American Idioms

Eat like a horse: eat a lot

e.g. They won’t invite you to dinner next time; just now you ate like a horse.

Don’t hold your breath: it might take longer than you think

e.g. At last the law might be passed at the Congress, but don’t hold your breath.

Ins and outs of something: details to do something right

e.g. Take your time; you need to know the ins and outs of this procedure in order to do it right.

Has had its day: no longer popular

e.g. This bulky lawn mower has had its day. We need to get a new one.

Run in the family: a characteristic in all members of a family

e.g. Longevity runs in the family: they all live to a ripe old age.

You bet: yes, of course

e.g. “Are you hungry?” “You bet!”

Easy does it: go carefully and slowly

e.g. This TV set is heavy, so easy does it.

In nothing flat: in exactly no time at all

e.g. Don’t worry! I’ll get you to the airport in nothing flat.

All at sea: confused

e.g. The lawyer was all at sea when he read the two conflicting reports of the incident.

Alive and kicking: living and healthy; okay

e.g. I had been sick for some time, but now I am alive and kicking.”

e.g. “How are you?” “Well, alive and kicking.”

Stephen Lau

Copyright© by Stephen Lau