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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tell time
What does tell time mean? | to report the correct time, to be able to read time from a clock or watch | The child is only now learning to tell time.
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tell time
What does tell time mean? | to report the correct time, to be able to read time from a clock or watch |
The child is now learning to tell time.
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Some Random Idioms
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circle the wagons
What does "circle the wagons" mean? | to set up a defense against an enemy | The management team began to circle the wagons as the accounting scandal became worse.
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find Mr. Right
What does "find Mr. Right" mean? | find the right or perfect person | find the right or perfect personShe is always hoping to find Mr. Right but so far she hasn't had any luck.
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as weak as a kitten
What does "as weak as a kitten" mean? | weak, sickly | The girl is as weak as a kitten and cannot carry the pile of books.
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split up
What does "split up" mean? | two people in a relationship decide to end their
relationship | two people in a relationship decide to end their relationshipMy sister's daughter and her boyfriend decided to split up after being together for seven years.
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Salty dog
What does "Salty dog" mean? | A salty dog is an experienced sailor. |
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Room to swing a cat
What does "Room to swing a cat" mean? | A confined space. | This bedroom doesn't even have enough room to swing a cat.
This colorful phrase evokes strange images of feline cruelty. In fact it has nothing to do with cats, but the real story is at least as cruel.
The "cat" is a cat-of-nine-tails, a type of whip used to discipline sailors on old sailing ships. The cat-of-nine-tails has one handle to which is attached nine thin strips of leather, each perhaps three feet long. The cat-of-nine-tails would be used to administer lashings that would sting and leave welts on the recipient.
The whippings would take place on the deck, because below deck there was not enough ceiling height to swing a cat-of-nine-tails. |
patch up (something)
What does "patch up (something)" mean? | to fix something | I have been trying to patch up my differences with my friend for many months.
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have a green thumb
What does "have a green thumb" mean? | be able to grow plants well | My sister has a green thumb and has a beautiful garden.
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crazy about (someone)
What does "crazy about (someone)" mean? | think that another person is wonderful | think that another person is wonderfulMy cousin has been crazy about the bank manager for many months now.
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