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 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:33:42 +0300 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:33:42 +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 one damn thing after another https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5642-one-damn-thing-after-another https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5642-one-damn-thing-after-another American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
one damn thing after another or ODTAA (pronounced owed-tay)  {n. phr.}
If there is one problem, there will be more.
First I lost my wallet, then a kid broke the window, and, lastly, my car refused to start. It was just one damn thing after another!
Compare: IF IT'S NOT ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER.
Categories: noun

]]> Tue, 11 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 vanishing cream https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_v/8659-vanishing-cream https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_v/8659-vanishing-cream American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
vanishing cream  {n.}
A cosmetic cream for the skin that is used chiefly before face powder.
Mrs. Jones spread vanishing cream on her face before applying her face powder.
Categories: noun

]]> Tue, 11 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 go it https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3075-go-it https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3075-go-it American Idioms #informal #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go it  {v. phr.},  {informal}
1. To go fast; run hard; not to spare yourself. — Often used as a command.
The coach yelled to the runner to go it.
At the party the girls cheered for their partners to go it.
The boys called, "Go it!" to the dog chasing the cat.
2. To live; continue to do or work.
John wants to leave home and go it alone.
Compare: ON ONE'S OWN.
Categories: informal verb

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 seize on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6974-seize-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6974-seize-on American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
seize on or upon  {v. phr.}
To latch onto.
Whenever Herb is in a romantic mood, Irene seizes on it and starts talking about marriage, which is not what Herb had in mind.
Categories: mood verb

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 open secret https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5824-open-secret https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5824-open-secret American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
open secret  {n.}
Something that is supposed to be a secret but that everyone knows.
It is an open secret that Mary and John are engaged.
Who will be appointed as the next president of the college is an open secret.
Categories: noun

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 That's the ticket! https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8084-Thats-the-ticket- https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8084-Thats-the-ticket- American Idioms #Idioms #English #esl
That's the ticket!
Informal way to say, "excellent; correct."
"First we'll go up the Sears Tower, and then we'll take a night sightseeing tour on the lake," Fran said. "That's the ticket!" Stan, an old inhabitant of Chicago, replied.
Categories: informal

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 have one's head screwed on backwards https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3487-have-ones-head-screwed-on-backwards https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3487-have-ones-head-screwed-on-backwards American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
have one's head screwed on backwards  {v. phr.}
To lack common sense; behave in strange and irrational ways.
Henry seems to have his head screwed on backwards; he thinks the best time to get a suntan is when it is raining and to sleep with his shoes on.
Categories: behave time verb

]]> Sat, 08 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 make a point https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5008-make-a-point https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5008-make-a-point American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
make a point  {v. phr.}
To try hard; make a special effort. — Used with "of" and a verbal noun.
He made a point of remembering to get his glasses fixed.
He made a point of thanking his hostess before he left the party.
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 08 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 clifihanger https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1322-clifihanger https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1322-clifihanger American Idioms #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
clifihanger  {n.},  {informal}
A sports event or a movie in which the outcome is uncertain to the very end keeping the spectators in great suspense and excitement.
Did you see "The Fugitive"? It's a regular cliffhanger.
Categories: informal noun

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 just the other way https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_j/4318-just-the-other-way https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_j/4318-just-the-other-way American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
just the other way or the other way around  {adv. phr.}
Just the opposite.
One would have thought that Goliath would defeat David, but it was the other way around.
Categories: adverb

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 pinch pennies https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6152-pinch-pennies https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6152-pinch-pennies American Idioms #informal #verb #noun #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
pinch pennies  {v. phr.},  {informal}
Not spend a penny more than necessary; be very saving or thrifty.
When Tom and Mary were saving money to buy a house, they had to pinch pennies.
- penny-pincher  {n.},  {informal}
A stingy or selfish person; miser.
He spent so little money that he began to get the name of a penny-pincher.
- penny-pinching  {adj.} or  {n.},  {informal}
Bob saved enough money by penny-pinching to buy a bicycle. ]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 potboiler https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6280-potboiler https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6280-potboiler American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
potboiler  {n.}
A book, play, or film written for the primary purpose of earning money for the author.
"Reading a cheap potboiler helps me go to sleep," the professor wryly remarked.
Categories: noun

