American Idioms: a dictionary

American Idioms is an iPhone/iPad application that defines idioms in everyday use in American English. An idiom is a phrase the meaning of which cannot be determined from the meanings of its individual words. For example, the phrases “red herring,” “wild goose chase,” and “lame duck,” when used idiomatically, do not refer to a red fish, pursuing an undomesticated goose, or a duck with a bad leg. Similarly, the phrase “throw (one’s) hat in the ring,” which once meant to throw an actual hat into a boxing ring, now means to enter a political contest.

American English is littered with idioms. It is very rare for a TV show, a newscast, a magazine article, or ordinary conversation not to contain multiple idioms. This can be a challenge to non-native speakers, even those who have mastered English vocabulary and grammar. One can guess the meanings of many idioms from context, but this isn’t always possible, and in any case, guessing can be hazardous to understanding and expression. The American Idioms app is a reference that provides clear definitions and examples of use for many common American English idioms.