American Idioms

Idiom of the day :- pass the time / (To) pass the time

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To do something to keep busy. ex. “What do you do to pass the time around here?” 

Idiom of the day :- Hands down

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Easily; by far. ex. “She is hands down the most beautiful girl in class.” 

Idiom of the day :- A clean bill of health

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Long ago ships leaving a port had to have a certificate ( called a bill of health ) stating that they were free of infectious disease. Today a clean bill of health is a way of saying a person or thing is healthy or satisfactory. ‘The doctor gave Mr. Lee a clean bill of health and is sending him home today,’ Nurse Rose smiled.

Idiom of the day :- Dog Days of Summer

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

The hottest days of the summer season.

Idiom of the day :- keep someone up / (To) keep someone up

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To not allow someone to sleep. ex. “The neighbors’ party kept me up all night.” 

Idiom of the day :- Bear fruit

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

When trees or vines bear fruit they produce fruit. Idiomatically, bear fruit means toproduce a desired effect or to achieve a successful result. ‘I’ve studied hard. I hope my efforts will bear fruit,’ Josh said. ‘Ha,’ Robert laughed. ‘ MY work bore fruit this morning when I sold a painting.

Idiom of the day :- Faux pas

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Embarrassing social mistake A : I had a drink with our new neighbor, Mrs. Zambuni. We talked about all sorts of things, even politics. I said that all politicians were liars and should be put in prison ! B : Oh dear you’ve made a huge faux pas. Her father has been a Member of Parliament for twenty-five years ! Meaning false step, this French expression only describes mistakes which are made in a social situation, for example, at a meeting or party.

Idiom of the day :- Too big for one’s boots

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Bobby has risen through the ranks so quickly that there are some who think he’s now much too big for his boots. That is, he is very conceited, acts self-important and is overly ambitious. ‘Bobby has gotten too big for his boots,’ the general said. ‘He’s starting to give me orders now !’

Idiom of the day :- Flip The Bird

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

To raise your middle finger at someone. 

Idiom of the day :- Get in on the act

Usage, examples and definition of the Idiom :-

Professor Alan is having trouble. Everyone in the auditorium seems to be getting in on the act today ! This idiom ( it’s a term from the theater ) refers to taking part in something while others are doing it. ‘I can tell that everyone enjoyed my lecture today,’ Professor Alan said, ‘because so many people wanted to get in on my act,’ he smiled.