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 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 03:02:04 +0300 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 03:02:04 +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/ as much https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/243-as-much https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/243-as-much English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
as much  {n.}
The same; exactly that.
Don't thank me, I would do as much for anyone.
Did you lose your way? I thought as much when you were late in coming.
Categories: noun

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]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 horse sense https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3791-horse-sense https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3791-horse-sense English Slang #English #informal #noun #Idioms #esl
horse sense  {n.},  {informal}
A good understanding about what to do in life; good judgment; wisdom in making decisions.
Bill had never been to college, but he had plenty of horse sense.
Some people are well educated and read many books, but still do not have much horse sense.
Categories: informal life noun

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 LYL https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/254-LYL https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/254-LYL English Slang #English #slang
LYL
"Love ya lots"
Categories: slang
]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Yogi Berra https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-4495 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-4495 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1925--)
U.S. baseball player
If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, how are you going to stop them?

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]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 good for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3098-good-for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/3098-good-for English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
good for or hurrah for  {adj. phr.}
Used with a name or pronoun to praise someone.
Good for George! He won the 100-yard dash.
You got 100 on the test? Hurrah for you.
Categories: adjective

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Irish proverb https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/p/aphorism-4248 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/p/aphorism-4248 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
God is not as severe as he is said to be.
Categories: proverb

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]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Listen to English - learn English! https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/listen-to-english https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/listen-to-english English Slang #English

The podcast website for people learning English


The podcasts on this site will help you to improve your English vocabulary and #pronunciation and your listening skills. They are quite short (5 or 6 minutes) and delivered in clearly spoken English. Many of them are linked to #grammar and vocabulary notes, or to exercises or #quizes.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 put in a word for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6401-put-in-a-word-for https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6401-put-in-a-word-for English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
put in a word for  {v. phr.}
To speak in favor of someone; recommend someone.
"Don't worry about your job application," Sam said to Tim. "I'll put in a word for you with the selection committee."
Categories: verb

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Luc de Clapiers Vauvenargues https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/v/aphorism-3122 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/v/aphorism-3122 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1715—1747)
If anyone accuses me of contradicting myself, I reply: because I have been wrong once, or several times, I don't intend to be wrong forever.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 alive and kicking https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/86-alive-and-kicking https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_a/86-alive-and-kicking English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
alive and kicking  {adj. phr.}
Very active; vigorous; full of energy.
Grandpa was taken to the hospital with pneumonia, but he was discharged yesterday and is alive and kicking.
Categories: adjective

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]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 ease off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_e/2041-ease-off https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_e/2041-ease-off English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
ease off or ease up  {v.}
To make or become less nervous; relax; work easier.
When the boss realized that John had been overworking, he eased off his load.
With success and prosperity, Mr. Smith was able to ease off.
Compare: LET UP (3).
Categories: success verb

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Rachel Heyhoe Flint https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/f/aphorism-3954 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/f/aphorism-3954 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1937-- )
English cricket player
As one door closes, another slams in your face.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 The Internet TESL Journal https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/iteslj.org https://www.english-slang.com/eng/esl/iteslj.org English Slang #English

For Teachers of English as a Second Language


An Internet periodical devoted to English language teaching. However it will be very useful both for teachers and students. Judge yourself! The site provides a comprehensive list of resources, including:
  • Articles, research papers, lessons plans, classroom handouts, teaching ideas, links.
  • Free online quizzes, exercises and puzzles to help you study English.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 keep out (of) https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4381-keep-out--of- https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4381-keep-out--of- English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
keep out (of)  {v. phr.}
1. To stay out; remain out of.
The sign on the fence said, "Danger! Keep out!"
2. To stave off; not allow in.
The border patrol near El Paso, Texas, is trying to keep illegal immigrants out of the United States.
Categories: verb

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 run around https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6760-run-around https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_r/6760-run-around English Slang #English #informal #verb #Idioms #esl
run around or chase around  {v.},  {informal}
To go to different places for company and pleasure; be friends.
Tim hasn't been to a dance all year; with school work and his job, he hasn't time to run around.
Chuck and Jim chase around a lot together.
- Often used with "with".
Ruth runs around with girls who like to go dancing.
Compare: GO AROUND, HANG AROUND.
Categories: informal pleasure time verb

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Idioms to Learn Today https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_23-1-2013 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_23-1-2013 English Slang #English #flashcards
Learn/refresh your knowledge against this set!
Then check yourself by running flashcard test by definitions or by descriptions.
*** Students & teachers ***: see all available reading & drilling sets, run flashcards, use them during your lessons!

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 N.Y. State Senator James H. Donovan https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/d/aphorism-3221 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/d/aphorism-3221 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
Where would Christianity be if Jesus got 8 to 15 years with time off for good behavior?

