Off And Running Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

off and running What does off and running mean?	to be started up and already going	The candidates are off and running in the race to become mayor of the city.
off and running What does off and running mean?	make progress in something from the beginning (from horses who run quickly from the start of a race)	make progress in something from the beginning (from horses who run quickly from the start of a race)The two candidates were off and running in the race to become mayor of the city.
off and running What does off and running mean?	to be making a good start, to be progressing well	The candidates are off and running in the race to become mayor of the city.
off and running What does off and running mean?	making a good start, progressing well (horses are off and running when they start a race)	The two candidates were off and running in the race to become mayor of the city.
	Some Random Idioms
take time off What does "take time off" mean?	to not work for a period of time	I plan to take time off next week so that I can go to a funeral.

do credit to (someone) What does "do credit to (someone)" mean?	to add to someone's reputation	The woman's graduation thesis did credit to her hard work and patience.
Shoot down in flames What does "Shoot down in flames" mean?	If someone demolishes your argument, it (and you) have been shot down in flames.
ships that pass in the night What does "ships that pass in the night" mean?	people who meet briefly by chance but are unlikely to meet again	We were like two ships that pass in the night and I do not think that I will ever see that person again.
fly the coop What does "fly the coop" mean?	to escape, to leave (like a chicken escaping from a chicken coop)	The two boys wanted to fly the coop when the school bell rang.
sit on one's hands What does "sit on one's hands" mean?	to do nothing, to fail to help	Our supervisor sat on his hands and refused to help us with our problem.

put (something) down in black and white What does "put (something) down in black and white" mean?	to put the details of something down on paper, to write down the terms of an agreement	I was told to put my proposal down in black and white.
learn the ropes What does "learn the ropes" mean?	learn how to do a job	He is a new employee and is still learning the ropes.
more often than not What does "more often than not" mean?	usually	More often than not we eat at home rather than go out.
Carry the can What does "Carry the can" mean?	If you carry the can, you take the blame for something, even though you didn't do it or are only partly at fault.

American Idioms and Expressions

Off And Running Idiom