[string] See: [FIRST STRING], [LATCH STRING], [ON THE STRING] or [ON A STRING], [PULL STRINGS], [PURSE STRINGS], [SHOE-STRING CATCH], [TIED TO ONE'S MOTHER'S APRON STRINGS]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

on the string

[on the string] or [on a string] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Under your influence or control; obedient to every wish. * /The baby had his mother on a string./ * /She […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

latch string

[latch string] {n.} 1. A string that opens an old-fashioned door by lifting a small bar. * /The early settlers kept the latch string outside the door when they were […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

first-string

[first-string] {adj.}, {informal} 1. On the starting team or A team. * /He was the first-string quarterback./ 2. Of the best quality; foremost. * /He was the least expensive of […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

know one in high places

[know one in high places] {v. phr.} To be connected with people in power. * /Ted's grandfather was the mayor of Chicago so […]

let sleeping dogs lie

[let sleeping dogs lie] Do not make (someone) angry and cause trouble or danger; do not make trouble if you do not have to. - […]

out of the hole

[out of the hole] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1a. With a score better than zero in a game; especially a card game, to a […]

The Internet TESL Journal

For Teachers of English as a Second Language An Internet periodical devoted to English language teaching. However it will be […]

Leo Rosten

(1908-1997) U.S. writer, about W.C. Fields Any man who hates dogs and babies can't be all bad.

Slang and Idioms

Selected Podcasts where slang, idioms or expressions get explained

act of God

[act of God] {n.} An occurrence (usually some sort of catastrophe) for which the people affected are not responsible; said of […]

shortchange

[shortchange] {v. phr.} To return less money to a customer in a store than is coming to him or her; cheat. * /I was […]