Idioms/Animals

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Idioms/Animals

VIdioms based on animals and animal behaviour. Select an idiom for more details. Also try Animal Idioms Quiz.

(it's) raining cats and dogs

You can say "it's raining cats and dogs" if it's raining very hard.

(like) water off a duck's back

You can say an insult or criticism is like water off a duck's back if it doesn't upset you.

a night owl

You're a night owl if you like to stay up and do things late at night.

a queer fish

If someone's a queer fish, they are a bit strange and can sometimes behave in an unusual way.

a whale of a time

If you have a whale of a time, you have a great time and really enjoy yourself.

a wolf in sheep's clothing

A wolf in sheep's clothing is someone who seems to be a good person but is really a bad person.

can of worms INFORMAL

If you say a situation or an issue is a can of worms, you think that getting involved in it could lead to problems.

chickens come home to roost

If chickens are coming home to roost, someone is suffering the unpleasant consequences of their bad actions in the past.

drink like a fish INFORMAL

If someone drinks like a fish, they drink a lot of alcohol.

eyes like a hawk

If someone has eyes like a hawk, they have very good eyesight and they notice everything.

kill two birds with one stone

If you kill two birds with one stone, you achieve two things with the one action.

let the cat out of the bag

If you let the cat out of the bag, you let someone know a secret.

like a fish out of water

You feel like a fish out of water if you're surrounded by people who are different to you, and it's making you feel a little uncomfortable.

quiet as a mouse

If you're as quiet as a mouse, you're very quiet.

sick as a dog

If you're as sick as a dog, you're very sick.

take the bull by the horns

If you take the bull by the horns, you deal with a problem or a challenge in a direct and fearless way.

talk turkey

If you talk turkey, you discuss something seriously, usually to do with business or money.

the lion's share

You can say something is the lion's share if it's the biggest share or portion of something.

the rat race

The rat race is the highly competitive and stressful world of work and business.

zebra crossing British English

A zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing that is marked on the road with painted black and white stripes.

Also try Animal Idioms Quiz.

Contributor: Matt Errey

EnglishClub : Learn English : Vocabulary : Reference : Idioms : Animals

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Idioms Health

 .

a new lease of life British English

If someone has a new lease of life, they have a new enthusiasm for living.

a pain in the neck INFORMAL

You can say someone is a pain in the neck if they annoy you, or something is a pain in the neck if you don't like doing it.

a shot in the arm INFORMAL

You can say something is a shot in the arm if it gives a person or an organisation renewed energy or enthusiasm.

do you the world of good

If something does you the world of good, it makes you feel a lot better.

fresh as a daisy

If you feel as fresh as a daisy, you feel energetic and lively.

ill at ease

If you're ill at ease, you feel tense or you can't relax in a situation.

junk food

Food that is bad for us because it contains large amounts of harmful substances like artificial colouring, preservatives, salt, refined sugar, and so on.

just what the doctor ordered INFORMAL

You can say something was just what the doctor ordered when it was exactly what was needed.

kick the habit

If you kick the habit, you manage to stop doing something that has become a bad habit.

on your last legs | on its last legs INFORMAL

If you say you're on your last legs, it can mean you're close to exhaustion, or it can mean you're close to death. If a thing is on its last legs, it's close to breaking or wearing out.

recharge your batteries

You recharge your batteries if you do something to regain your energy after a period of hard work.

sick as a dog

If you're as sick as a dog, you're very sick.

stick out like a sore thumb | stand out like a sore thumb

If someone sticks out like a sore thumb, or stands out like a sore thumb, everyone notices them because they're not the same as the people around them.

teething problems | teething troubles

If someone or something is having teething problems, or teething troubles, they're having problems during the early stages of something.

under the weather

If you are under the weather, you're not feeling well.

verbal diarrhoea INFORMAL

If someone has verbal diarrhoea, they can't stop talking.

vim and vigor

If you have vim and vigor, you have lots of energy and enthusiasm for life.

warts and all

If you show something warts and all, you show it exactly as it is without trying to hide any of its faults or weaknesses.

weak at the knees

If you go weak at the knees, you feel an emotion so strongly that it makes you feel unstable on your feet.

You are what you eat.

You can say "you are what you eat" when you want to point out the connection between food and health.

Also try Health Idioms Quiz.

Common English Idioms

Break the ice

Meaning: To get the conversation going. Provide a conversation prompt.

Example: Starting class with a joke or subjects students like will help to break the ice.

A dime a dozen

Meaning: Very common: quite ordinary

Example: I thought it was something special but it turns out they're a dime a dozen.

Beat around the bush

Meaning: To avoid saying something

Example: Don't beat around the bush. Just tell me what happened.

Back against the wall

Meaning: Forced to do something that you would rather not.

Example: I really don't want to do this but my back is against the wall.

Bite the bullet

Meaning: Doing something you don't want to but also expressing that you're making a proactive choice.

Example: I'm going to go ahead and bite the bullet rather than waiting around.

Wrap one's head around something

Meaning: To understand something that may take a bit of time and effort.

Example: That's really complicated. It's going to take a moment to wrap my head around that.

Under the weather

Meaning: Sick. Typically used to describe minor illnesses like a cold.

Example: Sorry I'm feeling a bit under the weather and won't be able to come in today.

Better late than never

Meaning: Describes things that are better done than not, even if it takes a long time.

Example: I went back to college at 30 years old and figured better late than never.

Cut corners

Meaning: To skip steps or not do things completely.

Example: This is an important project so don't cut any corners on this one.

Get out of hand

Meaning: When a situation gets out of control.

Example: I meant to just have a small party but too many people came and it quickly got out of hand.

A snowball effect

Meaning: Something that can continue to get more and more out of control

Example: I just invited a couple of people over but there was a bit of a snowball effect and now there's a giant party at my house.

We'll cross that bridge when we get to it

Meaning: Let's avoid addressing the problem until later on.

Example: We won't find out until next month so we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

To cut someone some slack

Meaning: To not manage someone very strictly or to not be critical.

Example: Cut me some slack. I'm trying.

To be hard on someone

Meaning: To criticize or to manage someone very strictly.

Example: You don't have to be so hard on your employees to be successful.

Get something out of one's system

Meaning: To do something you really want to and have been waiting to.

Example: I really want to go to karaoke, sing a few songs and just get it out of my system.

Burn bridges

Meaning: To do something or anger someone to where you cannot go back to how things were and cannot expect help in the future.

Example: Don't burn bridges with your employer. You may need their help in the future.

Sell like hotcakes

Meaning: To sell very quickly or be in high demand.

Example: I didn't think my crafts would be that popular but they're selling like hotcakes.

Fish out of water

Meaning: To be in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable place.

Example: I don't want to change schools and be a fish out of water.

Step up one’s game

Meaning: To work harder or perform better.

Example: You need to step up your game if you want a promotion this year.

Your guess is as good as mine

Meaning: I don't know either.

Example: I haven't found out anything so your guess is as good as mine.

Leave out in the cold

Meaning: To be ignored or not considered.

Example: Not being invited to any of the meetings lately has me feeling left out in the cold.

Keep an ear to the ground

Meaning: To listen for new information.

Example: I'll keep an ear to the ground for any updates on the project.

Up in arms

Meaning: To be angry or overreact.

Example: Don't get up in arms. I'm just telling you what happened.

Run around in circles

Meaning: To put effort into something while making little or no progress.

Example: My boss has me running around in circles with unnecessary tasks that aren't getting us anywhere.

Scrape the barrel

Meaning: To make choices you don't want to or normally wouldn't.

Example: They're not great but I was really scraping the barrel to find something.

Blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad but provides some benefit.

Example: I hated that assignment but it was a blessing in disguise since it taught me things that I use for the job I have now.

Having an Ace up the sleeve

Meaning: To have a hidden or untold advantage.

Example: I thought he was definitely going to lose but he had an ace up his sleeve and caught up in points.

Buy it

Meaning: To believe something.

Example: That guy told me he's related to the president but I don't buy it.

