Idioms are expressions that cannot be understood from the meanings of their separate words but convey a hidden meaning to those who use them. American English has a plethora of idioms. That makes it difficult for foreigners to learn colloquial or street talk even when they may have arrived here speaking "The King's English"
Some American idioms are personal between friends or members of a group. Outsiders need not know the hidden meaning of these idioms because they apply only to those on the inside. Politicians are very adept at speaking with a forked tongue especially when handling a hot potato, or beating around the bush. They are well aware that their favorite project will cost the taxpayer an arm and a leg, yet they can kill two birds with one stone by simply sitting on the fence until their opponent lets the cat out of the bag. If their opponent cuts the mustard, then jumping on the bandwagon would ensure the best of all worlds.
If you are able to understand the previous paragraph, then you already grasp the hidden value in American idioms. But I would caution you not to count your chickens before they hatch. Elvis has not yet left the building.
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