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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mess up
What does mess up mean? | cause trouble, spoil something | He messed up his chance to get a promotion by not making any effort during the year.
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mess up
What does mess up mean? | to cause trouble, to spoil something, to perform badly, to make a mistake |
The employee messed up his chance to get a promotion by not making any effort during the year.
The girl messed up her piano piece.
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Some Random Idioms
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dead as a doornail
What does "dead as a doornail" mean? | to be very dead |
The man was as dead as a doornail after the car accident.
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strike a chord with (someone)
What does "strike a chord with (someone)" mean? | to remind someone of something, to be familiar to someone | The song on the radio struck a chord with me and reminded me of my university days.
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get rolling
What does "get rolling" mean? | to get started |
"Let's get rolling and try and finish this project today."
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Hold the baby
What does "Hold the baby" mean? | (UK) If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the baby. |
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could do with (someone or something)
What does "could do with (someone or something)" mean? | to want or need someone or something |
I could do with a new computer because mine is getting old.
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all in one breath
What does "all in one breath" mean? | spoken rapidly while one is very excited | I told my friend about the accident all in one breath.
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well and good
What does "well and good" mean? | good, satisfactory | It is well and good that he will go and talk to his supervisor about the problem.
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in any case/event
What does "in any case/event" mean? | no matter what happens, surely, without fail | I may not be able to meet you next week but in any case I will still give you the books before then.
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like lambs to the slaughter
What does "like lambs to the slaughter" mean? | quietly do something without realizing the danger/difficulties of the situation | The local basketball team went like lambs to the slaughter to meet the best team in the country.
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hard to stomach (someone or something)
What does "hard to stomach (someone or something)" mean? | be unable to accept something or do something that you think is unpleasant or wrong | I find some of my classmates and their attitude to studying hard to stomach.
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at the eleventh hour
What does "at the eleventh hour" mean? | at the last minute; almost too late. | "Yes, I got the work done in time. I finished it at the eleventh hour, but I wasn't late.
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dishy
What does "dishy" mean? | sexy; sexually appealing (said of women) |
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