American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- A happy hunting ground

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

The North American Indians believed that when they died their souls would move on to a place where they would spend eternity happily fishing and hunting. However, when people speak of a happy hunting ground today, they mean an area rich in opportunities or one that will prove profitable to them. ‘I have discovered that the library is a happy hunting ground for my research work.’ ‘This beach is a happy hunting ground to anyone interested in collecting seashells.’

Idiom of the day :- Good egg

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

However wonderful your favorite teacher or your boss might be, it isn’t likely that you would ever call him or her a good egg. This expression means ‘a nice person’ and it’s used informally. ‘My mother-in-law is so generous she would do anything for me. She’s a good egg.’

Idiom of the day :- At great length

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Todd has been talking at great length to his Uncle Freddy. In that sense, he’s been talking a long time. He has been explaining at great length his new invention. In this sense, he’s explaining something in great detail. Therefore, at great length can mean (1) for a long time; or (2) in great detail.

Idiom of the day :- Way to go!

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Good job! Congratulations! (*sometimes used sarcastically*) 

Idiom of the day :- See how the land lies

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To sailors, this term means to see where their ship is when it’s at sea. To us, it means to look at something carefully to learn everything possible about it before making a decision or taking action. ‘Jim has gone ahead to see how the land liesbefore deciding where to set up our camp for the night.’

Idiom of the day :- Left holding the bag

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Kevin went to the beach with his friends. They dug up all kinds of things in the sand, but when one of the things proved difficult to deal with, they all ran away screaming. ‘They left me holding the bag,’ Kevin said. To be left holding the bag is to be given a difficult or awkward problem to deal with. ‘Everyone I was with seems to have disappeared,’ Kevin frowned.

Idiom of the day :- Blue stocking

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

A woman who is very intellectual or academic A : My brother’s fiancee is definitely a blue stocking — quite honestly I’m surprised she wants to marry him. Sam left school at fourteen and has never read a book in his life ! B : That’s true, but on the other hand he does look like that tall, handsome actor, Tom Hank ! Lady Elizabeth Montagu lived in London during the 18th century and held ‘intellectual’ parties at her home. Instead of gambling and gossiping, the guests listened to lectures given by learned people. A favourite speaker was the academic Benjamin Stillingfleet who talked about natural history and always wore blue stockings. As intellectual parties became popular, blue stocking clubs started all over London and their members wore blue stockings in admiration of Stillingfleet. The reason that the expression is now only used to describe women may be because of the evolution of stockings. In the 18th century these were garments for both men and women. today, stockings are only worn by women

Idiom of the day :- Behind (someone)

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

In the past. ex. “I used to smoke, drink, and take drugs, but all that is behind me now.” 

Idiom of the day :- With no strings attached

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Unconditionally. ex. “He said that he just wanted to help me with no strings attached.” 

Idiom of the day :- sit tight / (To) sit tight

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To wait (patiently). ex. “Sit tight, your mother will be here soon.”