[out-and-out] {adj.} Extreme; complete; thorough. * /The candidate was an out-and-out conservative./ * /It was out-and-out robbery to charge twice the usual price for eggs just because they were scarce./ […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

under the counter

[under the counter] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Secretly (bought or sold). * /That book has been banned, but there is one place you can get it under the counter./ * /The […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

make a name for oneself

[make a name for oneself] {v. phr.} To become recognized in a field of endeavor; become a celebrity. * /Joe has worked so hard at soybean trading that he made […] 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 […]