Up One`s Sleeve 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. .

up one`s sleeve What does up one`s sleeve mean?	kept secretly ready for the right time or for a time when needed	He probably has something up his sleeve and will be able to find a job when he needs one.
	Some Random Idioms
bottle (something) up What does "bottle (something) up" mean?	to hold one's feelings inside of you	My aunt bottles up all of her feelings and has much stress because of it.

do the dishes What does "do the dishes" mean?	to wash and dry some dishes	We did the dishes soon after eating dinner.
take (something) on faith What does "take (something) on faith" mean?	to accept or believe something with little or no evidence	I took it on faith that the friend of my boss was an honest person.
prick up one's ears What does "prick up one's ears" mean?	to listen more carefully to something (like an animal that moves its ears up to hear better)	When I heard my friends talking about me I quickly pricked up my ears.
given to understand (something) What does "given to understand (something)" mean?	to understand something plainly and clearly	I was given to understand that I could rent an apartment very cheaply in this area.
make no difference to (someone) What does "make no difference to (someone)" mean?	not to matter to someone, not to care (about something)	It makes no difference to me if we go to the movie on Friday or on Saturday.
in private What does "in private" mean?	privately	The meeting was held in private in the office of the school principal.

ask for the moon What does "ask for the moon" mean?	to ask for too much	The woman is asking for the moon. She will never get what she wants.
can of worms What does "can of worms" mean?	a complicated situation or problem	The lawsuit opened up a can of worms for the company.
as strong as a horse/lion/ox What does "as strong as a horse/lion/ox" mean?	very strong	The man was as strong as an ox and easily helped us move the sofa.

American Idioms and Expressions

Up One`s Sleeve Idiom