Hook line and sinker

Meaning: To be deceived completely.

Example: I told him that I would pay him $1,000,000 and he bought it hook line and sinker.

Piece of cake

Meaning: Very Easy.

Example: Winning the game is a piece of cake once you understand how to play.

Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Very rare.

Example: She doesn't like it here and only comes once in a blue moon.

On the line

Meaning: To risk something or have something at risk.

Example: I invested my life savings in this business and have everything on the line.

A quick buck

Meaning: An easy way to make money quickly.

Example: Translation work is kind of boring for me but it's a quick buck.

Sights set on | Set sights on

Meaning: To desire something or to make a goal.

Example: I have my sights set on going to France next year. | I set my sights on going to France next year.

Add fuel to the fire

Meaning: To make a situation worse.

Example: You should wait until later to say something. Sometimes arguing just adds fuel to the fire.

Bone to pick

Meaning: To be angry about something and want to discuss it.

Example: You might not think you did anything wrong but I have a bone to pick with you about that.

Go the extra mile

Meaning: To do extra work or put in extra effort.

Example: She went the extra mile and got our seats upgraded even though she didn’t have to.

Hang in there

Meaning: To not give up.

Example: I know things are hard but hang in there.

Down for the count

Meaning: To give up or not be able to keep going.

Example: I tried everything and it took so much out of me. I'm down for the count on this one.

Rest on your laurels

Meaning: To stop trying as hard because of your past achievements.

Example: The work still isn't finished and things are just going to get more difficult. This is no time to rest on your laurels.

Give it a whirl

Meaning: To try something.

Example: I'm willing to give it a whirl even though I've never done it before.

It's not rocket science

Meaning: It's not as difficult as you might think.

Example: Of course, I figured it out. It's not rocket science.

Get bent out of shape

Meaning: To get upset at times when others don't think you should.

Example: Hey it's just a joke. Don't get bent out of shape.

Spill the beans

Meaning: To tell a secret.

Example: I already know you did it. Your best friend spilled the beans.

Sit on the fence

Meaning: To be undecided.

Example: I'm still sitting on the fence about whether I'm going to buy that car.

Don't cry over spilled milk/ No use in crying over spilled milk

Meaning: What has already happened cannot be undone so you shouldn't cry but you should think of what to do going forward.

Example: I know it wasn't your fault but there's no use in crying over spilled milk. Think of what you're going to do next.

Fair and square

Meaning: To do things in a fair way with no advantages given to either side.

Example: No do-overs. I won fair and square.

Straight from the horse's mouth

Meaning: To hear information directly from the person involved.

Example: I already know the truth. I heard straight from the horse's mouth.

Bigger fish to fry

Meaning: There is something more important to take care of.

Example: I can't think about that right now. I have bigger fish to fry.

At face value

Meaning: As something seems or as one claims it to be.

Example: Don't take what he says at face value. He's been known to lie.

Read between the lines

Meaning: To look for the real meaning when something is said.

Example: I don't just listen to what people tell me. I know how to read between the lines.

Wild goose chase

Meaning: To waste time trying to do something you cannot.

Example: My mom sent me on a wild goose chase trying to find things that aren't available anywhere.

Call it a day

Meaning: To stop working.

Example: Hey let's go home. It's time to call it a day.

Chip off the old block

Meaning: To be similar to one's parents in one way or overall.

Example: She's a really higher achiever like her mom. A real chip off the old block.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Meaning: Similar to one’s parents. This is used at the time when you observe that someone is doing something their parents would.

Example: Of course, he got into Harvard. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

In for a penny in for a pound

Meaning: To make sure a task is complete no matter what once someone has spent any effort or money towards the goal.

Example: I'm in for a penny in for a pound on this one. I've already spent seven hours getting this project off the ground.

By the skin of one’s teeth

Meaning: To barely get something done.

Example: I passed that test by the skin of my teeth with a 61/100.

Draw the line

Meaning: To decide on a stopping past which you will not let something continue.

Example: I'm going to have to draw the line here. I can't do any more work until you pay your balance.

To not see/to lose the forest for the trees

Meaning: To fixate on trivial details to the point of ignoring the overall meaning or more important facts.

Example: Don't lose the forest for the trees here. The first few questions are only worth one point each so make sure you leave enough time for the open-ended questions.

Penny wise and pound foolish

Meaning: To worry about or obsess over unimportant details while ignoring the important ones.

Example: He did every homework assignment but didn't submit his major project. Absolutely penny wise and pound foolish.

Cry wolf

Meaning: To ask for help or attention by lying about a situation.

Example: If you keep crying wolf, nobody is going to help you when you really need it.

Play devil's advocate

Meaning: To present the other side or both sides of an argument.

Example: I just need you to support me, not to keep trying to play devil's advocate.

On thin ice

Meaning: In a dangerous or risky situation with much margin for error.

Example: I used 9 out of my 10 absences so my teacher told me I'm on thin ice.

The best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: Really, really good.

Example: The iPhone was the best thing since sliced bread. It really changed the world.

Take it with a pinch of salt

Meaning: Don’t believe it to be 100% true.

Example: He lies a lot so take what he says with a pinch of salt.

The whole nine yards

Meaning: Everything to the greatest extent.

Example: I want everything on the menu. Appetizers, entrees, desserts, the whole nine yards.

Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: To take on a task that is more difficult than you can handle.

Example: I regret agreeing to cook dinner for 100 people. I really bit off more than I could chew.

A second wind

Meaning: To have more energy or more appetite after being tired or full.

Example: I was completely full but once the dessert came, I had a second wind.

Play it by ear

Meaning: To improvise or wait for more information to come to a decision.

Example: I can't decide on what to do until I know what my manager's decision will be so I have to play it by ear.

Put something on ice

Meaning: To stop progress on something or put it on hold.

Example: Hey I need you to work on this project that's due today so you're going to have to put what you're doing on ice.

24/7

Meaning: All the time, always. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Example: I didn't invite him to my party because he's in medical school and studying 24/7.

Lose one's touch

Meaning: To not be as good at something as one used to be.

Example: It took me 10 tries to get a basket. I'm really losing my touch.

Sit tight

Meaning: Please wait patiently.

Example: Hey I still have a few tasks to do before I can head out to dinner so sit tight and I'll be there soon.

Twist my arm

Meaning: To convince someone with persistence.

Example: Alright I wasn't planning on buying a new car today but you twisted my arm. I'll take it.

Turn a deaf ear

Meaning: To ignore someone.

Example: I could really use some help but everyone around me has turned a deaf ear.

Hit the books

Meaning: To study (more often used to imply studying hard)

Example: Final exams are coming up and I need a high score to maintain my A. I'm going to hit the books hard today.

Cold turkey

Meaning: To quit suddenly rather than gradually.

Example: If I start playing video games at all, I won't stop for hours so I had to quit cold turkey.

Go down in flames

Meaning: To fail suddenly and severely.

Example: A couple of scandals after her debut caused her career to go down in flames.

Pitch in

Meaning: To put in effort or to make a contribution.

Example: It's a lot of work but if everyone pitches in, we'll be done in no time.

Cut to the chase

Meaning: To get directly to the point.

Example: I'm in a rush so I need you to cut to the chase and just tell me what the problem is.

Off the table

Meaning: Unavailable, the offer has been revoked.

Example: If your offer is still on the table, I'd like to accept the job.

Ship has sailed

Meaning: It is too late for the opportunity. You waited too long for the opportunity and it is no longer available.

Example: You waited too long and the job isn't available anymore. That ship has sailed so keep looking.

Blow off steam

Meaning: To do fun activities to help relieve stress.

Example: I had a long day at work and went to the batting cages to blow off some steam.

Come rain or shine

Meaning: No matter what.

Example: I promise, come rain or shine, I'll be at your graduation. You can count on it.

See eye to eye

Meaning: To agree, compromise or understand the other person's perspective.

Example: It's been six weeks and they can't come to any agreement because they just can't see eye to eye.

Rings a bell

Meaning: Sounds familiar or reminds you of something.

