Tenterhooks Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

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. .

tenterhooks What does tenterhooks mean?	to be in a state of suspense or strain because of uncertainty	We have been on tenterhooks all week while we wait for the decision from the court.
tenterhooks What does tenterhooks mean?	to be in a state of suspense or strain because of uncertainty	We have been on tenterhooks all week while we wait for the court decision.
	Some Random Idioms
shoot the breeze/bull What does "shoot the breeze/bull" mean?	to talk idly	I met my friend at the supermarket and we decided to shoot the breeze for a few minutes.
have a brainwave What does "have a brainwave" mean?	to have a sudden clever idea	Last night I had a brainwave and had some great ideas about what to do at my job.
find fault with (someone or something) What does "find fault with (someone or something)" mean?	to criticize someone or something	My boss finds fault with everything that I do.
not have a pot to piss in What does "not have a pot to piss in" mean?	idiom. be very poor; have no money or resources.	He hasn't got a pot to piss in, so don't ask him for money.
pull (something) off What does "pull (something) off" mean?	to accomplish something remarkable	My friend is lucky that he pulled off the new business venture with no problems.
keep one's nose out of (someone's) business What does "keep one's nose out of (someone's) business" mean?	refrain from interfering in someone else's business	I try hard to keep my nose out of my friend's business so he doesn't become angry with me.
as blind as a bat What does "as blind as a bat" mean?	blind, unable to see	The man was as blind as a bat and he could not see anything at all.

take (something) on the chin What does "take (something) on the chin" mean?	to experience and endure a blow or hardship	The man is able to take things on the chin and quickly move on with his life when he has a problem.
sell like hotcakes What does "sell like hotcakes" mean?	to sell very quickly	The children's toys were selling like hotcakes at the end of the year.
take to (someone or something) What does "take to (someone or something)" mean?	to like someone or something at first meeting, to be pleased by or attracted to someone or something, to accept someone or something quickly	The team took to the new coach immediately and did very well during the season.
Vale of tears What does "Vale of tears" mean?	This vale of tears is the world and the suffering that life brings.

American Idioms and Expressions

Tenterhooks Idiom