American Idioms and Expressions

When The Chips Are Down Idiom

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. .

when the chips are down What does when the chips are down mean?	at the final and critical moment, when things really get difficult	When the chips are down he will always come and help his friends.
when the chips are down What does when the chips are down mean?	at the final and critical moment, when things really become difficult	When the chips are down the man will always come and help his friends.
	Some Random Idioms
grub What does "grub" mean?	messy, dirty person.	He's a total grub, never bathes or washes his clothes.

a cat in gloves catches no mice What does "a cat in gloves catches no mice" mean?	if you are too careful and polite you may not get what you want	A cat in gloves catches no mice and I advised my friend that he should be more aggressive at work or he will not be successful. catch
lead a dog`s life What does "lead a dog`s life" mean?	to lead a miserable life	The man is leading a dog`s life since he married the woman who everyone told him not to marry.
Canary in a coal mine What does "Canary in a coal mine" mean?	(UK) A canary in a coal mine is an early warning of danger.
light into (someone) What does "light into (someone)" mean?	scold someone	The woman lit into her child when he came home from school late.
force (something) down (someone's) throat What does "force (something) down (someone's) throat" mean?	to force someone to do or agree to something that he or she does not want	I wish that my friend would not force her ideas down my throat.

Keep your eyes peeled What does "Keep your eyes peeled" mean?	If you keep your eyes peeled, you stay alert or watchful.
dash off What does "dash off" mean?	to leave quickly	We dashed off as soon as the concert ended.
spread oneself too thin What does "spread oneself too thin" mean?	to try to do too many things at one time	My sister has been spreading herself too thin lately and is not accomplishing very much of anything.
pork out What does "pork out" mean?	eat greedily and quickly
take to (something) What does "take to (something)" mean?	to begin the work or job of something, to learn something easily, to do well at something	The man took to the job of administrator and was a great success.

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