ENGLISH
REFERENCE

or something

idiom
Meaning

Or something like that. Used to indicate the possibility that the preceding word or phrase is vague or not exactly correct in its applicability.


Origin

disputed origin

Ellipsis.

Examples
SIMPLE

Are you hungry, or something?

CONTEXTUAL

I think he was angry or something, because he left the party without saying goodbye.

COMPLEX

She seemed to be implying that the project was a failure, or something of that nature, though she never stated it directly.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    chalk something up to experience

    To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.

  3. 03

    get something over with

    To proceed to do something as soon as possible, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.

  4. 04

    give someone something to think about

    To threaten or provide a challenge to.

  5. 05

    give something a go

    To try or attempt.

  6. 06

    give something a miss

    To forgo something.

  7. 07

    give something a try

    To try or attempt something.

  8. 08

    give something a whirl

    To try, test or attempt.

Last updated April 17, 2026