Example: What you just said rings a bell. There's this thing I forgot to tell you earlier.

A class act

Meaning: Of great character or able to perform to high standards.

Example: He puts on a good show every time and then shakes hands and takes pictures with fans. He's a real class act.

Break the bank

Meaning: To be very expensive.

Example: I got the car I wanted but it really broke the bank.

Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: To be very expensive. (Typically less used for items less expensive than ones that you would use "break the bank" for).

Example: Replacing my broken car stereo cost me an arm and leg.

Face the music

Meaning: To accept reality.

Example: You failed every audition. It's time to face the music and accept that you're not a very good actor.

Darkest before the dawn

Meaning: Things will get better (Useful for when several bad things happen at once)

Example: I know that a lot of bad things happened to you this week but it's darkest before the dawn.

Through thick and thin

Meaning: Throughout good times and bad times.

Example: It doesn't matter if it's difficult or if bad things happen. I said I would help you through thick and thin.

Fortune favors the bold

Meaning: Taking a risk can pay off.

Example: There's only a 10% chance of success but the payout is 20 times higher if I win. You know what they say, fortune favors the bold.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: You're taking too big of a risk or putting too much effort and resources into one risky option.

Example: I'm really glad that people like my art but I'm not going to make art full time. I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket.

Throw caution to the wind

Meaning: To stop thinking about something and take the risk.

Example: My parents told me not to put all my eggs in one basket but I decided to throw caution to the wind and be a full-time artist.

Look before you leap

Meaning: To think before you do something.

Example: The opportunity to move to another country is really exciting but I want you to look before you leap.

Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: To follow a trend or not to do something until it's popular.

Example: She didn't care about K-pop before but now that it's popular, she's jumped on the bandwagon.

Pour one’s heart out

Meaning: To tell or confess something emotional.

Example: I don't like soap operas. They're so unrealistic with the way everyone pours their heart out about everything.

Right as rain

Meaning: There is nothing that can be improved.

Example: The dish was right as rain. I wouldn't change a thing about it.

Pull one's leg

Meaning: To lie.

Example: That doesn't sound right. Are you pulling my leg?

greeting

"Hi, my name is jhoni. It's nice to meet you."/

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm bill"

"What do you do for a living?"/

"I work at a restaurant."

"I work at a bank."

"I work in a software company."

"I'm a dentist.

"What is your name?"

"What was that again?"

"Excuse me?"

"Hey bill, how have you been?"

"Hi Bob, how are you?"

"Hi Nancy, what have you been up to?"

"Jhon, it's been a long time, how are you man?"

"Hey Jim, it's good to see you. What are you doing here?" or "What a surprise. I haven't seen you in a long time. How have you been?"

"Do you come to this restaurant often?"

"What movie did you come to see?"

"Hi Steve, my name is Mike. It is nice to meet you as well."

"I heard a lot about you from John. He had a lot of good things to say."

"Wow. How long has it been? It seems like more than a year. I'm doing pretty well. How about you?"

"Not too bad."

 "Same ole same ole." Or, "The same as usual."

"I'm pretty busy at work these days, but otherwise, everything is great."

"I'm doing very well."

"I finally have some free time. I just finished taking a big examination, and I'm so relieved that I'm done with it."

"I've been here a couple of times, but I don't come on a regular basis."

"I come pretty often. This is my favorite restaurant."

"I can't believe we haven't seen each other before. I come here at least twice a week."

"I came here to see Matrix Revolution. How about you?"

idiom 3

Never mind

Meaning/Usage: To forget about it; to express you don't need an answer any longer

Explanation: Although the sentences below are used in full sentences, this phrase is most commonly used by itself. For example, A: "Can you grab that pen for me?" B: "What did you say?" A: "Never mind."

"Never mind what you were going to do, we need to leave now!"

"Never mind what I said before, I was wrong."

"Never mind cooking dinner for me, I will be home too late."

If You Insist

Meaning/Usage: To agree after the other person demands it

Explanation: "Insist" means to demand something and that they will not accept refusal. It became common to say this phrase by itself when the other person insisted on something.

"We will stay longer if you insist."

"We can go another night if you insist."

"I will call her if you insist."

Stop It!

Meaning/Usage: To ask someone to stop what they are doing.

Explanation: This is a common way of telling a person to stop something that is bothering you. It is more aggressive way of say, "please dont do that."

"Please stop it! You're giving me a headache."

"Stop it before you get hurt!"

"You had better stop it or you will get in trouble!"

It's Nothing

Meaning/Usage: To tell someone that the task you did was not a big deal.

Explanation: It is commonly used when you are being thanked for something that wasn't difficult.

"It's nothing. It didn't take long for me to do this."

"No need to thank me. It's nothing."

"Oh, it's nothing to call and let you know what I find out."

Stop It!

Meaning/Usage: To ask someone to stop what they are doing.

Explanation: This is a common way of telling a person to stop something that is bothering you. It is more aggressive way of say, "please dont do that."

"Please stop it! You're giving me a headache."

"Stop it before you get hurt!"

"You had better stop it or you will get in trouble!"

It's Nothing

Meaning/Usage: To tell someone that the task you did was not a big deal.

Explanation: It is commonly used when you are being thanked for something that wasn't difficult.

"It's nothing. It didn't take long for me to do this."

"No need to thank me. It's nothing."

"Oh, it's nothing to call and let you know what I find out."

What gives?

Meaning/Usage: Used to ask what is the matter or what went wrong

Explanation: The only explanation I found was that this could have come from German borrowing. Germans used the phrase "was gibt es?" as "What is the matter?" or "What's up?" But to be honest. I am not sure about this. However, I do know that in English, it is commonly used to ask "What is the matter?"

"It's not like you to get so upset, what gives?"

"I had no idea you were leaving? What gives?"

"Your mom said you stopped taking piano lessons. What gives?"

Fair Enough

Meaning/Usage: Used after two people agree on something

Explanation: "Fair" means to be legitimate or to be in accordance with the rules. When something is fair, no cheating is happening and nobody has a better advantage. Therefore, this term became popular in spoken English to agree to something.

"It's a fair enough question for me to answer."

"You want a rematch because you were sick when you lost? Fair enough."

"Fair enough, I will try it once to see if I like it."

Cat Got Your Tongue

Meaning/Usage: Used when someone has nothing to say

Explanation: One explanation is that a long time ago, a witches cat would steal the tongue of a person to prevent them from telling others. However, this is only a tale and there are many guesses where this idiomatic phrase came from. Regardless, it is frequently used by someone who has the upper hand in a conversation. If a person cannot counter, or has nothing to say, then the other person can ask "don't you have anything to say?" or "Cat got your tongue?"

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

"You're being awfully quiet, cat got your tongue?"

"She usually always has an opinion, cat must have gotten her tongue."

My Pleasure

Meaning/Usage: Happy to do something for someone

Explanation: "Pleasure" is to feel happy. When you use this term, you are telling the other person that you are happy to do it.

"It is my pleasure to introduce you to our guests."

"It was my pleasure to work with you."

"It is my pleasure to be involved in something so important."

It Totally Slipped My Mind

Meaning/Usage: To forget something that you had to do

Explanation: When you "slip," you fall. When it falls from the mind, it is no longer there. So when you forget about something, it is common to say, it "slipped my mind."

"I was meaning to call you but it totally slipped my mind."

"There was something I needed to do today but it totally slipped my mind."

"Sorry I forgot about your birthday. It totally slipped my mind."

Give It to Me Straight

Meaning/Usage: Used when you want to hear the truth

Explanation: "Straight" is referring to straightforward. When people had to tell someone bad news, they would try to find ways to make it sound less bad. To do so, it would require a lot more words and a lot of creativity. However, when people want to hear bad news, they don't want to hear something without additions made by the speaker. Therefore, it was common for the listener to be firm and tell the speaker to speak be straightforward and to speak the truth without adding things.

"Just give it to me straight, I can take the news."

"This is hard for me to say so I'm just going to give it to you straight."

"Just give it to me straight. How bad can it be?"

