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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wait on (someone) hand and foot
What does wait on (someone) hand and foot mean? | serve someone in every possible way, do everything for someone | He always waits on his wife hand and foot.
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Some Random Idioms
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Know your place
What does "Know your place" mean? | A person who knows their place doesn't try to impose themselves on others. |
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odds and ends
What does "odds and ends" mean? | a variety of small items (sometimes remnants of something) | We made games for the children from odds and ends that we found around the house.
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In perfect form
What does "In perfect form" mean? | When something is as it ought to be. Or, when used cynically, it may refer to someone whose excesses are on display; a caricature. |
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dipstick
What does "dipstick" mean? | jerk; twit; oaf |
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boat
What does "boat" mean? | very large car (e.g.: Oldsmobile). | Those boats use too much gas.
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when in Rome do as the Romans do
What does "when in Rome do as the Romans do" mean? | you should adjust your habits to match the customs of the people or place where you live | The diplomat believed that when in Rome do as the Romans do and he made an effort to learn the language and the customs of the people where he lived and worked.
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such and such
What does "such and such" mean? | someone or something whose name has been forgotten or should not be said | My friend is always trying to borrow such and such from me but I always say no.
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pull through
What does "pull through" mean? | to recover from a serious illness | The car accident was very bad and I do not think that the driver will pull through.
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a no-show
What does "a no-show" mean? | a person who makes a reservation for something and then neither comes nor cancels it | There were many no-shows at the concert last night.
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eager beaver
What does "eager beaver" mean? | a person who is always eager to work or do something extra | The woman is an eager beaver and I am sure that she will do very well in this company.
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lay it on thick
What does "lay it on thick" mean? | praise someone too much | My friend began to lay it on thick when I told him about my new job.
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split (something) fifty-fifty
What does "split (something) fifty-fifty" mean? | to split/divide something into two equal parts | We split the profits from our business fifty-fifty.
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captain of industry
What does "captain of industry" mean? | a top corporation officer | The president of our company was a captain of industry and when he retired he was appointed to many government boards.
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