In Over one's Head
Example 1:I want to graduate early, so I registered for 2 extra classes this semester. I thought I could handle it, but I’m starting to think I am in over my head. With all the homework, reading assignments, and classes to attend, I’m not sleeping well and I’m feeling overwhelmed. The deadline to drop classes is next week. I’ll […]
To Chicken Out
Context #1 – Tim: Have you heard about the new ride and Magic Mountain called the Death Drop? John: Yeah, I heard it’s super scary. Have you been on it? Tim: Well, we went there this weekend and I was going to go on it with my friends, but I chickened out at the last […]
Big Guns
First Example: Nick: Who’s going to play on your basketball team for the tournament? Ben: We have Michael taking the lead. Nick: Oh! You’re bringing out the big guns. You really want to win. Ben: What’s the point of playing if you don’t have a strong leader that plays well? Nick: That’s true. We don’t […]
Cram for a test
Meaning: the act of attempting to learn a large amount of information in a short period of time, especially for a test. Example 1 . Jack and Jessica are classmates, and are in the classroom right now. Jessica: You look stressed. Jack: I am super stressed!! Jessica: Why? Jack: Jonas just told me that we […]
To Blow a Fuse
Context #1 – Two people are discussing about a broken Bodhi: Hey bro, why didn’t you tell me that you borrowed my surf board? Johnny: Dude, because I knew you would blow a fuse. Bodhi: Really? I’ve never treated you bad man. Johnny:Yeah, but last time Tyler dropped your board you really blew a fuse. Bodhi: That’s because she […]
to tighten one's belt
Idiom: to tighten one’s belt (used as a verb) First Example: Tim: Do you want to go to lunch? Sally: I brought lunch, but thanks for the invite. Tim: Wow! You never bring lunch! Sally: Well, Justin lost his job, so we’re gonna have […]
to break even
Idiom: to break even (used as a verb) First Example: Manager: I’m sorry, but we won’t be able to give that raise you asked for. Employee: That’s too bad. Can you explain why? Manager: Well, the rent for the building went up, and we lost a […]
Heavy Hitter
Example 1: Oprah Winfrey is considered a heavy hitter in her field. Example 2: Carlos: I’m excited to have Wendy working with us!! Hoyeon: Why? Carols: Have you seen her resume? She’s a real heavy hitter! Meaning: someone who has achieved a lot and is very powerful
To Play Hardball
To Play Hardball Example 1: Things are getting a little tough so the president has decided to play hardball on this issue. Example 2: Jacob: Sam is such a nice teacher Jake: Yes, but he’s also not afraid to play hardball when the class starts acting rowdy Meaning: to act strong and aggressive about an […]
Travel Light
Example 1: I’m going home for the holidays this year. I am so excited to see my family after 6 months of being here in America studying English. My classmate gave me good advice for my trip. She advised Itravel light.She explained that if I take just a small amount of luggage, I can save […]
head back to one’s hometown
Context #1 Gary: What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Chris: Well, normally we go to my parents’ place. But this year we’re heading back to my wife’s hometown in Nebraska. Gary: Nebraska? I hope you have a nice warm jacket to take with you. Context #2 Amanda: How do you celebrate the Chinese […]
Leftovers
Context #1 Jim: Man! We cooked a huge turkey last night for Thanksgiving! Todd: So I guess you had a lot of leftovers. Jim: Yeah! I’m going to be eating turkey sandwiches for the next week. Context #2 Sarah: We had a really nice Thanksgiving potluck party at my work today. Chrissy: Did a lot […]
