English Slang https://www.english-slang.com/eng/ English-slang.com - free online English idioms dictionary. Learn and study English idioms and slang with explanations and examples. Join us on telegram: https://t.me/enjoy_learning_english_en en-us Sun, 04 Oct 2026 18:31:41 +0300 Sun, 04 Oct 2026 18:31:41 +0300 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/ root@sky-net-eye.com (noreply) root@sky-net-eye.com (noreply) English Slang https://www.english-slang.com/images/logo_en.png https://www.english-slang.com/eng/ Marilyn Manson https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-4866 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-4866 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
Find out what's really out there. I never said to be like me, I say be like you and make a difference.

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2026 03:30:04 +0300 Tongue Twisters https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/tongue-twisters https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/tongue-twisters English Slang #English #englishlessons #tonguetwisters
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]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2026 03:30:04 +0300 all the https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/126-all-the-2- https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/126-all-the-2- English Slang #English #adverb #Idioms #esl
all the (2)  {adv. phr.}
Than otherwise; even. — Used to emphasize comparative adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
Opening the windows made it all the hotter.
Take a bus instead of walking and get home all the sooner.
If you don't eat your dessert, all the more for us.
Categories: adverb

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2026 03:30:03 +0300 learn by rote https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4635-learn-by-rote https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4635-learn-by-rote English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
learn by rote  {v. phr.}
To blindly memorize what was taught without thinking about it.
If you learn a subject by rote, it will be difficult to say anything original about it.
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2026 03:30:03 +0300 H.L. Mencken https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-3114 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-3114 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1880—1956)
U.S. journalist
Conscience is a mother-in-law whose visit never ends.

]]> Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:30:03 +0300 a little knowledge is a dangerous thing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/84-a-little-knowledge-is-a-dangerous-thing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/84-a-little-knowledge-is-a-dangerous-thing English Slang #English #Idioms #esl
a little knowledge is a dangerous thing  {literary}
A person who knows a little about something may think he knows it all and make bad mistakes. — A proverb.
John has read a book on driving a car and now he thinks he can drive. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Categories: literary proverb
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]]> Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:30:01 +0300 fish for a compliment https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2376-fish-for-a-compliment https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2376-fish-for-a-compliment English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
fish for a compliment  {v. phr.}
To try to make someone pay a compliment.
When Jim showed me his new car, I could tell that he was fishing for a compliment.
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:30:01 +0300 as it comes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/more_expressions/as_it_comes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/more_expressions/as_it_comes English Slang #English
as it comes
1. As is.
Reese takes life as it comes.
2.  {adv. phr.}
Instinctively, by intuition.
I write as it comes to me. I often don't know exactly what I think until I see it on paper.
*** Students & teachers ***: see all available reading & drilling sets, run flashcards, use them during your lessons!

Subscribe to Latest discussions :: as it comes

anju 2008-08-26 15:31:33
please give me the meaning of these idiomatic expressions
katya 2008-08-31 11:56:51
as it comes mean to go with it or to face your fears I think

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Texas Guinan https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/g/aphorism-4003 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/g/aphorism-4003 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1878—1933)
U.S. bartender
A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:30:02 +0300 The magic of words with Wordsmith https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/wordsmith https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/wordsmith English Slang #English
Wordsmith is a community of more than one million linguaphiles in more than 200 countries.
Come, explore the world of words, share, and delight in the joy of words.
According to "The New York Times" the Wordsmith's "A.Word.A.Day" with Anu Garg is "The most welcomed, most enduring piece of daily mass e-mail in cyberspace."
The daily subscription includes a selected word followed by #pronunciation, part of speach, meaning, etymology, usage examples. Plus a bonus "Thought for today".

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:30:02 +0300 W8 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/444-W8 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/444-W8 English Slang #English #slang
W8
"Wait"
Categories: slang
]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:30:02 +0300 free rein https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2607-free-rein https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2607-free-rein English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
free rein  {n.}
Freedom to do what you want.
The king had free rein in his country.
Father is strict with the children, but Mother gives them free rein.
Compare: FREE HAND.
Categories: hand noun

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]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:30:01 +0300 put down https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6397-put-down https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6397-put-down English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
put down  {v. phr.}
1. To stop by force, crush.
In 24 hours the general had entirely put down the rebellion.
2. To put a stop to; check.
She had patiently put down unkind talk by living a good life.
3. To write a record of; write down.
He put down the story while it was fresh in his mind.
4. To write a name in a list as agreeing to do something.
The banker put himself down for $1000.
Sheila put Barbara down for the decorations.
5. To decide the kind or class of; characterize.
He put the man down as a bum.
He put it down as a piece of bad luck.
6. To name as a cause; attribute.
He put the odd weather down to nuclear explosions.
7. To dig; drill; sink.
He put down a new well.
Categories: verb

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Walt Kelly https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/k/aphorism-4171 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/k/aphorism-4171 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
U.S. cartoonist, "Pogo"
Now is the time for all good men to come to.

