American Idioms https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american A comprehensive dictionary of American idioms. All idioms are arranged alphabetically and followed by part of speech, meaning and example sentences. en-us Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:50:27 +0300 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:50:27 +0300 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american root@sky-net-eye.com (noreply) root@sky-net-eye.com (noreply) American Idioms https://www.english-slang.com/images/logo_en.png https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american horse around https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3787-horse-around https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3787-horse-around American Idioms #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
horse around  {v.},  {slang}
To join in rough teasing; play around.
They were a hunch of sailors on shore leave, horsing around where there were girls and drinks.
John horsed around with the dog for a while when he came in from school.
Categories: slang verb

]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:30:01 +0300 muscle in on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5292-muscle-in-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5292-muscle-in-on American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
muscle in on  {v. phr.}
To intrude; penetrate; force oneself into another's business or territory.
The eastern Mafia muscled in on the western Mafia's turf and a shooting war was started.
Categories: business verb

]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:30:01 +0300 come through https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1445-come-through https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1445-come-through American Idioms #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
come through  {v.},  {informal}
To be equal to a demand; meet trouble or a sudden need with success; satisfy a need.
When the baseball team needed a hit, Willie came through with a double.
John needed money for college and his father came through.
Categories: informal success verb

]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2026 03:30:01 +0300 kick the bucket https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4422-kick-the-bucket https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4422-kick-the-bucket American Idioms #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
kick the bucket  {v. phr.},  {slang}
To die.
Old Mr. Jones kicked the bucket just two days before his ninety-fourth birthday.
Compare: KICK OFF (3).
Categories: slang verb

]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2026 03:30:01 +0300 in return https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/4077-in-return https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/4077-in-return American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in return  {adv. phr.}
In order to give back something; as payment; in recognition or exchange. — Often used with "for".
Bud gave me his knife and I gave him marbles in return.
The lady helped Mother when she was sick and in return Mother often invited her to dinner.
How much did John give you in return for your bicycle?
I hit him in return for the time he hit me.
I wrote Dad a letter and got a package in return.
Categories: adverb time

]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2026 03:30:02 +0300 second sight https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6931-second-sight https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6931-second-sight American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
second sight  {n. phr.}
Intuition; prescience; clairvoyance.
Some police departments employ psychics to find missing persons or objects as they are said to have second sight.
Categories: noun

]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2026 03:30:02 +0300 at the tip of one's tongue https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/354-at-the-tip-of-ones-tongue https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/354-at-the-tip-of-ones-tongue American Idioms #informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl

at the tip of one's tongue or on the tip of one's tongue  {adv. phr.}
 {informal}
1. Almost spoken; at the point of being said.
It was at the tip of my tongue to tell him, when the phone rang.
John had a rude answer on the tip of his tongue, but he remembered his manners just in time.
2. Almost remembered; at the point where one can almost say it but cannot because it is forgotten.
I have his name on the tip of my tongue. ]]> Sat, 06 Jun 2026 03:30:02 +0300 blow hot and cold https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/707-blow-hot-and-cold https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/707-blow-hot-and-cold American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
blow hot and cold  {v. phr.}
To change your ways or likes often; be fickle or changeable.
Tom blows hot and cold about coming out for the baseball team; he cannot decide.
Mary blew hot and cold about going to college; every day she changed her mind.
The boys will get tired of Ann's blowing hot and cold.
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 life of the party https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4757-life-of-the-party https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4757-life-of-the-party American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
life of the party  {n. phr.}
A person who makes things enjoyable or interesting for a group of people.
Bill is the life of the party at school. He is always making us laugh.
Categories: life noun

]]> Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 hold on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3710-hold-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3710-hold-on American Idioms #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hold on  {v.}
1. To keep holding tightly; continue to hold strongly.
As Ted was pulling on the rope, it began to slip and Earl cried, "Hold on, Ted!"
Syn.: HANG ON.
2. To wait and not hang up a telephone; keep a phone for later use.
Mr. Jones asked me to hold on while he spoke to his secretary.
3. To keep on with a business or job in spite of difficulties.
It was hard to keep the store going during the depression, but Max held on and at last met with success.
4.  {informal}
To wait a minute; stop. — Usually used as a command.
"Hold on!" John's father said, "I want the car tonight."
Categories: informal verb

]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 masking tape https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5132-masking-tape https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5132-masking-tape American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
masking tape  {n.}
A paper tape that is stuck around the edges of a surface being painted to keep the paint off the surface next to it.
The painters put masking tape around the window frames to keep the paint off the glass.
Categories: noun

]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 make merry https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5047-make-merry https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5047-make-merry American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
make merry  {v. phr.},  {literary}
To have fun, laugh, and be happy.
In Aesop's fable the grasshopper made merry while the ant worked and saved up food.
In the Bible story a rich man ate and drank and made merry.
Categories: happiness literary verb

