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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quiet as a mouse What does quiet as a mouse mean? | very quiet, shy and silent | The little boy was quiet as a mouse as he moved around the kitchen.
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| Some Random Idioms
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lesser of two evils What does "lesser of two evils" mean? | the less bad thing of two bad things | The voters had to choose the lesser of two evils when they had to choose between the two candidates for mayor.
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have one foot in the grave What does "have one foot in the grave" mean? | to be near death | Our neighbor has one foot in the grave and I do not expect him to live past this winter.
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eyeball-to-eyeball What does "eyeball-to-eyeball" mean? | face to face | I had an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter with an angry dog at the park.
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a play on words What does "a play on words" mean? | a humorous use of a word to suggest a different meaning | Newspaper headlines often use a play on words to give a different meaning to a sentence.
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Bury your head in the sand What does "Bury your head in the sand" mean? | If someone buries their head in the sand, they ignore something that is obviously wrong. |
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blow one's top/stack What does "blow one's top/stack" mean? | to become very angry | The customer blew his stack when they refused to exchange his purchase at the store.
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stand in for (someone) What does "stand in for (someone)" mean? | to be a substitute for someone | The other actor stood in for the famous actor when he was sick.
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have one's back to the wall What does "have one's back to the wall" mean? | be in a defensive position | The boy has his back to the wall and must pass his exam or leave school.
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nix What does "nix" mean? | stop; halt; prohibit. | Wait, nix that idea. It's no good.
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have (someone's) number What does "have (someone's) number" mean? | to get the key information to be able to understand someone | "I have that man's number. He is a liar and cannot be trusted."
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separate but equal What does "separate but equal" mean? | to be segregated but of equal value or quality | The teaching staff and adminstration were separate but equal regarding decisions that were made at the school.
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sponge off What does "sponge off" mean? | live off somebody without paying for rent, food, or other costs |
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fly the coop What does "fly the coop" mean? | to escape | The prisoner was able to fly the coop when the guard was not looking.
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