Like most languages and countries, English in the USA has idioms, which are expressions whose meaning cannot be understood literally by what the words say. These are regional expressions that are usually understood only be people in that region.

For example, if you do something nice for someone and they tell you that what you did earned you "brownie points," what would they be saying? They would be telling you that you have achieved something good and have earned favor in the eyes of other people.

If someone tells you that you are "passing the buck," what will you think? Despite what it might seem, this has nothing to do with money or sports! Instead, it means that are not taking responsibility for something, but are passing it off onto others.

Idioms like these are a frequent part of daily conversation. To get a feel for the most common idioms, click on the Idiom Site link (first link to the right). For a more thorough listing of idioms or to look up an expression you have heard, click on the Idiom Connection link (second link to the right). That site even has quizzes to help you test your knowledge of American expressions!