It's written all over your face

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that their face expression is giving a message

Explanation: Face expressions show sadness, happiness, fear, and many other emotions. It also shows when someone is lying or not telling the truth. This phrase is commonly used when the other person is not saying anything, but their face expression is speaking for them.

"I know you did it, it's written all over your face."

"I know that you're sad, it's written all over your face."

"I can tell you are upset. It's written all over your face."

Go For It

Meaning/Usage: To encourage someone to do something that they have planned

Explanation: The literal meaning is to "decide on" or "choose." However, it is commonly used informally to encourage them to take action on something they are thinking about doing.

"I know you want that job. Go for it!"

"If you want to ask her out you're going to have to just go for it."

"Don't let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. Go for it!"

It's a Deal

Meaning/Usage: Agreeing on a proposal

Explanation: Commonly used by itself when agreeing to a proposal made by someone.

"So if I take the kids to swim lessons, you will clean the house? It's a deal!"

"It's a deal. I will clean the garage if you stop bothering me about it."

"If I stop eating donuts, I don't have to run every day? It's a deal!"

Don't Be a Stranger

Meaning/Usage: Commonly used to tell someone to stay in touch

Explanation: This is commonly used when you are talking to someone you don't meet or see often.

"It was really nice seeing you again. Don't be a stranger."

"We need to keep in touch. Don't be a stranger."

"Now that we live so close to one another don't be a stranger."

Let's Go Fifty- Fifty

Meaning/Usage: Used when you are planning to pay half of something.

Explanation: To pay 50% of the bill with another person who will pay the other 50% of the bill.

"Thanks for having dinner with us. Let's split the bill fifty-fifty."

"Let's split our winnings fifty-fifty."

"Let's split the tab for drinks fifty-fifty."

Good for Nothing

Meaning/Usage: Negative statement to indicate someone has no value; useless

Explanation: Another way to look at this statement is to say "There is nothing good about that person."

"That guy is good for nothing."

"That girl is a good for nothing troublemaker."

"I would not let anything he says bother you, he is good for nothing."

You're Telling Me

Meaning/Usage: Agreeing with someone

Explanation: In a statement form, this is agreeing with someone. In a question form, it can be a sarcastic remark related to hypocrisy. For example, a person who is fat tells a less fat person, A: "You need to go on a diet." B: "You're telling me?"

"You're telling me, that book was one of the best I've ever read."

"You're telling me, I already knew that was going to happen if he did not listen."

"You're telling me, if she keeps it up she will lose 20 pounds."

Get a Life

Meaning/Usage: A negative way of telling someone to stop bothering you; to tell someone to stop being a loser

Explanation: This is a rude statement, so please be careful how you use this. It can be similar to saying "f**k off" to someone.

"I wish Terry would get a life."

"Would you stop bothering me and get a life!"

"Come on! Get a life and start taking care of yourself."

Don't Joke With Me

Meaning/Usage: Used when asking someone to be serious

Explanation: "Joke" is defined as something that is said to cause amusement. In this phrase, the person does not find it funny because that person is involved in some way. So they can ask the person to be serious using this phrase.

"He told me she likes me but I said don't joke with me."

"My sister told me I was in trouble and I told her don't joke with me."

"He said I had won a million dollars and I said don't joke with me!"

I Can't Thank You Enough

Meaning/Usage: To be very thankful

Explanation: This is commonly used when you feel that simply saying thank you is not enough. If someone did something very special for you, then you are expressing that no words can repay what they did. So this phrase is used to convey this message.

"I can't thank you enough for all that you have done for me."

"Thanks for everything. I can't thank you enough."

"You were a big help today watching the kids. I can't thank you enough."

My Two Cents

Meaning/Usage: To give or share your opinion

Explanation: This came from the original expression, "my two pennies worth." It has been shortened recently to just "my two cents." This is a way of offering your opinion and saying that is only worth two pennies. It can be seen as a humble way of giving your opinion because you are valuing it at only two cents, but that is not the case these days.

"I don't agree with what's happening. That's just my two cents."

"You didn't ask for my two cents but I'll tell you anyway."

"Just to add my two cents, but I believe changing the design will be a better idea."

Just Name It

Meaning/Usage: Used to express that you are offering to do or give anything the other person asks

Explanation: A shortened way of saying, "tell me anything you want or need."

"I will help you with whatever you need, just name it."

"We can do whatever you want, just name it."

"Just name it and we can do it."

No Worries

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell the person not to worry about it; also used to say you're welcome

Explanation: This is very commonly in both regular daily life and in the work place. It can be used after an apology or after someone says thank you. In both cases, it is telling the person that the event was no big deal and it does not require an apology or a thank you.

"No worries, we can get it done tomorrow."

"No worries, I didn't need it after all."

"No worries, I need to go to bed early anyways."

Why so Blue?

Meaning/Usage: Asking someone why they are so sad.

Explanation: The "blue" in this phrase is the same "blue" of being sad.

"Why so blue, is everything ok?"

"You look so depressed. Why so blue?"

"Why so blue? Did he hurt your feelings?"

Nature Calls

Meaning/Usage: This is used when you have to go to the bathroom. Usually referred to pee (#1) and not poop (#2).

Explanation: Having to go pee is natural. So it became popular to say "nature calls" instead of saying, "I need to go pee."

"Can you pull the car over at a rest stop as soon as you can? Nature calls!"

"I have to go to the restroom. Nature calls."

"That little boy is crossing his legs, nature must be calling."

 What's Eating You?

Meaning/Usage: Used to ask someone what's bothering them

Explanation: When something is eating at you, it is consuming your thoughts, time, and energy. It makes you depressed and you suffer from it. This phrase is asking someone who looks depressed why they are not happy.

"You're in a bad mood today. What's eating you?"

"It seems like something is wrong. What's eating you?"

"What's eating you? You don't seem like yourself."

Shame on You

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they did something wrong

Explanation: Having "shame" is very negative. This is frequently used to tell children that they did something wrong.

"You know better than to do that, shame on you."

"I thought I asked you not to make a mess? Shame on you?"

"Shame on you, you know not to eat so much candy before dinner."

Hang In There

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone to not give up; to be persistent; to not lose hope

Explanation: Another term that is often used is "hanging by a thread." In both phrases, the word "hang" is referring to holding to something. If you are holding on to a branch, then letting go indicates that you fall down and fail. Hanging by a thread is barely holding on. So when you tell someone to "hang in there," you are telling them to not let go and keep on fighting even though it is hard.

"Hang in there. I am sure things will work out in the end."

"I know things are tough right now, just hang in there."

"Hang in there. Things will get a lot better."

I Owe You

Meaning/Usage: Similar to giving someone a debt coupon

Explanation: The literal meaning is exactly as it appears. However, this expression is merging all the words together to create a noun phrase. The closest meaning is a debt coupon. The coupon would be a piece of paper that would be a promise to pay back what was borrowed.

"I don't have any money so can I get an I owe you."

"I'll need an I owe you because I don't have any money."

"I used up an I owe you already so he won't let me borrow again!"

Take a Hike

Meaning/Usage: To tell someone to go away in a negative way

Explanation: This is a negative way of telling someone to go away, but not as bad as "f**k off." This can be used when you hear something that upsets you and you want to make sure the other person knows you are upset.

"He asked for my phone number and I told him to take a hike."

"He said he would only give me $200 for my car so I told him to take a hike."

"Take a hike, I am not interested."

It's a Piece of Cake

Meaning/Usage: Describes something that is easy to do.

Explanation: In the 1870's, cakes were given as prizes for winning competition. To the winner, it was an easy task. Therefore, "cake" started representing something easy. Another phrase that is similar is "cake walk," which also represents something that is easy.

"That test we took was a piece of cake."

"I put the whole thing together myself. It was a piece of cake."

"I told them I had never done this before and they said it would be a piece of cake."

I'm On My Way

Meaning/Usage: Common way of telling someone that you are going to the person.

Explanation: This is very straightforward. It is very commonly used.

"Don't worry I'm on my way."

