American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- Other side of the tracks

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

*somewhat archaic* The poorer part of a town. 

Idiom of the day :- Save one’s skin

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Because he’s a snake, Simon can afford to lose his skin once a year. We can’t, though, for ‘skin’ is a colloquialism for one’s life. Therefore, to save one’s skinmeans to escape danger or save one’s life. ‘When his boat sank, Tom saved his skin by clinging to a life preserver until a passing ship rescued him.’

Idiom of the day :- Give someone the cold shoulder

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

The snowman in this illustration is happy to allow a bird to rest on its cold shoulder … but that’s not what this idiom means. To give someone the cold shoulder is to beunfriendly, usually by ignoring them. ‘I’m going to give donald the cold shoulder for not inviting me to his party.’

Idiom of the day :- Mum’s the word

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To keep quiet. To say nothing.

Idiom of the day :- Have one’s head screwed on backwards

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

People accused of having their heads screwed on backwards lack sense. Theybehave in strange ways or do silly things. ‘You must have your head screwed on backwards to go on a picnic today. It’s raining !’ ‘Alvin is so sensible. No one could accuse him of having his head screwed on backwards.’

Idiom of the day :- Catch someone red-handed

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

‘Ah ha, so you’re the one who has been painting pictures on my blackboard !’ Professor Michael exclaimed. ‘At last I have caught you red-handed !’ To catch someone red-handed is to discover him or her in the process of committing a naughty or forbidden act. ‘I’m sorry, I thought a little color would help to brighten up our classroom,’ Danny pleaded.

Idiom of the day :- keep a low profile / (To) keep a low profile

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To lay low; to not attract attention to oneself by talking loudly, dressing in flashy clothes, causing trouble, etc. ex. “The bank robbers knew that they had to keep a low profile until they crossed the border.” 

Idiom of the day :- Promise the moon

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Here’s a riddle : what does a politician campaigning for office have in common with a young man in love ? Answer : they are both likely to promise the moon. That is, they make generous promises that aren’t likely to be fulfilled. ‘Don’t promise the moon, Henry. Just tell me you’ll love me forever,’ Cathy sighed.

Idiom of the day :- From China to Peru

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

A quick look at a map of the world will show you that Peru is a long, long way from China. It’s for that reason that the expression from China to Peru means ‘all over the world’. ‘Products made in Hong Kong can be found from China to Peru.’ ‘Ken’s reputation for honesty is known from China to Peru.’

Idiom of the day :- Easy! (command)

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Not so fast! Calm down! ex. “Easy! Don’t eat so fast!”