American as apple pie
Exemplary or indicative of American life, interests, or ideals (often stereotypically so). Baseball is as American as apple pie. Blue jeans are considered to be as American as apple pie, even though they are worn all over the world. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is an idea that is as American as apple pie.
American icon
cliché Someone or something that embodies American values or is considered an idol in American culture. The film star's roles tended to show him as a strong, pragmatic, fearless leader, quickly cementing him as an American icon in cinema. The Statue of Liberty is one of the most enduring American icons of all time. Chicago's Willis Tower is still an American icon, even if it's not the tallest building in the world anymore.
as American as mom and apple pie
Considered a core principle, value, belief, belief, characteristic, aspect, etc., of the United States of America or its citizens. Sometimes used sarcastically or ironically. A: "I've never really liked baseball." B: "Really? But it's as American as mom and apple pie!" It doesn't surprise me at all that their tax overhaul would turn out this ridiculous—after all, convoluted taxes are as American as mom and apple pie. Blue jeans are considered to be as American as mom and apple pie, even though they are worn all over the world.
as American as motherhood and apple pie
Considered a core principle, value, belief, belief, characteristic, aspect, etc., of the United States of America or its citizens. Sometimes used sarcastically or ironically. A: "I've never really liked baseball." B: "Really? But it's as American as motherhood and apple pie!" It doesn't surprise me at all that their tax overhaul would turn out this ridiculous—after all, convoluted taxes are as American as motherhood and apple pie. Blue jeans are considered to be as American as motherhood and apple pie, even though they are worn all over the world.
be as American as apple pie
To be exemplary or indicative of American life, interests, or ideals (often stereotypically so). Baseball is as American as apple pie. Blue jeans are considered to be as American as apple pie, even though they are worn all over the world. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is an idea that is as American as apple pie.
no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of...
The full saying is "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people/public," or some variation thereof, meaning that people being swindled won't realize or question it, which makes them a prime source of income for others. It is likely derived from the related quote typically attributed to writer H.L. Mencken: "No one in this world [...] has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people." A: "We can't sell this shoddy product to people!" B: "Oh please, no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
no one ever went broke underestimating the taste of...
The full saying is "No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public," or some variation thereof, meaning that people will gladly accept something lowbrow or inferior, which makes them a prime source of income for others. It is likely derived from the related quote typically attributed to writer H.L. Mencken: "No one in this world [...] has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people." A: "We can't make a film out of this script—it's so stupid and derivative!" B: "Oh please, no one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public!"
nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of...
The full saying is "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people/public," or some variation thereof, meaning that people being swindled won't realize or question it, which makes them a prime source of income for others. It is likely derived from the related quote typically attributed to writer H.L. Mencken: "No one in this world [...] has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people." A: "We can't sell this shoddy product to people!" B: "Oh please, nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."
nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of...
The full saying is "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American people/public," or some variation thereof, meaning that people being swindled won't realize or question it, which makes them a prime source of income for others. It is likely derived from the related quote typically attributed to writer H.L. Mencken: "No one in this world [...] has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people." A: "We can't make a film out of this script—it's so stupid and derivative!" B: "Oh please, nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public!"
the American Dream
1. The belief that anyone can succeed (often with an emphasis on material gain) through hard work. The American Dream feels less attainable the more I am crushed by student loans.
2. The achievement of wealth and success. After years of hard work, we finally have a big house and successful careers. We're living the American Dream.
Truth, Justice, and the American Way
A life or lifestyle characterized by freedom, happiness, and equality. Used as a general description of the ideals of the United States of America. Originally the catchphrase of the comic book hero Superman, signifying what he aspires to represent and protect. I really don't like the dark, gritty reimagining they've done with Superman in the new movie. If he's not fighting for Truth, Justice, and the American Way, then he isn't really Superman in my eyes. They believe the purpose of this military intervention is to instill Truth, Justice, and the American Way in the region, but the natives in that country don't necessarily see it that way.
ugly American
The stereotype of the loud, arrogant, jingoistic American, particularly as they carry out such behavior in or towards other countries. The phrase comes from William Lederer and Eugene Burdick's 1958 book, Ugly American. Yes, I'm American, but I'm try hard not to be an ugly American. I always act with the utmost respect for whatever country I'm visiting and their people.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.