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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sit on the fence
What does sit on the fence mean? | to not support any side in a dispute, to not decide/support something | Most of the politicians are sitting on the fence over supporting the new rapid transit project.
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sit on the fence
What does sit on the fence mean? | to not support any side in a dispute, to not decide something, to not support something |
Most of the politicians are sitting on the fence about the new subway proposal.
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Some Random Idioms
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Any Tom, Dick or Harry
What does "Any Tom, Dick or Harry" mean? | If something could be done by any Tom, Dick or Harry, it could be done by absolutely anyone. |
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drop/dump (something) in (someone's) lap
What does "drop/dump (something) in (someone's) lap" mean? | give a problem that you have to someone else to solve | My supervisor dumped some extra work in my lap just before I was going to go home.
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Case by case
What does "Case by case" mean? | If things are done case by case, each situation or issue is handled separately on its own merits and demerits. |
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Zip your lip!
What does "Zip your lip!" mean? | : keep something secret; promise not to tell
what has just been said. | "What I told you is really important, so zip yourlip!"
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get one's ducks in a row
What does "get one's ducks in a row" mean? | to put one's affairs in order, to get things ready |
I got my ducks in a row and was able to find a job easily.
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talk turkey
What does "talk turkey" mean? | to discuss something seriously | "Now you`re talking turkey. Let`s finish and go home."
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on credit
What does "on credit" mean? | without paying cash |
We usually buy most of our furniture on credit.
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fighting chance
What does "fighting chance" mean? | a good possibility of success if you try hard |
I did not have a fighting chance to get my job application finished on time.
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Man of letters
What does "Man of letters" mean? | A man of letters is someone who is an expert in the arts and literature, and often a writer too. |
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Breathe your last
What does "Breathe your last" mean? | When you breathe your last, you die. |
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dead in one's tracks
What does "dead in one's tracks" mean? | to be stopped exactly where someone or something is at the moment |
The police stopped the robber dead in his tracks.
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