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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no kidding
What does no kidding mean? | honestly, really | "No kidding, are you really going to buy a house."
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no kidding
What does no kidding mean? | honestly, really |
"No kidding, are you really going to buy a house."
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Some Random Idioms
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say (something) right to (someone's) face
What does "say (something) right to (someone's) face" mean? | to say something unpleasant or important directly to someone | I said that the man was not telling the truth right to his face.
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Don't mention the war
What does "Don't mention the war" mean? | This means that you shouldn't speak about things that could cause an argument or tension.This idiom was used in a classic episode of the much-loved British comedy series Fawlty Towers. As a consequence if you use this phrase in Britain, listeners will understand you to be referring to Germans, or just start laughing. |
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prick up one's ears
What does "prick up one's ears" mean? | to listen more closely (like an animal moving its ears to hear better) | I pricked up my ears and listened to what the speaker was saying.
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call in (someone) or call (someone) in
What does "call in (someone) or call (someone) in" mean? | to ask someone for help, to call for special advice |
We called in a doctor to look at the patient.
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cause tongues to wag
What does "cause tongues to wag" mean? | to give people something to gossip or talk about | The actions of our boss are causing tongues to wag.
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Duck to water
What does "Duck to water" mean? | If you take to something like a duck to water, you find when you start that you have a natural affinity for it. |
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off the hook
What does "off the hook" mean? | not at risk anymore; not obligated or required to do something anymore |
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take a shower/bath
What does "take a shower/bath" mean? | to bathe | I usually take a shower when I get home from work.
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on hand
What does "on hand" mean? | nearby, available, in one's possession | We did not have a screwdriver on hand so we could not fix the stove.
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Join the club!
What does "Join the club!" mean? | an expression used when the other person is in the same situation (usually bad) as the speaker | "Join the club. None of us have enough money to go on a holiday."
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sweep (something) under the rug/carpet
What does "sweep (something) under the rug/carpet" mean? | to hide or dismiss something casually | The couple always sweep their problems under the rug and never want to discuss them.
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green around the gills
What does "green around the gills" mean? | looking sick | My friend looked green around the gills after the long bus ride.
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