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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lay an egg
What does lay an egg mean? | fail to win the interest or favor of an audience | Although the magician was supposed to be good, his performance was terrible and it laid an egg with the audience.
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Some Random Idioms
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shoot the works
What does "shoot the works" mean? | to spare no expense or effort to do something | They are planning to shoot the works with the victory celebration for the Olympic athletes.
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make hay while the sun shines
What does "make hay while the sun shines" mean? | to take advantage of opportunities and good conditions while you can | We wanted to make hay while the sun shines so we tried to finish the outside work while the weather was good.
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crapper
What does "crapper" mean? | latrine; bathroom |
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have (something) in one's hands
What does "have (something) in one's hands" mean? | to have control of or responsibility for something, to possess something | "When I have the documents in my hands I will call you."
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drive a hard bargain
What does "drive a hard bargain" mean? | to conclude a bargain without making any concessions | Although the man drives a hard bargain, I like doing business with him.
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beat around the bush
What does "beat around the bush" mean? | to talk about something without giving a direct answer | The manager was beating around the bush and never really said anything important.
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make up one`s mind
What does "make up one`s mind" mean? | to choose what to do, to decide something | I have not been able to make up my mind about going to the party or not.
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a handout
What does "a handout" mean? | a gift of money (usually from the government) | The bus company has received many handouts from the government.
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hear a peep out of (someone)
What does "hear a peep out of (someone)" mean? | hear the smallest word from someone | We did not hear a peep out of the children who were playing in the bedroom.
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gotcha
What does "gotcha" mean? | you are caught; I see what you are doing; I understand what you are saying |
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control the purse strings
What does "control the purse strings" mean? | to be in charge of the money in a business or a household | My sister controls the purse strings in her family.
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stumble across/upon (someone or something)
What does "stumble across/upon (someone or something)" mean? | to find someone or something by accident or in an unplanned manner | I stumbled across a very nice restaurant last weekend.
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look at (someone) cross-eyed
What does "look at (someone) cross-eyed" mean? | to do something or look at someone in a way that may provoke anger | If you look at the man cross-eyed he will usually become angry.
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break down
What does "break down" mean? | to lose control of one's emotions | The woman broke down while the lawyer questioned her at the trial.
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