American Idioms and Expressions

Pay One's Debt To Society 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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pay one's debt to society
What does pay one's debt to society mean?		 to serve a sentence for a crime (usually in prison)The young man spent several years in prison in order to pay his debt to society.

Some Random Idioms
cool off
What does "cool off" mean?		 to let one's anger become less strong The teacher sent the children into the corner to cool off.

at stake
What does "at stake" mean?		 to be able to be won or lost, to be at risk Much money was at stake during the negotiations for the new stadium.

goose bumps
What does "goose bumps" mean?		 a prickly or bumpy feeling on one's skin because of cold/fear/excitement (like the skin of a goose or chicken)I got goose bumps as I watched the horror movie.
have a heart-to-heart talk (with someone)
What does "have a heart-to-heart talk (with someone)" mean?		 have a sincere and intimate talk with someoneI had a heart-to-heart talk with my sister about my girlfriend.
In donkey's years
What does "In donkey's years" mean?		 'I haven't seen her in donkey's years.' - This means for a very long time.
Lord love a duck
What does "Lord love a duck" mean?		 An exclamation used when nothing else will fit. Often fitting when one is stunned or dismayed.
eat one`s heart out
What does "eat one`s heart out" mean?		 to be envious, to be very sad "You can eat your heart out - I am going to Hawaii for three weeks!"

eat one`s words

- to admit being wrong in something that one has

Let the best be the enemy of the good
What does "Let the best be the enemy of the good" mean?		 If the desire for an unattainable perfection stops someone from choosing good possibilities, they let the best be the enemy of the good.
Cut a rug
What does "Cut a rug" mean?		 To cut a rug is to dance.
as red as a cherry
What does "as red as a cherry" mean?		 bright redMy new sweater is as red as a cherry.
run to (an amount of money)
What does "run to (an amount of money)" mean?		 to amount to a certain amount of moneyThe cost of repairing my car may run to more money than I can pay.
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