American Idioms and Expressions

Tie (someone) Up In Knots 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. .

tie (someone) up in knots What does tie (someone) up in knots mean?	to make someone very nervous or worried	My colleague was tied up in knots before the speech at the convention.
	Some Random Idioms
in part What does "in part" mean?	to some extent, partly	I think that the reason he is not golfing well this year is in part because of his back problem.
get (something) off one's chest What does "get (something) off one's chest" mean?	to tell something that has been bothering you	I talked to my parents and I was able to get some things that were bothering me off my chest.
draw up a contract What does "draw up a contract" mean?	to make/draft a contract	The lawyer spent several hours drawing up a new contract.
go on a binge What does "go on a binge" mean?	to eat/do too much of something	My friend went on a binge and ate too much chocolate recently.
write off (a debt/loan) What does "write off (a debt/loan)" mean?	to remove a debt/loan from a business record, to cancel a debt	It was impossible for the bank to collect the money so they were forced to write off the loan. advertising Idioms
look over one's shoulder What does "look over one's shoulder" mean?	be worried that something dangerous or bad may happen to you	I always look over my shoulder when I am walking next to a construction site.

get a tongue-lashing What does "get a tongue-lashing" mean?	get a severe verbal scolding for doing something wrong	The girl got a tongue-lashing from the judge over her role in the crime.
out of the running What does "out of the running" mean?	to be no longer being considered	The new movie is out of the running for any major awards.
rub someone the wrong way What does "rub someone the wrong way" mean?	irritate someone; bother or annoy someone.	"All my little brother says is 'Why?' Usually I'mpatient with him,but sometimes all his questions rub me the wrong way."
Take the bull by its horns What does "Take the bull by its horns" mean?	Taking a bull by its horns would be the most direct but also the most dangerous way to try to compete with such an animal. When we use the phrase in everyday talk, we mean that the person we are talking about tackles their problems directly and is not worried about any risks involved.
liquid assets What does "liquid assets" mean?	property or belongings that can easily be converted into cash	The company had to sell some of its liquid assets in order to raise cash.
in charge of something What does "in charge of something" mean?	to be responsible for an activity or group of people	Our teacher is in charge of selling tickets for the school dance.

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