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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 Blow a Fuse
Context #1 – Two people are discussing about a broken Bodhi: Hey bro, why didn’t you tell me that you borrowed my surf board? Johnny: Dude, because I knew you would blow a fuse. Bodhi: Really? I’ve never treated you bad man. Johnny:Yeah, but last time Tyler dropped your board you really blew a fuse. Bodhi: That’s because she […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
