[in a jam] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a predicament; in a situation fraught with difficulty. * /If you continue to disregard the university instructions on how to take a test, […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in a fix

[in a fix] {adv. phr.} In trouble. * /Last night Jack wrecked his car and now he is in a fix./ Compare: [IN A JAM], [IN A PICKLE]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

blow out

[blow out] {v. phr.} 1. To cease to function; fail; explode (said of tires and fuses). * /The accident occurred when Jim's tire blew out on the highway./ * /The […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

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 […]

Leo Rosten

(1908-1997) U.S. writer Words must surely be counted among the most powerful drugs man ever invented.

Quizzes on idioms starting with U

Umfriend

[Umfriend] One with whom one has a sexual relationship; as in: * /"...this is Dale, my umfriend."/

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.