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.
.
not let (someone) catch you (doing something)
What does not let (someone) catch you (doing something) mean? | to not let someone find you doing something | "Do not let me catch you doing that again or you will be in trouble," said the mother to her child.
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
half-baked
What does "half-baked" mean? | to be not thought about or studied carefully |
Our friend has a half-baked idea about starting a new business but most of us think that it will fail.
|
|
| |
Low-hanging fruit
What does "Low-hanging fruit" mean? | Low-hanging fruit are things that are easily achieved. |
|
While the cat's away, the mouse will play
What does "While the cat's away, the mouse will play" mean? | People whose behaviour is strictly controlled go over the top when the authority is not around, which is why most teenagers have parties when their parents have gone on holiday. The parents are the scary authority figures, but the cat's away and the kids are the mice partying and enjoying their freedom. |
|
upset the applecart
What does "upset the applecart" mean? | to ruin a plan or event by a surprise or accident |
Everything was going well at the picnic until my former boyfriend arrived and upset the applecart.
|
on campus
What does "on campus" mean? | located on the grounds of a college or university | There was a small bank on campus which many of the students used.
|
FLK
What does "FLK" mean? | funny-looking kid (used in nursery) |
|
On the run
What does "On the run" mean? | If someone is on the run, they are avoiding arrest and hiding from the police. |
|
|
| |
Drop like flies
What does "Drop like flies" mean? | This means that something is disappearing very quickly. For example, if you said people were dropping like flies, it would mean that they were dying off, quitting or giving up something rapidly. |
|
as awkward as a cow on roller skates
What does "as awkward as a cow on roller skates" mean? | very awkward | The little girl was as awkward as a cow on roller skates when she first began riding her bicycle.
|
get a break
What does "get a break" mean? | to get an opportunity or a good deal |
I got a break when my friend sold me his car for a cheap price.
|
gray matter
What does "gray matter" mean? | brains, intelligence |
I wish that my friend would use his gray matter more effectively when he is making his crazy plans.
|