Flashcards based on "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" set

Prev Next
1 of 10


make a living

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[make a living]  {v. phr.}
To earn one's livelihood.
If you're good at your job, you can make a better living than if you don't know what you're doing.
It is easier to make a living in the United States than in many other countries.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


make a go of

Categories: business success verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[make a go of]  {v. phr.}
To turn into a success.
He is both energetic and highly skilled at trading; he is sure to make a go of any business that holds his interest.
Categories: business success verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


slinging match

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[slinging match]  {n. phr.}
A loud, angry quarrel.
The debate deteriorated into a most unseemly slinging match.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


pair off

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[pair off]  {v.}
1. To make a pair of; put two together; associate; match.
Mrs. Smith paired off her guests by age and tastes.
2. To belong to a pair; become one of a pair.
Jane paired off with Alice in a tennis doubles match.
3. To divide or join into pairs.
Later in the day the picnic crowd paired off for walks and boat rides.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


pair up

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[pair up]  {v.}
1. To make a pair of; match.
When she finished the mending, she paired up the socks.
2. To form a pair; to be or become one of a pair.
Not all the socks would pair up.
Joe paired up with Charlie to work on the lesson.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


kick up one's heels

Categories: informal time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[kick up one's heels]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To have a merry time; celebrate.
When exams were over the students went to town to kick up their heels.
Mary was usually very quiet but at the farewell party she kicked up her heels and had a wonderful time.
Categories: informal time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


kiddie car

A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[kiddie car]  {n.},  {slang},  {citizen's band radio jargon}
A school bus.
Watch out for that kiddie car coming up behind you!
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


knock oneself out

Categories: informal time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[knock oneself out]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To work very hard; make a great effort.
Mrs. Ross knocked herself out planning her daughter's wedding.
Tom knocked himself out to give his guests a good time.
Compare: [BREAK ONE'S NECK], [FALL OVER BACKWARDS], [OUT OF ONE'S WAY].
Categories: informal time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


knock the living daylights out of

Categories: informal slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[knock the living daylights out of]  {v. phr.},  {slang},  {informal}
To render (someone) unconscious (said in exaggeration).
The news almost knocked the living daylights out of me.
Categories: informal slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


meet one's match

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[meet one's match]  {v. phr.}
To encounter someone as good as oneself.
The champion finally met his match and lost the game.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms