Haste makes waste
Example: Ina: I heard you won some money from the lottery. Michael: I did. I’m going to buy a house, and a boat, and get married, and…… Ina: Whoa! Wait a second. Don’t you want to save or invest some of that money? Also, don’t you want to wait to get to know your girlfriend […]
A miss is as good as a mile
Idiom:A miss is as good as a mile – A near miss is still a miss and is no better than missing by a big margin. In other words, losing is still losing. Context #1 Timothy: Hi, Samantha. What’s wrong? Samantha: I feel so bad because my basketball team played for the championship last night and we lost. It was our big chance and we failed! Timothy:What was the […]
To stop dead n one's tracks
Idiom: to stop dead in one’s tracks; used as a verb Example: Larry: How was your camping trip? Vickie: It was awesome! Except for the bear. Larry: The bear?! Vickie: Yeah, we went out for a night hike, and when we returned, there was a bear in our campsite going through our food. We forgot […]
Stand over someone
Example 1: Lina: How was your math test? Matthew: It was OK, but it was hard for me to focus. My teacher was standing over me during the whole test. I think she was watching me to see if I made any mistakes, but it was very distracting. Lina: That’s strange. When I took the test she stood […]
On one's own
Example #1 Natasha: Hey, Jackie! Thank you so much for sending me the e-mail regarding the next Summer trip! I wish I could join you guys, but I am actually going on a trip. Jackie: Oh, no! That’s a bummer! Sorry you will not join us. Well, where are you going? Natasha: I am going […]
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, […]