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 Percussive Maintenance https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Percussive-Maintenance https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Percussive-Maintenance English Slang #English #slang
Percussive Maintenance
The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again.
Categories: slang

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 beat into one's head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/495-beat-into-ones-head https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_b/495-beat-into-ones-head English Slang #English #informal #verb #Idioms #esl
beat into one's head  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To teach by telling again and again; repeat often; drill, also, to be cross and punish often.
Tom is lazy and stubborn and his lessons have to be beaten into his head.
I cannot beat it into his head that he should take off his hat in the house.
Categories: informal verb

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 keep (one) posted https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4355-keep--one--posted https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4355-keep--one--posted English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
keep (one) posted  {v. phr.}
To receive current information; inform oneself.
My associates phoned me every day and kept me posted on new developments in our business.
Categories: business verb

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 Menander https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-2364 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/m/aphorism-2364 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(342—291 B.C.), Greek playwright
Marriage, if one will face the truth, is an evil, but a necessary evil.

]]> Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:30:02 +0300 lead a merry chase https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4612-lead-a-merry-chase https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4612-lead-a-merry-chase English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
lead a merry chase  {v. phr.}
To delay or escape capture by (someone) skillfully; make (a pursuer) work hard.
The deer led the hunter a merry chase.
Valerie is leading her boyfriend a merry chase.
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 think aloud https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8131-think-aloud https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_t/8131-think-aloud English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
think aloud or think out loud  {v.}
To say what you are thinking.
"I wish I had more money for Christmas presents," Father thought aloud. "What did you say?" said Mother. Father answered, "I'm sorry. I wasn't talking to you. I was thinking out loud."
Categories: verb

]]> Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:30:01 +0300 George Carlin - Importance of our "Stuff" https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/George-Carlin-on-stuff https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/George-Carlin-on-stuff English Slang #English #fun

George Carlin's classic standup routine about the importance of "Stuff" in our lives.
*** Students & teachers ***: see all available reading & drilling sets, run flashcards, use them during your lessons!

]]> Sat, 11 Jul 2026 03:30:03 +0300 R.B. Cunningham-Graham https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/c/aphorism-2867 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/c/aphorism-2867 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1852—1936) in letter to Teddy Roosevelt, 1917
God forbid that I should go to any heaven in which there are no horses.

]]> Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:30:03 +0000 drink down https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_d/1969-drink-down https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_d/1969-drink-down English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
drink down  {v. phr.}
To drink in one gulp; swallow entirely.
Steve was so thirsty that he drank down six glasses of orange juice in rapid succession.
Categories: verb

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]]> Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 fall back https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2193-fall-back https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2193-fall-back English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
fall back  {v.}
To move back; go back. — Usually used with a group as subject.
The army fell back before their stubborn enemies.
The crowd around the hurt boy fell back when someone shouted "Give him air!"
Compare: DROP BACK, GIVE WAY.
Categories: verb

]]> Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 William Faulkner https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/f/aphorism-4799 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/f/aphorism-4799 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1897—1962)
U.S. author
My own experience has been that the tools I need for my trade are paper, tobacco, food, and a little whisky.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 hard-boiled https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3356-hard-boiled https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_h/3356-hard-boiled English Slang #English #adjective #Idioms #esl
hard-boiled  {adj.}
Unrefined; tough; merciless.
"Because you were two minutes late," my hard-boiled boss cried, "I will deduct fifteen minutes worth from your salary!"
Categories: adjective

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:30:01 +0000 shut out https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7179-shut-out https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_s/7179-shut-out English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
shut out  {v.}
1. To prevent from coming in; block.
During World War II, Malta managed to shut out most of the Italian and German bombers by throwing up an effective anti-aircraft screen.
The boys were annoyed by Tom's telling club secrets and shut him out of their meeting.
2. To prevent (an opposing team) from scoring throughout an entire game.
The Dodgers shut out the Reds, 5—0.
Categories: verb world

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]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:30:01 +0000 corn belt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1520-corn-belt https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_c/1520-corn-belt English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
corn belt  {n.}
1. The Midwest; the agricultural section of the United States where much corn is grown.
Kansas is one of the slates that lies within the corn belt.
Categories: noun

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]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Idioms to Learn Today https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_25-1-2013 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_25-1-2013 English Slang #English #flashcards
Learn/refresh your knowledge against this set!
Then check yourself by running flashcard test by definitions or by descriptions.

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Kurt Benirschke https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-3344 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-3344 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
U.S. scientist
Extinct is forever.
]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 make a clean sweep of https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/4975-make-a-clean-sweep-of https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_m/4975-make-a-clean-sweep-of English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
make a clean sweep of  {v. phr.}
1. Achieve a complete victory.
In 7980 the Reagan Republicans made a clean sweep of the western states.
2. To eliminate thoroughly and completely.
The new attorney general is expected to make a clean sweep of all the old administrative personnel.
Categories: verb

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 down on one's luck https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_d/1915-down-on-ones-luck https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_d/1915-down-on-ones-luck English Slang #English #informal #adjective #Idioms #esl
down on one's luck  {adj.},  {informal}
Having bad luck; having much trouble; not successful in life.
Harry asked me to lend him ten dollars, because he was down on his luck.
The teacher is easy on Jane because Jane has been down on her luck lately.
Compare:
HARD ROW TO HOE,
HARD SLEDDING,
ON ONE'S UPPERS.
Categories: adjective informal

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]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Fran Lebowitz https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3898 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/l/aphorism-3898 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1950--)
U.S. writer
I figure you have the same chance of winning the lottery whether you play or not.

