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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make a mistake
What does make a mistake mean? | make an error | I made a mistake on the math test.
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Some Random Idioms
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run in the family
What does "run in the family" mean? | to be a common family characteristic | Being a left-handed golfer runs in our family.
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forty winks
What does "forty winks" mean? | a short sleep during the day | When I arrived home I lay down and had forty winks.
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in the bag
What does "in the bag" mean? | done; obtained; completed |
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need (something) like (one needs) a hole in the head
What does "need (something) like (one needs) a hole in the head" mean? | to not need something at all | My friend needs a new computer like he needs a hole in the head.
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down
What does "down" mean? | eat or drink rapidly |
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quick fix
What does "quick fix" mean? | solution that is neither good nor durable |
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every cloud has a silver lining
What does "every cloud has a silver lining" mean? | there is always something good in every problem or bad event | Although the fire destroyed the small business, every cloud has a silver lining and the business owners were able to build a new building which was better than the original one.
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bear (someone or something) in mind
What does "bear (someone or something) in mind" mean? | to remember and think about someone or something | "Please keep the starting time for the concert in mind so that we can arrive early."
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screw up
What does "screw up" mean? | chaos; confusion; mess |
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leave (someone) high and dry
What does "leave (someone) high and dry" mean? | leave someone helpless | The employees were left high and dry when the company went out of business.
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gold brick
What does "gold brick" mean? | avoid work; hide from a task or assignment. | Stop gold bricking and get back to work.
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lay one's cards on the table
What does "lay one's cards on the table" mean? | to be open and honest about one's intentions | Our boss laid his cards on the table during the meeting.
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start in as (something)
What does "start in as (something)" mean? | to begin a career as something | The man started in as a mailroom clerk but soon he began to have more and more important jobs in the company.
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