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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know where (someone) stands on (something)
What does know where (someone) stands on (something) mean? | know what someone thinks or feels about someone or something | I do not know where the mayor stands on the issue of the new parking fees.
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Some Random Idioms
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sob story
What does "sob story" mean? | a story that makes one feel pity or sorrow | My sister told me a sob story about how she had lost her job.
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point of no return
What does "point of no return" mean? | the halfway point, the point where it is too late to turn back | We reached the point of no return on our journey and decided that it would be impossible to turn back.
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Square meal
What does "Square meal" mean? | A nutritious meal. | I am overweight because my wife's cooking is delicious but full of fat and sugar. The only way to get a good square meal is to eat out.
British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best of living conditions. A sailors breakfast and lunch were sparse meals consisting of little more than bread and a beverage. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal onboard a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a "square meal" was the most substantial meal served. |
holy cow
What does "holy cow" mean? | used to express strong feelings of astonishment, pleasure or anger | "Holy cow! There are over one hundred people standing in front of our house."
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take (something/it) to the bank
What does "take (something/it) to the bank" mean? | to have/do something that is a sure thing, to do/have something that you can count on no matter what happens | The business proposal is a sure thing and you can take it to the bank.
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ask (someone) out or ask out (someone)
What does "ask (someone) out or ask out (someone)" mean? | to ask a person for a date |
My friend finally asked the woman at the bank out.
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let it all hang out
What does "let it all hang out" mean? | let the truth be known, be open about something | She decided to let it all hang out and tell her friend about her problems with her boyfriend.
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