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 less than no time https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4686-less-than-no-time https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4686-less-than-no-time American Idioms #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
less than no time  {n. phr.},  {informal}
Very quickly.
We can be ready to go in less than no time.
It took Sally less than no time to get dinner ready.
Categories: informal noun time

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 make bricks without straw https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5024-make-bricks-without-straw https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5024-make-bricks-without-straw American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
make bricks without straw  {v. phr.}
To make something without the wherewithal; do something the hard way; do a job under hard conditions.
John could not go to a library, and writing the report was a job of making bricks without straw.
It was making bricks without straw to put on plays in that old barn.
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 03:30:02 +0300 heart sink https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3568-heart-sink https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3568-heart-sink American Idioms #Idioms #English #esl
heart sink
To lose hope, courage, or eagerness; be very disappointed.
The soldiers' hearts sank when they saw that they were surrounded by Indians.
The children were happy because they were going to the beach to swim, but their hearts sank when it began to rain.

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 hit-or-miss https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3670-hit-or-miss https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3670-hit-or-miss American Idioms #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
hit-or-miss also hit-and-miss  {adj.}
Unplanned; uncontrolled; aimless; careless.
John did a lot of hit-or-miss reading, some of it about taxes.
Mary packed her bag in hurried, hit-or-miss fashion.
Categories: adjective

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 sign of the times https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7200-sign-of-the-times https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7200-sign-of-the-times American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
sign of the times  {n. phr.}
A characteristic of the times in which one lives.
It is a sad sign of the times that all the major lakes and rivers are badly polluted and fish in them are poisoned.
Categories: noun

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 soap opera https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7367-soap-opera https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7367-soap-opera American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
soap opera  {n. phr.}
Radio or television serialized stories of a sentimental nature, often involving sex, crime, and social intrigue. These shows often advertise soap products, hence their name.
The two longest running soap operas in the United States were "Dallas" and "Knot's Landing."
Categories: noun

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 sit up with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7248-sit-up-with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7248-sit-up-with American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
sit up with  {v. phr.}
To be with; particularly to keep someone ill company.
Mrs. Brown sat up with her sick husband all night in the hospital room.
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 take steps https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7951-take-steps https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7951-take-steps American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
take steps  {v. phr.}
To begin to make plans or arrangements; make preparations; give orders. — Usually used with "to" and an infinitive.
The city is taking steps to replace its streetcars with busses.
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 at cross purposes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/280-at-cross-purposes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/280-at-cross-purposes American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
at cross purposes  {adv. phr.}
With opposing meanings or aims; with opposing effect or result; with aims which hinder or get in each other's way.
Tom's parents acted at cross purposes in advising him; his father wanted him to become a doctor; but his mother wanted him to become a minister.
Categories: adverb

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 bring off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/876-bring-off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/876-bring-off American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
bring off  {v.}
To do (something difficult); perform successfully (an act of skill); accomplish (something requiring unusual ability).
By skillful discussion, Mr. White had brought off an agreement that had seemed impossible to get.
He tried several times to break the high jump record, and finally he brought it off.
Compare: PUT OVER (2).
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 stare in the face https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7562-stare-in-the-face https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7562-stare-in-the-face American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
stare in the face  {n. phr.}
1. To be about to meet or to happen to (you.)
Grandmother became very sick and death was staring her in the face.
Defeat stared them in the face, but the soldiers fought on bravely.
2. To be easy to see; be plain.
Are you looking for your pencil? It's on your desk, staring you in the face.
Their friends all knew that Mary loved John, but John did not see it even though it was staring him in the face.
Categories: death noun

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 state-of-the-art https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7573-state-of-the-art https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7573-state-of-the-art American Idioms #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
state-of-the-art  {adj. phr.}
The best and — the latest any field of research can offer; modem; the latest; the most advanced.
State-of-the-art personal computers may cost a little more than older models, but may be worth the cost for those who need them.
Compare: UP TO DATE.
Categories: adjective

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 how do you do https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3822-how-do-you-do https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3822-how-do-you-do American Idioms #formal #Idioms #English #esl
how do you do  {formal}
How are you? — Usually as a reply to an introduction; it is in the form of a question but no answer is expected.
"Mary, I want you to meet my friend Fred. Fred, this is my wife, Mary." "How do you do, Mary?" "How do you do, Fred?"
Categories: formal greeting

