	act in a way that is different from one's natural behavior	I think that the woman is trying to keep up an act even though she has almost no money.
keep up appearances What does "keep up appearances " mean?	keep an outward show of prosperity or good behavior	He is trying to keep up appearances even though he has lost his job.
keep up with (someone or something) What does "keep up with (someone or something)" mean?	go at the same speed as a person or thing, maintain the same rate of progress	I can`t keep up with the rest of the class.
keep up with the news What does "keep up with the news" mean?	keep informed	I read the newspaper every morning in order to keep up with the news.
keep up with the Joneses What does "keep up with the Joneses" mean?	try to be the same as your neighbors	He always worries about keeping up with the Joneses and is always frustrated.
keep up with the times What does "keep up with the times" mean?	stay in fashion	My aunt tries very hard to keep up with the times.
keyed up What does "keyed up" mean?	excited, nervous	I was keyed up after we won the game and I couldn`t go to sleep.
kick around What does "kick around" mean?	treat badly, act roughly or badly to someone or something	I don`t like her very much because she is always kicking around her employees.
kick around What does "kick around" mean?	lie around and do nothing or only do small tasks	I was tired on Saturday so I kicked around the house all morning.
kick back What does "kick back" mean?	relax and not do much	I`m going to kick back this evening and watch television.
kick in (some money or something) What does "kick in (some money or something)" mean?	contribute some money for something	Everybody kicked in to collect some money for a present for our teacher.
kick oneself What does "kick oneself" mean?	regret something	I kicked myself for not applying for the job sooner.
kick out (someone) What does "kick out (someone)" mean?	make someone go or leave, dismiss someone	The boy was kicked out of school because of his bad behavior.
kick/turn over What does "kick/turn over" mean?	a motor starts	At first the engine wouldn`t start because it was too cold but finally it kicked over.
kick the bucket What does "kick the bucket" mean?	die	The man who used to clean the building kicked the bucket last week.
kick the habit What does "kick the habit" mean?	stop a bad habit	He has been trying to kick his smoking habit for many years.
kick up a fuss/storm What does "kick up a fuss/storm" mean?	make trouble, be a nuisance about something	I didn`t think that it was a big problem but my boss kicked up a fuss when I told him about the accident.
kick up one`s heels What does "kick up one`s heels" mean?	have a good time, celebrate	We kicked up our heels at the farewell party that we attended last week.
kid around (with someone) What does "kid around (with someone)" mean?	tease and joke with someone	The students were kidding around with the teacher after the class.
kid's stuff What does "kid's stuff" mean?	a very easy task	It was kid's stuff. We were able to fix the stove very easily.
kill off (something) What does "kill off (something)" mean?	kill or end completely, destroy	The pollution in the river has killed off all of the fish.
kill the fatted calf What does "kill the fatted calf" mean?	prepare a big feast (in someone's honor)	We decided to kill the fatted calf and have a big dinner for my uncle.
kill the goose that layed/lays the golden egg What does "kill the goose that layed/lays the golden egg" mean?	spoil something that is good or something that one has by being greedy	He was always complaining about his job but now it is gone. He has killed the goose that layed the golden egg.
kill time What does "kill time" mean?	waste time	We had to kill a lot of time before the movie started.
kill two birds with one stone What does "kill two birds with one stone" mean?	accomplish two things with one action	He was able to kill two birds with one stone by going to the meeting.
killed outright What does "killed outright" mean?	killed immediately	The man was killed outright when the truck hit him on the street.
kind of What does "kind of" mean?	moderately, somewhat, more or less	I was kind of tired when I arrived home last night.
kink in my neck What does "kink in my neck" mean?	a cramp in one's neck that causes pain	I woke up this morning with a kink in my neck.
kiss and make up What does "kiss and make up" mean?	forgive someone and be friends again	I want to kiss and make up with my friend after our argument.
kiss and tell What does "kiss and tell" mean?	participate in something private and then tell others about it	I don't trust her because she is the kind of person who will kiss and tell.
kiss of death What does "kiss of death" mean?	an act that puts an end to someone or something	When the girl learned that I knew her teacher, it was the kiss of death. She didn't want to talk to me anymore.
kiss (something) good-bye What does "kiss (something) good-bye" mean?	lose something	"You can kiss your computer good-bye. It is totally destroyed."
kit and caboodle What does "kit and caboodle" mean?	the entire amount, everything	I brought the whole kit and caboodle of my fishing supplies when I went fishing.
kith and kin What does "kith and kin" mean?	friends and relatives	All of our kith and kin attended the anniversary for my parents.
knee-high to a grasshopper What does "knee-high to a grasshopper" mean?	very young (like a child)	I learned to ride a bicycle when I was knee-high to a grasshopper.
knew it was coming What does "knew it was coming" mean?	aware in advance that something was going to happen	I knew it was coming when my boss asked me into her office and told me that the store would soon close.
knit one's brow What does "knit one's brow" mean?	wrinkle one's brow by frowning	The teacher knit his brow and looked sternly at the child.
knock about What does "knock about" mean?	travel without a plan, go where one pleases	We decided to go to Brazil and knock about for a couple of months.
Knock it off! What does "Knock it off!" mean?	stop doing something, quit	"Please knock it off! You are going to hurt yourself if you are not careful."
knock off work What does "knock off work" mean?	quit work (for the day)	We knocked off work early so that we could go to the championship game.
knock on wood What does "knock on wood" mean?	knock on something made of wood to keep from having bad luck	I don`t think that I will lose my job - knock on wood.
knock one`s head against the wall What does "knock one`s head against the wall" mean?	waste time trying to do something with no success	They have been knocking their heads against the wall for years trying to find a solution to the problem.
knock oneself out What does "knock oneself out" mean?	make a great effort	They really knocked themselves out trying to make the party successful.
knock (some) heads together What does "knock (some) heads together" mean?	scold some people	The coach decided that he would have to knock some heads together if he wanted to get the team into the playoffs.
knock (someone) around What does "knock (someone) around" mean?	mistreat someone	The boy was sent home from school for knocking around some other members of the class.
knock (someone) dead What does "knock (someone) dead" mean?	put on a stunning performance for someone	The performance of the jazz group knocked the audience dead.
knock (someone) down (to size) What does "knock (someone) down (to size)" mean?	make a person more humble	The fact that the golfer lost the tournament helped to knock him down to size.
knock (someone) off What does "knock (someone) off" mean?	murder someone	The owner of the shop was knocked off in the robbery last week.
knock (someone) off their feet What does "knock (someone) off their feet" mean?	surprise or shock someone so much that he does not know what to do	When they announced that I had won the prize it knocked me off my feet.
knock (someone or something) out What does "knock (someone or something) out" mean?	make someone unconscious, make something unworkable or unusable	The storm last night knocked out power in most of the town.
knock (someone) over with a feather What does "knock (someone) over with a feather" mean?	surprise someone by something extraordinary	It could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw my friend on TV last night.
knock (someone's) block off What does "knock (someone's) block off" mean?	hit someone very hard (in the head), beat someone up	He was very angry and threatened to knock the block off of anyone who came near him.
knock (something) back/down What does "knock (something) back/down" mean?	drink down a drink (usually alcohol)	The medicine tasted terrible but I was able to knock it down.

American Idioms and Expressions

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