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1 of 10


out of town

Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[out of town]  {adv. phr.}
Having left one's usual residence or place of work on a longer trip.
"Mr. Smith is out of town until Monday," the secretary said. "May I take a message?"
Categories: adverb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10


put by

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[put by]  {v.}
To save for the future; lay aside.
He had put by a good sum during a working lifetime.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


talk a blue streak

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[talk a blue streak]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To talk on and on, usually very fast.
Sue is a nice girl but after one drink she talks a blue streak and won't stop.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


hole in one

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[hole in one]  {n. phr.}
A shot in golf that is hit from the tee and goes right into the cup.
Many golfers play for years before they get a hole in one.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


landing ship

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[landing ship]  {n.}
A ship built to land troops and army equipment on a beach for an invasion.
The landing ship came near the beach, doors in the bow opened, and marines ran out.
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


feel one's oats

Categories: feelings slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[feel one's oats]  {v. phr.},  {slang}
1. To feel frisky or playful; be eager and excited.
The horses were feeling their oats.
When they first got to camp, the boys were feeling their oats.
2. To act in a proud or important way.
The new gardener was feeling his oats and started to boss the other men.
Categories: feelings slang verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


jump through a hoop

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[jump through a hoop]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To do whatever you are told to do; obey any order.
Bob would jump through a hoop for Mary.
Compare: [TWIST AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER], [UNDER ONE'S THUMB].
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10


buy out

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[buy out]  {v.}
1. To buy the ownership or a share of; purchase the stock of.
He bought out several small stockholders.
2. To buy all the goods of; purchase the merchandise of.
Mr. Harper bought out a nearby hardware store.
Contrast: [SELL OUT].
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10


wildcat strike

Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[wildcat strike]  {n.},  {informal}
A strike not ordered by a labor union; a strike spontaneously arranged by a group of workers.
The garbage collectors have gone on a wildcat strike, but the union is going to stop it.
Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10


pant for

Categories: desire verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[pant for]  {v. phr.}
To desire something very deeply.
He is panting for his girlfriend, who went out of town to see her family.
Categories: desire verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms