American Idioms and Expressions

Nip (something) In The Bud 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. .

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nip (something) in the bud
What does nip (something) in the bud mean?
to stop something at the startThey found out about the computer problem but were able to nip the problem in the bud.

Some Random Idioms
bring (something) into question
What does "bring (something) into question" mean?
to raise a question about something The actions of our supervisor bring into question his interest in the case.

throw/pitch someone a curve
What does "throw/pitch someone a curve" mean?
pitch a curve in baseball, confuse someone by doing something unexpected pitch a curve in baseball, confuse someone by doing something unexpectedMy friend threw me a curve when he changed the dates of our plan to go on a holiday together.
Axe to grind
What does "Axe to grind" mean?
If you have an axe to grind with someone or about something, you have a grievance, a resentment and you want to get revenge or sort it out. In American English, it is 'ax'.
ins and outs of (something)
What does "ins and outs of (something)" mean?
all the details of somethingHe knows all the ins and outs of the new machine.
you can lead/take a horse to water but you can't make him drink
What does "you can lead/take a horse to water but you can't make him drink" mean?
you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you can't get him or her to do it if they don't want toThe woman took her children to the park but they were not interested in playing in the playground. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
He that travels far knows much
What does "He that travels far knows much" mean?
People who travel widely have a wide knowledge.
Keep it under your hat
What does "Keep it under your hat" mean?
If you keep something under your hat, you keep it secret.
laugh up one's sleeve
What does "laugh up one's sleeve" mean?
laugh quietly to oneselfI was laughing up my sleeve when I learned that my friend would have to clean the bathroom at work and not me.
out on bail
What does "out on bail" mean?
to be out of jail after bail money has been paidThe man is out on bail after being arrested for stealing money from his company.
take it upon oneself to (do something)
What does "take it upon oneself to (do something)" mean?
to make something one's responsibilityI decided to take it upon myself to fix the broken window in our apartment.
hep
What does "hep" mean?
informed; up to date; current
hung up on someone
What does "hung up on someone" mean?
be obsessed with another person be obsessed with another personThe young woman has been hung up on a member of her tennis club for many months now.

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