American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- Red herring

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

If you say that something is a red herring, you mean that it is irrelevant and takes your attention away from the main subject or problem you are considering.

Idiom of the day :- A pretty penny

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

This is one of the prettiest idioms in the English language. Some people might even think it’s beautiful. Why ? Because a pretty penny means lots and lots of money !’ Max has a new car. He must be earning a pretty penny.’ ‘I’m saving my money. It’s going to cost me a pretty penny to fly to Europe this summer,’ Jenny said.

Idiom of the day :- Skirt around

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Girls know what it means to have a skirt around somewhere for they probably have several in their wardrobes at this very moment. Those aren’t the kind of skirts referred to in this idiom, though, for to skirt around means to avoid something. ‘Let’s not skirt around the facts. We’ve skirted around them too long.’

Idiom of the day :- Hang On

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

During the depression years the Smiths had a great deal of trouble with their business, but somehow or other they were able to hang on. Although they almost lost their store, they managed to persevere until things got better.

Idiom of the day :- break even / (To) break even

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To neither win nor lose. ex. “Michael thought he would lose $200, but he ended up breaking even.” 

Idiom of the day :- Laugh in one’s beard

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Long ago when most men wore beards, it was easy for a man to conceal a smile when he wanted to mock someone for being foolish, failing at something, or making a mistake. ‘Do you think people are laughing in their beards at me for having a mouse for a friend ?’ Cecil asked.

Idiom of the day :- Go The Extra Mile

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Going above and beyond whatever is required for the task at hand.

Idiom of the day :- Answer the call of nature

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Teddy was on a walk in the forest when suddenly — and without warning — he had toanswer the call of nature. ‘I really must obey the call of nature.’ he whispered. Fortunately for Teddy, there was a WC nearby for to answer/obey the call of nature is to go to the bathroom.

Idiom of the day :- wear out one’s welcome / (To) wear out one’s welcome

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To stay too long (at an event, at someone’s house, etc.) ex. “Let’s only stay with them for 2 days. I don’t want us to wear out our welcome.” 

Idiom of the day :- get that all the time / (To) get that all the time

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To hear something constantly. ex. “P1: Hey, you really look like Brad Pitt! P2: Yeah, I get that all the time.”