My son-in-law came to America when he was 2. He's as American as "apple pie" - except when it comes to our prolific and incredible idioms! He was raised in his parent's home, and they did not use our "incredible American idioms." So, as we talked, he was often forced to say, "What does that mean?" or "I don't understand." I sent him a book (my answer to all of life's problems) full of idioms and their meanings... with good intentions... hoping it would help him comprehend his confusing mother-in-law.