Unknown Quantity 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. .

unknown quantity What does unknown quantity mean?	a person or thing which nobody knows much about	The new mayor was an unknown quantity and nobody knew what to expect.
unknown quantity What does unknown quantity mean?	a person or thing which nobody knows much about	The new mayor is an unknown quantity and nobody knows what to expect.
	Some Random Idioms
cog in the machine What does "cog in the machine" mean?	a small and unimportant part of a large organization	The employees felt like they were only cogs in the machine so the atmosphere at the company was not very good.

stick with (something) What does "stick with (something)" mean?	to continue doing something, to not quit something	My brother has been able to stick with his trumpet lessons since he was a child.
to stand trial What does "to stand trial" mean?	to be tried in court	The man had to stand trial for stealing the credit cards.
cross-examine (someone) What does "cross-examine (someone)" mean?	question a suspect or a witness in a trial	The lawyer was very careful when he began to cross-examine the witness.
Lines of communication What does "Lines of communication" mean?	Lines of communication are the routes used to communicate by people or groups who are in conflict; a government might open lines of communication with terrorists if it wished to negotiate with them.
show one's hand What does "show one's hand" mean?	reveal one's plans	reveal one's plansI didn't want to show my hand but I was forced to tell my family about my plans to go overseas to study.
burn a hole in one`s pocket What does "burn a hole in one`s pocket" mean?	to stimulate someone to spend money quickly	My money is burning a hole in my pocket and I will probably spend it quickly.
tweeked What does "tweeked" mean?	drunk; intoxicated
come through What does "come through" mean?	to do what one is expected to do (often under difficult circumstances)	My friend will always come through when we need his help.
times change What does "times change" mean?	the values and fashions of life change	Times change and when my friend went to buy some tapes for her tape recorder she found that they were no longer being produced.
pick (something) over What does "pick (something) over" mean?	to sort through something	The customers picked the best clothes over at the department store sale.
Put a cork in it! What does "Put a cork in it!" mean?	This is a way of telling someone to be quiet.

American Idioms and Expressions

Unknown Quantity Idiom