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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once in a while
What does once in a while mean? | occasionally; from time to time. | A: "Would you like coffee or tea?"B: "Coffee, please. I drink tea once in a while, but Igenerally drink coffee."
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Some Random Idioms
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Rusty needle
What does "Rusty needle" mean? | When something is described as a rusty needle, it is badly damaged but still works, or if someone very is sick or tired but still manages to do things at a fairly good level. An alternative form is "a tarnished needle". |
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Sell like hot cakes
What does "Sell like hot cakes" mean? | If a product is selling very well, it is selling like hot cakes. |
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eagle eye
What does "eagle eye" mean? | an intently watchful eye | The boy has an eagle eye and he never misses anything.
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all in all
What does "all in all" mean? | in summary, after considering everything | We had a few problems but all in all the meeting was successful.
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buy (something) for a song
What does "buy (something) for a song" mean? | to buy something cheaply | I was able to buy my first house for a song.
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Slow boat to China
What does "Slow boat to China" mean? | This idiom is used to describe something that is very slow and takes a long time. |
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under the wire
What does "under the wire" mean? | just barely in time or on time | We were able to send in our payment for the school fees just under the wire.
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freebie
What does "freebie" mean? | something free |
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party line
What does "party line" mean? | the official ideas of a group (usually political) that must be followed by all members | The members of the political party were forced to follow the party line on most issues.
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DNA
What does "DNA" mean? | Deoxyribonucleic Acid - main constituent of the chromosomes of
all organisms | Deoxyribonucleic Acid - main constituent of the chromosomes of all organismsThe large university has spent a lot of money in the study of DNA.
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Come to call
What does "Come to call" mean? | If someone comes to call, they respond to an order or summons directly. |
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tail wagging the dog
What does "tail wagging the dog" mean? | a situation where a small part controls the whole thing | It is like the tail wagging the dog when the receptionist is able to control everything in the office.
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sleazo
What does "sleazo" mean? | sleazy; disgusting; having a bad reputation |
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toe the line/mark
What does "toe the line/mark" mean? | to follow the rules, to do what one is expected to do | The team members were forced to toe the line when the new coach arrived.
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