To Ream Someone Out
Context 1: Example: Natalia: Victor! Mind if I eat lunch with you? Victor: Sure, if you want Natalia: What’s wrong? Why do you seem so upset? Victor: I just got reamed out by my boss in front of everyone. Natalia: Oh no! What […]
To Be/Have a Big Mouth
Context 1: Bill: Sara, do you think anyone knows about what happened on Sunday? It was so embarrassing. Sara: Don’t tell Johnny anything if you want to keep this secret. He HAS a big mouth! Everyone will know what happened in a few hours! Context 2: I learned that it’s not good to BEa big mouth. I learned my lesson after […]
To run off at the mouth
Context 1: 2016 is an election year in the United States, which means that Americans will be choosing their next President. There are some candidates who are well qualified and have good, solid ideas for improving the county. In contrast, there are other candidates who don’t appear to be serious and are experts at running off […]
To give your John Hancock
First Example: Ken: I can’t believe that I have been offered a position to play in the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball club. Dan: All you have to do is write your John Hancock on the contract and you will be eight million dollars richer. Ken: I never thought my Signature would mean so much. Dan: […]
Grub/Grub on
Context #1: I’m so hungry! Let’s get out of here and get some grub! Context #2: I’m so hungry! I could grub on just about anything right now! Explanation: the word grub can be used as a noun or a verb. In noun form, it means food.In verb form, it means eat. In example 1, grubis used as a noun. “Let’s get out of here and get some food“ In example 2, grub […]
To go bananas
Idiom: To go bananas Meaning: (1) to go or act a little crazy; (2) to become very angry or lose control of your temper. Context #1 – A man is complaining that his best friend painted a mural on his backyard wall without asking him. George: Hey Ted, you didn’t have to go bananas on me just because […]
to break even
Idiom: to break even (used as a verb) First Example: Manager: I’m sorry, but we won’t be able to give that raise you asked for. Employee: That’s too bad. Can you explain why? Manager: Well, the rent for the building went up, and we lost a […]
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 […]
Leftovers
Context #1 Jim: Man! We cooked a huge turkey last night for Thanksgiving! Todd: So I guess you had a lot of leftovers. Jim: Yeah! I’m going to be eating turkey sandwiches for the next week. Context #2 Sarah: We had a really nice Thanksgiving potluck party at my work today. Chrissy: Did a lot […]
Doubleheader
Example 1: Johnny: Hey Daniel, are you really going to compete in a doubleheader? Isn’t your leg hurt? Daniel: Don’t worry Johnny, I know one competition right after the other might sound crazy, but I can handle it. Johnny: What if someone sweeps your leg or something? Daniel: It wouldn’t be the first time. Besides, if […]
TO SHOP AROUND
Example 1: James: I’m going to buy a laptop for $800.00 Leo: What?! That’s expensive! Have you shopped around for cheaper ones? James: Not, really… Leo: You should! I’m sure you can find one for way less than $800.00 James: Good idea! Example 2: Gina: Did you buy dad’s Fathers’ Day gift? David: I’m shopping […]
Well-oiled machine
Idiom: Well-oiled machine Meaning:Working in a proper and successful way; a well-oiled system or company that operates without problems. Context #1 – Caris is just starting a new job at Minefield Company. Larry:Welcome to Minefield Company! Is this your first day working here? Caris: Yes, it is. Larry: Great! Let me show you around. Here is our Marketing […]
