[what's with] or [what's up with] also [what's by] {slang} What is happening to; what is wrong; how is everything; what can you tell me about. * /Mary looks worried. […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

welcome mat

[welcome mat] {n.} 1. A mat for wiping your shoes on, often with the word "welcome" on it, that is placed in front of a door. * /Mother bought a […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

dine out

[dine out] {v. phr.} To not eat at home but to go to a restaurant. * /"Let's dine out tonight, honey," she said to her husband. "I am tired of […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

what's what

[what's what] or [what is what] {n. phr.}, {informal} 1. What each thing is in a group; one thing from another. * /The weeds and the flowers are coming up […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

Duncan Spaeth, Princeton professor

I know why the sun never sets on the British Empire: God wouldn't trust an Englishman in the dark.

come to the point

[come to the point] or [get to the point] {v. phr.} To talk about the important thing; reach the important facts of the […]

strike one funny

[strike one funny] {v. phr.} To appear or seem laughable, curious, ironic, or entertaining. * /"It strikes me funny," he […]

P.J. O'Rourke

(1947--) U.S. humorist Never wear anything that panics the cat.

Adminisphere

[Adminisphere] The rarified organizational layers above the rank and file that makes decisions that are often profoundly […]

around the clock

[around the clock] also [the clock around] {adv. phr.} For 24 hours a day continuously all day and all night. * /The factory […]

wear thin

[wear thin] {v.} 1. To become thin from use, wearing, or the passing of time. * /My old pair of pants has worn thin at the […]