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1 of 10


cold turkey

Categories: adverb informal noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[cold turkey]  {adv.},  {slang},  {informal}
1. Abruptly and without medical aid to withdraw from the use of an addictive drug or from a serious drinking problem.
Joe is a very brave guy; he kicked the habit cold turkey.
2.  {n.}
An instance of withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
Joe did a cold turkey.
Categories: adverb informal noun slang
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


talk turkey

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[talk turkey]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To talk about something in a really businesslike way; talk with the aim of getting things done.
Charles said, "Now, let's talk turkey about the bus trip. The fact is, it will cost each student $1.50."
The father always spoke gently to his son, but when the son broke the windshield of the car, the father talked turkey to him.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


come hell or high water

Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[come hell or high water]  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
No matter what happens; whatever may come.
Grandfather said he would go to the fair, come hell or high water.
Compare: [COME WHAT MAY], [THROUGH THE MILL].
Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


coming and going

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[coming and going] or [going and coming]  {adv. phr.}
1. Both ways; in both directions.
The truck driver stops at the same cafe coming and going.
John was late. He got punished both going and coming; his teacher punished him and his parents punished him.
2. Caught or helpless; in your power; left with no way out of a difficulty. — Used after "have".
If Beth stayed in the house, Mother would make her help with the cleaning; if she went outside, Father would make her help wash the car — they had her coming and going.
Uncle Mike is a good checker player, and he soon had me beat coming and going.
Compare: [BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA].
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


dead ahead

Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[dead ahead]  {adv.},  {informal}
Exactly in front; before.
The school is dead ahead about two miles from here.
Father was driving in a fog, and suddenly he saw another car dead ahead of him.
Categories: adverb informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


down the drain

A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[down the drain]  {adj.} or  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
Wasted; lost.
It is money down the drain if you spend it all on candy.
Our plans to go swimming went down the drain when it rained.
Compare: [GO BY THE BOARD].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


go down the drain

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[go down the drain]  {v. phr.}
To be lost or wasted forever.
If he doesn't pass the bar examination tomorrow, his best efforts to become a lawyer will go down the drain.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
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every now and then

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[every now and then] or [every now and again] or [every so often] or [every once in a while]  {adv. phr.}
At fairly regular intervals; fairly often; repeatedly.
John comes to visit me every now and then.
It was hot work, but every so often Susan would bring us something cold to drink.
Compare: [NOW AND THEN].
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


every time one turns around

Categories: adverb informal time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[every time one turns around]  {adv. phr.},  {informal}
Very often.
Mr. Winston must be rich. He buys a new suit every time he turns around.
No, Charles — I can't drive you to the park every time I turn around.
Categories: adverb informal time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


for love or money

Categories: adverb love money world
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[for love or money]  {adv. phr.}
For anything; for any price. Used in negative sentences.
I wouldn't give him my dog for love or money.
Compare: [FOR ALL THE WORLD] (1).
Categories: adverb love money world
A Dictionary of American Idioms