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1 of 10


jake flake

Categories: bother noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[jake flake]  {n.},  {slang}
A boring person whose company is usually not wanted.
Please don't invite Turner, he is a jake flake.
Categories: bother noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


jack of all trades

Categories: derogatory informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[jack of all trades]  {n.},  {informal} (Often followed by "master of none.")
A person who is knowledgeable in many areas. Can be used as praise, or as a derogatory remark depending on the context and the intonation.
Peter is a jack of all trades; he can survive anywhere!
"How come Joe did such a sloppy job?" Mary asked. "He's a jack of all trades," Sally answered.
Categories: derogatory informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


jack up

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[jack up]  {v.}
1. To lift with a jack.
The man jacked up his car to fit a flat tire.
2.  {informal}
To make (a price) higher; raise.
Just before Christmas, some stores jack up their prices.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


before one can say Jack Robinson

Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[before one can say Jack Robinson]  {adv. cl.},  {informal}
Very quickly; suddenly. — An overused phrase.
Before I could say Jack Robinson, the boy was gone.
Compare: [IN A FLASH], [RIGHT AWAY].
Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


race to stand still

Categories: verb work
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[race to stand still]  {v. phr.}
To be so far behind in one's work that one must exert an effort similar to that needed to win a race in order simply not to fall even further behind.
"Could you review this book for us, Professor Brown?" the editor asked. "Unfortunately, no," the professor answered. "I'm so behind in my work that I am racing to stand still."
Categories: verb work
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


unbosom oneself

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[unbosom oneself]  {v. phr.}
To confess one's personal thoughts or feelings; disclose private information to a confidante.
Once she was at home with her mother, she unbosomed herself of all her troubles.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


under a cloud

Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[under a cloud]  {adj. phr.}
1. Under suspicion; not trusted.
Joyce has been under a cloud since her roommate's bracelet disappeared.
The butcher is under a cloud because the inspectors found his scales were not honest.
2. Depressed, sad, discouraged.
Joe has been under a cloud since his dog died.
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


up to no good

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[up to no good]  {adv. phr.}
Intending to do something bad; perpetrating an illicit act.
We could tell from the look on Dennis the Menace's face that he was once again up to no good.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


up to one's ears

Categories: adverb time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[up to one's ears]  {adv. phr.}
Immersed in; covered with.
"Around final examination time," Professor Brown explained, "I am always up to my ears in work."
Categories: adverb time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


up to one's neck

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[up to one's neck]  {adv. phr.}
Overwhelmed with; submerged in.
"During the summer season in our cottage by the lake," the Allens complained, "we are usually up to our necks in uninvited guests."
Compare: [UP TO ONE'S EARS].
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms