[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

glad hand

[glad hand] {n.}, {informal} A friendly handshake; a warm greeting. * /Father went to the front door to give Uncle Fred the glad hand when he arrived./ * /The politician […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

roll out the red carpet

[roll out the red carpet] {v. phr.} 1. To welcome an important guest by putting a red carpet down for him to walk on. * /They rolled out the red […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

with open arms

[with open arms] {adv. phr.} 1. With the arms spread wide for hugging or catching. * /When Father came home from work, little Sally ran out to meet him with […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

Learning English - More Slang

MrDuncan looks at more slang terms in his online lesson:* /sucker, grass, crackers, bling, blag, diss, geek (nerd), scam, bum, […]

Robert Frost

(1874-1963) U.S. poet A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer.

make out

[make out] {v.} 1. To write the facts asked for (as in an application blank or a report form); fill out. * /The teacher made […]

mixed blessing

[mixed blessing] {n.} Something good that has bad features. * /John's new bicycle was a mixed blessing. The other boys were […]

Charles F. Kettering

(1876-1958) U.S. inventorindustrialist You can be sincere and still be stupid.

rgr

[rgr] "Roger" aka "affirmative" or "10-4", radio talk; "Roger that", meaning "message acknowledged".

banana oil

[banana oil] {n.}, {slang} Flattery that is an obvious exaggeration; statements that are obviously made with an ulterior […]

over the top

[over the top] {adv. phr.} 1. Out of the trenches and against the enemy. * /The plan was to spend the night in the trenches […]