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.
.
rap (someone's) knuckles
What does rap (someone's) knuckles mean? | to punish someone slightly | The company rapped the man's knuckles for taking a long coffee break.
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
on again, off again
What does "on again, off again" mean? | to be unsettled/changeable/uncertain | The plans for the fireworks display were on again, off again because of the rainy and windy weather.
|
|
| |
in the twinkling of an eye
What does "in the twinkling of an eye" mean? | very quickly | In the twinkling of an eye the little boy disappeared in the department store.
|
put (someone) on the spot
What does "put (someone) on the spot" mean? | to ask someone embarrassing questions | The teacher put me on the spot with her questions during the class.
|
cast around/about for (someone or something)
What does "cast around/about for (someone or something)" mean? | to look for someone or something | We have been casting around for a new file clerk in our company.
|
keep body and soul together
What does "keep body and soul together" mean? | keep alive, survive | He has been working very hard to try and keep body and soul together after his illness.
|
top-drawer
What does "top-drawer" mean? | to be of the best or most important kind | When my friend buys a new car he always buys a top-drawer model.
|
take up (space or room)
What does "take up (space or room)" mean? | to fill a space or room, to occupy space or room | The old chairs are taking up space in the garage.
|
|
| |
There's the rub
What does "There's the rub" mean? | The meaning of this idiom is 'that's the problem'. |
|
lead (someone) down the garden path
What does "lead (someone) down the garden path" mean? | deceive someone | The woman was leading her boyfriend down the garden path when she promised to marry him.
|
to mean to (do something)
What does "to mean to (do something)" mean? | plan or intend to do something | I always mean to go to a movie but I never have enough time.
|
think twice (before doing something)
What does "think twice (before doing something)" mean? | to consider carefully whether one should do something | I told my cousin to think twice before he decides to quit his job.
|
sing (someone's) praises
What does "sing (someone's) praises" mean? | praise someone highly and enthusiastically | My supervisor always sings my praises when he introduces me to someone.
|