American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- Slapdash

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Inefficient / of a low standard A : I paid two decorators to paint my flat. What do you think ? B : It looks like a really slapdash job to me — I think you should ask for your money back. They obviously aren’t very experienced. A : But they must have lots of experience — they are both over ninety years old ! This word is based on the phrase a slap and a dash. The verbs slap and dash both indicate hurry and communicate the idea of not being careful.

Idiom of the day :- A Blessing In Disguise

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Something good that isn’t recognized at first. 

Idiom of the day :- In the fullness of time

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

This expression ( it’s found in the Bible at Galatians 4:4 ) means eventually; sometime in the future; or when the time is right. Whenever that time is, it certainly isn’t now ! ‘In the fullness of time, I hope to be able to visit Europe.’ ‘If I study hard, in the fullness of time I should be able to get a degree in Civil Engineering.’ ‘In the fullness of time, Juliet will sell her house and buy an apartment.’ ‘In the fullness of time, i hope to fall in love, get married, and have a family,’ Nicolas said. Top A / The gutter press ‘It’s a real honor to be able to sell papers for the The Daily Blah,’ Fred smiled. That startled me because everyone knows that The Daily Blah is a gutter press newspaper. Then Fred laughed. ‘I know that, I was only kidding you,’ he said. A / the gutter press refers to a type of newspaper that publishes scandal and gossip. ‘And very little news,’ Fred added Top

Idiom of the day :- A blind spot

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

‘Whenever I bring up the subject of our moving to a new apartment you become stubborn and refuse to discuss it,’ Millie’s husband complained. ‘You have a blind spot about moving.’ The next day Millie had her eyes examined and learned that a blind spot refers to a matter or topic a person refuses — or is unwilling — to accept, discuss or understand.

Idiom of the day :- Saved By The Bell

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Saved at the last possible moment.

Idiom of the day :- Good clean fun

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

When we do something for fun, we do it for amusement. There are times, though, when people have fun in a way that does not amuse us — such as when they ridicule us or play tricks on us. That’s why to have good clean fun is to have fun or pleasure in a way that doesn’t harm anyone.

Idiom of the day :- Tie oneself in/into knots

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

‘It was easy getting out of this basket when my master played simple tunes,’ Sidney grumbled, ‘but these complicated new melodies of his tie me into knots !’ Sidney is complaining for to tie oneself in/into knots is to be — or cause someone to be — confused and bewildered.

Idiom of the day :- No picnic

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

This outing is turning out to be no picnic, ‘Teddy declared. To say that something – a job or an examination, for example is a picnic is to say it is enjoyeable or easy. If it isunpleasant or difficult, it is described as being no picnic. ‘It was a picnic getting here,’ Angela said, ‘ but trying to eat with all these ants around has been no picnic!’

Idiom of the day :- Double talk

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

‘I thought I understood you, but now I’m not sure.’ Patrick complained. ‘You’re speaking double talk!’ Double-talk is written or spoken langauge that seems clear and meaningful but, on close examination, proves to be ambiguous and nonsense. Sometimes, but not always, this is done in a deliberate attempt to confuse or mislead people.

Idiom of the day :- Bete noire

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Something or someone one hates / detests A : Gardening never stops; every day something has to be done — weeding, pruning, digging, planting … B : Yes, I can see you work really hard; the garden looks beautiful. A : Actually gardening is my bete noire so I never do any. I pay my gardener, Mr. Rake, to do it all for me ! This expression literally means black beast in French. The plural form in English is bete noires.