"Just be patient, I'm on my way."

"I got your message saying you needed my help. I'm on my way."

I'm Hosed

Meaning/Usage: To be screwed; to be out of luck

Explanation: Early findings of this word came from a saying "to drink water from a fire hose." Basically, if you don't drink water, you are out of luck, and if you drink water from a fire hose, you are out of luck. It is bad in both cases. Therefore, you are out of luck.

"I didn't finish my report on time. I'm hosed."

"I am hosed. My mom found out I skipped school last week."

"I'm hosed. My boss has given me tons of extra work to finish."

It's a Long Story

Meaning/Usage: Used when you don't want to talk about something, if it is difficult to talk about; or if it is hard to explain

Explanation: This expression is straightforward, but can be used to say you don't want to talk about it, even if the story is not very long.

"I know you want to know what happened but it's a long story."

"It's a long story about what happened between us."

"We used to be friends but it's a long story."

Since When

Meaning/Usage: Asking from when

Explanation: This one is a little difficult to explain. It is usually used when you are surprised by someone's action or words. When you know a person does not usually do something, you can start with "since when." This would indicate to the person that you know that they usually don't do this, but want to know when they started doing it.

"Since when have you been interested in my opinion?"

"Since when have you been coming to this gym?"

"Since when did you become so good at tennis?"

Got It

Meaning/Usage: Asking someone if they understand; telling someone you understand

Explanation: To "get" something is to understand something. So it became common to simply ask or say "got it."

"You will need to follow the directions if you want to do it right, got it?"

"If you're not home before 8 o'clock you will be in trouble, got it?"

"This is how you put the puzzle together, got it?"

You Wish

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they will not get what they want.

Explanation: Many wishes do not come true. This expression is telling the person that what they want will be only a wish and not reality.

"You want straight A's like her? You wish!"

"You think she'll go on a date with you? You wish!"

"You think you're going to beat my high score? Don't you wish."

You're Dressed to Kill

Meaning/Usage: Being dressed in a way to make people notice you; dressed very nicely; dressed to attract sexual attention

Explanation: This can be a compliment to some people, but it might not be to others. The reason is because it contains some level of sexuality in the meaning.

"I really like your outfit! You're dressed to kill."

"She must be trying to impress him. She is dressed to kill."

"That girl is dressed to kill tonight."

Behave Yourself

Meaning/Usage: To tell someone to stay out of trouble

Explanation: Normally this is used to tell children to behave appropriately. However, friends use it with one another like they use "stay out of trouble."

"If you're going to have dinner at their house you'd better behave yourself."

"Oh behave yourself, your being naughty."

"Behave yourself when you're at school."

That Figures

Meaning/Usage: Another way of say, "that makes sense" or "I'm not surprised to hear that."

Explanation: "Figures" are related to numbers. When numbers add up, it is logical. When something is logical it makes sense and you are not surprised. This expression is commonly used when a person hears something they have not heard before, but is not surprised by it even though it was alarming, because other pieces of information made it logical.

"He said he did not like your ideas? That figures."

"She only asked her closest friends to the party? That figures."

"He won't talk to you after that incident? That figures."

Do Tell

Meaning/Usage: A slang way of telling someone to tell you what they know.

Explanation: This was seen in movies and is primarily used in informal speaking.

"You heard about that rumor already? Do tell."

"Martha and Jake are breaking up? Do tell."

"Do tell. I'm dying to know what he said about me."

No Sweat

Meaning/Usage: Telling someone it is "no problem"

Explanation: "Sweat" refers to the water that comes from your pores after hard work or exercise. This phrase became popular to tell someone that the task is not a problem and that it will not cause any sweat.

"I can finish it for you, no sweat."

"No sweat. We can always get together another time."

"No sweat. It's not that big of a deal."

I Blew It

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that you made a big mistake

Explanation: When something blows up, it is destroyed. Therefore, blow up implies in this context means to make a big mistake to damage any opportunities. Because making mistakes are very common, a simple way of saying this was needed so people started saying, "I blew it."

"I really thought I was going to get the promotion, but I blew it."

"I thought he really liked me but I blew it."

"I was trying to surprise her for her birthday, but I blew it."

Maddening

Meaning/Usage: Extremely annoying; to make you very mad

Explanation: This is a straightforward.

"Trying to make you happy sometimes is maddening."

"Trying to figure out the answers to this test is maddening."

"There was a maddening delay at the train station."

I Messed Up

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that you made a mistake

Explanation: This is a very common phrase. It is not as bad as "I blew it" but it also means to make a mistake. However, "I blew it" refers to making a big mistake to lose out on an opportunity, while "I messed up" can be used more freely to indicate any sort of mistake.

"I messed up. I got a ticket for speeding on the highway."

"I messed up, I lost my wallet at the airport."

"He is really upset with me. I messed up."

I Beg to Differ

Meaning/Usage: A polite way of disagreeing

Explanation: Sounds very British for an American. And British English is seen as more polite.

"I beg to differ. I don't think that is the right way to handle the situation."

"I beg to differ. You did a really nice job and deserved the promotion."

"I beg to differ. What he did was inexcusable."

Rise and Shine

Meaning/Usage: Phrase used to wake someone up nicely

Explanation: "Rise" means to get up and "shine" in this context means to "act lively and do well."

"It's time to rise and shine sweetheart."

"You'd better rise and shine or you'll be late for work."

"Rise and shine sleepy head, it's time for breakfast."

You Bet

Meaning/Usage: Telling someone yes in a definite way

Explanation: When you "bet" on something, you are placing a wager that you are right. In this context, "bet" is being absolutely sure. "You bet" is usually used when someone asks for something. Instead of saying "yes," saying "you bet" is more positive and makes the listener feel better.

"You bet I'll be at your game. I would not miss it."

"I can help you with your project, you bet."

"You bet I'm going to talk to her, she is beautiful."

Pie in the Sky

Meaning/Usage: Pleasant to imagine but impossible to attain

Explanation: Comes from a song written by Joe Hill. It indicated that you will get heavenly rewards after death. However, people who did not believe in heaven turned this phrase into an idiom to express something pleasant that is unattainable.

"Her desire to be an actress ended up just being a pie in the sky."

"His dreams of becoming a famous singer are just a pie in the sky."

"Their ideas about living in space are just a pie in the sky."

No Strings Attached

Meaning/Usage: Without any conditions

Explanation: Imagine that you see a money on the ground. When you go pick it up, it disappears. It was too good to be true. What happened is that someone had a piece of string on the bill and when you went to pick it up, the person pulled on the string so you could get it. So when a string is attached to something, it must be a trick of some sort that requires you to do additional things to get what you want. Because tricking people was popular, the phrase "no strings attached" because common by salesmen to indicate that they are not tricking you to buy something.

"We are giving away free t-shirts, no strings attached."

"He said he would finish the work for free, no strings attached."

"The grocery store is giving away free candy, no strings attached."

Sleep Tight

Meaning/Usage: Get a good nights sleep

Explanation: Comes from the saying, "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite."

"Sleep tight, you have a lot to get done tomorrow."

"I hope you sleep tight after an exhausting day."

"Not sure if she will sleep tight after watching that scary movie."

It Can't Hurt

Meaning/Usage: Hoping nothing will go wrong to try or do something

Explanation: Whenever there is action, there is reaction. Sometimes the reaction or the result can be negative on you. Because of this, people became cautious about changing to things that they are not familiar with. However, after thinking for a long time and not being able to find anything negative, people would use this common phrase.

"I'm trying a new diet, it can't hurt, right?"

"It can't hurt to get another opinion."

"I say it can't hurt to let him know how you feel."

I Couldn't Agree With You More

Meaning/Usage: To completely agree with someone

Explanation: This is the highest level of agreeing with someone because they can't agree more than they do. It is straightforward and very common.

"I couldn't agree with you more, this place is beautiful."

"I couldn't agree with you more, spending more time with each other would be nice."

"You didn't like that movie either? I couldn't agree with you more."

