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.
.
nothing if not (something)
What does nothing if not (something) mean? | without doubt, certainly | He is nothing if not punctual. He has never been late in his seven years with this company.
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
love at first sight
What does "love at first sight" mean? | love from the first time that two people see each other | It was love at first sight when the young couple met at the photography class.
|
|
| |
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
What does "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." mean? | Our feeling for those we love increases when we are
apart from them. | "Cheer up Dude, everybody knows that absence makes the heart grow fonder."
In 1604, Shakespeare echoed this sentiment in "Othello" (Act 1, scene ii), when Desdemona confessed, "I dote upon his very absence." James Howell, in "Familiar Letters" (1650) says that, "Distance sometimes endears friendship, and absence sweeteneth it."
There are other references to this proverb in literature, but it was originally the first line of an anonymous poem which appeared in Davison's "Poetical Rhapsody" in 1602. |
not miss much
What does "not miss much" mean? | to not miss observing any part of what is going on | Our teacher does not miss much and we must be very careful how we behave in her class.
|
take offense at (someone or something)
What does "take offense at (someone or something)" mean? | to become resentful of someone or something | The audience took offense at the remarks by the comedian.
|
catch (someone) off guard
What does "catch (someone) off guard" mean? | to catch a person at a time of carelessness |
I was caught off guard when the teacher asked me about my homework.
|
take up (space or room)
What does "take up (space or room)" mean? | to fill a space or room, to occupy space or room | The old chairs are taking up space in the garage.
|
play
What does "play" mean? | plan; strategy; tactic. | Okay, here's our next play. You fake left, you go deep.
|
Go west
What does "Go west" mean? | If something goes west, it goes wrong. If someone goes west, they die. |
|
set (something) on its ear
What does "set (something) on its ear" mean? | to cause a group or organization to be excited and interested in something |
The new plan set most of the company on its ear. Everybody was very excited about it.
|