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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pay in advance
What does pay in advance mean? | to pay for something before it is received or delivered | I paid in advance to get the frames for my pictures.
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Some Random Idioms
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in concert (with someone)
What does "in concert (with someone)" mean? | with the aide of someone | We made the presentation in concert with members of another company.
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Lo and behold
What does "Lo and behold" mean? | This phrase is used to express surprise. |
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make oneself heard
What does "make oneself heard" mean? | speak loudly so you will be heard above the noise | I had to speak loudly in order to make myself heard while the loud music was playing.
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in the mainstream
What does "in the mainstream" mean? | following current trends/styles that are popular or common | My brother has never been in the mainstream when it comes to working and raising a family.
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steer clear of (someone or something)
What does "steer clear of (someone or something)" mean? | to avoid someone or something | I have been steering clear of my friend since our argument.
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show off
What does "show off" mean? | to try to attract attention, to display something | My friend has bought a lot of new clothes that he is trying to show off.
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Pot Calling the Kettle Black
What does "Pot Calling the Kettle Black" mean? | Someone who criticises another but who is just as
much at fault themselves. | George complaining that I talk too much is kind of like the pot calling the kettle black.
From Cervantes' classic: Don Quixote. |
shot down
What does "shot down" mean? | rejected; eliminated; destroyed |
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cold snap/spell
What does "cold snap/spell" mean? | a sudden short period of cold weather (usually in winter) | The cold snap lasted for five days.
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dicey
What does "dicey" mean? | uncertain; taking too much of a chance. | A: A friend of mine says I can make a lot of moneyif Ibuy stockin the XYZ company. Should I do it?
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persist in (doing something)
What does "persist in (doing something)" mean? | to continue to do something with determination | The young child persisted in making noise that disturbed his father.
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on one's feet
What does "on one's feet" mean? | standing up | Everybody in the audience was on their feet when the singer walked onto the stage.
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claim a life
What does "claim a life" mean? | to take the life of someone | The accident on the freeway claimed the life of two people.
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Suzy Homemaker
What does "Suzy Homemaker" mean? | stereotype of the American housewife |
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