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 surefire https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7762-surefire https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7762-surefire American Idioms #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
surefire  {adj.}
Without fail; effective; bringing actual results.
During a campaign the only surefire way to get the sympathy of the voters is to mingle with them in person.
Categories: adjective

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 pick the brains of https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6123-pick-the-brains-of https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6123-pick-the-brains-of American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pick the brains of  {v. phr.}
To get ideas or information about a particular subject by asking an expert.
If you have time, I'd like to pick your brains about home computers.
Categories: time verb

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 step into one's shoes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7602-step-into-ones-shoes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7602-step-into-ones-shoes American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
step into one's shoes  {v. phr.}
To do what someone else usually does after he has stopped doing it.
When Bill's father died, Bill had to step into his father's shoes to support his mother.
A coach trains the junior varsity to step into the shoes of the members of the varsity team when they graduate.
When the boss retires, his son will step into his shoes.
Compare: IN ONE'S SHOES.
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 break the record https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/844-break-the-record https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/844-break-the-record American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
break the record  {v. phr.}
To set or to establish a new mark or record.
Algernon broke the record in both the pentathlon and the decathlon and took home two gold medals from the Olympics.
Categories: verb

]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 pay for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6063-pay-for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6063-pay-for American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pay for  {v.}
To have trouble because of (something you did wrong or did not do); be punished or suffer because of.
When Bob could not get a good job, he realized he had to pay for all the years of fooling around instead of working in school.
Mary was very mean to John because she wanted to make him pay for all the years in which he had ignored her.
Compare: MAKE UP (3b), PAY OFF.
Categories: verb

]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 kindled spirits https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4437-kindled-spirits https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4437-kindled-spirits American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
kindled spirits  {n. phr.}
People who resemble each other in numerous ways, including their ways of thinking and feeling.
They are kindred spirits; they both like to go on long walks in the forest.
Categories: feelings noun

]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 let one have it https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4713-let-one-have-it https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4713-let-one-have-it American Idioms #slang #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
let one have it  {v. phr.}
1a.  {slang}
To hit hard.
He drew back his fist and let the man have it.
Give him a kick in the pants; let him have it!
Syn.: GIVE IT TO.
1b.  {slang}
To use a weapon on; to shoot or knife.
The guard pulled his gun and let the robber have it in the leg.
Compare: OPEN UP.
1c. or let one have it with both barrels  {slang}
To attack with words; scold; criticize.
Mary kept talking in class until the teacher became angry and let her have it.
Syn.: LIGHT INTO (2).
2.  {informal}
To tell about it. — Used in the imperative phrase, "let's have it".
Now, Mary, let's have it from the beginning.
We will take turns reading; John, let's have it from page one.
Categories: informal slang verb

]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:30:01 +0000 on a dime https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5605-on-a-dime https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5605-on-a-dime American Idioms #informal #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
on a dime  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
In a very small space.
Bob can turn that car on a dime.
Tom says his new sports car will stop on a dime.
Categories: adverb informal

]]> Sun, 31 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 snap up https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7350-snap-up https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7350-snap-up American Idioms #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
snap up  {v.},  {informal}
To take or accept eagerly.
Eggs were on sale cheap, and the shoppers snapped up the bargain.
Mr. Hayes told Bob that he would take him skiing, and Bob snapped up the offer.
Categories: informal verb

]]> Sun, 31 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 fallout https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2214-fallout https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2214-fallout American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
fallout  {n.}
1. Result of nuclear explosion; harmful radioactive particles.
Some experts consider fallout as dangerous as the bomb itself.
2. Undesirable aftereffects in general.
As a fallout of Watergate, many people lost their faith in the government.
Categories: noun

]]> Sat, 30 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 on one's own https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5691-on-ones-own https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5691-on-ones-own American Idioms #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
on one's own  {adj. phr.}
With no help from others.
It is a happy day when you're allowed to drive a car on your own.
Being on your own may be a frightening experience.
Compare: GO IT (2).
Categories: adjective

]]> Sat, 30 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 beyond reasonable doubt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/622-beyond-reasonable-doubt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/622-beyond-reasonable-doubt American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
beyond reasonable doubt  {adv. phr.},  {formal and legal}
Virtually certain; essentially convincing.
The judge instructed the jurors to come up with a verdict of guilty only if they were convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Algernon was the perpetrator. ]]> Fri, 29 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 make book https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5022-make-book https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5022-make-book American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
make book  {v. phr.}
To serve as a bookmaker taking bets on the horse races.
The police were out to prosecute anybody who made book illegally.
Categories: verb

