[in effect] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. The same in meaning or result. * /The teacher gave the same assignment, in effect, that she gave yesterday./ * /Helping your mother […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

take effect

[take effect] {v. phr.} 1. To have an unexpected or intended result; cause a change. * /It was nearly an hour before the sleeping pill took effect./ 2. To become […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

into effect

[into effect] {adv. phr.} Into use or operation. * /The new rule was put into effect at once./ * /The judge ordered the old suspended penalty into effect./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

to that effect

[to that effect] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} With that meaning. * /She said she hated spinach, or words to that effect./ * /When I leave, I will write you to […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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give rein to

[give rein to] or [give free rein to] {v. phr.} To remove all restrictions or limitations from someone or something. * /When […]

stick to one's knitting

[stick to one's knitting] or [tend to one's knitting] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do your own job and not bother other people. * […]

Mark Twain

(1835-1910) It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except […]

Russell Peters - Accents Clip

Russell Peters rips on people's accents.

George Carlin on "Happens to be" & "Openly"

George talks about the overuse of the 2 expressions :)

American Slang

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

break-even

[break-even] {n.} The point of equilibrium in a business venture when one has made as much money as one had invested, but not […]

passed ball

[passed ball] {n.} A pitched baseball missed by the catcher when he should have been able to catch it. * /The batter singled […]