Thank Goodness

Meaning/Usage: Expression to indicate relief

Explanation: Another popular way people indicate relief is to say "Thank God"

"Thank goodness this dress still fits, I have nothing else to wear."

"Thank goodness we got our tickets early, the concert is now sold out."

"Thank goodness he doesn't suspect anything. I really want it to be a surprise."

You Made It

Meaning/Usage: To succeed at something; to arrive

Explanation: The literal meaning to say a person arrived. But another common meaning is to say they succeeded at something.

"I can't believe you made it. It was a difficult task."

"You made it! I didn't think you were going to show up."

"I heard you made it a whole week without smoking?"

Whatever

Meaning/Usage: An expression used to indicate you don't believe the other person

Explanation: This is also commonly used as an expression by itself. For example, when someone says something outrageous, you can simply respond with "Whatever!"

"Whatever, I know you like him."

"You're saying I can't go out tonight with my friends? Whatever!"

"Whatever! You know I don't believe you."

I'm Sick of It

Meaning/Usage: To express that you are tired of something; to express you don't like something anymore

Explanation: This is commonly used when something happens so often that you are tired of it.

"I'm not sure about you, but I'm sick of it!"

"I don't know why she's acting that way, but I'm sick of it."

"I'm sick of it. We need to stop arguing so much."

Get Out of Here

Meaning/Usage: Common way to express disbelief

Explanation: You are not telling someone to literally get out. This is a common idiomatic phrase to express disbelief. Often times it is used in a positive way as in the first example sentence below.

"Get out of here! We actually finished in first place?"

"Get out of here. She would never say such a thing about me."

"Get out of here. That's hard to believe."

You Made It Big

Meaning/Usage: Used when someone succeeded financially

Explanation: Very similar to the idiom "you made it" but includes the word "big" The word "big" is talking about money so it is expressing to someone that they have succeeded financially.

"I can't believe you have your own business! You made it big!"

"I can't believe how nice your house is. You made it big."

"You made it big! Your parents will be proud of you."

In Your Dreams

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they will not get what they want.

Explanation: Although the sentences below are used in full sentences, this phrase is commonly used by itself.

"Sure you will be a millionaire one day, in your dreams."

"You will be as good as me in your dreams."

"You think you will beat me? In your dreams."

Hold On a Sec

Meaning/Usage: To tell someone to wait; to slow down; an expression used before providing a different point of view or opinion

Explanation: This is fairly straightforward. "Sec" in this context is one "second." You're basically telling someone to wait because you are about to say something else.

"Hold on a sec, I thought you were staying home tonight?"

"Hold on a sec, are you serious?"

"Hold on a sec. This is different from what you told me yesterday."

That's easier said than done

Meaning/Usage: This is used when something is easy to say but very hard to do.

Explanation: This phrase is very literal. Often times people tell you to do something that sounds easy, but it is actually hard. So in response, you can say this phrase.

"I want to quit smoking but that's easier said than done."

"She wants me to be more romantic but that's easier said than done."

"I wish I could just retire a wealthy man but that's easier said than done."

You Never Know

Meaning/Usage: Expressing that the unlikely could happen

Explanation: This is short for "You never can be certain of anything."

"I don't think I'll get the job but you never know."

"You never know. Some people don't mind the rain."

"You never know. He still could change his mind."

Back to the grind

Meaning/Usage: Going back to work after a break

Explanation: "Back" is going back to something. Grinding something is hard work, so going back to the "grind" is going back to hard work.

"Ok everyone break time is over, get back to the grind."

"Back to the grind for me. I'll catch you later."

"Time to get back to the grind. I need to finish so I can leave on time."

It Serves You Right

Meaning/Usage: Expressing that justice happened because the person got what they deserved

Explanation: This is usually said when something bad happens to someone who continually did something bad.

"It serves you right. You were not nice to him."

"It serves him right. He can't expect to win when he cheats during the game."

"It serves you right. You got what you deserved."

I Can't Wait

Meaning/Usage: Being excited about something

Explanation: This is very literal. This phrase is usually used by itself and does not need to be in a full sentence.

"We only have 7 more days until vacation! I can't wait!"

"I can't wait. They are going to announce the contest winners today."

"I can't wait for summer to get here, I don't like the cold weather."

Lighten Up

Meaning/Usage: Telling someone to not be depressed

Explanation: This is very similar to "cheer up." It can also be used to tell someone not to be negative.

"Lighten up. Things could be worse."

"Lighten up. We can go to the movies another day."

"Lighten up. There will be another chance to play."

Good Point

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they had a good comment, thought, or suggestion

Explanation: "Point" can be seen as an idea, a statement, or a thought.

"Good point, I should have followed the instructions while building it."

"Good point, I will call her to explain what happened."

"That is a very good point."

Just My Luck

Meaning/Usage: Expression used when something bad happens to you

Explanation: This is commonly used to tell someone that you are unlucky.

"That's just my luck, I never win at anything."

"Just my luck, my boss asked me to work late tonight."

"Just my luck, I got a speeding ticket on the way home."

It's Up To You

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell a person that they are the one to make a decision

Explanation: "Up to" is commonly used to indicate a decision. It is common to say, "up to her," or "up to them," or "up to me."

"It's up to you, but I don't think we should bother him."

"I don't care what we do tonight, it's up to you."

"It's up to you whether we invite them to the party."

Hop In

Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone to get in the car

Explanation: "Hop" is like a small jump. So this phrase is pretty straightforward.

"Hop in. You can ride with me to the grocery store."

"Hop in. We need to leave right away."

"If you need a ride home, hop on in."

I Told You So

Meaning/Usage: This is used when you already told someone something and it came true

Explanation: This is commonly used when you give someone advice and they don't listen to you. Afterwards, the person you gave advice to did not get what they wanted, and if they had listened to you, they would have succeeded. In this case, you can use this expression.

"I knew that was a bad idea, I told you so."

"I told you so. You should have listened to me."

"You shouldn't be surprised, because I told you so."

You Know Better Than That

Meaning/Usage: Used when someone makes a mistake that they shouldn't have made

Explanation: This is used more commonly with children, but can also be used to adults. However, this can make the person feel a little bad because you are speaking to them like a child.

"Mary said you were rude to her, you know better than that."

"You know better than that. Now pick up the mess you made before going outside."

"Come on, you know better than that."

Has Been Burned

Meaning/Usage: To get screwed; to get a bad deal; to be tricked

Explanation: When you are burned, it hurts. When you are screwed, get a bad deal, or get cheated, that hurts too. So it became common to use "burned" in this manner.

"I don't know why he keeps calling her. He's been burned by her numerous times."

"I have been burned by making bad decisions before."

"I got burned on that used car we bought."

Keep Me in the Loop

Meaning/Usage: To be informed about everything regarding that subject

Explanation: "Loop" is a cycle or a continual circular motion. When you are not in the circle, then you don't know what is going on. So being in the loop is indicating that you are aware of the situation. Being kept in the loop is asking someone to keep you informed about what is happening.

"I really want to know what happens so keep me in the loop."

"Keep me in the loop so I'm included."

"Thanks for the update. Keep me in the loop."

I'll Be Down

Meaning/Usage: To agree to participate in the plan

Explanation: "Down" comes from "down to earth." When you are down to earth, you are realistic and not imagining things. Therefore, when you are "down," you are basically legitimate or a real. This is an informal way of saying you are in for the plan.

"If you don't want to go to the pool, I'll be down for whatever."

"I'll be down with whatever you guys want to do tonight."

"Going to the movies sounds good, I'm down."

Get to the Point

Meaning/Usage: Used when someone is not providing the piece of information that is the most important.

Explanation: When someone is telling you something and they are going around in circles without coming to any conclusion or without providing the main point, you can use this by itself to tell someone to stop going around in circles and to tell you what they mean.

"Can you please get to the point? You're taking forever."

"Get to the point, you're making no sense."

"If you can just get to the point maybe I can help you."

Down to Earth

Meaning/Usage: Realistic; reasonable; sensible

Explanation: When you are down to earth, you are realistic, reasonable, and does not imagine unnecessary things.

"I really like them. They are so down to earth."

"They are really down to earth and easy to get along with."

"They live their life very down to earth."

Sure Thing

Meaning/Usage: To express that you will do something

Explanation: If someone asks you for help, you can respond with "sure thing" to indicate certainty.

"You want me to call you tomorrow? Sure thing."

"Sure thing. I'll be there!"

"I can help you move. Sure thing."

idiom 2

Bug

Meaning/Usage: To annoy

Explanation: Bugs, like mosquitoes can be annoying when they are buzzing around your ear, or bothering you in some other way.

"I need to concentrate on this, so stop bugging me."

"I need to get out of the house. My little brother has been bugging me all day."

"Let's go bug John."

"If you bug me one more time, I'm going to kick your butt."

Sleep on it

Meaning/Usage: To take time to think about something.

Explanation: Some people report that they think more clearly after a good night sleep. Also, some people say they often times regret a decision they have made. When something is important, making a decision after a good night sleep is a good practice.

"I've been thinking about this problem for two hours. I think I will sleep on it. It might come to me in the morning."

"I don't think I can decide now. Let me sleep on it and I'll tell you my answer tomorrow."

"I'm going to need to sleep on it. I don't want to rush my answer right now."

Play it by ear

Meaning/Usage: To decide to do something as the situation develops; choosing to deal with a situation as more events unfold.

Explanation: The original meaning is to play music without using a score or music sheet to look at. Just as a musician will play something unplanned without looking at something, this idiom is to do something unplanned depending on the situation.

"I'll have to play it by ear because I don't know how long they want me to work."

"We'll have to play it by ear for next Friday because everything is uncertain."

"Should we plan something for this Saturday or should we play it by ear?"

Speak of the devil

Meaning/Usage: When someone appears just as you are talking about that person.

Explanation: This is from English and is shortened from the original phrase, "Speak of the Devil and he doth appear." The shortened form presented in this lesson became popular.

"I was at a party last night, and I saw Jake play the guitar in front of an audience... speak of the devil, there's Jake right now."

"Joanne did great on her presentation. Speak of the devil... Hi Joanne."

Grab a bite

Meaning/Usage: To get something to eat

Explanation: "A bite" refers to food. This is a pretty literal so it is simply saying to get something to eat.

"When do you want to go grab a bite?"

"I don't have much time, so let's grab a quick bite."

"If you didn't have lunch yet, let's grab a bite to eat."

Take it easy

Meaning/Usage: To relax; to stop working so hard; to calm down

Explanation: Usually used to calm someone down when they are too excited, or when you want to tell someone to relax because they are working too much.

"You're pushing yourself too hard. Take it easy."

"Take it easy man. You're putting too much pressure on yourself."

"I don't want to take it easy so stop telling me to take it easy."

Go with the flow

Meaning/Usage: To do things as other people are doing it because it is easier to do; to not go against the common way of doing things

Explanation: Rowing up the river is very difficult to do. If you go with the flow, you are following the path of the least resistance.

"Why do you do everything differently? You should just go with the flow."

"If you don't know where the shuttle is, just go with the flow. Everyone is going in that direction."

"If you don't want to stand out, go with the flow."

Twenty-four seven

Meaning/Usage: Constantly; always available; every minute of the day and night

Explanation: There are 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week.

"7-11 is a great store because they are open twenty-four seven."

"If a business doesn't provide twenty-four seven customer support, they will not succeed."

"You better be careful because I'm going to be watching you twenty-four seven."

"They're available twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year."

Under the weather

Meaning/Usage: Feeling sick; not well

Explanation: When a sailor gets sick on a boat, they would go under the deck and away from the weather to get better. This phrase became popular to express sickness.

"I'm going to stay home because I'm feeling under the weather today."

"I told my boss that I was under the weather. She told me to stay home for the day."

"My wife is feeling under the weather, so I need to get home early today."

You can say that again

Meaning/Usage: Completely agreeing with a statement

Explanation: When you hear something you agree with, you can simply agree. But if you completely agree, then you wouldn't mind hearing it again. This is not literally telling the person to say it again, but to tell the person that you "really" agree.

A: "Britney Spears is so hot!"

B: "You can say that again."

Broke

Meaning/Usage: To have no money

Explanation: "Broke" is an informal way of saying "broken." Long time ago broken was defined as "having no money" or to "become bankrupt, to fail." Although the meaning long time ago meant bankrupt, it is used regularly just to express you don't have any money at that moment.

"I'm flat broke."

"I can't afford to buy that television. I'm totally broke."

"I can't pay my bills. I'm broke."

Beats Me

Meaning/Usage: To not know; to not understand

Explanation: Not many resources on this phrase, but could come from beating information out of someone. When someone is holding back information, they would get beat until they tell the answer. In this case, the person could be saying that even if I was beaten, I wouldn't know. Therefore, it became popular to say "beats me" to indicate you do not know.

"It beats me how they finished before us."

"Beats me why he was so mean to you."

"Beats me how she found out we did it."

I Don't Buy it

Meaning/Usage: Disagree; to not be convinced

Explanation: This phrase comes from a popular way of getting agreement, which is "buy in." For example, a company director can say, "we need buy in from all the board members to proceed." In this statement, "buy in" is getting agreement. Therefore, if you "don't buy it," then you are not agreeing.

"He said he didn't do it but I don't buy it."

"Their prices are supposed to be better but I don't buy it."

"She said she was sorry but I don't buy it."

Keep Your Cool

Meaning/Usage: To act normal

Explanation: "Cool" is described as composure and the absence of excitement in a person. To maintain composure, you wouldn't get excited and you would act normally.

"I know you're upset but you have to keep your cool."

"Here she comes, keep your cool."

"Keep your cool. You don't want to mess this up."

Sort Of

Meaning/Usage: A little; kind of

Explanation: Usually used to express a lesser degree.

"Dinner was sort of expensive."

"I sort of like her."

"I sort of know how to cook."

Good For You

Meaning/Usage: Expressing that you are happy for a person

Explanation: This is pretty literal. However, this can be used sarcastically.

"Good for you, you finally passed your test."

"I heard you got accepted to college, good for you."

"I heard you got married recently, good for you."

Good Luck

Meaning/Usage: Wishing someone well. Also can mean that it is not possible.

Explanation: The literal definition of wishing someone well is very literal. It is used very frequently in this way. However, another popular way this phrase is used is when you don't think a person can do something. The third sentence below is an example of this.

"Good luck on your interview tomorrow."

"I heard you're going to look for a new house, good luck."

"Good luck trying to find a better deal than this one."

Shotgun

Meaning/Usage: To claim the front seat in a car.

Explanation: Instead of people fighting over who will sit in the front seat, people would decide who gets the front seat by whoever shouts out "shotgun" first.

"Why does he always get to ride shotgun?"

"If we go to the store with mom I call shotgun."

"I am heading out to the party. Do you want to ride shotgun?"

Who Cares

Meaning/Usage: To express something is not important to you.

Explanation: This phrase is usually used by itself when you are responding to a statement someone made. The example sentences below show a full sentence to provide more context, but it is normally used by itself.

"Who cares if they win or lose?"

"Who cares whether or not it rains."

"Who cares about what they think."

Big Deal

Meaning/Usage: Something really important. Often times used with "no" to express that the event is not as important as they think.

Explanation: This phrase is also used sarcastically. For example, if someone says "I did 30 push-ups this morning." Someone else can respond, "Big deal. I did 50 push-ups!"

"Passing my driver's test was no big deal."

"He thinks he is such a big deal."

"It's no big deal if we don't go tonight."

What a Small World

Meaning/Usage: Used when a person knows someone you know by chance

Explanation: The world is very large with a lot of people in it. When two people know the same person by chance, then the world doesn't seem so big. In this case, the phrase "what a small world" is commonly used.

"I didn't know that you knew my uncle. What a small world."

"You have family in Florida too? What a small world."

"I went to high school with his mom, what a small world."

What's going on?

