To run off at the mouth
Context 1: 2016 is an election year in the United States, which means that Americans will be choosing their next President. There are some candidates who are well qualified and have good, solid ideas for improving the county. In contrast, there are other candidates who don’t appear to be serious and are experts at running off […]
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 […]
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 […]
Doubleheader
Example 1: Johnny: Hey Daniel, are you really going to compete in a doubleheader? Isn’t your leg hurt? Daniel: Don’t worry Johnny, I know one competition right after the other might sound crazy, but I can handle it. Johnny: What if someone sweeps your leg or something? Daniel: It wouldn’t be the first time. Besides, if […]
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 […]
friends in high places
Idiom: friends in high places (used as a noun) First Example: Sandra: Did you hear that Ben got the promotion? Donald: No way! I thought for sure you’d get it! Sandra: Well, I don’t have as many friends in high places. Donald: What do you mean? Sandra: Well, he has a few friends in upper […]
TO SHOP AROUND
Example 1: James: I’m going to buy a laptop for $800.00 Leo: What?! That’s expensive! Have you shopped around for cheaper ones? James: Not, really… Leo: You should! I’m sure you can find one for way less than $800.00 James: Good idea! Example 2: Gina: Did you buy dad’s Fathers’ Day gift? David: I’m shopping […]
to just scrape by
Context #1: Tom: Did you pass your physics class this semester? Brian: Yeah, but I barely scraped by. I almost failed! Context #2: Jennifer: This Russian class I’m taking is so hard. Whitney: Are you failing it? Jennifer: I’m not failing, but I am just scraping by. It’s super difficult. Meaning: to just scrape by […]
Afraid of One's Own Shadow
Example 1: Mark: Are you OK, Sandra? You look worried about something. Sandra: Oh, hey Mark. I didn’t see you there. I’ve been a little more anxious these days. I can’t seem to relax. Mark: Did something happen? Sandra: I had a car accident recently. It was pretty bad. Since then, everything scares me. I’m even afraid […]
Scare the Daylights Out of Someone
Example 1: Jill: Hey Bill, did I tell you the story about the racoon? Bill: No, but it sounds interesting! What happened? Jill: Well, last week when I went to take out the garbage, a giant racoon hissed at me! I think I was interrupting his dinner! Bill: Wow! That’s pretty scary! I heard racoons […]
