Complete Guide to Form I-20 for International Students in the United States
Planning to study in the United States? Then you’ll need to understand one essential document before anything else: the Form I-20. This form is your official ticket to becoming an international student. It proves your eligibility, helps you apply for a student visa in the USA, and allows you to maintain legal status once you […]
Like Mother, Like Daughter: What This English Idiom Really Means
You’ve probably heard someone say “like mother, like daughter” after watching a mom and daughter act or look alike. But what does this popular idiom really mean? And how can international students use it confidently in conversations? In this article, we’ll break down the origin and meaning of the idiom like mother, like daughter, explain […]
Be bent on doing something
Context #1: Jean: Phillip! I’m so tired! Can’t we finish tomorrow? The project isn’t due until 5 pm. We have plenty of time in the morning. Let’s go to sleep! Phillip: No way, Jean. I told myself we’d finish this by tonight and we’re not going to bed until we do. Sorry! Jean: You’re being really selfish, you know. […]
To Step Up (one's) Game (used as a verb)
First Example: Tina: Did you hear? I just got the project. Alec: Really? I thought my proposal was a lock. Tina: They liked mine better. Looks like you need to step up your game if you’re gonna compete with me. Alec: Don’t get too cocky. You won one proposal, your first. Tina: The first of […]
In Over one's Head
Example 1:I want to graduate early, so I registered for 2 extra classes this semester. I thought I could handle it, but I’m starting to think I am in over my head. With all the homework, reading assignments, and classes to attend, I’m not sleeping well and I’m feeling overwhelmed. The deadline to drop classes is next week. I’ll […]
To Buy the Farm
Context #1 – Two friends talking Victoria: Did you hear the news? Brandon: No, what happened? Victoria: Do you know that older man who lives down the street from us? Brandon: Oh, yes. I do. Victoria: Well, he bought the farm yesterday. Brandon: Really? But he was only 87 and in good shape. Victoria: I […]
Leave No Stone Unturned
Example 1: When Bobby went to the park with his family, his father accidentally dropped the keys to the car. For more than an hour, the whole family was searching for them. Bobby’s mother instructed them to “leave no stone unturned, we need those keys to get home!” So the family searched in all possible places […]
Pushy
Context 1: Nathan: Hey, Paul. What’s up? Paul: Nathan! I was about to call you. Nathan: Really? What’s going on? Paul: I was wondering if you would like to make a donation to my basketball team… We need some money to buy new uniforms and… Nathan: Paul, seriously! You already asked me this four times […]
Hands down
Context 1: Title: Two friends Bob: Hey, Miriam! Did you try that Mexican restaurant I recommended? Miriam: Hey! Yes, I did. I went there with my boyfriend… You know he is from Mexico, right? Bob: Oh, that’s why you were asking about Mexican places! Did he like it? Miriam: He did! He said that restaurant […]
Pull an all nighter
Meaning: Depriving yourself of sleep all night to do things that need to be done or you want to do. Usually used for studying. Example 1 Matt and Ben are two friends Matt: Are you going to John’s party tonight? Ben: No, I’m not! Matt: Why not? Ben: I have a test tomorrow. Matt: Didn’t […]
Scarf Down
Context #1: The most embarrassing thing happened to me yesterday at lunch. My problems started in the morning. I forgot to set my alarm and woke up late, so had to rush out of the house without breakfast. By lunchtime, I was so hungry! I scarfed down my lunch like I hadn’t eaten in days! The embarrassing […]
Boo-boo/Booboo
Context #1 Chrissy (mother): What’s wrong Billy? Billy (Chrissy’s 3-year old son): I fell down. Chrissy: Awww! I see you’ve got a little boo-boo. Context #2 Joe: Ouch! I just pinched my finger in my car door! Sam: Oh no! Did you get a little boo-boo? You want me to kiss it? (totally joking with his […]
