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1 of 10


hand-pick

Categories: hand informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[hand-pick]  {v.},  {informal}
To choose very carefully.
This debating team should win because its members are all hand-picked.
The political bosses hand-picked a man for mayor who would agree with them.
Categories: hand informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


handle to one's name

Categories: noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[handle to one's name]  {n. phr.},  {slang}
A special title used before your name.
Jim's father has a handle to his name. He is Major Watson.
Bob came back from the University with a handle to his name and was called Dr. Jones.
Categories: noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


last out

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[last out]  {v.}
1. To be enough until the end of.
There is enough food in the house to last out the snowstorm.
Our candies won't last out the night.
2. To continue to the end of; continue to live after; live or go through.
The old man is dying; he won't last out the night.
This car will never last out the winter.
Compare: [HOLD OUT].
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


last straw

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[last straw] or [straw that breaks the camel's back]  {n. phr.}
A small trouble which follows other troubles and makes one lose patience and be unable to bear them.
Bill had a bad day in school yesterday. He lost his knife on the way home, then he fell down, and when he broke a shoe lace, that was the last straw and he began to cry.
Mary didn't like it when the other girls said she was proud and lazy, but when they said she told fibs it was the straw that broke the camel's back and she told the teacher.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


laughing matter

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[laughing matter]  {n.}
A funny happening; a silly situation. — Usually used with "no".
John's failing the test is no laughing matter!
We were amused when our neighbor's cat had five kittens, but when our own cat had six kittens it was no laughing matter.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


pass the time of day

Categories: greeting time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[pass the time of day]  {v. phr.}
To exchange greetings; stop for a chat.
They met at the corner and paused to pass the time of day.
Categories: greeting time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


pass upon

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[pass upon]  {v. phr.}
To express an opinion about; judge.
George said he wanted his wife to pass up the new house before he decided to buy it.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


take a shine to

Categories: slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[take a shine to]  {v. phr.},  {slang}
To have or show a quick liking for.
He took a shine to his new teacher the very first day.
Compare: [TAKE A FANCY TO].
Categories: slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


take a shot at

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[take a shot at]  {v. phr.}
To try casually; attempt to do.
"Can you handle all these new book orders?" Tom asked. "I haven't done it before," Sally replied, "but I can sure take a shot at it."
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


take a stand

Categories: assertion time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[take a stand]  {v. phr.}
To assert one's point. of view; declare one's position.
It is time for American society to take a stand against crime.
Categories: assertion time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms