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The Great Book of American Idioms: A Dictionary of American Idioms, Sayings, Expressions & Phrases
Do you feel that it’s “like pulling teeth” when you want to learn new sayings?
Would you like to be able to discover new American idioms and phrases that will make communication “a piece of cake”?
Would you like to be able to discover new American idioms and phrases that will make communication “a piece of cake”?
Sure, you can learn English with a language course or a textbook just fine, and climb up the ranks in terms of your grasp of the language… but are you sure you can talk like a native?
For starters, many expressions used by fluent speakers of English can’t exactly be learned in a book, and it can be frustrating to realize that your formal learning hasn’t been enough to teach you the way people talk in real life.
Sometimes, it’s all about having the right tools at your disposal… and this is where The Great Book of American Idioms comes in!
Written to act as a powerful addition to your other English-learning resources, this book will allow you to:
What are you waiting for? Over 1300 idioms and expressions are awaiting you! Don’t miss out on learning why this “dark horse” will help you “see the big picture”!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2019
740 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 23, 2020
Book intended for ESL speakers (IMO). A fine resource for those who perhaps didn’t grow up hearing the idioms spoken in everyday language. No etymology or historical context given.
October 17, 2019
The publisher of this book, Lingo Mastery, does a marvelous in helping English-speaking individuals in learning a foreign language; or as in my case, refresh an individual's knowledge of one, which is German. But, while learning how to speak a foreign is a wonderful asset to have, the truth is that one DOES NOT know a foreign language unless you know its idiomatic expressions.
Case in point, Not too long after graduating college where I took German, during the Steuben Parade in New York City, I had asked two of the participants who could speak English a few questions, after which I had started to walk away. As I did, one turned to the other and in German said, "Franz, look at the stupid American and their stupid questions." Hearing this, I turned around and walked back to them and gave them my response in German. which probably had totally surprised them, which was: "Excuse me. I heard what you said about me and I've got one thing to say to you." Using a totally idiomatic expression I politely told them that could kiss a certain part of my anatomy. Being shocked by my remark, they instantaneously began to apologize and then wanted to know what my name was and with force, I gave them my answer.
It's great when foreigners want to use English when visiting here. or better learn English to become a citizen. The only problem that exists is that there's a huge myriad of idiomatic expressions that exist in the English languages which might differ from country to country. Here in the US, for example, are some expressions which might perplex individuals:
A PIECE OF CAKE, to these individuals, would mean simply that A PIECE OF CAKE but depending o the context in which it's being used can also mean QUITE EASY.
The same thing holds true for A SCREW LOOSE, it either means what it seems or it means CRAZY.
And how about DOG AND PONY SHOW which can also mean: "A PRESENTATION OF SOME KIND THAT HAS QUITE A BIT OF STYLE BUT LACKS REAL CONTENT"
As you can see, in order for someone to truly master the use of the English language, they need to be knowledgeable regarding the use of its idioms, which is why I've given the publisher, Lingo Mastery, 5 STARS for their endeavor in wanting individuals to begin to master the use of idioms
Case in point, Not too long after graduating college where I took German, during the Steuben Parade in New York City, I had asked two of the participants who could speak English a few questions, after which I had started to walk away. As I did, one turned to the other and in German said, "Franz, look at the stupid American and their stupid questions." Hearing this, I turned around and walked back to them and gave them my response in German. which probably had totally surprised them, which was: "Excuse me. I heard what you said about me and I've got one thing to say to you." Using a totally idiomatic expression I politely told them that could kiss a certain part of my anatomy. Being shocked by my remark, they instantaneously began to apologize and then wanted to know what my name was and with force, I gave them my answer.
It's great when foreigners want to use English when visiting here. or better learn English to become a citizen. The only problem that exists is that there's a huge myriad of idiomatic expressions that exist in the English languages which might differ from country to country. Here in the US, for example, are some expressions which might perplex individuals:
A PIECE OF CAKE, to these individuals, would mean simply that A PIECE OF CAKE but depending o the context in which it's being used can also mean QUITE EASY.
The same thing holds true for A SCREW LOOSE, it either means what it seems or it means CRAZY.
And how about DOG AND PONY SHOW which can also mean: "A PRESENTATION OF SOME KIND THAT HAS QUITE A BIT OF STYLE BUT LACKS REAL CONTENT"
As you can see, in order for someone to truly master the use of the English language, they need to be knowledgeable regarding the use of its idioms, which is why I've given the publisher, Lingo Mastery, 5 STARS for their endeavor in wanting individuals to begin to master the use of idioms
December 13, 2024
? Why did my mom get me this for Xmas two years ago? this was hot dookie ( add to the list of American idioms) like half this shit was British idioms there's no explanation of their origins the sentence examples are worthless major typos etc. hot ass whatever stone age ai cobbled this together should be returned to churning out Nigerian prince emails. I still love you mom
March 26, 2022
What a waste of money and time. Phewy, I thought it would find the origin of the common idioms.
March 29, 2020
Not done reading this book but thought I would leave a review for people contemplating on buying it.
This is a good reference book for American idioms, it states the explanation of the idiom and uses that idiom in a sentence. I just wish there was an explanation on context.
For example: a doubting Thomas. The explanation states that it means a skeptical person. But why Thomas? Why not Mark? Well if you're a Catholic and you've read the bible, you'd know the story of Thomas doubting Jesus being God. The book makes no explanation on this.
So this is a good reference book as it is arranged alphabetically. But I would supplant my reading with another book that explains context.
This is a good reference book for American idioms, it states the explanation of the idiom and uses that idiom in a sentence. I just wish there was an explanation on context.
