American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- A slinging/slanging match

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

There are two ways to say this expression : The Americans say slinging, and the British say slanging. It may help to know that sling means to throw something, while slang means to shout naughty words. In the end, though, a slinging / slanging matchis a loud, angry quarrel with two or more individuals shouting at each other. ‘The debate ended when the participants got into a slinging / slanging match. ‘ ‘Tommy left the playing field to avoid getting into a slinging / slanging match with the visiting players.’

Idiom of the day :- Jump the Gun

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word. He was so excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.

Idiom of the day :- Good Samaritan

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Someone who helps others when they are in need, with no discussion for compensation, and no thought of a reward.

Idiom of the day :- Country cousin

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

‘I am taking Ashley, my country cousin, to the theater today,’ Teddy explained. Ashley isn’t really Teddy’s cousin though : we just use this expression when referring to people who live in small country towns or who actually live on farms in the country. They are called country cousins because it is thought that their manners and habits are simple and uncomplicated. ‘That’s not always true,’ Ashley smiled.

Idiom of the day :- stir up trouble / (To) stir up trouble

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To cause trouble. ex. “Sometimes I think she gets great pleasure from stirring up trouble.” 

Idiom of the day :- beside the point / (To be) beside the point

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Irrelevant (to the issue at hand). ex. “P1: But you didn’t even take mom to see the doctor. P2: That’s beside the point. We’re talking about you now, not mom.” 

Idiom of the day :- far cry / (A) far cry

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Very different (often in a worse way). ex. “This wine is nice, but it’s a far cry from the wine we had yesterday.” 

Idiom of the day :- Burn the midnight oil

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Mr. Wilcox works all day and attends school at night. When he goes home he burns the midnight oil by studying until dawn. If you are like Mr. Wilcox and work or study long hours at night, you too can say that you burn the midnight oil.

Idiom of the day :- up to (doing something) / (To be/feel) up to (doing something)

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Capable of, fit for. ex. “Do you feel up to playing a game of tennis?” 

Idiom of the day :- Fill the bill

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

If something fills the bill it is just what one wants. It is exactly what is required or needed. ‘Isn’t it wonderful to have such mild weather ? It certainly fills the bill for our picnic, doesn’t it ?’ ‘I was really hungry so this little snack sure fills the bill,’ Albo said.