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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the size of it
What does the size of it mean? | the way something is | "That`s about the size of it," I said as I told my friend about the accident.
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the size of it
What does the size of it mean? | the way something is |
"That`s about the size of it," I said as I told my friend about the accident.
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Some Random Idioms
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A OK
What does "A OK" mean? | If things are A OK, they are absolutely fine. |
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back on one`s feet
What does "back on one`s feet" mean? | to recover from sickness or trouble, to become independent again | Our teacher was back on her feet shortly after her accident.
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warts and all
What does "warts and all" mean? | including one's bad points | He likes to be able to relax, warts and all, with his friends.
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party line
What does "party line" mean? | the official ideas of a group (usually political) that must be followed by all members | The members of the political party were forced to follow the party line on most issues.
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Beat swords into ploughshares
What does "Beat swords into ploughshares" mean? | If people beat swords into ploughshares, they spend money on humanitarian purposes rather than weapons.
(The American English spelling is 'plowshares') |
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for the asking
What does "for the asking" mean? | on request, by asking |
We can get a free ticket to the concert for the asking.
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by a whisker
What does "by a whisker" mean? | just barely, by a very small amount |
The marathon runner won the race by a whisker.
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like shooting fish in a barrel
What does "like shooting fish in a barrel" mean? | one side in a competition is so weak that they have no chance of winning |
The contest was like shooting fish in a barrel. It was very easy to win.
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clamshell
What does "clamshell" mean? | luggage container that is put on a car's roof (it opens like a clam does) |
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shake hands with (someone)
What does "shake hands with (someone)" mean? | to shake the hand of someone to greet them | I shook hands with my neighbor when I first met him.
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Bottoms up!
What does "Bottoms up!" mean? | everybody should drink now (this expression is used at the end of a drinking toast) |
"Bottoms up," our host said at the beginning of the dinner.
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