[hard nut to crack] also [tough nut to crack] {n. phr.}, {informal} Something difficult to understand or to do. * /Tom's algebra lesson was a hard nut to crack./ * […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

crack of dawn

[crack of dawn] {n. phr.} The time in the morning when the sun's rays first appear. * /The rooster crows at the crack of dawn and wakes up everybody on […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

take a crack at

[take a crack at] {v. phr.} To try doing something. * /It was a difficult challenge to reorganize our antiquated campus, but the resident architect decided to take a crack […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

crack

[crack] See: [HARD NUT TO CRACK] or [TOUGH NUT TO CRACK]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

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know one in high places

[know one in high places] {v. phr.} To be connected with people in power. * /Ted's grandfather was the mayor of Chicago so […]

let sleeping dogs lie

[let sleeping dogs lie] Do not make (someone) angry and cause trouble or danger; do not make trouble if you do not have to. - […]

out of the hole

[out of the hole] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1a. With a score better than zero in a game; especially a card game, to a […]

The Internet TESL Journal

For Teachers of English as a Second Language An Internet periodical devoted to English language teaching. However it will be […]

Leo Rosten

(1908-1997) U.S. writer, about W.C. Fields Any man who hates dogs and babies can't be all bad.

Slang and Idioms

Selected Podcasts where slang, idioms or expressions get explained

act of God

[act of God] {n.} An occurrence (usually some sort of catastrophe) for which the people affected are not responsible; said of […]

shortchange

[shortchange] {v. phr.} To return less money to a customer in a store than is coming to him or her; cheat. * /I was […]