American Idioms and Expressions

On (someone's) Head 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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on (someone's) head
What does on (someone's) head mean?
on someone's own self (often used with blame)The responsibility for fixing the computer was again on my head.

Some Random Idioms
have the gift of the gab
What does "have the gift of the gab" mean?
be able to talk and use language easilyMy sister has the gift of the gab and is able to talk to others easily.
grit one's teeth
What does "grit one's teeth" mean?
to grind one's teeth together in anger and determination and reluctanceI grit my teeth and phoned my father to ask if I could borrow some money.
off campus
What does "off campus" mean?
at a different location than the grounds of a college or university Many of the students liked to go to a restaurant off campus.

you can't make an omelette without breaking the eggs
What does "you can't make an omelette without breaking the eggs" mean?
you cannot do something without causing some problems or having some effects "You can't make an omelette without breaking the eggs and if you want to change the work schedules, then you are going to cause problems."

f

come/turn up trumps
What does "come/turn up trumps" mean?
have a better performance or outcome than is expected (trumps are the playing cards that are chosen to be ranked higher than the others) have a better performance or outcome than is expected (trumps are the playing cards that are chosen to be ranked higher than the others) We entered the contest with little hope of success but our performance came up trumps which was a big surprise to everyone.
in pencil
What does "in pencil" mean?
written or signed with a pencilI wrote the exam in pencil in case I wanted to change some of the answers.
sweep (someone) off his or her feet
What does "sweep (someone) off his or her feet" mean?
to overwhelm someone (with love etc.), to knock someone downThe woman was swept off her feet when she met the young man at the party.
draw first blood
What does "draw first blood" mean?
the first point or advantage gained in a contest (often in boxing or fighting with swords) the first point or advantage gained in a contest (often in boxing or fighting with swords)The heavyweight champion drew first blood in the boxing match but in the end was defeated by his opponent.
On the hoof
What does "On the hoof" mean?
If you decide something on the hoof, you do it without planning, responding to events as they happen.

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