The late __ (person's name or social position)
Context #1: I was married to my husband for 37 years. I miss him so much. He passed away 5 years ago. When it rains, I miss him even more…My late husband used to enjoy his garden, especially after it rained. He was a good man. Context #2: November has been a very sad month in America. […]
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 […]
Be bent on doing something
Context #1: Jean: Phillip! I’m so tired! Can’t we finish tomorrow? The project isn’t due until 5 pm. We have plenty of time in the morning. Let’s go to sleep! Phillip: No way, Jean. I told myself we’d finish this by tonight and we’re not going to bed until we do. Sorry! Jean: You’re being really selfish, you know. […]
Bark up the wrong tree
Context #1 Alex: I’m sure that Cynthia took my candy.Mike: Cynthia? There’s no way she took it.Alex: I think she did! She was at school yesterday.Mike:So was everyone else! It’s a big school.Alex:She likes candy.Mike: Lots of people like candy. I think you’re barking up the wrong tree.Alex:Wait a minute. Why are you so sure […]
To play dumb
Context #1 Tony: Did you take my book? Jack: What are you talking about? I didn’t see any book. Tony: Don’t play dumb. I know you took it. Context #2 Grace: So did you ask your boyfriend about that text he got from that girl Chrissy. Amanda: Yeah, but he played dumb and said that she probably texted the wrong […]
To go dutch
Context #1 – Friends Having Dinner Together Marc:That was a good dinner. Let me ask for the check. Henry:Yeah, please do. Let me know how much I should cover. Marc: No way man! I invited you to dinner. Henry: I only agreed to dinner if we would go Dutch. So, no arguments. Marc: Okay, but next time, you have […]
Rug Rat
Idiom: Rug rat – a small child Context #1 – Kindergarten Barry: My group of rug rats has too much energy today. Donnie: Perhaps they had too much sugar to eat this morning. Maybe give them a couple of extra minutes of recess to burn the energy out. Barry: That’s not a bad idea. Donnie: Yeah, otherwise the rug […]
Off-the-Cuff
Context #1 – Students in class at university Vickey: I’m so confused after Professor Johnson’s lecture today. Did you understand any of it? Mac: Not at all! He just makes a bunch of off-the-cuff remarks and thinks it is a lecture. I doubt he even knows what he is talking about. Vickey: I agree. He […]
Eye-popping
Idiom: Eye-popping; used as an adjective Context #1: Taylor: Did you see the new Christopher Nolan movie? Jake: Yeah. You? Taylor: Yeah, and while I didn’t really care for the story, the cinematography was eye-popping! I was not expecting it to look that amazing. Jake: Yeah, I was blown away by how beautiful it was. […]
Pay it forward
Context #1 John: Have you heard what people have started doing at the Starbucks drive through? The person in front is paying for whatever the people behind them have ordered. Steve: Yeah, I’ve heard about that happening. I guess people are just trying to be kind to each other. John:That’s right. It’s a really cool […]
A kick!!
Context #1 Tom:What are you doing? Chris:I’m putting Tabasco sauce in my humus. Tom:Why? Chris:Well, the humus tastes good, but it needs a little kick. Context #2 Suzie:What did you order? Teresa: I ordered the Thai green curry. Suzie: I’ve had that before. I hope you like spicy food because that green curry really has […]
Shoot the Breeze!!
Context #1: Mark: Hey Rob! How was your date last night with Mary? Rob: Hi Mark. It was OK. I’m not sure we’re a good match. Mark: Why not? Rob: Well, we met for coffee and only spent about 30 minutes together before she left. We were pretty uncomfortable, just shooting the breeze. She didn’t really […]
