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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shoot straight
What does shoot straight mean? | to act fairly, to deal honestly with someone | The salesman always shoots straight when he is dealing with his customers.
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shoot straight
What does shoot straight mean? | to act fairly, to deal honestly with others |
The salesman always shoots straight when he is dealing with his customers.
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Some Random Idioms
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wine and dine (someone)
What does "wine and dine (someone)" mean? | to treat someone to an expensive meal, to entertain someone in a lavish manner | My uncle often has to wine and dine his important business clients.
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boil down to (something)
What does "boil down to (something)" mean? | to reduce something to its essential or main part | The reason that we could not go on a holiday boiled down to the fact that we did not have enough money.
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get into the swing of things
What does "get into the swing of things" mean? | to adapt to a new environment or situation |
We got into the swing of things after the party started.
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check out (something) or check (something) out
What does "check out (something) or check (something) out" mean? | to investigate something, to examine something |
We went to the apartment building to check out the new apartment.
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fossil
What does "fossil" mean? | old-fashioned, outmoded person |
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quid pro quo
What does "quid pro quo" mean? | "something for something" (from Latin), mutual concessions made by the parties in a transaction | The government and the teachers gave up some of their contract demands in a quid pro quo effort to solve their dispute.
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weigh on/upon (someone)
What does "weigh on/upon (someone)" mean? | be a weight or pressure on someone or something, worry or upset someone | The pressure of her exams has begun to weigh upon my sister.
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lose track of (someone or something)
What does "lose track of (someone or something) " mean? | lose contact with someone or something | I have lost track of many of my friends from high school.
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give notice
What does "give notice" mean? | inform an employer, employee, landlord or tenant that a contractual agreement will end | The woman gave notice that she will leave her job next month.
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green thumb
What does "green thumb" mean? | a talent for gardening, the ability to make things grow |
The man has a green thumb and has a very beautiful garden.
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talk (someone) out of (doing something)
What does "talk (someone) out of (doing something)" mean? | to persuade someone not to do something, to persuade someone to give something up | I spent an hour yesterday trying to talk my friend out of quitting his job.
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by the book
What does "by the book" mean? | according to the rules | The police officer does everything by the book when he arrests someone.
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play footsie with (someone)
What does "play footsie with (someone)" mean? | to touch the feet of someone under the table while flirting | The couple in the restaurant were playing footsie during their dinner.
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