American Idioms and Expressions

Set Back (someone Or Something) 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 back (someone or something)
What does set back (someone or something) mean?		 to cause someone or something to get behind schedule, to slow down someone or somethingThe flood set back the efforts of the farmers to plant their crops.

Some Random Idioms
you can lead a horse to water (but you can't make it drink)
What does "you can lead a horse to water (but you can't make it drink)" mean?		 you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you cannot force him or her to do it if they do not want to You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink and no matter how hard we try to help my cousin get a job he will not make any effort to find one.

speak off the cuff
What does "speak off the cuff" mean?		 to speak in public without preparation My father plans to speak off the cuff at his retirement party tonight.

have an eye for (something)
What does "have an eye for (something)" mean?		 have good taste in something, be able to judge correctlyShe has an eye for nice furniture and her apartment is absolutely beautiful.
run into (something)
What does "run into (something)" mean?		 to mix with something, to join with somethingDuring the hot weather the red paint ran into the white paint.
dead
What does "dead" mean?		 quiet; nothing happening; lifeless
get a word in edgewise
What does "get a word in edgewise" mean?		 to manage to join a conversationI could not get a word in edgewise so I left the meeting.
in tatters
What does "in tatters" mean?		 torn or destroyedMy backpack was in tatters after the dogs finished playing with it.
Pull your weight
What does "Pull your weight" mean?		 If someone is not pulling their weight, they aren't making enough effort, especially in group work.
gunk
What does "gunk" mean?		disgusting, messy substance of any sort
Skin in the game
What does "Skin in the game" mean?		 A person who has skin in the game has invested in the company they are running.
touch a sore spot/point
What does "touch a sore spot/point" mean?		 to mention a sensitive matter that will upset someoneI touched a sore spot when I began to talk about my friend's problems at work.
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