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 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:13:24 +0300 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:13:24 +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/ English as a Second Language website https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/rong-chang-com https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/rong-chang-com English Slang Rong-Chang Li, Ph.D. #English
A starting point for ESL learners who want to study English through the Web. This site is being constantly updated, so your comments and suggestions are appreciated. With your help, it can continue to be a site that you and others enjoy visiting.

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 go it https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3075-go-it https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3075-go-it English Slang #English #informal #verb #Idioms #esl
go it  {v. phr.},  {informal}
1. To go fast; run hard; not to spare yourself. — Often used as a command.
The coach yelled to the runner to go it.
At the party the girls cheered for their partners to go it.
The boys called, "Go it!" to the dog chasing the cat.
2. To live; continue to do or work.
John wants to leave home and go it alone.
Compare: ON ONE'S OWN.
Categories: informal verb

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]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Jack Handey https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/h/aphorism-3101 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/h/aphorism-3101 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
One thing a computer can do that most humans can't is be sealed up in a cardboard box and sit in a warehouse.

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 seize on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6974-seize-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/6974-seize-on English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
seize on or upon  {v. phr.}
To latch onto.
Whenever Herb is in a romantic mood, Irene seizes on it and starts talking about marriage, which is not what Herb had in mind.
Categories: mood verb

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Skwerl - How English Sounds to non-English Speakers https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/how-English-sounds-to-non-English-speakers https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/how-English-sounds-to-non-English-speakers English Slang #English #fun

A short film in fake English. Made for Kino Sydney #47 by Brian Fairbairn.

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:30:01 +0300 from an old Irish curse https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/c/aphorism-3158 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/c/aphorism-3158 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
May those that love us love us;
and those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts;
and if he doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we'll know them by their limping.
Categories: curses

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]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 George Carlin - Words we Use https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/words-we-use https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/words-we-use English Slang #English #fun

Flammable, inflammable, non-inflammable;
Jumbo-shrimp;
Business ethics;
Plastic glass;
De-plain, get on the plain;
etc. Enjoy :)

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]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Prairie Dogging https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Prairie-Dogging https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Prairie-Dogging English Slang #English #slang
Prairie Dogging
When something loud happens in a cube farm, causing heads to pop up over the walls trying to see what's going on.
Categories: slang

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 open secret https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5824-open-secret https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5824-open-secret English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
open secret  {n.}
Something that is supposed to be a secret but that everyone knows.
It is an open secret that Mary and John are engaged.
Who will be appointed as the next president of the college is an open secret.
Categories: noun

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 That's the ticket! https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8084-Thats-the-ticket- https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8084-Thats-the-ticket- English Slang #English #Idioms #esl
That's the ticket!
Informal way to say, "excellent; correct."
"First we'll go up the Sears Tower, and then we'll take a night sightseeing tour on the lake," Fran said. "That's the ticket!" Stan, an old inhabitant of Chicago, replied.
Categories: informal

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 Glazing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Glazing https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Glazing English Slang #English #slang
Glazing
Corporate-speak for sleeping with your eyes open; a popular pastime at conferences and early-morning meetings.
"Didn't he notice that by the second session half the room was glazing?"
Categories: Glazing slang

]]> Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:30:03 +0000 have one's head screwed on backwards https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3487-have-ones-head-screwed-on-backwards https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3487-have-ones-head-screwed-on-backwards English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
have one's head screwed on backwards  {v. phr.}
To lack common sense; behave in strange and irrational ways.
Henry seems to have his head screwed on backwards; he thinks the best time to get a suntan is when it is raining and to sleep with his shoes on.
Categories: behave time verb

]]> Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 make a point https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5008-make-a-point https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5008-make-a-point English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
make a point  {v. phr.}
To try hard; make a special effort. — Used with "of" and a verbal noun.
He made a point of remembering to get his glasses fixed.
He made a point of thanking his hostess before he left the party.
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 P.J. O'Rourke https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/r/aphorism-2621 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/r/aphorism-2621 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1947--)
U.S. humorist
Never fight an inanimate object.
]]> Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Idioms to Learn Today https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_Oct_21 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_Oct_21 English Slang #English #flashcards
Flashcard learning set.

Check yourself now!

Try flashcard test by definitions or by descriptions.

Set includes the following items:

  • learn by rote
  • port of call
  • pass on
  • put in
  • blow hot and cold
  • at first blush
  • slap in the face
  • press one's luck
  • first string
  • darken one's door

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:30:03 +0000 clifihanger https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1322-clifihanger https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1322-clifihanger English Slang #English #informal #noun #Idioms #esl
clifihanger  {n.},  {informal}
A sports event or a movie in which the outcome is uncertain to the very end keeping the spectators in great suspense and excitement.
Did you see "The Fugitive"? It's a regular cliffhanger.
Categories: informal noun

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]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 just the other way https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_j/4318-just-the-other-way https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_j/4318-just-the-other-way English Slang #English #adverb #Idioms #esl
just the other way or the other way around  {adv. phr.}
Just the opposite.
One would have thought that Goliath would defeat David, but it was the other way around.
Categories: adverb

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Logan Pearsall Smith https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/s/aphorism-3031 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/s/aphorism-3031 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1865—1946), Afterthoughts, 1934
What's more enchanting than the voices of young people, when you can't hear what they say?

