To gobble (something) up/down
Context #1: Kirk: We gotta leave soon if we’re going to make the play. Jake: I just made dinner. Kirk: Then let’s gobble it up; we have to leave in 10 minutes. Jake: Ugh. I shouldn’t have bothered making anything nice. Kirk: Sorry, but I told you we had these tickets for tonight. Jake: I […]
To get knocked up
Idiom: to get knocked up – to get (someone) pregnant Context #1 – At a party with friends James: I can’t figure out what do bring for my brother’s bachelor party next week. Candy: Your brother is getting married? I didn’t know. James: Yeah, he knocked up his girlfriend and they decided to get married. Candy: Didn’t they date for […]
Off the Beaten Path
Idiom: Off the Beaten Track/Path – in or into an isolated place; in a place where very few people go; a place not known by the general public Context #1 – Roommates at home Vanessa: Hey, Brad! I’ve been looking all over for you. Where have you been? Brad: Oh, hi Vanessa. Sorry, I was really […]
To shoot some hoops
Context #1: I just want to relax this weekend. I don’t want to study. I don’t want to clean or do laundry. I just want to relax. Maybe I’ll watch something on Netflix or take a long nap. I might call up some friends and shoot some hoops if the weather is nice. Context #2: We […]
To pound the pavement; used as a verb
Context #1 Leo: How’s the job hunting going? Janice: Not so great. I’ve been pounding the pavement all week, I’ve emailed out over 40 resumes, and I still haven’t gotten an interview! Leo: Sorry to hear that. But you’ll find something. Janice: I know. That’s why I’m on my way to pound the pavement some more. Leo: That’s the […]
By the skin of (one's) teeth; used as an adverb
Context #1 Laurie: Hey Alfonso! Wait, why are you all sweaty? Alfonso: I almost missed the bus. Laurie: What? You’re always on time! Alfonso: Normally, but I forgot to change my clocks after the time change and only realized when I looked at my phone, which updated automatically. I ran to the bus stop, and […]
To shoot from the hip
Context #1 Dana: Karen, I need to buy a new shirt for my company dinner tomorrow night. I think I’m going to buy one of these two. What do you think? Which one? Karen: Well, the red one with the yellow sleeves is interesting – and bright. It really catches the eye! But the white and blue […]
Don't judge a book by its cover
Idiom: Don’t judge a book by its cover: to not judge the quality or character of someone or something just by looking at them Context #1 – Students talking before the 1st day of class Vanessa: Hey, Brad. Did you see the new English teacher? He looks so mean! I’m afraid to go to his class. […]
To Troll
Idiom: To troll someone or something. Used as a verb (action) or noun (person). To make a provocative online comment or posting with the goal of upsetting someone or eliciting an angry response from them. A person who posts to an internet discussion group, chat room, or blog with the sole purpose of disrupting it. Context […]