]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 off the top of one's head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5563-off-the-top-of-ones-head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5563-off-the-top-of-ones-head American Idioms #informal #adjective #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
off the top of one's head  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Without thinking hard; quickly.
Vin answered the teacher's question off the top of his head.
When Lorraine was asked to recite, she talked off the top of her head. ]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 from the bottom of one's heart https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2636-from-the-bottom-of-ones-heart https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2636-from-the-bottom-of-ones-heart American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
from the bottom of one's heart or with all one's heart  {adv. phr.}
With great feeling; sincerely.
A mother loves a baby from the bottom of her heart.
John thanked his rescuer from the bottom of his heart.
The people welcomed the returning soldiers from the bottom of their hearts.
Categories: adverb feelings

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 off feed https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5533-off-feed https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5533-off-feed American Idioms #informal #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
off feed or off one's feed  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Not feeling well; lacking in vitality; droopy; moody.
Mary was worried; her canary was off feed.
Jerry seemed to be off his feed; he did not joke and laugh with the others. ]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 have kittens https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3466-have-kittens https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3466-have-kittens American Idioms #slang #verb #Idioms #English #esl
have kittens  {v. phr.},  {slang}
To become very much worried or upset.
Mrs. Jones was having kittens because if was very late and Susan wasn't home yet.
Compare: HAVE A FIT. ]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 right-wing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6639-right-wing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6639-right-wing American Idioms #adjective #Idioms #English #esl
right-wing  {adj.}
Being or belonging to a political group which opposes any important change in the way the country is run.
Some countries with right-wing governments have dictators.
Contrast: LEFT-WING.
Categories: adjective

]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 by the piece https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/1032-by-the-piece https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/1032-by-the-piece American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
by the piece  {adv. phr.}
Counted one piece at a time, separately for each single piece.
John bought boxes full of bags of potato chips and sold them by the piece.
Mary made potholders and got paid by the piece.
Categories: adverb time

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 main drag https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/4968-main-drag https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/4968-main-drag American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
main drag  {n.},  {colloquial}
1. The most important street or thoroughfare in a town.
Lincoln Avenue is the main drag of our town.
2. The street where the dope pushers and the prostitutes are.
Wells Street is the main drag of Chicago, actionwise.
Categories: colloquial noun

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 part company https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6015-part-company https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6015-part-company American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
part company  {v. phr.}
1. To part with someone; leave each other; separate.
The boys parted company as they came from the park.
George parted company with the others at his front door.
2. To be different from someone in opinion or action; follow your own way; disagree; differ.
They parted company on where the new highway should be built.
The mayor parted company with the newspapers on raising taxes.
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 walking dictionary https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_w/8701-walking-dictionary https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_w/8701-walking-dictionary American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
walking dictionary  {n. phr.}
A person highly knowledgeable in matters of language use.
If you want to know what "serendipity" means, ask my Uncle Fred. He is a professor of English and is also a walking dictionary.
Categories: noun

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 knock on wood https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4461-knock-on-wood https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4461-knock-on-wood American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
knock on wood  {v. phr.}
To knock on something made of wood to keep from having bad luck. — Many people believe that you will have bad luck if you talk about good luck or brag about something, unless you knock on wood; often used in a joking way.
Charles said, "I haven't been sick all winter." Grandfather said, "You'd better knock on wood when you say that."
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 25 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 to the full https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8388-to-the-full https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8388-to-the-full American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
to the full  {adv. phr.}
Very much; fully.
The campers enjoyed their trip to the full.
We appreciated to the full the teacher's help.
Compare: TO THE HILT.
Categories: adverb

]]> Sat, 25 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 make do https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5026-make-do https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5026-make-do American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
make do  {v. phr.}
To use a poor substitute when one does not have the right thing.
John did not have a hammer, and he had to make do with a heavy rock.
This motel isn't what we wanted, but we must make do.
Many families manage to make do on very little income.
Compare: GET ALONG.
Categories: verb

]]> Fri, 24 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 out of action https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5863-out-of-action https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5863-out-of-action American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
out of action  {adv. phr.}
Useless; crippled; damaged so as to be quiescent.
American bombers put Nazi heavy industry out of action during World War II.
When I broke my leg I was out of action for the entire football season.
Categories: adverb world