]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:30:02 +0300 get the ball rolling https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/2839-get-the-ball-rolling https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/2839-get-the-ball-rolling English Slang #English #informal #Idioms #esl
get the ball rolling or set the ball rolling or start the ball rolling  {informal}
To start an activity or action; make a beginning; begin.
George started the ball rolling at the party by telling a new joke.
Compare: KEEP THE BALL ROLLING.
Categories: informal

]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:30:01 +0300 in good time https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/3985-in-good-time https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/3985-in-good-time English Slang #English #adverb #Idioms #esl
in good time or in good season  {adv. phr.}
1. A little early; sooner than necessary.
The school bus arrived in good time.
The students finished their school work in good time.
We reached the station in good season to catch the 9:15 bus for New York.
2. or in due course or in due season or in due time
In the usual amount of time; at the right time; in the end.
Spring and summer will arrive in due course.
Sally finished her spelling in due course.
Categories: adverb time

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]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Paul Rodriquez https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/r/aphorism-4584 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/r/aphorism-4584 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1957--)
U.S. comedian
Sometimes I think war is God's way of teaching us geography.

]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 in full swing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/3975-in-full-swing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_i/3975-in-full-swing English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
in full swing  {adj. phr.}
Actively going on; in full action.
The Valentine party was in full swing.
All of the children were planting seeds; the gardening project was in full swing.
Categories: adjective

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]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 think tank https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8145-think-tank https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8145-think-tank English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
think tank  {n.}
A company of researchers who spend their time developing ideas and concepts.
The government hired a think tank to study the country's need for coins, and was advised to stop making pennies.
Categories: noun study time

]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 404 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/404 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/404 English Slang #English #slang
404
Someone who is clueless. From the Web error message, "404 Not Found," which means the document requested couldn't be located.
"Don't bother asking John. He's 404."
Categories: slang

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]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 clean slate https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1308-clean-slate https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1308-clean-slate English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
clean slate  {n. phr.}
A record of nothing but good conduct, without any errors or bad deeds; past acts that are all good without any bad ones.
Johnny was sent to the principal for whispering. He had a clean slate so the principal did not punish him.
Mary stayed after school for a week, and after that the teacher let her off with a clean slate.
Compare: TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.
Categories: noun

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]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Grammar https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/grammar https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/grammar English Slang #English #englishlessons #grammar

Lessons on #grammar

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 James Patterson https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/p/aphorism-2800 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/p/aphorism-2800 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
U.S. writer
Cats are like Baptists. You KNOW they raise hell, but you can never catch them at it.
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]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 sand-lot https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6844-sand-lot https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6844-sand-lot English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
sand-lot  {adj.}
Of the kind seen on sand lots; not professional.
The professional football team was so confused by their opponents' fast play that they acted like a bunch of sand-lot amateurs.
Categories: adjective

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 jerry-built https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_j/4266-jerry-built https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_j/4266-jerry-built English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
jerry-built  {adj.}
1. Built poorly or carelessly of cheap materials; easily broken.
That jerry-built cabin will blow apart in a strong wind.
2. Done without careful preparation or thought; planned too quickly.
When the regular television program didn't come on, a jerry-built program was substituted at the last minute.
Categories: adjective

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]]> Mon, 28 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 tie in https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8239-tie-in https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8239-tie-in English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
tie in  {v.}
To connect with something else; make a connection for. — Often used with "with".
The teacher tied in what she said with last week's lesson.
The English teacher sometimes gives compositions that tie in with things we are studying in other classes.
The detectives tied in the fingerprints on the man's gun with those found on the safe, so they knew that he was the thief.
Categories: verb

]]> Mon, 28 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 American Idioms https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/american-idioms https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/american-idioms English Slang #English #englishlessons
A starting point to explore free #video_lessons on American idioms.
Categories: American

]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:30:03 +0300 Amy Leslie https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3018 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3018 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
No animal is so inexhaustible as an excited infant.
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]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:30:03 +0300 YMMV https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/486-YMMV https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/486-YMMV English Slang #English #slang
YMMV
"Your mileage may vary" or "you make me vomit"
Categories: slang
]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:30:03 +0300 cross one's mind https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1605-cross-ones-mind https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1605-cross-ones-mind English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
cross one's mind or pass through one's mind  {v. phr.}
To be a sudden or passing thought; be thought of by someone; come to your mind; occur to you.
At first Bob was puzzled by Virginia's waving, but then it crossed his mind that she was trying to tell him something.
When Jane did not come home by midnight, many terrible fears passed through Mother's mind.
Categories: verb

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]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 light out https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4766-light-out https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4766-light-out English Slang #English #slang #verb #Idioms #esl
light out  {v.},  {slang}
1. To run as fast as you can.
The boy lit out for home with the bully chasing him.
On the next pitch the runner will light out for second.
2. To go away in a hurry; leave suddenly. — Often used with "for".
Jack won't be in town long. He wants to light out as soon as he has enough money saved.
The robbers lit out for Mexico.
Syn.: BEAT IT, TAKE OFF (1), HEAD FOR THE HILLS.
Categories: slang verb

]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Alfred North Whitehead https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/w/aphorism-2302 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/w/aphorism-2302 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
Scientists animated by the purpose of proving that they are purposeless constitute an interesting subject for study.

