Be/Get all wet
Context #1 Sara: This weekend we went to Sea World in San Diego. Tammy: Did you guys have fun? Sara: Yeah we did! But during the Shamu show the whale splashed water all over us and we got all wet. Context #2 Tim: Guess what! Last night I left my car window down and it […]
To Play Hardball
To Play Hardball Example 1: Things are getting a little tough so the president has decided to play hardball on this issue. Example 2: Jacob: Sam is such a nice teacher Jake: Yes, but he’s also not afraid to play hardball when the class starts acting rowdy Meaning: to act strong and aggressive about an […]
Travel Light
Example 1: I’m going home for the holidays this year. I am so excited to see my family after 6 months of being here in America studying English. My classmate gave me good advice for my trip. She advised Itravel light.She explained that if I take just a small amount of luggage, I can save […]
Off the grid
Example 1: Jason: I think the most logical thing we could do is keep a low profile and stay off the grid. James: That’s not my style Jason. I know some people like to do that, but I need to be social. Jason: I’m not saying that’s fun, but just to get away from things […]
friends in high places
Idiom: friends in high places (used as a noun) First Example: Sandra: Did you hear that Ben got the promotion? Donald: No way! I thought for sure you’d get it! Sandra: Well, I don’t have as many friends in high places. Donald: What do you mean? Sandra: Well, he has a few friends in upper […]
to study one’s brains out
Idiom: to study one’s brains out Context #1: Jim: How did you do on the grammar test? Sam: I got 100%. I studied my brains out for that test. Jim: Nice job! Context #2: Chrissy: Are you preparing for the GRE exam? Tammy: Yeah, I’ve been studying my brains out for the last 6 months. […]
SHOPPING SPREE
Example 1: Jenny: I won a $2,000 shopping spree at TNA! I’m heading there right now, want to come? Vanessa: Hell, yeah! Let’s go!! Example 2: Maria: I wish I didn’t go on that shopping spree two weeks ago! Tatsu: Why? You were so happy with everything that you bought. Maria: I know! But now […]
In the boonies
Idiom: In the boonies Meaning:very rural area; far away from large populations or urban areas Context #1 – New Job, New Location Kevin:I heard you got a new job and you have to move away. Where are you going to live now Vee? Vee: I got a great job as a Geologist in a university. But it’s […]
Party Pooper
A person or thing that spoils a good time or ruins a good mood. Use: Jo and Kendra are discussing an upcoming event… Jo: Kendra, are you going to invite Lisa to your birthday? Kendra: I would like to, but do you remember the last time we were all together? She wouldn’t stop talking about how […]
Raining Cats and Dogs
Idiom: Raining Cats and Dogs Example 1: I didn’t expect this kind of weather. It’s raining cats and dogs and I forgot my umbrella. Needless to say, I’m going to get soaked on my way home. Hopefully I won’t catch a cold! Example 2: Looks like we have to reschedule the picnic. Forecasters predict really heavy rains […]
Rain on Someone's Parade
Idiom: Rain on Someone’s Parade Example 1: John: I’m so excited to see the new Iron Man movie tonight! Let’s go to In-n-Out before showtime and get burgers to have dinner in the theater. That sounds like a great idea, right? Bill: I hate to rain on your parade, but they won’t allow outside food in the theater. We […]
To Make Big Bucks
Idiom: “to make big bucks” Example 1: Joe: Whatever happened to Tony, that guy who we went to high school with? Sam: You didn’t hear? He developed some app for smart phones and he’s making big bucks now! Joe: Yeah, I can see that. He was really smart and creative. Good for him! Example 2: […]
