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 […]
A night on the town
Idiom: A night on the town Meaning:an evening when people go various places and enjoy different types of entertainment such as dancing in a nightclub, eating in a restaurant, or drinking in a bar. Context #1 – Kiki just graduated from UCLA and her friend wants to take her out to celebrate Gerry:Congratulations, Kiki! You […]
To line (someone or something) up
Idiom: To line (someone or something) up Example: Context #1 – Students are trying to plan a surprise party for their teacher Jeff:Next Friday is our teacher’s last day of class before she moves to China. I think we should line something up for her surprise farewell party. Something really big!! Mimi: Hmmmm…let me think about that. How many people are in […]
To be a cheapskate
Idiom: To be a cheapskate Example: Marc: OMG! Eric is such a cheapskate! He brought a tiny bag of candies for Peter’s kids on their birthday! Anne: Really? I can’t believe it. I know he likes to save money, but they are his nephews! Marc: Not only that, Peter always makes really nice gifts on […]
To imbue with
Idiom: To imbue with Example #1: Saul: What should we teach during summer camp this year? Jay: I’m not sure, but remember last year’s camp? Our teachers really imbued us with a positive attitude. Saul: That’s because we had a mature leadership crew last year. Jay:I’m sure they imbued us with good values so we could have a positive influence on new camp members. Example […]
To have a change of heart
Idiom: To have a change of heart; used as a verb Example: Maria: So what do you think of the puppy now? Neil: Now that he’s at home, I admit, he is pretty adorable. And you’re right, we did have enough room for a pet. Maria: I’m glad you had a change of heart. I know […]
To have a heart
Idiom: To have a heart; used as a verb Example: Maria: Look at these adorable puppies my friend posted on facebook. They’re looking for homes. Maybe we should adopt one? Neil: We don’t need a dog. Maria: Why not? They’re so adorable, and they need homes. And I have been thinking a pet could be fun. […]
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 […]
Wouldn’t dream of doing
Idiom: Wouldn’t dream of doing– Something a person would never consider doing Example 1: Marco: Did you ever imagine we would be trekking the Andes? Chuck: Two weeks ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of it! Marco: Yes, this is an unbelievable experience. Chuck: Next, we should go trekking in the jungles of Guatemala. Example 2: Juan: I can’t believe I’ve been […]
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 […]
Deck the Halls
Idiom: Deck the Halls Example 1: Jennifer: (singing) Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! Olaf: What? I don’t understand a word you are singing! Jennifer: It’s an old Christmas carol, or song, Deck the Halls! Olaf: What does it mean? Jennifer: Well, “deck the halls” means to decorate for Christmas. A bough is a branch, so […]
