To Dig in (one's) Heels
Idiom: to dig in (one’s) heels; used as a verb First Example: Jennifer: How is the wedding planning going? James: Ugh. Jennifer: That bad, huh? What’s wrong now? James: We can’t agree on the music. I just want to have a DJ, but Natalie has dug in her heels on an expensive live band. She […]
To Chicken Out
Context #1 – Tim: Have you heard about the new ride and Magic Mountain called the Death Drop? John: Yeah, I heard it’s super scary. Have you been on it? Tim: Well, we went there this weekend and I was going to go on it with my friends, but I chickened out at the last […]
Dough
Context #1 Carl: You owe me $80 for the Lakers ticket I got you. Tony: Oh yeah. But I don’t have any dough on me now. Let’s go by the bank ATM machine and I’ll get that money I own you. Context #2 Bethany: I heard the restaurant you work at was super busy last […]
Big Guns
First Example: Nick: Who’s going to play on your basketball team for the tournament? Ben: We have Michael taking the lead. Nick: Oh! You’re bringing out the big guns. You really want to win. Ben: What’s the point of playing if you don’t have a strong leader that plays well? Nick: That’s true. We don’t […]
Puppy love (used as a noun)
First Example: Tom: Chris said your son is dating? Carol: That’s what he’s telling everyone. Tom: I thought he was only 13! Carol: He is. It’s only puppy love. But he and his girlfriend are so cute together. Tom: I remember my first girlfriend. We […]
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 […]
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 tighten one's belt
Idiom: to tighten one’s belt (used as a verb) First Example: Tim: Do you want to go to lunch? Sally: I brought lunch, but thanks for the invite. Tim: Wow! You never bring lunch! Sally: Well, Justin lost his job, so we’re gonna have […]
Heavy Hitter
Example 1: Oprah Winfrey is considered a heavy hitter in her field. Example 2: Carlos: I’m excited to have Wendy working with us!! Hoyeon: Why? Carols: Have you seen her resume? She’s a real heavy hitter! Meaning: someone who has achieved a lot and is very powerful
head back to one’s hometown
Context #1 Gary: What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Chris: Well, normally we go to my parents’ place. But this year we’re heading back to my wife’s hometown in Nebraska. Gary: Nebraska? I hope you have a nice warm jacket to take with you. Context #2 Amanda: How do you celebrate the Chinese […]
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 […]
to pal around (with)
Idiom: to pal around (with) (used as a verb) First Example: Christina: Have you seen Jackie lately? Beatrice: No, she seems to spend all her time with Tim. Christina: They do seem to spend a lot of time together. Do you think they’re dating? Beatrice: No, they’ve been palling around together for […]
