30 "Americanisms" foreigners may not understand
Many of these"Americanisms" are known in both language, but here are just a few, including their explanations:
- Just give me the bottom line -- Don’t bother with a lot of details, just give me the essential information.
- We’re dead in the water -- Like a boat with a stalled motor, we’re unable to proceed.
- We can’t wait until the cows come home -- This is in reference to the cows’ late return from the pasture each evening, and means we have to take action now.
- There’s more than one way to skin a cat -- There are several approaches we can take to this problem.
- That’s it, in a nutshell -- That’s all there is to tell about something.
- It’s water over the dam -- It’s in the past, and no longer matters; it’s forgotten.
- It comes with the territory -- It’s an expected part of something, usually a job.
- Six of one, half dozen of another -- It really doesn’t matter how you look at it, it is the same.
- She’s down in the dumps today -- She’s feeling sad or blue.
- It’s time to face the music -- It’s time to deal with a situation, or take responsibility for your actions.
- Time is on our side -- We have enough time to accomplish what we need.
- I’m between a rock and a hard place -- I’m in a tough situation with no easy solution in sight.
- We are on the same wavelength -- We are thinking the same way about something; we are in agreement.
- I can’t win for losing -- No matter what I do, it’s not right.
- Here’s one for the circular file -- Circular file refers to the trash can, so it’s something not worth keeping.
- Give me the whole kit and caboodle -- I want all the details about something.
- We’re getting down to the wire -- We’re getting close to the deadline; our time is running short.
- Like a fish out of water -- Someone who isn’t in familiar surroundings and is having trouble adjusting or surviving.
- It’s a walk in the park -- It’s something that’s easy to accomplish.
- He doesn’t let any grass grow under his feet -- He is a high-energy, motivated individual who is always on the go.
- I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed -- I’m not feeling quite like myself today; I’m grouchy.
- He doesn’t have a leg to stand on -- He doesn’t have proof to substantiate his claim about something.
- Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? -- This refers to someone, for example, a thief, accusing another thief of being a thief when he is one himself.
- If the shoe fits, wear it -- If you are a thief, (or liar or whatever), then accept that. Don’t try to deny it.
- Just take the bull by the horns -- Take charge of the situation.
- Throw caution to the wind -- Take a risk.
- Time is money -- Reflects the American obsession with time and money; means to quit dawdling and get to work.
- You can’t get there from here -- Your plan doesn’t make sense and won’t succeed.
- Don’t let the cat out of the bag -- Don’t tell a secret you’ve been asked to keep.
- We’ll have them eating out of our hand -- We’ll have total control of the situation.
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