]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Alfred North Whitehead https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/w/aphorism-2306 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/w/aphorism-2306 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
In formal logic, a contradiction is a signal of a defeat; but in the evolution of real knowledge it marks the first step in progress towards a victory. This is one great reason for the utmost toleration of variety of opinion.

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:30:03 +0000 pinch pennies https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6152-pinch-pennies https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6152-pinch-pennies English Slang #English #informal #verb #noun #adjective #Idioms #esl
pinch pennies  {v. phr.},  {informal}
Not spend a penny more than necessary; be very saving or thrifty.
When Tom and Mary were saving money to buy a house, they had to pinch pennies.
- penny-pincher  {n.},  {informal}
A stingy or selfish person; miser.
He spent so little money that he began to get the name of a penny-pincher.
- penny-pinching  {adj.} or  {n.},  {informal}
Bob saved enough money by penny-pinching to buy a bicycle. ]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 potboiler https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6280-potboiler https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6280-potboiler English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
potboiler  {n.}
A book, play, or film written for the primary purpose of earning money for the author.
"Reading a cheap potboiler helps me go to sleep," the professor wryly remarked.
Categories: noun

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Cary Grant https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/g/aphorism-4111 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/g/aphorism-4111 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1904—1986), Hollywood actor
I improve on misquotation.
]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 less than no time https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4686-less-than-no-time https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4686-less-than-no-time English Slang #English #informal #noun #Idioms #esl
less than no time  {n. phr.},  {informal}
Very quickly.
We can be ready to go in less than no time.
It took Sally less than no time to get dinner ready.
Categories: informal noun time

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 make bricks without straw https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5024-make-bricks-without-straw https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/5024-make-bricks-without-straw English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
make bricks without straw  {v. phr.}
To make something without the wherewithal; do something the hard way; do a job under hard conditions.
John could not go to a library, and writing the report was a job of making bricks without straw.
It was making bricks without straw to put on plays in that old barn.
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 heart sink https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3568-heart-sink https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3568-heart-sink English Slang #English #Idioms #esl
heart sink
To lose hope, courage, or eagerness; be very disappointed.
The soldiers' hearts sank when they saw that they were surrounded by Indians.
The children were happy because they were going to the beach to swim, but their hearts sank when it began to rain.

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 hit-or-miss https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3670-hit-or-miss https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3670-hit-or-miss English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
hit-or-miss also hit-and-miss  {adj.}
Unplanned; uncontrolled; aimless; careless.
John did a lot of hit-or-miss reading, some of it about taxes.
Mary packed her bag in hurried, hit-or-miss fashion.
Categories: adjective

]]> Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 Evert Jan Ouweneel https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/o/aphorism-2289 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/o/aphorism-2289 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
Egoists are either ignorant or they can afford their egoism.
]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 sign of the times https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7200-sign-of-the-times https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7200-sign-of-the-times English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
sign of the times  {n. phr.}
A characteristic of the times in which one lives.
It is a sad sign of the times that all the major lakes and rivers are badly polluted and fish in them are poisoned.
Categories: noun

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 soap opera https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7367-soap-opera https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7367-soap-opera English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
soap opera  {n. phr.}
Radio or television serialized stories of a sentimental nature, often involving sex, crime, and social intrigue. These shows often advertise soap products, hence their name.
The two longest running soap operas in the United States were "Dallas" and "Knot's Landing."
Categories: noun

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]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 Aneurin Bevan https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-4404 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-4404 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1897—1960)
British politician,
Virtue is its own punishment.

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]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Idea Hamsters https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Idea-Hamsters https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Idea-Hamsters English Slang #English #slang
Idea Hamsters
People whose idea generators are always running.
Categories: slang
]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Idioms to Learn Today https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_28-12-2012 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_28-12-2012 English Slang #English #flashcards
New Reading / Flip Card set is now available
]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:30:02 +0000 sit up with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7248-sit-up-with https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7248-sit-up-with English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
sit up with  {v. phr.}
To be with; particularly to keep someone ill company.
Mrs. Brown sat up with her sick husband all night in the hospital room.
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 take steps https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7951-take-steps https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/7951-take-steps English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
take steps  {v. phr.}
To begin to make plans or arrangements; make preparations; give orders. — Usually used with "to" and an infinitive.
The city is taking steps to replace its streetcars with busses.
Categories: verb

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]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 Alexander Woolcott https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/w/aphorism-3334 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/w/aphorism-3334 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1887—1943)
The English have an extraordinary ability for flying into a great calm.

