Mixed Feelings
Idiom: mixed feelings; used as a noun First Example: Harry: Did you hear about the policy new change? Victoria: Yeah. Harry: You don’t sound happy about it. Victoria: Well, I have mixed feelings. I mean, I can see how it’ll make the experience better for our clients, so that’s good. Harry: Right. Victoria: But it’s […]
Cut the mustard
Context #1 John: Who are you going to choose for the front desk staff position? Wick: I’m not sure yet. Both candidates are smart, but neither can cut the mustard. John: You have to pick one of them though, right? Wick: Not if they can’t meet our standards. Context #2 Paulie: I’m not worried about next […]
To go overboard
Idiom: To go overboard – to be very enthusiastic; to do or say too much because a person is too enthusiastic about something; to do something in an extreme or excessive way. Context #1 – Two friends are talking at a party Tina: Did you see Maria? I mean, I know this is supposed to be […]
Sick
Context #1: Tom: Have you seen the new Star Wars movie yet?Jim: Yeah, I saw it last night. It was so sick!Tom: I know! I think it is the best one yet. Context #2: Sara: On Saturday we went to the street skateboarding championships, and it was so cool! Kim: I bet! I can’t believe […]
Cream of the crop
Context #1: Joe: Have you decided who you’re going to hire for the open position in the accounting department? Sam: Well, I interviewed about 8 people and now I’m down to the cream of the crop. There are 2 people I am still considering, and need to make my final decision by Friday. Context #2: Christa: […]
Be in the same boat
Context #1 Ana: Hello, Andrew! Where are you going? Andrew: I am going to the mayor to ask him to take necessary steps against environmental pollution. Ana: You’re right. Environmental pollution has become a great problem in our lives. Andrew: Even though the environment helps us to exist, we don’t bother to take care of […]
Wish Upon a Star
Context #1 Mother and 4-year-old son are talking Mom: Did you like the movie, Pinocchio? Johnny: Yes, I did. I especially like Jiminy Cricket! He’s funny! Mom: Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Johnny: Mommy, you know that song that Jiminy Cricket sings in the movie? What does “wish upon a star” mean? Mother: Well, […]
Pull Christmas Crackers
Context #1 Family sitting down for Christmas dinner Dad: OK everyone. Let’s sit down to eat Christmas dinner! Jason: Dad, can we pull the Christmas crackers now? Dad: Sure, Jason! Go ahead. Jason: Pulling Christmas cracker with his sister and it makes a “bang.” Mother: Oh, look at those cute little toys. OK, Jason, now let […]
Christmas came early
Context #1 “Christmas came early for Disney. Their latest film ‘The Jungle Book’, starring Neel Sethi, made $27 million dollars in its opening weekend.” When a happy surprise arrives before Christmas, like a hot new date, awesome gift or magical experience. Context #2 Ralph: Oh, man! It’s only 10:00 am and that loaf I dropped felt […]
To slip (my, his, her) mind
Context #1: Terrence dials a number on his cell phone. His friend, Will, answers. Will: Hello? Terrence:Will? Where are you? Will: At home. What are you doing, Terrence? Terrence: Waiting for you! We agreed to meet in Downtown, remember? Will: I’m so sorry, Will. It totally slipped my mind. I’m on my way! Context #2: Linda and […]
