American Idioms and Expressions

Shut (something) Up 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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shut (something) up
What does shut (something) up mean?		 to close the doors and windows of a building for a period of timeWe decided to shut up our cottage for the winter as we will not use it anymore.

Some Random Idioms
play around/about with (someone or something)
What does "play around/about with (someone or something)" mean?		 to engage in some play with someone or somethingThe little boy was playing around with the dog when his mother entered the room.
grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)
What does "grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)" mean?		 a place or a situation that is far away or different seems better than one's present situationMy cousin is always looking for a new job. For her the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
white-tie event/affair
What does "white-tie event/affair" mean?		 an event that requires guests to wear formal dress such as men wearing white bow ties with formal evening dressI attended a white-tie dinner in honor of the president of our university.
of interest (to someone)
What does "of interest (to someone)" mean?		 to be interesting to someoneThe man who works at the gas station is of interest to the police in their investigation of the murder.
a little bird told me
What does "a little bird told me" mean?		 something is learned from a mysterious and secret source who you do not want to name A little bird told me that my friend will have a surprise birthday party for me next week.

out of hand
What does "out of hand" mean?		 to be uncontrollable/wildThe party got out of hand and we had to call the police to quiet things.
come over
What does "come over" mean?		 to change sides The politician supports the opposition but we hope that he will soon come over to our side.

rest on one's oars
What does "rest on one's oars" mean?		 relax one's efforts relax one's effortsThe negotiating team decided to rest on their oars and wait until their partners had a chance to consider the offer.

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