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 dues
What does pay one's dues mean? | to earn one's right to something through hard work or suffering | The young athlete worked hard to pay his dues in order to get on the best team in the city.
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Some Random Idioms
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leave one to one's fate
What does "leave one to one's fate" mean? | abandon someone to whatever may happen | The tour was suddenly canceled and we were left to our fate regarding an attempt to get our money refunded.
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tuck into (something)
What does "tuck into (something)" mean? | to eat something with hunger and enjoyment | I tucked into the meal as soon as I sat down at the table.
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next of kin
What does "next of kin" mean? | one's closest living relative or relatives | The police notified the dead woman's next of kin after the accident.
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of one mind
What does "of one mind" mean? | to have the same opinion about something, to agree on something with someone else | The finance committee was of one mind when they made this year's budget.
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bad-mouth (someone or something)
What does "bad-mouth (someone or something)" mean? | to say bad things about someone or something | The football player began to bad-mouth his coach.
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down to the wire
What does "down to the wire" mean? | to be nearing a deadline, to be running out of time | We went down to the wire but we were able to finish the job on time.
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one's days are numbered
What does "one's days are numbered" mean? | someone is facing death or dismissal from something | The salesman has made many mistakes and his days are numbered at work.
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a nervous Nellie
What does "a nervous Nellie" mean? | a timid person who lacks determination and courage | He is a nervous Nellie and is afraid of the other students in the school.
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kink in my neck
What does "kink in my neck" mean? | a cramp in one's neck that causes pain | I woke up this morning with a kink in my neck.
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in awe of (someone or something)
What does "in awe of (someone or something)" mean? | fearful and respectful of someone or something | All of the children were in awe of the firemen who came to visit the school.
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green with envy
What does "green with envy" mean? | to be very jealous, to be full of envy | The little girl was green with envy when she saw her friend`s new bicycle.
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a sitting target
What does "a sitting target" mean? | someone who is in a position that can be easily attacked | The manager was a sitting target for the criticism by the staff.
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head over heels
What does "head over heels" mean? | upside down, head first | He fell head over heels when his bicycle hit the wall.
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lay (something) on (someone)
What does "lay (something) on (someone)" mean? | direct blame or guilt on someone | The company tried to lay the computer problems on one of the managers.
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