To go overboard
Idiom: To go overboard – to be very enthusiastic; to do or say too much because a person is too enthusiastic about something; to do something in an extreme or excessive way. Context #1 – Two friends are talking at a party Tina: Did you see Maria? I mean, I know this is supposed to be […]
To hit the nail on the head
Idiom: To hit the nail on the head – get it right, get it, guess correctly, speak (the) truth Context #1 – Students are in English class Teacher: OK. Can anyone tell me what the word “affluent” means? Student 1: To be sick? Teacher: No, that’s not what it means. Good try, though. Anyone else? Student 2: To have […]
Sick
Context #1: Tom: Have you seen the new Star Wars movie yet?Jim: Yeah, I saw it last night. It was so sick!Tom: I know! I think it is the best one yet. Context #2: Sara: On Saturday we went to the street skateboarding championships, and it was so cool! Kim: I bet! I can’t believe […]
Cream of the crop
Context #1: Joe: Have you decided who you’re going to hire for the open position in the accounting department? Sam: Well, I interviewed about 8 people and now I’m down to the cream of the crop. There are 2 people I am still considering, and need to make my final decision by Friday. Context #2: Christa: […]
Add Insult to Injury
Context #1 I had a boyfriend for nearly 2 months. He recently broke up with me. He claimed the relationship was not working because I was not his “type.” My hair is blonde, I have blue eyes, and I’m fairly athletic. When we first met, he said I was exactly his type! Recently, my friend […]
Snowed In
Context #1 A college student is talking to his dad on the phone Tommy: Hello, Dad? Dad: Tommy! It’s so good to hear from you! We heard that you got snowed in at the airport and we were worried about you. Is everything OK? Tommy: Yes, I’m fine, but I’ve been snowed in here for […]
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. […]
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 blow it
Context #1 Jim: So how did you do on your driving test yesterday? Harry:Oh man, I totally blew it! Jim: What happened? Harry: I accidentally ran through a stop sign, so I failed it. Context #2 Kathy: I have that big job interview later today. Sara: Good luck! Kathy:Thanks, but I’m so nervous! I […]
