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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when the cat's away, the mice will play
What does when the cat's away, the mice will play mean? | when you are not watching someone they may get into trouble, when a person with authority is absent then those below him or her can do whatever they want |
When the cat's away, the mice will play and when the teacher left the classroom the students began to play.
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when the cat's away, the mice will play
What does when the cat's away, the mice will play mean? | when you are not watching someone they may get into trouble, when a person with authority is absent then those below him or her can do whatever they want |
When the cat's away, the mice will play and when the teacher left the classroom the students began to play.
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when the cat's away, the mice will play
What does when the cat's away, the mice will play mean? | when you are not watching someone they may get into trouble |
When the cat's away, the mice will play and when the teacher left the classroom the students began to play around.
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Some Random Idioms
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arrive on the scene
What does "arrive on the scene" mean? | to appear in a certain place | When the fire department arrived on the scene the fire was almost out.
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five-finger discount
What does "five-finger discount" mean? | shoplifting; stealing from a store |
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an end in itself
What does "an end in itself" mean? | something that one wants specifically for itself and not as a way to do or get something else |
For many people travelling is an end in itself and the destination is not important.
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if worst comes to worst
What does "if worst comes to worst" mean? | if the worst possible thing happens | If worst comes to worst we can cancel our holiday and go next year.
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An old flame
What does "An old flame" mean? | An old flame is a person that somebody has had an emotional, usually passionate, relationship with, who is still looked on fondly and with affection. |
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work into (something)
What does "work into (something)" mean? | force into something little by little | He was able to work his foot into his boot but it was still very tight.
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code
What does "code" mean? | go into cardiac arrest and require resuscitation |
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Under your belt
What does "Under your belt" mean? | If you have something under your belt, you have already achieved or experienced it and it will probably be of benefit to you in the future. |
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get after (someone) to do (something)
What does "get after (someone) to do (something)" mean? | to urge someone to do something that he or she should do but has neglected | I will get after the repairman to fix the computer as soon as he returns.
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piggy bank
What does "piggy bank" mean? | a small bank (sometimes in the shape of a pig) for saving money |
The boy has been putting money into his piggy bank to save for a bicycle.
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Packed like sardines
What does "Packed like sardines" mean? | If a place is extremely crowded, people are packed like sardines, or packed in like sardines. |
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get out of bed on the wrong side or get out on the wrong side of bed
What does "get out of bed on the wrong side or get out on the wrong side of bed" mean? | to be in a bad mood |
I think that the girl got out of bed on the wrong side as she is not talking to anyone today.
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