For example: a doubting Thomas. The explanation states that it means a skeptical person. But why Thomas? Why not Mark? Well if you're a Catholic and you've read the bible, you'd know the story of Thomas doubting Jesus being God. The book makes no explanation on this.
So this is a good reference book as it is arranged alphabetically. But I would supplant my reading with another book that explains context.
November 19, 2022
It's not a easy book to go through not in terms of content or the text but because of it requirment of lot of patience and commitment. If you are trying to read it in a go than you won't benefit from the book, it's made to take it slowly and steadily. It's definitely useful to improve your English communication skills.
February 15, 2022
It's a good reference if you're not familiar with the American English language, although a few of these I believe may actually be British. I wish there would have been a bit about where the phrases originated though.
December 6, 2025
Gracious! This is a disappointment. I was hoping for some new idioms for the ELL/ESL class, but these were not only obvious (and repetitive) but lacking in any substance. Our students love to learn where the idiom came from and they won’t find that here, just a so-so explanation and a not very clever example. Someone wrote that it felt like AI generated this, and I can’t disagree.
April 11, 2020
Read it in 4 minutes?
It was incredibly short and I wish it gave where the idioms originated from
Not much else to say. They basically tell you to do your own research at the end of the "book".
It was incredibly short and I wish it gave where the idioms originated from
Not much else to say. They basically tell you to do your own research at the end of the "book".
Read
February 8, 2022I was hoping for a few more phrases I didn't know, but alas, this is remedial for the well-versed in the English language. Probably extremely helpful for those who are skilled in the language but were not born to it.
My mistake.
My mistake.
December 15, 2020
It's ok, there are many good idioms but also many that are way too simple
February 1, 2022
Libretto molto utile.
August 12, 2025
Certain blonde bombshell gifted me this book because I’m very bad at English idioms🙄😉
March 28, 2021
Excellent reading and very useful.
Highly recommend it! Lots os useful expressions in day to day life as in professional life. Found some classic sayings but also some fresh and funny ones.
Highly recommend it! Lots os useful expressions in day to day life as in professional life. Found some classic sayings but also some fresh and funny ones.
October 17, 2019
This is my first experience with this group. The title misses the contents. The introduction is a joke. The links do not work (mobile file, ReadEra app).
There are example sentences that do not enhance the definitions. Many definitions are poorly done. Baker's dozen is a good example of redundancy, insult and stupidity. Saved by the bell is completely incorrect.
I understand philosophy of example sentences but a clear meaning is more important. A baker's dozen originally had nothing to do with an extra cookie and how exciting it will be to eat them later. Ball park was well done. Saved by the bell is incorrect. I ended up skimming and skipping many examples due to quality and quantity. Filler comes to mind.
This may be my problem since I enjoy learning about words and their origins, and remember how idioms and even colloquialisms originate. The impression I get from reading this "book" is just dumb downed dribble. Research was not a strong point.
I cannot recommend this item since the Internet has many sites giving the same information, many professionally presented. Although American born, English is my second language and I use many English idioms and colloquialisms from all the continents. I found this on Brooksprout. 1*
There are example sentences that do not enhance the definitions. Many definitions are poorly done. Baker's dozen is a good example of redundancy, insult and stupidity. Saved by the bell is completely incorrect.
I understand philosophy of example sentences but a clear meaning is more important. A baker's dozen originally had nothing to do with an extra cookie and how exciting it will be to eat them later. Ball park was well done. Saved by the bell is incorrect. I ended up skimming and skipping many examples due to quality and quantity. Filler comes to mind.
This may be my problem since I enjoy learning about words and their origins, and remember how idioms and even colloquialisms originate. The impression I get from reading this "book" is just dumb downed dribble. Research was not a strong point.
I cannot recommend this item since the Internet has many sites giving the same information, many professionally presented. Although American born, English is my second language and I use many English idioms and colloquialisms from all the continents. I found this on Brooksprout. 1*
October 25, 2019
The book is a collection of American idioms in alphabetical order. You first have the word, then the explanation and finally a sample sentence - so typical dictionary style...
As a quick reference it is good - to just browse in it - a little boring...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a quick reference it is good - to just browse in it - a little boring...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2019
Good for ESL students
This book presents 1400 common idioms used in English they are arranged alphabetically. The have straight-forward definition and example of usage.
I was hoping for a book that explained the origin of some of these expressions. But alas, that is not this book. If you speak English as your first language you don’t need this book.
This book presents 1400 common idioms used in English they are arranged alphabetically. The have straight-forward definition and example of usage.
I was hoping for a book that explained the origin of some of these expressions. But alas, that is not this book. If you speak English as your first language you don’t need this book.
November 7, 2019
This is such a wonderful book! I love this because it shares some of the odd things we U.S. Americans say. I enjoyed every page as it is quite informative and had me laughing a bit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2019
Interesting Idioms
The book had array of the idioms that I was not familiar with,but were interesting to learn about it. It’s good book if you want to broaden your horizons on common English street language.
The book had array of the idioms that I was not familiar with,but were interesting to learn about it. It’s good book if you want to broaden your horizons on common English street language.
October 25, 2019
Immigrants
A very good book for anyone trying to learn the English language. I enjoyed reviewing the idioms and reading them in sentences.
A very good book for anyone trying to learn the English language. I enjoyed reviewing the idioms and reading them in sentences.
November 7, 2019
While I received an ARC of this book, I have made an independent decision to post this review. This book is chock full of idioms (phrases) used in conversation, and will be invaluable to travellers!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews