A Blessing In Disguise

Idiom: A blessing in disguise Meaning: Something that at first appears to be bad or unlucky but is actually good. Example: Mike: I heard you lost your job. Is that true? Sam: Yeah, it is! But losing my job was a blessing in disguise. Mike: How so? Sam: I never would have found my current job if […]

To Be A Turkey

Idiom: to be a turkey Example: John: I can’t find my laptop.  I hope I didn’t lose it or get it stolen. Eli: Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you, Kazu borrowed your laptop this morning.  He said he would have it back to you before class.  His broke and he had to find a way to […]

You look like you have just seen a ghost!

Idiom:You look like you have just seen a ghost! Example: Joe: Jane! Are you all right? You look like you have just seen a ghost! Jane: I just got really shocking news from my doctor. We are having triplets.  Joe: 3 babies?! Jane: Now YOU look like you have just seen a ghost! Meaning:You look like you […]

To make one's blood run cold

Idiom: To make one’s blood run cold Example 1:  Don’t see the movie “The Exorcist!” It’s so scary! It made my blood run cold!  Example 2: There was a terrible car accident near my home. The sound of the crash made my blood run cold! It was so shocking and scary.  Meaning: something makesone’s blood run coldmeans that something really scared/shocked/terrified someone. @LSISB @LSIOC @LSINE @LSILA www.languagesystems.edu

In Cold Blood

Idiom: In cold blood Context #1: John: Did you hear about that serial killer who appeared in court today? Sam: Yeah, I heard the judge sentenced him to life in prison with no parole. John: That’s right. He killed about 10 people in cold blood so I guess he deserved that. Context #2: Jenny: Last […]

Skeleton crew

Idiom: skeleton crew; used as a noun First Example: Toby: Are you going to the concert this Saturday? Claire: No.  I have to work Saturday night. Toby: That’s too bad – but maybe you can get off a little early? It’s usually pretty slow on the weekends. Claire: Because it’s always so slow, Tim decided […]

To hit the books

Idiom: To hit the books Context #1 – Two students just got back from the one-week break and are starting a new term at Language Systems in LA. Jeff: What a vacation! San Francisco was beautiful and the weather was perfect. Katie: I know. It’s nice to take a break from school and get out of town […]

To Strut One's Stuff

Idiom: to strut one’s stuff Context #1 – Two people are watching a soccer game and one of the players just scored a goal. Jen: Goal!!! That was a great shot! Look at him strut his stuff! Kat: Hmmm. I think that was just a lucky shot. Jen: Seriously? Look at the replay. It was an AMAZING shot, not […]

At face value

Idiom: at face value Example 1-Sales representatives will do anything to sell you their product.  So, don’t take their word at face value. Example 2-Charlie is very smart; if he gives you legal advice, you should take it at face value. Meaning: “at face value” means the superficial appearance or implication of something. @LSILA @LSINE @LSIOC @LSISB www.languagesystems.edu

To face the music

Idiom: to face the music Example 1- (In school)Sally didn’t study for her tests this week.  She’ll have to face the music when it’s time to show her parents her results. Example 2- I had to face the music after the teacher caught me using my phone during the test. Meaning: “to face the music” means to accept […]

To stay tuned

Idiom: to stay tuned Example 1-(News story on television)There was a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in our town this morning. Reports of damage are slowly being reported. Residents are urged to stay tuned for emergency instructions. Example 2- Stay tunedfor more updates and pictures from the Beach Party. Meaning: “to stay tuned” means to stay on one news channel, radio station, […]