[touch to the quick] {v. phr.} To hurt someone's feelings very deeply; offend. * /His remark about her lack of education touched her to the quick./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

quick on the trigger

[quick on the trigger] or [trigger happy] {adj. phr.} 1. Ready to shoot without warning; fast with a gun. * /He's a dangerous criminal quick on the trigger./ 2. {informal} […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

quick study

[quick study] {n. phr.} One who acquires new skills and habits in record time. * /Sue is new at her job but people have confidence in her because she is […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

once-over

[once-over] {n.}, {slang} 1. A quick look; a swift examination of someone or something. - Usually used with "give" or "get". * /The new boy got the once-over from the […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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into effect

[into effect] {adv. phr.} Into use or operation. * /The new rule was put into effect at once./ * /The judge ordered the old […]

skin and bones

[skin and bones] {n.} A person or animal that is very thin; someone very skinny. * /The puppy is healthy now, but when we […]

Irish curse

May she marry a ghost and bear him a kitten, and may the high king of glory permit it to get mange.

American Idioms

A starting point to explore free video lessons on American idioms.

corn ball

[corn ball] {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A superficially sentimental movie or musical in which the word "love" is mentioned […]

tone down

[tone down] {v.} To make softer or quieter; make less harsh or strong; moderate. * /He toned down the sound of the TV./ * […]

Samuel Butler II

(1835-1902) A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg.

scally

[scally] {n.} A hooligan youth (Scouse), short for scallywag.