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.
.
to hope against hope
What does to hope against hope mean? | to continue to hope when things look very bad | The rescue team hoped against hope that the lost hikers would be found alive.
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
go into effect
What does "go into effect" mean? | to become effective (a law or a rule), to start to function | The new parking regulations will go into effect next week.
|
sweep (someone) off his or her feet
What does "sweep (someone) off his or her feet" mean? | to overcome someone with strong feelings | We were both swept off our feet by the excitement of the ceremony.
|
shut up
What does "shut up" mean? | to stop talking | "Please shut up and let someone else speak."
|
Strike while the iron is hot
What does "Strike while the iron is hot" mean? | Act quickly while the opportunity is still available. | If you want the job, you need to strike while the iron is hot.
Blacksmiths working iron by hand heat the iron in a fire to red-hot making it malleable. The Smith removes the iron from the fire and shapes it with blows from a hammer. They need to work quickly before the iron cools. Once the iron is cool, it becomes brittle and the opportunity to hammer it into shape has passed. |
double check (something)
What does "double check (something)" mean? | to check something again to confirm that it is correct | We plan to double check the price of the new product before the price list is printed.
|
dawn on (someone)
What does "dawn on (someone)" mean? | to become clear or occur to someone | It finally dawned on me why my friend was angry.
|
live beyond one's means
What does "live beyond one's means" mean? | to spend more money than you can afford | The girl is living beyond her means and will soon have some serious financial problems.
|
|
| |
frankenfood
What does "frankenfood" mean? | genetically engineered or modified food |
|
from tip to toe
What does "from tip to toe" mean? | from the top to the bottom | We made an effort to clean the statue from tip to toe.
|
ace
What does "ace" mean? | do extremely well on a test or exam. | I aced that exam.
|
make up one`s mind
What does "make up one`s mind" mean? | to choose what to do, to decide something | I have not been able to make up my mind about going to the party or not.
|