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 the groundwork for (something)
What does lay the groundwork for (something) mean? | to build the foundation or basis of something, to do the basic work that will lead to future success | The new training program will lay the groundwork for the future success of the company.
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Some Random Idioms
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hire out (someone)
What does "hire out (someone)" mean? | accept/give a job/employment | He decided to hire himself out as a dancer while he was going to school.
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there is no such thing as a free lunch
What does "there is no such thing as a free lunch" mean? | you cannot get something without working for it or paying for it | There is no such thing as a free lunch and you must work hard if you want to get something in life.
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lose out to (someone or something)
What does "lose out to (someone or something)" mean? | fail to win, miss first place in a contest | Our team lost out to the other team in the soccer tournament.
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promise (someone) the moon
What does "promise (someone) the moon" mean? | to promise something that is impossible | Before the election the politicians promised everybody the moon but after they were elected they began to talk differently.
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burger
What does "burger" mean? | hamburger. | Gimme a burger, no fries.
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on the house
What does "on the house" mean? | paid for by the owner of a business | We went to the restaurant and all of the drinks were on the house.
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clam up
What does "clam up" mean? | to close one's mouth, to shut up | The students clammed up when they saw the teacher.
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dirt
What does "dirt" mean? | worthless, pathetic people |
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as scared as a rabbit
What does "as scared as a rabbit" mean? | very scared | I was as scared as a rabbit when I entered the empty room.
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by the day
What does "by the day" mean? | one day at a time | My father was very sick but now he is getting better by the day.
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make cracks (about someone or something)
What does "make cracks (about someone or something)" mean? | ridicule or make jokes about someone or something | The radio announcer made cracks about the famous athlete during the interview.
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nurse (someone) back to health
What does "nurse (someone) back to health" mean? | to give someone care to restore him or her to good health | My mother spent several weeks with my grandmother to try and nurse her back to health.
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