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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pull an all-nighter
What does pull an all-nighter mean? | study or work all night without
getting any sleep. | A: "You look really tired."B: "I am. I pulled an all-nighter to get ready for the meetingthis morning."
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Some Random Idioms
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be on the rag
What does "be on the rag" mean? | be menstruating; be having one's period. | She's on the rag, so sex was out of th question.
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time off
What does "time off" mean? | free time when one does not have to work | I had some time off last week so I was able to do some extra reading.
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Sail close to the wind
What does "Sail close to the wind" mean? | If you sail close to the wind, you take risks to do something, going close to the limit of what is allowed or acceptable. |
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keep a civil tongue
What does "keep a civil tongue" mean? | to speak decently and politely | I tried to keep a civil tongue during my argument with the store clerk.
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raise its (ugly) head
What does "raise its (ugly) head" mean? | a problem or bad situation appears or happens after not happening for a period of time | The problem between the two managers raised its ugly head again after many months of calm.
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root (something) out
What does "root (something) out" mean? | to get rid of something completely | The new city government is trying to root out the wasteful practices of the previous government.
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nurse a grudge
What does "nurse a grudge" mean? | to keep a feeling of dislike toward someone | My old boyfriend is still nursing a grudge toward me even after three years.
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raise eyebrows
What does "raise eyebrows" mean? | to cause surprise or disapproval, to shock people | I raised eyebrows when I arrived at work two hours late this morning.
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jump down (someone`s) throat
What does "jump down (someone`s) throat" mean? | suddenly become very angry at someone | The man's wife jumped down his throat when he came home late for the third day in a row.
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Tired and emotional
What does "Tired and emotional" mean? | (UK) This idiom is a euphemism used to mean 'drunk', especially when talking about politicians. |
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chief
What does "chief" mean? | form of address (to a friend or other familiar person; not often used). | Hey, chief, what's doing?
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hang on to (something)
What does "hang on to (something)" mean? | hold tightly, keep firmly | "Please hang on to your hats or the strong wind will blow them off."
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on (someone`s) back/case
What does "on (someone`s) back/case" mean? | making demands or criticizing someone, being an annoyance or bother to someone | My boss has been on my back all week trying to get me to finish my monthly report.
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follow up (something)
What does "follow up (something)" mean? | to make (one action) more successful by doing something more | The doctor followed up his phone call in the morning with a visit in the afternoon.
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