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1 of 10


I declare

A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[I declare]  {interj.},  {dialect}
Well; oh my; truly. — Used for emphasis.
I declare, it has been a very warm day!
Mother said, "I declare, John, you have grown a foot."
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


I'll say

A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[I'll say] or [I tell you]  {interj.},  {informal}
I agree with this completely. — Used for emphasis.
Did the children all enjoy Aunt Sally's pecan pie? I'll say!
I'll say this is a good movie!
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


I'll tell you what

Categories: informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[I'll tell you what] or [tell you what]  {informal}
Here is an idea.
The hamburger stand is closed, but I'll tell you what, let's go to my house and cook some hot dogs.
Categories: informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


I'm telling you

Categories: informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[I'm telling you]  {informal}
It is important to listen to what I am saying.
Marian is a smart girl but I'm telling you, she doesn't always do what she promises.
Categories: informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


if only

A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[if only]
I wish.
If only it would stop raining!
If only Mother could be here.
Syn.: [WOULD THAT].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


if need be

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[if need be]  {adv. phr.}
If the need arises.
If need be, I can come early tomorrow and work overtime.
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


in a big way

Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[in a big way]  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
As fully as possible; with much ceremony.
Our family celebrates birthdays in a big way.
John likes to entertain his dates in a big way.
Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


keep up appearances

Categories: death time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[keep up appearances]  {v. phr.}
To maintain an outward show of prosperity in spite of financial problems.
Mr. Smith's widow had a hard time keeping up appearances after her husband's death.
Categories: death time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


know something inside out

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[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
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


know-it-all

Categories: adjective noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[know-it-all]  {n.}
A person who acts as if he knows all about everything; someone who thinks no one can tell him anything new.
After George was elected as class president, he wouldn't take suggestions from anyone; he became a know-it-all.
- Also used like an adjective.
The other students didn't like George's know-it-all attitude.
Categories: adjective noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms