American Idioms and Expressions

Keep (someone) On Tenterhooks Idiom

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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keep (someone) on tenterhooks
What does keep (someone) on tenterhooks mean?		 keep someone anxious or in suspenseI was kept on tenterhooks as I waited to hear the results of my exam.

Some Random Idioms
hard-nosed
What does "hard-nosed" mean?		 to be not weak or soft, to be stubbornThe union took a hard-nosed position in the contract negotiations.
Gone pear-shaped
What does "Gone pear-shaped" mean?		(UK) If things have gone pear-shaped they have either gone wrong or produced an unexpected and unwanted result.
reach for the sky
What does "reach for the sky" mean?		 to set one's goals highThe young woman was reaching for the sky when she began to look for her first job.
set foot (somewhere)
What does "set foot (somewhere)" mean?		 to step or go somewhereI have never set foot in that restaurant and I never will in the future.
head off (something)
What does "head off (something)" mean?		 stop, preventThey were able to head off a strike by the union at the last minute.
catch on
What does " catch on" mean?		 to become popularRecently ballroom dancing has begun to catch on with many people.

catch one`s breath

- to stop to rest and regain one`s normal breathingAfter running from the station it took a moment to catch my breath.
by virtue of (something)
What does "by virtue of (something)" mean?		 because of somethingMy father got his new job by virtue of his volunteer work in the community.
in theory
What does "in theory" mean?		 theoreticallyIn theory it is possible to make much money selling real estate but in practice it is very difficult.
augur well for (someone or something)
What does "augur well for (someone or something)" mean?		 to predict good things for someone or something The poor business conditions do not augur well for the workers.

on (someone or something's) last legs
What does "on (someone or something's) last legs" mean?		 to be almost worn out or finishedMy computer is on its last legs and soon I will have to buy another one.
play a joke/trick on (someone)
What does "play a joke/trick on (someone)" mean?		 to do a joke/trick that affects someoneThe boy played a trick on his teacher.
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