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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you can lead/take a horse to water but you can't make him drink
What does you can lead/take a horse to water but you can't make him drink mean? | you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you can't get him or her to do it if they don't want to | The woman took her children to the park but they were not interested in playing in the playground. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
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Some Random Idioms
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go with (something)
What does "go with (something)" mean? | to go well with something | My green shirt does not go with my red hat.
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go out of one`s way
What does "go out of one`s way" mean? | to make an extra effort | My aunt went out of her way to help me when I visited her.
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Knock on wood
What does "Knock on wood" mean? | Tap on a wooden surface for gook luck or to keep
from putting a jinx on yourself for having mentioned some hope or dream aloud. | If good luck is willing. I am sure that your tax returns will not be audited, knock on wood.
One theory is that it originated in the middle ages when there were in circulation, pieces of the Holy Rood or Cross on which Jesus was crucified. To touch one of these was supposed to bring good luck hence touch wood for good luck. |
Head is mince
What does "Head is mince" mean? | (Scot) When someone's thoughts are in a state of abject confusion, especially when facing a severe dilemma, their head is mince. |
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stressed
What does "stressed" mean? | anxious; upset; agitated; annoyed. | I'm so stressed because of all this work.
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come to the fore
What does "come to the fore" mean? | to come into an important place or position, to come to the front |
Several members of the class came to the fore and took important positions in the club.
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pad the bill
What does "pad the bill" mean? | to add false expenses to a bill | The salesman always pads the bill when he goes on a business trip.
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out in left field
What does "out in left field" mean? | offbeat, unusual (as in the back and left side of a baseball
field) | offbeat, unusual (as in the back and left side of a baseball field)Our teacher's ideas are usually out in left field and everyone is surprised to hear them.
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jack up
What does "jack up" mean? | motivate or stimulate somebody or something |
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a few cards short of a deck
What does "a few cards short of a deck" mean? | not smart, a little crazy, simple-minded |
The man often does very strange things. He is a few cards short of a deck.
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birds of a feather flock together
What does "birds of a feather flock together" mean? | people who are similar become friends or join together |
"Do not complain about your friends. Remember, birds of a feather flock together. Your friends are just like you."
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have a whale of a time
What does "have a whale of a time" mean? | to have an exciting and interesting time |
We had a whale of a time at the party last night.
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