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]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 give rein to https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/2960-give-rein-to https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_g/2960-give-rein-to English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
give rein to or give free rein to  {v. phr.}
To remove all restrictions or limitations from someone or something.
When she wrote her first mystery novel, the talented novelist gave rein to her imagination.
Categories: verb

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Betamaxed https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Betamaxed https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/business-slang/Betamaxed English Slang #English #slang
Betamaxed
When a technology is overtaken in the market by inferior but better marketed competition as in "Microsoft betamaxed Apple right out of the market"
Categories: slang

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]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Gl hf https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/153-Gl-hf https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/internet-slang/153-Gl-hf English Slang #English #slang
Gl hf
"Good luck, have Fun." Usually used in online gaming.
Categories: slang
]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 goof on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/more_expressions/goof-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/more_expressions/goof-on English Slang #English
goof on  {v. phr.}
To laugh or joke at smb.; to tease.
You're goofing on me, right?
Categories: verb

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]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Henry Brooks Adams https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-3717 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/b/aphorism-3717 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1838—1918)
U.S. historian
No man likes to have his intelligence or good faith questioned, especially if he has doubts about it himself.

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]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 O https://www.english-slang.com/eng/qz/idiom-quizzes/quizzes-o https://www.english-slang.com/eng/qz/idiom-quizzes/quizzes-o English Slang #English #EnglishQuiz

Quizzes on idioms starting with O

Quiz(es): check yourself!
]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 lead on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4618-lead-on https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_l/4618-lead-on English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl
lead on  {v. phr.}
To encourage you to believe something untrue or mistaken.
Tom led us on to believe that he was a world traveler, but we found out that he had never been outside our state.
We were led on to think that Jeanne and Jim were engaged to be married.
Categories: encourage verb world

]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:01 +0000 pound of flesh https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6287-pound-of-flesh https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_p/6287-pound-of-flesh English Slang #English #noun #Idioms #esl
pound of flesh  {n. phr.},  {literary}
The maximum payment authorized by law.
He had hoped that Peter would be lenient regarding the interest they had agreed on, but Peter demanded his full pound of flesh.
Categories: literary noun

]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:01 +0000 Carl Sandburg https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/s/aphorism-2991 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/famous/s/aphorism-2991 English Slang #English #quoteoftheday #sayings
(1878—1967)
U.S. poet
A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 Idioms to Learn Today https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_9-3-2013 https://www.english-slang.com/eng/-set-/Learn_on_9-3-2013 English Slang #English #flashcards
Learn/refresh your knowledge against this set!
Then check yourself by running flashcard test by definitions or by descriptions.

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 know something inside out https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4482-know-something-inside-out https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_k/4482-know-something-inside-out English Slang #English #verb #Idioms #esl

know something inside out  {v. phr.}
To be extremely well conversant with something; be an expert in; have thorough knowledge of.
Tom knows the stock market inside out.
Categories: verb

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:30:02 +0000 first and foremost https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2357-first-and-foremost https://www.english-slang.com/eng/american/i_f/2357-first-and-foremost English Slang #English #adverb #Idioms #esl
first and foremost  {adv. phr.}
As the most important thing; first.
First and foremost they needed food.
I want you to remember to pay that bill first and foremost.
First and foremost, we must keep America free.
Categories: adverb

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:30:01 +0000 Hugh Laurie - "The British accent vs the American" https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/British-vs-American https://www.english-slang.com/eng/fun/British-vs-American English Slang #English #fun #accents

The fantastically talented Hugh Laurie paid a house call to Ellen, and they played an exciting game of American slang versus English slang — and the game was bloody brilliant!

Anyway, you will now know what flossing, chinwag, ba-donka-donk, chuffed to bits, shawty mean for a British and for an American :-)).
Have fun! ]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:30:01 +0000 party animal https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/more_expressions/party-animal https://www.english-slang.com/eng/e-slang/more_expressions/party-animal English Slang #English
party animal  {n. phr.}
1. A person who loves parties.
That kid is such a party animal. He takes every opportunity he gets to go to a party.
2. A person who loves to dance, party and drink and also to make the most of a party. Usally ends up drunk on someone's lawn. But can be some what an Attention whore.
- Look at that kid dancing! — I know, he is such a party animal
Categories: noun
*** Students & teachers ***: see all available reading & drilling sets, run flashcards, use them during your lessons!

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:30:01 +0000