]]> Fri, 24 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 hold back https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3701-hold-back https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3701-hold-back American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
hold back  {v.}
1. To stay back or away; show unwillingness.
The visitor tried to gel the child to come to her, but he held back.
John held back from social activity because he felt embarrassed with people.
2. To keep someone in place; prevent from acting.
The police held back the crowd.
Categories: children verb

]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 take to heart https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7980-take-to-heart https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7980-take-to-heart American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
take to heart also lay to heart  {v. phr.}
To be seriously affected by; to feel deeply.
He took his brother's death very much to heart.
He took his friend's advice to heart.
Categories: death verb

]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 go to one's head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3157-go-to-ones-head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3157-go-to-ones-head American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go to one's head  {v. phr.}
1. To make one dizzy.
Beer and wine go to a person's head.
Looking out the high window went to the woman's head.
2. To make someone too proud; make a person think he is too important.
Being the star player went to John's head.
The girl's fame as a movie actress went to her head.
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 long face https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4856-long-face https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4856-long-face American Idioms #noun #Idioms #English #esl
long face  {n.}
A sad look; disappointed look.
He told the story with a long face.
- Often used in the phrase "pull a long face".
Don't pull a long face when I tell you to go to bed.
Categories: noun

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 by all odds https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/997-by-all-odds https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/997-by-all-odds American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
by all odds  {adv. phr.}
Without question; certainly.
He was by all odds the strongest candidate.
By all odds we should win the game, because the other team is so weak.
Compare: FAR AND AWAY.
Categories: adverb

]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 one eye on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5644-one-eye-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5644-one-eye-on American Idioms #informal #Idioms #English #esl
one eye on  {informal}
Watching or minding (a person or thing) while doing something else; part of your attention on. — Used after "have", "keep", or "with".
Jane had one eye on the baby as she ironed.
Bill kept one eye on his books and the other on the clock.
Chris tried to study with one eye on the TV set.
Compare: KEEP AN EYE ON.
Categories: informal

]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 go into https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3070-go-into https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3070-go-into American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
go into  {v.}
1a. To go or fit inside of; able to be put in.
The table is too big to go into the closet.
1b. To be able to be divided into; be divisible into.
Two goes into four two times.
2. To enter a state or condition of; pass into.
John went into a fit of temper when he didn't get his own way.
The sick man went into a coma.
The country went into mourning when the king died.
3. To be busy in or take part in; enter as a job or profession.
The mayor went into politics as a very young man.
Mr, Johnson is going into business for himself.
Bill wants to go into law when he gets out of school.
Compare: GO IN FOR, TAKE UP (5b).
4. To start to talk about; bring up the subject of; examine.
We'll talk about the dead mouse after dinner, Billy. Let's not go into it now.
The teacher went into the subject of newspapers today.
Compare: LOOK INTO.
Categories: verb

]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 no doubt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5383-no-doubt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5383-no-doubt American Idioms #adverb #Idioms #English #esl
no doubt  {adv.}
1. Without doubt; doubtless; surely; certainly.
No doubt Susan was the smartest girl in her class.
2. Probably.
John will no doubt telephone us if he comes to town.
Categories: adverb doubt

]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 cart before the horse (to put) https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1125-cart-before-the-horse--to-put- https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1125-cart-before-the-horse--to-put- American Idioms #informal #noun #Idioms #English #esl
cart before the horse (to put)  {n. phr.},  {informal}
Things in wrong order; something backwards or mixed up. — An overused expression. Usually used with "put" but sometimes with "get" or "have".
When the salesman wanted money for goods he hadn't delivered, I told him he was putting the cart before the horse.
To get married first and then get a job is getting the cart before the horse.
Categories: informal noun

]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 rake off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6532-rake-off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6532-rake-off American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
rake off  {v. phr.}
To illegally expropriate part of a sum paid.
The secretary-treasurer of the association has been caught raking off some of the membership dues.
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 hit the nail on the head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3683-hit-the-nail-on-the-head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3683-hit-the-nail-on-the-head American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl

hit the nail on the head  {v. phr.}
To get something exactly right; speak or act in the most fitting or effective way.
The mayor's talk on race relations hit the nail on the head.
Categories: relationship verb

]]> Sat, 18 Jul 2026 03:30:03 +0300 team up with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8034-team-up-with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8034-team-up-with American Idioms #verb #Idioms #English #esl
team up with  {v. phr.}
To join with; enter into companionship with.
My brother prefers to do business by himself rather than to team up with anybody else.
Categories: business verb

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