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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to head up
What does to head up mean? | to be at the head of (a group), a leader | The president headed up a group of people going overseas to promote trade.
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Some Random Idioms
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calm down
What does "calm down" mean? | to relax | The woman finally calmed down after the accident.
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fair play
What does "fair play" mean? | justice, equal and correct action toward someone | The company has a reputation for fair play when they are bargaining with their employees.
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in the market for (something)
What does "in the market for (something)" mean? | to be ready to buy something, to want to buy something | We have been in the market for a new computer for a long time.
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on (someone's) shoulders
What does "on (someone's) shoulders" mean? | someone's responsibility | I don't want to have the failure of the project on my shoulders.
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set fire to (something)
What does "set fire to (something)" mean? | to put something to flames | The workers set fire to the building by accident.
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as plain as the nose on one's face
What does "as plain as the nose on one's face" mean? | clearly evident, obvious | The explanation for the problem was as plain as the nose on my face.
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with one's tail between one's legs
What does "with one's tail between one's legs" mean? | appearing frightened or cowardly (like a frightened dog) | The man left the store with his tail between his legs after he had been accused of trying to steal something.
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gross out (someone)
What does "gross out (someone)" mean? | to make someone sick or disgusted | The movie was very violent and grossed out my sister.
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move in on (someone or something)
What does "move in on (someone or something)" mean? | try to take over something that belongs to another | He was angry because the other salesman was moving in on his sales territory.
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knock about
What does "knock about" mean? | travel without a plan, go where one pleases | We decided to go to Brazil and knock about for a couple of months.
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throw the book at (someone)
What does "throw the book at (someone)" mean? | charge or convict someone of as many crimes or for as much time as possible | The criminal showed almost no remorse so the judge decided to throw the book at him.
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first time for everything
What does "first time for everything" mean? | just because something has not been done or happened before does not mean that it will never happen | There is a first time for everything and the man recently decided to try skydiving.
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drop (someone/something) like a hot potato
What does "drop (someone/something) like a hot potato" mean? | to suddenly stop being involved with someone or with some kind of a problem | The advertisers dropped the basketball star like a hot potato when he became involved in a scandal.
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to harp on (something)
What does "to harp on (something)" mean? | to talk repeatedly and tediously about something | He has been harping on his lack of money for several weeks now.
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