Come out swinging
First Example: Charlie: Did you watch the political debate last week? Emilio: Of course! It was so shocking; both candidates came out swinging. Charlie: That’s an understatement; they were beyond aggressive. Emilio: They attacked each other relentlessly. Meaning: To “come out swinging” comes from the aggressive act of swinging your arms to punch someone or an […]
To go the extra mile
Idiom: To go the extra mile – to do more than what is required to reach a goal or complete a task; to do more and make a greater effort than what is expected. Context #1 – Two friends talking during lunch Lance: Hey, Brittany. You look really happy. What’s up? Brittany: Oh, I just finished […]
A No-Brainer
Example 1: Bill: Do you have plans for vacation, Mike?Mike: Nope. I can’t decide what I want to do. My roommates want to go to Las Vegas, but my parents want to take me on a cruise through Mexico.Bill: Mike! That’s a no-brainer! You can go to Vegas anytime! The cruise to Mexico is something […]
To Take Something With a Pinch/Grain Of Salt (used as a verb)
First Example: Lucy: Did you go to that political rally last night? Jason: Yeah, and it was amazing! She had such great ideas, and her campaign promises are really inspiring. Lucy: Maybe, but make sure you take anything she says with a pinch of salt. Jason: What do you mean? Lucy: Well, she’s a politician. […]
To Go Down in Flames
Example 1: Hey, Marty! What are you doing for your birthday? I think I am going to have a party at Fabulous 5. Wait! They went out of business! What?! Are you sure? They closed down?! Yeah. Apparently there were leaks in the restrooms, holes in the walls, the chairs and tables were old and […]
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 […]
Hole in the wall
Context #1 Sam: Last night we found this really awesome restaurant for authentic southern BBQ! Tony: Really? Where is it? Sam: It’s a tiny little hole in the wall right on the corner of Main St. and First. The food is cheap and delicious! Context #2 Jenny: So, how was your trip to San Diego? […]
Let the chips fall where they may
Example 1: Dad: Hey Johnny, it’s almost 3 o’clock. Your guests should be arriving soon. Johnny: Dad, I’m not popular. I bet no one will come. I invited everyone in my class to the party, but I bet we’ll be here alone. Dad: Well son, I think you’re a great kid and it was nice that […]
Let your freak flag fly
First Example: Nancy: What are you wearing for the costume party? Marco: I’m going to wear a bear hat, a penguin coat, and cheetah pants. I’ll be the weird one of the party. Nancy: You’re really going to let your freak flag fly, huh? Marco: Thanks. You know me; I’m always trying to be fun. […]
To bug someone
Meaning: To annoy or bother someone Context #1 – Two students are talking after class Jackie:You know that girl in the red shirt who sits in back of the class? Pippy: Hmmm…let me think. Oh, yes! The really tall girl. Jackie: Yes, that one! She bugs me so much! Pippy: Really? Why? Jackie: She just taps her pen […]
Mellow (used as an adjective)
First Example: Steven: Long week, huh? Sharon: Yeah, I’m exhausted. Steven: Are you doing anything special this weekend? Sharon: Nope. I’m just gonna keep it mellow, maybe rent a movie and order pizza. If possible, I think I’m going to avoid leaving my house […]
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 […]
