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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rain on (someone's) parade
What does rain on (someone's) parade mean? | to spoil someone's plans | I tried not to let my friend's bad mood rain on my parade during the concert.
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Some Random Idioms
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Do the running
What does "Do the running" mean? | (UK) The person who has to do the running has to make sure that things get done.
('Make the running' is also used.) |
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knew it was coming
What does "knew it was coming" mean? | aware in advance that something was going to happen | I knew it was coming when my boss asked me into her office and told me that the store would soon close.
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heart goes out to (someone)
What does "heart goes out to (someone)" mean? | one feels sympathy for someone | My heart went out to the victims of the railway accident.
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keester
What does "keester" mean? | buttocks |
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set about to (do something or go somewhere)
What does "set about to (do something or go somewhere)" mean? | to begin/start something, to prepare to go somewhere | We set about to prepare the office for the move to a bigger building.
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no great shakes
What does "no great shakes" mean? | to be mediocre, to be unimportant | The hotel was no great shakes and I wouldn`t recommend that you stay there.
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zilch
What does "zilch" mean? | : nothing. | A: "How much money do you have?"B: "Zilch. I'm broke until payday."
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honkie
What does "honkie" mean? | white (Caucasian) |
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turn the tables on (someone)
What does "turn the tables on (someone)" mean? | to reverse the situation for someone | The opposing team was able to turn the tables and win the game.
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busman's holiday
What does "busman's holiday" mean? | a holiday where you spend your time doing the same thing that you would do if you were working | The doctor felt that he was on a busman's holiday when everyone at the meeting began to ask him about their medical problems.
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call a meeting to order
What does "call a meeting to order" mean? | to officially start a meeting | The president called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
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have a sweet tooth
What does "have a sweet tooth" mean? | to have a desire to eat sweet foods | I have a sweet tooth and I love chocolate bars.
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built like a brick shithouse
What does "built like a brick shithouse" mean? | muscular; strong in appearance; curvaceous (said of women) |
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have a case (against someone)
What does "have a case (against someone)" mean? | have much evidence that can be used against someone | The police have a very good case against the man who is selling the stolen cars.
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