]]> Sat, 26 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 first class https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2360-first-class https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2360-first-class English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
first class  {n.}
1. The first rank; the highest class; the best group.
The pianist was quite good but he was not in the first class.
2. The most expensive or comfortable class of travel; the best or one of the best groups in which to travel, especially by ship, train, or airplane.
Most people can't afford the first class when they take a long journey by ship.
3. The way of sending all mail that includes letters and post cards, anything written by hand or typewriter, and anything sealed so that it cannot be inspected, and that is the most expensive class of mail but receives the best treatment.
The usual way to send a letter is by first class.
Compare: SECOND CLASS, THIRD CLASS.
Categories: noun travel

]]> Sat, 26 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 take to one's heels https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7981-take-to-ones-heels https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7981-take-to-ones-heels English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
take to one's heels also show a clean pair of heels  {v. phr.}
To begin to run or run away.
When he heard the police coming, the thief took to his heels.
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 26 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 English for Children https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/english-for-children https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/english-for-children English Slang #English #englishlessons
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]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 John P. Mahaffy https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-3741 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-3741 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1839—1919), Irish scholar
Ireland is a country in which the probable never happens and the impossible always does.

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 dime a dozen https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_d/1801-dime-a-dozen https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_d/1801-dime-a-dozen English Slang #English #informal #adjective #Idioms #esl
dime a dozen  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Easy to get and so of little value; being an everyday thing because there are many of them; common.
Mr. Jones gives A's to only one or two students, but in Mr. Smith's class, A's are a dime a dozen.
Categories: adjective informal
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]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 to the effect that https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8385-to-the-effect-that https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8385-to-the-effect-that English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
to the effect that  {adj. phr.}
With the meaning or purpose; to say that.
He made a speech to the effect that we would all keep our jobs even if the factory were sold.
The new governor would do his best in the office to which he had been elected.
Categories: adjective

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 William James https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/j/aphorism-4308 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/j/aphorism-4308 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1842—1910)
U.S. philosopher
There is no God, but Mary is His mother.

]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:30:03 +0300 free hand https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2605-free-hand https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2605-free-hand English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
free hand  {n.}
Great freedom.
The teacher had a free hand in her classroom.
Bob put paint on the fence with a free hand.
Compare: FREE REIN.
Categories: hand noun

]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 go over one's head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3132-go-over-ones-head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3132-go-over-ones-head English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
go over one's head  {v. phr.}
1. To be too difficult to understand.
Penny complains that what her math teacher says simply goes over her head.
2. To do something without the permission of one's superior.
Fred went over his boss's head when he signed the contract on his own.
Categories: verb

]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Oscar Levant https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3682 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3682 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1906-- ), TV personality in US
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left.

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]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Slang and Idioms https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/idioms-slang https://www.english-slang.com/eng/online-lessons/idioms-slang English Slang #English #englishlessons

Selected Podcasts where slang, idioms or expressions get explained


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]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 not to know whether one is coming or going https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5466-not-to-know-whether-one-is-coming-or-going https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_n/5466-not-to-know-whether-one-is-coming-or-going English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
not to know whether one is coming or going  {v. phr.}
To be completely confused.
He was so perplexed he didn't know whether he was coming or going.
Compare: AT SEA (2).
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 together with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8307-together-with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8307-together-with English Slang #English #Idioms #esl
together with  {prep.}
In addition to; in the company of; along with.
John, together with his brother, has gone to the party.
The police found a knife, together with the stolen money, hidden in a hollow tree.
Categories: money preposition

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]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Alex Levine https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3438 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3438 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat.

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Leave and absence idiom flashcards set to learn https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Leave_and_absence_idiom_flashcards_set_to_learn https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Leave_and_absence_idiom_flashcards_set_to_learn English Slang #English #flashcards
Reading / Flashcard learning set.

Learn / refresh your knowledge against the set, then examine yourself by running flashcard test!

Begin test by definitions or by descriptions.

Set contains the following items:

  • in absentia
  • absent without leave (AWOL)
  • take off
  • take one's leave
  • take French leave
  • French leave
  • take it or leave it
  • leave hanging
  • take leave of
  • leave off

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:30:02 +0300 three sheets in the wind https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8168-three-sheets-in-the-wind https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8168-three-sheets-in-the-wind English Slang #English #informal #adjective #Idioms #esl
three sheets in the wind or three sheets to the wind  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Unsteady from too much liquor; drunk.
The sailor came down the street, three sheets in the wind.
Categories: adjective informal

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]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 to the kings taste https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8394-to-the-kings-taste https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8394-to-the-kings-taste English Slang #English #adverb #Idioms #esl
to the kings taste or to the queen's taste  {adv. phr.}
Perfectly; just as anyone could want it; very satisfactorily.
The rooms in her new home were painted and decorated to the queen's taste.
The soldiers dressed and marched to the king's taste.
Categories: adverb

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Def Leppard - "Slang" https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/slang-def-leppard https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/slang-def-leppard English Slang #English #fun

Def Leppard — Slang (video-clip)
Released: 13 May 1996
Produced by: Pete Woodroffe & Def Leppard

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