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 a first-name basis (with someone)
What does on a first-name basis (with someone) mean? | to be good friends with someone | I am not on a first-name basis with my neighbor.
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Some Random Idioms
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bank on (someone or something)
What does "bank on (someone or something)" mean? | to be sure of someone or something, to count on someone or something | You can bank on my sister to help you.
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knocked up
What does "knocked up" mean? | pregnant |
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balance the books/accounts
What does "balance the books/accounts" mean? | to make sure that all money is accounted for by using generally accepted accounting methods | The small business owner works very hard to balance the books of her company.
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just off the boat
What does "just off the boat" mean? | newly arrived (usually from another country) |
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In a tight spot
What does "In a tight spot" mean? | If you're in a tight spot, you're in a difficult situation. |
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Keep posted
What does "Keep posted" mean? | If you keep posted about something, you keep up-to-date with information and developments. |
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leg work
What does "leg work" mean? | routine work (that often involves walking) | He was forced to do all of the leg work for the meeting because his assistant was sick.
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put out (some) feelers
What does "put out (some) feelers" mean? | to attempt to find out something without being too obvious about it | I put out some feelers to see if it would be easy to find another job.
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throw one's hat into the ring
What does "throw one's hat into the ring" mean? | be willing or decide to enter a contest or take up a
challenge | be willing or decide to enter a contest or take up a challengeThe young woman decided to throw her hat into the ring for the election for school president.
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on trial
What does "on trial" mean? | being tried in court | The man is on trial for stealing money from his company.
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pain in the butt
What does "pain in the butt" mean? | highly irritating or difficult |
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a travesty of justice
What does "a travesty of justice" mean? | a legal action that is an insult to the system of justice | The trial was a travesty of justice and nobody was happy with the result.
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Thin end of the wedge
What does "Thin end of the wedge" mean? | The thin end of the wedge is something small and seemingly unimportant that will lead to something much bigger and more serious. |
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