To Eat It
Context #1 Jim: Hey, what happened to your elbow? It’s all bandaged up. Tony: Well, I was riding my bike to school yesterday and I ate it when I was going down hill. Jim: Wow! You have to be careful. Context #2 Susie: I heard your boyfriend is teaching you how to skateboard. Jenny: […]
To Shape Up
EXAMPLE 1: Dear Zora, This is the last time I will remind you to wash the dishes after cooking. We are roommates and we share a space. You never clean up after yourself! I always have to ask you to keep the apartment clean… Sometimes I feel like I am your mother! Seriously, if you […]
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. […]
For the Birds
Context #1 – Roommates watching TV at home Vanessa: This new TV show was supposed to be so good, but it’s really boring and confusing. I have no idea what’s going on. Brad: Yes, this show is definitely for the birds. Why don’t we change the channel? Vanessa: I agree. Even reruns of old shows […]
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 […]
To Be/Have a Big Mouth
Context 1: Bill: Sara, do you think anyone knows about what happened on Sunday? It was so embarrassing. Sara: Don’t tell Johnny anything if you want to keep this secret. He HAS a big mouth! Everyone will know what happened in a few hours! Context 2: I learned that it’s not good to BEa big mouth. I learned my lesson after […]
To let someone down
Idiom: To let someone down; used as a verb First Example: Jeffrey was sure he could make the goal, so he asked Thomas to kick him the ball. But he missed the goal and his team lost. He really let them down. Second Example: Jenna promised her mom that they would have breakfast together on Mother’s […]
To be wild about (something)
Idiom: To be wild about Meaning: To have a strong, almost uncontrollable, liking to someone or something. Context #1 – Someone has fallen in love. Matt:Leslie, I have something to confess. Leslie: Okay, what is it? Matt: Well, we’ve been spending a lot of time together these days, and well, what I’m trying to say is I’m […]
Like wildfire
Idiom: Like wildfire Meaning:Spreading, growing or gaining popularity in an accelerated way; Quickly gaining attention. Context #1 – A new song was released by a very popular music artist. Joc:Hey Clay, did you hear the new McPac-Man song? Clayton: No, why? Joc: Dude, seriously? It’s been spreading like wildfire. It’s become so popular across the world, so […]
Rocket science
Idiom: Rocket science Examples: Context #1 – Two friends are discussing the effects of illegal drugs Lars:You know, I don’t agree with what the professor said in class today. Katrina: Hmmmm? About what? Lars: He said that drugs are the biggest problem in our society today. Katrina: Well, they are really bad, especially for younger people. Lars:What about […]
