American Idioms and Expressions

Make One`s Own Way Idiom

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. .

make one`s own way What does make one`s own way mean?	rely on one`s own abilities	His father wants him to join the family business but he wants to make his own way and do something different.
	Some Random Idioms
bitten by (some kind of) bug What does "bitten by (some kind of) bug" mean?	to become interested and excited about a particular activity and want to start doing it	The man has been bitten by a gold bug and he only thinks about gold.

too many cooks spoil the broth What does "too many cooks spoil the broth" mean?	too many people trying to do something will cause problems	Too many cooks spoil the broth and having too many people work on the project was making it difficult to do anything. stew Idioms<
every cloud has a silver lining What does "every cloud has a silver lining" mean?	there is something good in every bad thing	Every cloud has a silver lining and although I lost my job other good things have happened.
up one`s sleeve What does "up one`s sleeve" mean?	kept secretly ready for the right time or for a time when needed	He probably has something up his sleeve and will be able to find a job when he needs one.
a storm is brewing What does "a storm is brewing" mean?	there is going to be trouble or a storm coming	A storm is brewing between the two government departments over the tax issue.
on the make What does "on the make" mean?	to be trying to get some advantage (often money or sexual)	"Be careful of him. He is on the make and will try and cheat you out of your money."
be a new one on (someone) What does "be a new one on (someone)" mean?	to be something one has not heard before and something that is difficult to believe	It was a new one on me when my friend said that he was studying Russian.

head What does "head" mean?	person
Work like a charm What does "Work like a charm" mean?	If something works like a charm, it works perfectly.
run around in circles What does "run around in circles" mean?	to act confused, to do a lot but accomplish little	I have been running around in circles all day but I can`t seem to get anything done.
have one's back to the wall/up against the wall What does "have one's back to the wall/up against the wall" mean?	be in a defensive position	I have my back to the wall at work and I must decide how to deal with the criticism that I am receiving.
act up What does "act up" mean?	to misbehave	The children began to act up during the field trip.

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