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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red herring
What does red herring mean? | something that draws attention away from the matter that is under consideration | The issue of salary is a red herring and is not related to the main issues of the negotiations.
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red herring
What does red herring mean? | an unimportant matter that draws attention away from the main subject | Talking about the other issue was a red herring and did not do anything to deal with today's problem.
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red herring
What does red herring mean? | some information or a suggestion that is used to draw attention away from the real facts of a situation (orginally used as a strong fish smell from a smoked fish that was used to confuse hunting dogs when they were hunting and following something) | The tax issue is a red herring and it is not what the news reporters wanted to talk about.
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red herring
What does red herring mean? | an unimportant matter that draws attention away from the main subject |
Talking about the other issue was a red herring that did not do anything to deal with today's problem.
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red herring
What does red herring mean? | some information or a suggestion that is used to draw attention away from the real facts of a situation (orginally used as a strong fish smell from a smoked fish that was used to confuse hunting dogs |
The tax issue was a red herring and it is not what the news reporters wanted the government to talk about.
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red herring
What does red herring mean? | something that draws attention away from the matter that is under consideration |
The issue of salary is a red herring and is not related to the main issues of the negotiations.
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Some Random Idioms
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as blind as a bat
What does "as blind as a bat" mean? | blind, unable to see |
The man is as blind as a bat and he cannot see anything.
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On the shelf
What does "On the shelf" mean? | If something like a project is on the shelf, nothing is being done about it at the moment. |
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lay the groundwork for (something)
What does "lay the groundwork for (something)" mean? | to build the foundation or basis of something, to do the basic work that will lead to future success | The new training program will lay the groundwork for the future success of the company.
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stop in one`s tracks
What does "stop in one`s tracks" mean? | to stop very quickly or with great force | The elephant was forced to stop in its tracks at the electric fence.
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two-faced
What does "two-faced" mean? | : deceitful; disolyal; someone who pretends
to be a friend but isn't. | "I thought he was my friend, but he's two-faced. He says nice things to me when we're together, but makes jokes about me when we aren't.
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get to one's feet
What does "get to one's feet" mean? | to stand up | The audience got to their feet at the end of the concert.
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kick/turn over
What does "kick/turn over" mean? | a motor starts | At first the engine wouldn`t start because it was too cold but finally it kicked over.
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Head for the hills
What does "Head for the hills" mean? | If people head for the hills, they run away from trouble. |
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Dumb as a rock
What does "Dumb as a rock" mean? | If you are dumb as a rock, you have no common sense and are stupid. |
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a hard sell
What does "a hard sell" mean? | an attitude where you pressure someone to buy something | The car dealer gave me a hard sell on the new car so I went to another dealer.
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green thumb
What does "green thumb" mean? | a talent for gardening, the ability to make things grow |
My neighbor has a green thumb and she is able to grow one of the best gardens in our neighborhood.
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