Pull an all nighter
Meaning: Depriving yourself of sleep all night to do things that need to be done or you want to do. Usually used for studying. Example 1 Matt and Ben are two friends Matt: Are you going to John’s party tonight? Ben: No, I’m not! Matt: Why not? Ben: I have a test tomorrow. Matt: Didn’t […]
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 […]
(To have money) burn a hole in someone's pocket
Idiom: (To have money) burn a hole in someone’s pocket; used as a verb Example: When his mother gave the little boy his allowance, she told him not to “spend it all in one place.” But the money was burning a hole in his pocket, so he spent it all at the candy store. He didn’t save any […]
Nest egg
Idiom: Nest egg Example: Laurie: I heard they’re having a party for you this Friday? Bob: Yep. I have been working here for 46 years, and it’s finally time for me to retire. Laurie: That’s great! What are you going to do? Bob: I’ve always wanted to travel around the world, so I’m heading out on Monday […]
To drop the ball
Idiom: To drop the ball Example: Last week, my wife received all of our monthly bills. She wrote the checks, put them in envelopes and asked me to mail them the next day. I forgot. Now all of our bills are late. I can’t believe I dropped the ball like that! My wife is so angry. Meaning: […]
Chasing rainbows
Idiom: Chasing rainbows Example 1: Sarah is so beautiful and talented! I sometimes dream about what life would be like if she were my girlfriend. I’m too shy to talk to her, but even if I could, I know I would just be chasing rainbows. There’s no way she would be interested in me. Example 2: […]
To do something in one's sleep
Idiom: To do something in one’s sleep Context #1: Sean: Did you finish the math homework yet? Terry: Are you kidding? It was so easy I could’ve done it in my sleep. Sean: Oh, come on! It wasn’t that easy! Context #2: Crissy: I heard your really good at making lasagna. Do you think you […]
Out with the old, in with the new
Idiom: Out with the old, in with the new – To change the old for the new. To leave old things or ideas behind and bring in new things or ideas. Example 1 Jerry: What are you doing? Malcom: I’m eating raw spinach with almonds for lunch. Jerry: That doesn’t look very appetizing. Malcom: Well, with the new year […]
To start from scratch
Idiom: To start from scratch – To start something from the very beginning Context #1 Jen: I really admire Keisha. She has become a successful restaurant owner in just three years. Kat: I agree. And did you know that she started from scratch? There were no restaurants in that area and she raised the startup money herself! She even cooked […]
To get busted
Idiom:“to get busted” Context #1: Fred: Hey, did you hear what happened to Joe? Chris: No, what happened? Fred: He got busted for drinking and driving. He is in serious trouble. Chris: Oh man! That’s too bad! He’s probably going to lose his license. Context #2: Stephanie: Yesterday in Math class I was cheating on my […]
