American Idioms and Expressions

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. .

on one`s toes What does on one`s toes mean?	to be alert	The teacher asks the students many questions to keep them on their toes.
on one`s toes What does on one`s toes mean?	alert, ready to act	The speaker kept the audience on their toes by asking many interesting questions.
	Some Random Idioms
in a huff What does "in a huff" mean?	in an angry or offended manner	The head of our department left the meeting in a huff.
FCOL What does "FCOL" mean?	for crying out loud
wax and wane What does "wax and wane" mean?	increase and decrease (like the moon)	The boy's interest in soccer is always waxing and waning.
with hat in hand What does "with hat in hand" mean?	with humility	The boy went to his father with hat in hand to ask for some money.
Money talks What does "Money talks" mean?	money gives one power and influence	Money talks and whenever the wealthy banker goes to his favorite restaurant, he gets the best table available.
strike while the iron is hot What does "strike while the iron is hot" mean?	to take advantage of an opportunity	I decided to strike while the iron was hot and apply for the job as soon as I heard about it.
Smack in the face What does "Smack in the face" mean?	If something is a smack in the face, it is a shock, usually one that impedes progress.
tough What does "tough" mean?	difficult.
come through (for someone) What does "come through (for someone)" mean?	to do what one is required or expected to do (often under difficult circumstances)	My friend will always come through for me when I need his help.
ER What does "ER" mean?	Emergency Room - the place in a hospital which deals with emergency situations	Emergency Room - the place in a hospital which deals with emergency situationsThe victims of the accident were quickly taken to the ER.
boat What does "boat" mean?	very large car (e.g.: Oldsmobile).	Those boats use too much gas.