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 your nose out of my business
What does keep your nose out of my business mean? |
phr. do not meddle in my affairs; do not involve yourself in what I am doing |
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Some Random Idioms
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make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
What does "make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" mean? | create something valuable out of something of no value | You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and the fact is that the woman is not a good singer and will probably never sing in the choir.
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mark time (to music)
What does "mark time (to music)" mean? | move one`s feet up and down to music | He was marking time to the music as he was driving his car.
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Deer in the headlights
What does "Deer in the headlights" mean? | When one is caught offguard and needs to make a decision, but cannot react quickly. |
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drive (someone) up a wall
What does "drive (someone) up a wall" mean? | to irritate or annoy someone greatly | My neighbor's constant complaining is driving me up a wall.
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Bring someone to heel
What does "Bring someone to heel" mean? | If you bring someone to heel, you make them obey you.('Call someone to heel' is also used.) |
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across the board
What does "across the board" mean? | equally for everyone or everything |
The taxes have increased across the board and everyone must pay more.
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Run around the bush
What does "Run around the bush" mean? | If you run around the bush, it means that you're taking a long time to get to the point. |
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I hereby give notice of my intention
What does "I hereby give notice of my intention" mean? | Hereby is used sometimes in formal, official declarations and statements to give greater force to the speaker' or the writer's affirmation. People will say it sometimes to emphasise their sincerity and correctness. |
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packed in like sardines
What does "packed in like sardines" mean? | packed very tightly, very crowded | We were packed in like sardines during the morning commute in the train.
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Gone for a burton
What does "Gone for a burton" mean? | (UK) If something's gone for a burton, it has been spoiled or ruined. If a person has gone for a burton, they are either in serious trouble or have died. |
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make a go of (something)
What does "make a go of (something)" mean? | to produce good results, to succeed at something | Although the man works very hard in his small business he cannot make a go of it and may soon go out of business.
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cooler
What does "cooler" mean? | drink made of wine, fruit juice, and soda water |
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