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 […]
To sit on the fence
Definition: Avoid making a decision or choice Henry: Hi Vinicius! Have you decided what class you want to take next session? Vinicius: No I’m still sitting on the fence. Henry: Which class are you on the fence about? Vinicius: I will either take Advanced Conversation or Level 7, but I’m trying to figure out which […]
To look on the bright side
Context #1: Amy: We need to save money. Brian: Why do we need to save money? Amy:Because we need to buy a house. Brian: But a house is so expensive. Amy: That’s why we need to save money. Brian: How much do we need to save? Amy:We need to save enough for a down payment. Brian: How much is that? Amy: That’s […]
To Cut a Rug (used as a verb)
Idiom: to cut a rug; used as a verb First Example: Brie: I saw you dancing with Deb. You guys really cut a rug. Aj: Yeah, we were having a blast. Brie: I didn’t realize you were such a great dancer. Aj: Neither did I! I think Deb is the great dancer, and she just […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
Big Guns
First Example: Nick: Who’s going to play on your basketball team for the tournament? Ben: We have Michael taking the lead. Nick: Oh! You’re bringing out the big guns. You really want to win. Ben: What’s the point of playing if you don’t have a strong leader that plays well? Nick: That’s true. We don’t […]
Cram for a test
Meaning: the act of attempting to learn a large amount of information in a short period of time, especially for a test. Example 1 . Jack and Jessica are classmates, and are in the classroom right now. Jessica: You look stressed. Jack: I am super stressed!! Jessica: Why? Jack: Jonas just told me that we […]
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 […]
to tighten one's belt
Idiom: to tighten one’s belt (used as a verb) First Example: Tim: Do you want to go to lunch? Sally: I brought lunch, but thanks for the invite. Tim: Wow! You never bring lunch! Sally: Well, Justin lost his job, so we’re gonna have […]
