23 Idioms from American English
Click on any idiom for more information, including example sentences, notes and quizzes.
These idioms originated in and are typically used in American English. In some cases they have also spread to other varieties of English.
Idioms
a ballpark figure | a ballpark estimate
If you give a ballpark figure or a ballpark estimate, you give a number which you think is fairly close to the actual one.
a drop in the bucket
If an amount is a drop in the bucket, it's a very small portion of the amount that's needed.
a zero-sum game
A zero-sum game is a situation in which any gain by one side or person is at the expense of a loss to another side or person involved in the situation.
an ax to grind (1)
If you have an ax to grind with someone, you have a problem with them, or a complaint against them, which you'd like to discuss.
an even break
If you get an even break, you get a fair opportunity to succeed in your ambition or to achieve your goals.
at loose ends
If you're at loose ends, you feel restless and unsettled because you don't have anything to do.
behind the eight ball
Informal
If you're behind the eight ball, you're in a difficult or dangerous position.
can't see the forest for the trees
If you can't see the forest for the trees, you can't see the whole situation clearly because you're looking too closely at small details, or because you're too closely involved.
jockey for position
If you jockey for position, you try to get yourself in a good position in relation to others who're competing for the same opportunity or the same goal.
keep up with the Joneses
People who try to keep up with the Joneses are people who feel it's important to show that they're as successful as others (such as their rich neighbours, "The Joneses").
leave well enough alone | let well enough alone
If you leave well enough alone, or let well enough alone, you don't try to improve or change something that's already good enough.
No way!
Informal
You can say "No way!" when you want to strongly reject an offer, a request, or a suggestion.
right down your alley | right up your alley
If something is right down your alley, or right up your alley, it would be perfect for you or ideal for your skills and interests.
the new kid on the block
Informal
If you are the new kid on the block, you are the newest person in a workplace or in an educational institute, or any other place or organization.
under the table
If something is done under the table, it's done secretly, usually because it's illegal or unethical.
yellow journalism
Journalism in which sensational stories are used to boost sales, or biased reporting is used to change the reader's views on an issue. Both of these are unethical.