]]> Fri, 29 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 in the cards https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/4121-in-the-cards https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/4121-in-the-cards American Idioms #informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
in the cards also on the cards  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
To be expected; likely to happen; foreseeable; predictable.
It was in the cards for the son to succeed his father as head of the business.
John finally decided that it wasn't in the cards for him to succeed with that company.
Categories: adjective informal

]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 parting of the ways https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6018-parting-of-the-ways https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6018-parting-of-the-ways American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
parting of the ways  {n. phr.}
1. The point where a road or path divides; a fork.
They stood undecided at a parting of the ways, where a forest path forked.
2. A time or place where a choice must be made; a deciding point.
He had come to a parting of the ways: he had to choose the high school courses that would prepare him for college, or the courses that would prepare him for business.
Categories: noun time

]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 new blood https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5345-new-blood https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5345-new-blood American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
new blood  {n.}
Something or someone that gives new life or vigor, fresh energy or power.
New blood was brought into the company through appointment of younger men to important positions.
Categories: life noun

]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 run with the hare and hunt (ride) with the hounds https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6804-run-with-the-hare-and-hunt--ride--with-the-hounds https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6804-run-with-the-hare-and-hunt--ride--with-the-hounds American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
run with the hare and hunt (ride) with the hounds  {v. phr.}
To appear to support both parties in a conflict; to conduct things in ambiguous ways.
Critics accused the king of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 go for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3047-go-for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3047-go-for American Idioms #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go for  {v. phr.},  {informal}
1. To try to get; aim for; try for.
Our team is going for the championship in the game tonight.
The dog went for Bob's leg.
2. To favor; support; like.
Little Susie really goes for ice cream.
Bob goes for Jane in a big way.
3. To attack; begin to fight or argue with.
The Indian jumped out of the *hush and went for Daniel.
Molly went for James about being late as soon as he got home.
Categories: informal verb

]]> Tue, 26 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 in doubt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/3958-in-doubt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/3958-in-doubt American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
in doubt  {adv. phr.}
In the dark; having some question or uncertainty.
When in doubt about any of the words you're using, consult a good dictionary.
Categories: adverb doubt

]]> Tue, 26 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 fight off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2321-fight-off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2321-fight-off American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
fight off  {v. phr.}
1. To struggle against someone so as to free oneself; push an attacker back.
Suzy fought off her two attackers in Central Park with a couple of karate chops.
2. To strive to overcome something negative.
After twelve hours at the computer terminal, Jane had to fight off her overwhelming desire to go to sleep.
Categories: desire verb

]]> Mon, 25 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 knock off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4457-knock-off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4457-knock-off American Idioms #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
knock off  {v. phr.},  {slang}
1. To burglarize someone.
They knocked off the Manning residence.
2. To murder someone.
The gangsters knocked off Herman.
Categories: slang verb

]]> Mon, 25 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 nice Nelly https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5359-nice-Nelly-1- https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5359-nice-Nelly-1- American Idioms #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
nice Nelly (1) or nice Nellie  {n.},  {informal}
Someone who acts too good to be true; a prude; a prig.
We took him for a nice Nelly when he wouldn't fight.
Categories: informal noun

]]> Sun, 24 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 straw https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7681-straw https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7681-straw American Idioms #Idioms #English #esl
straw
See:
GIVE A HANG,
GRASP AT A STRAW,
GRASP AT STRAWS,
LAST STRAW or STRAW THAT BREAKS THE CAMEL'S BACK,
MAKE BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW.

]]> Sun, 24 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 out of touch https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5929-out-of-touch https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5929-out-of-touch American Idioms #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
out of touch  {adj. phr.}
Not writing or talking with each other; not getting news anymore.
Fred had got out of touch with people in his hometown.
On his island Robinson Crusoe was out of touch with world news.
Compare: LOSE TOUCH, LOSE TRACK.
Contrast: IN TOUCH.
Categories: adjective world

]]> Sat, 23 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 sign off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7199-sign-off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7199-sign-off American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
sign off  {v.}
1. To end a program on radio or television.
That TV newscaster always signs off by saluting.
2. To stop broadcasting for the day.
That TV station always signs off after the late movie.
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 23 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 goldfish bowl https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3079-goldfish-bowl https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3079-goldfish-bowl American Idioms #slang #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
goldfish bowl  {n.},  {slang},  {informal}
1. A situation in which it is not possible to keep things secret for any length of time.
Washington Society is a goldfish bowl.
2. An apartment or place that provides no privacy for its occupant, e.g., an office that has too many windows.
Joe's office is a goldfish bowl, that's why I didn't let him kiss me there.
Categories: informal noun slang time

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 shoulder to shoulder https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7146-shoulder-to-shoulder https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7146-shoulder-to-shoulder American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
shoulder to shoulder  {adv. phr.}
1. One beside the other; together.
The three boys were shoulder to shoulder all during the working hours.
Compare: SIDE BY SIDE.
2. Each helping the other; in agreement; together. — Often used with "stand".
We can win the fight if we all stand shoulder to shoulder.
Compare: SEE EYE TO EYE.
Categories: adverb

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 safety island https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6823-safety-island https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6823-safety-island American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
safety island or safety zone  {n.}
A raised area in a highway or road to be used only by people walking.
John was half-way across the street when the light changed. He stayed on the safety island until it changed again.
Categories: noun

]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 urban homesteading https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_u/8646-urban-homesteading https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_u/8646-urban-homesteading American Idioms #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
urban homesteading  {n.},  {informal}
Renovation and occupation through cooperative ownership by tenants of previously abandoned city apartment buildings.
Urban homesteading is on the rise in many big American cities these days.
Categories: informal noun

]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 crack up https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1570-crack-up https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1570-crack-up American Idioms #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
crack up  {v.}
1. To wreck or be wrecked; smash up.
The airplane cracked up in landing.
He cracked up his car.
2.  {informal}
To become mentally ill under physical or mental overwork or worry.
He had kept too busy for years, and when failures came, he cracked up.
It seemed to be family problems that made him crack up.
3. Burst into laughter or cause to burst into laughter.
That comedian cracks me up.
Categories: informal verb

]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 get one's dander up https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/2797-get-ones-dander-up https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/2797-get-ones-dander-up American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
get one's dander up or get one's Irish up  {v. phr.}
To become or make angry.
The boy got his dander up because he couldn't go to the store.
The children get the teacher's dander up when they make a lot of noise.
Compare: BLOW A FUSE.
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 ground floor https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3230-ground-floor https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3230-ground-floor American Idioms #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
ground floor  {n.}
1. First floor of a house or building.
Mrs. Turner has an apartment on the ground floor.
2.  {informal}
The first or best chance, especially in a business.
That man got rich because he got in on the ground floor of the television business.
Categories: business informal noun

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 on the track of https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5783-on-the-track-of https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5783-on-the-track-of American Idioms #Idioms #English #esl
on the track of or on the trail of
Hunting or looking for; trying to find; following.
The hunter is on the track of a deer.
The lawyer is on the trail of new proof in the case.
Jim collects old stamps; he is on the track of one in Midville this afternoon.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:30:02 +0000 pull the plug on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6358-pull-the-plug-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6358-pull-the-plug-on American Idioms #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
pull the plug on  {v. phr.},  {slang}
To expose (someone's) secret activities.
The citizens' committee pulled the plug on the mayor, and he lost his election.
Categories: slang verb

]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 sneeze at https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7354-sneeze-at https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7354-sneeze-at American Idioms #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
sneeze at  {v.},  {informal}
To think of as not important; not take seriously. — Used with negative or limiting words and in questions.
Mr. Jones was chosen by his party to run for President. He was not elected, but to be chosen to run is not to be sneezed at.
If you think Mrs. Green's tests are things to be sneezed at, you have a surprise coming.
Is a thousand dollars anything to sneeze at?
John finished third in a race with twenty other runners. That is nothing to sneeze at.
Categories: informal verb

]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 knee-deep https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4443-knee-deep https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4443-knee-deep American Idioms #adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
knee-deep or neck-deep  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.}
1. Very much; deeply; having a big part in.
Johnny was knee-deep in trouble.
2. Very busy; working hard at.
We were neck-deep in homework before the exams.
3. Getting or having many or much.
The television station was knee-deep in phone calls.
Compare: UP TO THE CHIN IN.
Categories: adjective adverb

]]> Sun, 17 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 trick of the trade https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8461-trick-of-the-trade https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8461-trick-of-the-trade American Idioms #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
trick of the trade  {n. phr.},  {usually in plural},  {informal}
1. A piece of expert knowledge; a smart, quick, or skillful way of working at a trade or job.
Mr. Olson spent years learning the tricks of the trade as a carpenter.
Any one can learn how to hang wallpaper, but only an expert can show you the tricks of the trade.
2. A smart and sometimes tricky or dishonest way of doing something in order to succeed or win.
The champion knows all the tricks of the boxing trade; he knows many ways to hurt his opponent and to get him mixed up.
Categories: informal noun

]]> Sun, 17 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000 handwriting on the wall https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3315-handwriting-on-the-wall https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3315-handwriting-on-the-wall American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
handwriting on the wall  {n. phr.}
A sign that something bad will happen.
When Bill's team lost four games in a row, he saw the handwriting on the wall.
John's employer had less and less work for him; John could read the handwriting on the wall and looked for another job.
Categories: noun

]]> Sat, 16 May 2026 00:30:01 +0000