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 […]
to study one’s brains out
Idiom: to study one’s brains out Context #1: Jim: How did you do on the grammar test? Sam: I got 100%. I studied my brains out for that test. Jim: Nice job! Context #2: Chrissy: Are you preparing for the GRE exam? Tammy: Yeah, I’ve been studying my brains out for the last 6 months. […]
SHOPPING SPREE
Example 1: Jenny: I won a $2,000 shopping spree at TNA! I’m heading there right now, want to come? Vanessa: Hell, yeah! Let’s go!! Example 2: Maria: I wish I didn’t go on that shopping spree two weeks ago! Tatsu: Why? You were so happy with everything that you bought. Maria: I know! But now […]
Curveball
Meaning: a difficult, strange or unusual situation (This idiom comes from baseball. The person responsible for throwing the ball towards the batter “the pitcher” has an array of different throws, one of them being the “curveball.” It’s a particularly difficult throw to strike, as it can change direction. Context #1 – At work Clayton: Hey Zach, I’m […]
In the boonies
Idiom: In the boonies Meaning:very rural area; far away from large populations or urban areas Context #1 – New Job, New Location Kevin:I heard you got a new job and you have to move away. Where are you going to live now Vee? Vee: I got a great job as a Geologist in a university. But it’s […]
to scrape together
Idiom: to scrape together (used as a verb) First Example: The college students didn’t think they’d have enough money to pay their rent. They sold some stuff and borrowed from their parents and they finally scraped together what they needed just in time. Meaning: The expression “to scrape together” means to gather together or make […]
to live within one's means
Idiom: to live within one’s means (used as a verb) First Example: Angela is in debt. She hasn’t been living within her means this past year, using credit cards to pay for everything. Now she has to move back into her parents’ house so she can save money on rent and use it pay off […]
To Paint the Town Red
verb, expression – to go out and have fun, have a good time. Use: William and Cheryl stand outside a convenience store. Cheryl scratches a lottery ticket. William: I wish we could get out and do something fun tonight. But I don’t get paid until next week! Cheryl: I won! I won! $10,000! William: Are you […]
to grill someone
Idiom: to grill someone; used as a verb First Example: Theresa was really grilling Harry on their first date. She was sure asking him all these questions about his preferences. He eventuall had to ask her to stop. Second Example: When Janice said she hadn’t done her homework because she had to go to the […]
To kick (something) around
Idiom: To kick (something) around; used as a verb First Example: Dawn: How is the screenplay that you’re writing with Janet? Jeff: Truthfully, we’re kind of stuck. We can’t settle on an ending. Dawn: Oh? Jeff: We’ve got a few ideas we’re kicking around at the moment, but we haven’t found anything we really like. Dawn: […]
Loose Cannon
Idiom: Loose Cannon Meaning: A person who doesn’t think of their actions or their effects on those around them. Example: Michele: I can’t believe how Jason acted at the party. Christina: I heard he was such a loose cannon and hurt a lot of people’s feelings. Michele: I don’t think the alcohol helped any. For […]
