American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- Every so often

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Once in while; occasionally. ex. “I think about her every so often.” 

Idiom of the day :- A mixed bag

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

You’ll find a strange collection in a mixed bag. It could be a varied group of people, ideas, objects … just about anything. ‘That was a mixed bag of people at the conference.’ ‘This report is a mixed bag of opinions.’ ‘I didn’t go to the market so we’re having a mixed bag for supper tonight,’ Mother said.

Idiom of the day :- On a high horse

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Someone on a high horse can be difficult to deal with. ‘There’s an explanation for that,’ Hallaway said, ‘ because someone on a high horse is haughty and proud — and he may think he’s better than anyone around him.’ Hallaway should know : he’s been on his high horse ever since he got promoted. ‘Yes, I’m the boss of the riding club now,’ Hallaway declared.

Idiom of the day :- Off On The Wrong Foot

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Getting a bad start on a relationship or task.

Idiom of the day :- Long in the Tooth

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Old people (or horses).

Idiom of the day :- Take it or leave it

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To accept it the way it is or to forget it. ex. “That’s my final offer. Take it or leave it.” 

Idiom of the day :- In black and white

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

In this idiom, black refers to words and white refers to the paper that they are written on. Very simply, then, when something is in black and white it is written or printed on paper. ‘Inever sign a contract without first looking carefuly at the conditions in black and white.’ Leon said.

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

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Ducks aren’t bothered by water because the oil in their feathers keeps moisture from reaching their bodies. Any water that gets on them runs right off. That has given us this expression, which we use to say that we are not annoyed by something. ‘School doesn’t bother Mary. To her, doing homework is like water off a duck’s back.’ Someone criticized Teddy, but he isn’t bothered. ‘ What do I care ? It’s water of a duck’s back to me,’ he said.

Idiom of the day :- come away empty handed / (To) come away empty handed

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To return without anything. To expect to receive something but to end up receiving nothing. ex. “The union workers came away empty handed from the negotiations.” 

Idiom of the day :- have one’s hands full / (To) have one’s hands full

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To be busy, occupied with some kind of activity, work, etc. ex. “I have my hands full with my three children.”