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:30:03 +0000 at cross purposes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/280-at-cross-purposes https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/280-at-cross-purposes English Slang #English #adverb #Idioms #esl
at cross purposes  {adv. phr.}
With opposing meanings or aims; with opposing effect or result; with aims which hinder or get in each other's way.
Tom's parents acted at cross purposes in advising him; his father wanted him to become a doctor; but his mother wanted him to become a minister.
Categories: adverb

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]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 bring off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/876-bring-off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/876-bring-off English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
bring off  {v.}
To do (something difficult); perform successfully (an act of skill); accomplish (something requiring unusual ability).
By skillful discussion, Mr. White had brought off an agreement that had seemed impossible to get.
He tried several times to break the high jump record, and finally he brought it off.
Compare: PUT OVER (2).
Categories: verb

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]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:30:01 +0000 Flight Risk https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Flight-Risk https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Flight-Risk English Slang #English #slang
Flight Risk
Used to describe employees who are suspected of planning to leave a company or department soon.
Categories: slang

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]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Robert Quillen https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/q/aphorism-4350 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/q/aphorism-4350 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
It's a great kindness to trust people with a secret. They feel so important while telling it.

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]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 stare in the face https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7562-stare-in-the-face https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7562-stare-in-the-face English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
stare in the face  {n. phr.}
1. To be about to meet or to happen to (you.)
Grandmother became very sick and death was staring her in the face.
Defeat stared them in the face, but the soldiers fought on bravely.
2. To be easy to see; be plain.
Are you looking for your pencil? It's on your desk, staring you in the face.
Their friends all knew that Mary loved John, but John did not see it even though it was staring him in the face.
Categories: death noun

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 state-of-the-art https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7573-state-of-the-art https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7573-state-of-the-art English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
state-of-the-art  {adj. phr.}
The best and — the latest any field of research can offer; modem; the latest; the most advanced.
State-of-the-art personal computers may cost a little more than older models, but may be worth the cost for those who need them.
Compare: UP TO DATE.
Categories: adjective

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 how do you do https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3822-how-do-you-do https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3822-how-do-you-do English Slang #English #formal #Idioms #esl
how do you do  {formal}
How are you? — Usually as a reply to an introduction; it is in the form of a question but no answer is expected.
"Mary, I want you to meet my friend Fred. Fred, this is my wife, Mary." "How do you do, Mary?" "How do you do, Fred?"
Categories: formal greeting

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]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 off the top of one's head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5563-off-the-top-of-ones-head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5563-off-the-top-of-ones-head English Slang #English #informal #adjective #adverb #Idioms #esl
off the top of one's head  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Without thinking hard; quickly.
Vin answered the teacher's question off the top of his head.
When Lorraine was asked to recite, she talked off the top of her head. ]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Will Rogers (1879-1935) https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/r/aphorism-2749 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/r/aphorism-2749 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
U.S. humorist
I bet after seeing us, George Washington would sue us for calling him "father."

]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Catherine Tate - The Offensive Translator https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/offensive-translator https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/offensive-translator English Slang #English #fun

A CEO need to find desperately someone that knows how to speak 7 languages. This is really #funny translation from English to seven different languages :) Or... how different languages sound to an English person :)

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:30:03 +0000 G https://www.english-slang.com/eng/qz/idiom-quizzes/quizzes-g https://www.english-slang.com/eng/qz/idiom-quizzes/quizzes-g English Slang #English #EnglishQuiz

Quizzes on idioms starting with G

Quiz(es): check yourself!

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]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:30:03 +0000 John Benbow, Manuscript and Proof, 1943 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-4794 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-4794 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
If you take hyphens seriously you will surely go mad.
]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:30:03 +0000 from the bottom of one's heart https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2636-from-the-bottom-of-ones-heart https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2636-from-the-bottom-of-ones-heart English Slang #English #adverb #Idioms #esl
from the bottom of one's heart or with all one's heart  {adv. phr.}
With great feeling; sincerely.
A mother loves a baby from the bottom of her heart.
John thanked his rescuer from the bottom of his heart.
The people welcomed the returning soldiers from the bottom of their hearts.
Categories: adverb feelings

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 off feed https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5533-off-feed https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_o/5533-off-feed English Slang #English #informal #adjective #Idioms #esl
off feed or off one's feed  {adj. phr.},  {informal}
Not feeling well; lacking in vitality; droopy; moody.
Mary was worried; her canary was off feed.
Jerry seemed to be off his feed; he did not joke and laugh with the others. ]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 B7 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/26-B7 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/26-B7 English Slang #English #slang
B7
"Banned"
Categories: slang
]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000