American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- Like water off a duck’s back

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Be unaffected by an unpleasant experience A : Anita, the ageing ballerina, is starring in a new production of ‘San Lake’. All the newspaper critics said she was too old and should retire. B : Oh dear, I’m sure Miss Anita was very upset when she read the reviews. A : No, the comments were like water off a duck’s back to Anita. She invited all the critics to her house and told them she was still the best dancer in the world ! It’s very common to shorten the saying by omitting like. E.g. : It was water off a duck’s back to Anita.

Idiom of the day :- Look / feel bushed

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

‘Oh, you poor, poor man ! You look absolutely bushed !’ Mrs. Bond said when her husband returned from work. ‘I’ve had a bad day,’ he answered, ‘and you’re right ! I feel bushed.’ ‘What you need is a nice cool glass of lemonade,’ Mrs. Bond smiled. I’ll get one for you.’ That should help to make Mr. Bond feel better because to look / feel bushed is to be completely exhausted.

Idiom of the day :- poker face / (A) poker face

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

A face with no expression. Also common is “to be poker-faced.” 

Idiom of the day :- The Ball Is In Your Court

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

It is your decision this time.

Idiom of the day :- Chained to the oars

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Once upon a time slaves on ships were chained to the oars and forced to row for their masters. In today’s world this idiom means to be forced to work hard and long. ‘I’m just a little kid and I feel I’ve been chained to the oars all my life,’ Angela sighed. ‘Maybe we’re slaves,’ Jimmy said.

Idiom of the day :- Neither here nor there

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Not relevant. ex. “All of a sudden he started talking about his car, a topic which was neither here nor there.” 

Idiom of the day :- keep a straight face / (To) keep a straight face

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To force oneself not to laugh, even though one wants to. ex. “He was saying the stupidest things, and I was finding it hard to keep a straight face.” 

Idiom of the day :- Mud in your eye

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

This rather unusual expression is used as a toast or a salute when people are drinking. It is thought that it began during World War I when soldiers returned to their camps all muddy from battle. ‘Let’s drink a  toast to Dick’s success. Here’s mud in your eye, Dick.’

Idiom of the day :- pull a fast one / (To) pull a fast one

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To cheat or to deceive. ex. “Con men are experts at pulling a fast one on unsuspecting passers by.” 

Idiom of the day :- work out for the best. / (To) work out for the best.

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To work out in the best possible way. ex. “It seems bad now, but things will work out for the best.”