American Idioms and Expressions

Set (someone) Back On His Or Her Heels Idiom

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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set (someone) back on his or her heels
What does set (someone) back on his or her heels mean?
to surprise/shock/overwhelm someoneThe announcement by the principal set the teachers back on their heels.

Some Random Idioms
come across (someone or something)
What does "come across (someone or something)" mean?
to find something or meet someone by chance I came across an interesting story in the newspaper last week.

(a fine) kettle of fish
What does "(a fine) kettle of fish" mean?
a situation that is not satisfactory, a mess"This is a fine kettle of fish. What will we do with no water in our house."
cough (something) up
What does "cough (something) up" mean?
to produce something (information/money) that someone is trying to force you to produceWe asked our friend to cough up some money for the restaurant meal.
on guard
What does "on guard" mean?
to be careful/waryHe has been on guard since he was robbed last month.
Crocodile tears
What does "Crocodile tears" mean?
Pretending to cry in an attempt to manipulate or exploit, phony tears.OJ gave his testimony through crocodile tears.
It was often thought that crocodiles shed tears that slid down into their mouths, moistening their food and making it easier for them to swallow. Hence the tears appear to be an expression of emotion but are in fact a means to make it easier to swallow (possibly the observer).
fiddlesticks
What does "fiddlesticks" mean?
drat; darn (used in place of shit to express anger or frustration)
yield the right-of-way
What does "yield the right-of-way" mean?
give the right to turn or move to another vehicleWe were forced to yield the right-of-way to the fire engine at the intersection.
wet behind the ears
What does "wet behind the ears" mean?
to be young and inexperienced, to be new in a job or placeThe man is still wet behind the ears and does not know very much about his company.
coffee break
What does "coffee break" mean?
a break from work to rest and drink coffee/teaWe usually have a coffee break every morning at 10 o`clock.
stuck on (someone)
What does "stuck on (someone)" mean?
to be very much in love with someone, to be crazy about someoneMy niece has been stuck on the boy next door for several years now.
a sure thing
What does "a sure thing" mean?
something that is sure to happen, something about which there is no doubtMy promotion to manager is a sure thing according to the president.

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