As a learner of English, you may have noticed that some phrases do not mean literally what they say. If a friend tells you to "give it your best shot," she is not concerned about your ability to hit a target; instead she wants you to make a good try at something. In this new edition of "Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts", bestselling lexicographer Richard A. Spears helps you understand these phrases" true meanings and become able to engage in conversations with confidence. At your fingertips are 2,100 of the most common phrases and colloquial expressions used in contemporary American English. This dictionary contains greetings, good-byes, and the small talk Americans use daily. All entries have been selected with your special needs as a nonnative speaker of English in mind.