Meaning/Usage: To ask what is happening

Explanation: This is fairly straightforward and is used more in spoken English.

"What's going on tonight?"

"I'm not sure why she is upset, what's going on?"

"What's going on with your job?"

Now You're Talking

Meaning/Usage: Used to agree with someone

Explanation: This is similar to "you can say that again." When someone talks and talks and talks, and then finally says something you really like or agree with, you can say, "now you're talking."

"A cold drink sounds great, now you're talking!"

"Now you're talking, the beach sounds relaxing."

"Now you're talking, I would love to go out to the club tonight."

Over My Dead Body

Meaning/Usage: Disallow absolutely

Explanation: This is usually used when a teenager asks a parent something that is absolutely not allowed. Instead of just saying no, this phrase is used to tell the teenager that they can do it when I am dead. This became popular when knights would protect something and wouldn't give up unless they were killed. The other person would literally have to kill the knight and walk over the body to get what they want.

"There is no way I will let you do that, not over my dead body."

"You want a tattoo? Over my dead body."

"You're moving in together? Over my dead body."

Coming Right Up

Meaning/Usage: Used frequently by restaurant servers to tell customers the food is almost ready

Explanation: This can be used in a sentence, but is commonly used by itself.

"Your order is coming right up."

"It's coming right up!"

"Your food is coming right up."

Good Thinking

Meaning/Usage: To tell someone they did a good job to avoid a problem

Explanation: This is fairly straightforward.

"I am glad you brought an umbrella. That was good thinking."

"Good thinking to call ahead and reserve tickets."

"It was good thinking to send out invitations sooner than later."

Shoot

Meaning/Usage: A type of exclamation

Explanation: Substitute for the profanity word "shit"

"Shoot, I forgot my grocery list at home."

"Oh shoot that was awkward."

"Shoot, he asked Jenny to the prom instead of me."

Nothing Matters

Meaning/Usage: To express nothing else is important

Explanation: Usually used before expressing what is actually important. The below example sentences will illustrate this.

"Nothing matters more than being happy."

"Don't worry about what she said. Nothing matters but what you think."

"Nothing matters if we can't start getting along better."

Come On

Meaning/Usage: Urging someone; also used to try and speed things up

Explanation: There are many definitions of "come on." This is only one common way of using it.

"Come on, you can tell me."

"Oh come on, you have to be kidding me."

"Come on man, be serious for once."

basic speak 3

 I did not mean to

 cause trouble. | leave you out. | make you confused. | say those things. | think you were involved. |

 

I didn't mean to 

 call you so late. | embarrass you. | hurt your feelings. | lie about what happened. | stay out so late. |

 

I do not know what to 

 do to help you understand. | do to make you happy. | do to prevent this. | order. | think. |

 

I do not think I should 

 attend that event. | borrow more money. | complain so much. | decide until later. | doubt you. |

 

I don't have to 

 go to the bathroom. | leave. | switch schools. | unpack my bags. | use the telephone. |

 

I don't know what to 

 buy you for your birthday. | do for vacation. | do with my spare time. | eat for dinner. | say. |

 

I don't wanna  

listen to that song. |marry her. |order some food. |search for a job. |talk. |

 

I gotta 

 brush my teeth. | impress my boss. | manage my money. | move to a bigger house. | obey the laws. |

 

I had rather 

 go home than stay out too late. | listen to my parents or get in trouble. |

 

I have 

 a cat. | a computer. | a headache. | a house. | a nice car. | done it. |driven a car. | eaten at that restaurant before. | flown in an airplane. | orgiven you. | forgotten the words. | got to be on time to work. | heard that before. | read that book. | seen you before. | to go to the bathroom. | to leave. | to switch schools. | to unpack my bags. | to use the telephone. | written a letter. |

 

I need you to 

 request a refund. | greet our guests. |introduce me to your family. | stop and listen to me. | study harder in school. |

 

I plan to 

 adopt a child. | find a new apartment. | impress my boss. | learn new things. | read a book. | relax on vacation. | save more money. | surprise my parents. | wash my car. | watch a movie. |

 

I promise 

 I am telling the truth. |I will come to your party. | I will tell you. |not to be so late. / not to hurt your feelings. |not to leave without you. | not to tell. | not to wake you up. | to call you. | to practice my math. |

 

I shall 

 finish the job next week. | go outside if it's nice out. |leave tomorrow. |pay for this later. | see it tomorrow. |

 

I should have 

 eaten breakfast this morning. | gone with you. | listened to your advice. | married her when I had the chance. | read the directions before starting. | studied more for my test. |

 

I think I should 

 earn my degree. | explain myself. | handle this as soon as possible. | join a study group. | practice my reading. |

 

I used to 

develop websites. | go to the beach every day. | jog every day. | like vegetables. | live in California. | paint. | sing in a choir. | smoke. | start work at 6 o'clock. | work from home. |

 

I wanna  

listen to that song. | marry her. | order some food. | search for a job. | talk. |

 

I want to 

 be better at swimming. | be more involved at church" | understand what you are trying to say. |

 

I want you to 

 call once you get there. | clean the dishes. | come home right after school. | come over. | educate me. | explain yourself to me. | make a decision. | water the flowers. |

 

I was about to 

 call you. | go out. | go to bed. | go to dinner. | go to work. | mow my grass. | order us some drinks. | say the same thing. | send you an email. | watch television. |

 

I was busy 

 cleaning the house. | completing my housework. | cooking dinner. | entertaining our neighbors. | learning new things. | studying for my test. | talking on the phone. | thinking of ideas for our website. | thinking. | working. |

 

I will help you 

 park your car. | provide all the information you need. | realize your potential. | shop for groceries. | stop smoking. |

 

I wish I could 

go to the game with you. | own my own business. | play outside. | remain calm during all of this. | remember his name. | replace my old car with a new one. | sail around the world. | settle the argument. | sing better. | write better. |

 

I won't have 

 anything to do with that. | it any other way. |

 

I would like to 

 answer that question. | become a doctor. | compete in a cooking contest. | explain myself. | invite you over. | learn about animals. | meet the President. | practice. | see you more often. | thank you. |

 

I would rather 

 complete my task early. | exercise than sit on the couch all day. | know the answer. |

 

I'd rather  

 eat at home than go get fast food. |handle the problem myself. |ski than snowboard. |stay late than come in early tomorrow. |talk about this later. |

 

If I were you, I would  

answer the question. | book my reservations now. | continue working until it is done. | enjoy my vacation. | explain what happened. | have answered the question. | have booked my reservations now. | have continued working until it was done. |p have enjoyed my vacation. | have explained what happened. |

 

I'll help you   

cook dinner tonight. | move to your new house. | prevent that from happening again. | raise money for your charity. | register for your class online. |

 

I'm at 

 the airport. | the doctor's office. | the grocery. | the mall. | the park. |

 

I'm calling to 

 accept your invitation. | answer your question. | book a reservation at your restaurant. | complain about something. | receive my prize. | remind you of our dinner plans. | report a lost wallet. | support your decision. | tell you about my day. | thank you. |

 

I'm 

 brushing my teeth. | combing my hair. | confused. |  cooking dinner. | crying. | driving to work. | eating lunch. | excited. | exremely tired. | from Seattle. |

 

I'm getting  

a cold. | a job. | a new car. | a puppy. | a tooth ache. | better. | good at reading. | married. | ready for bed. | tired. |

 

I'm gonna 

 ask her out for dinner. | eat some cake. | go to work. | have some coffee. | help my friends. | read a book. | run a marathon. | send out my resume. | stop smoking. | take swim lessons. |

 

I'm good at 

chess. | dancing. | drawing. | driving. | math. | reading. | sports. | swimming. | video games. | writing. |

 

I'm  

hanging a picture. | happy. |

 

I'm here to 

apply for the job. | raise awareness for cancer. | receive my gift. | receive the award. | start the job. | support all your decisions. | take a test. | watch a movie. | welcome you to the neighborhood. | work on your computer. |

 

I'm in 

 a car. | a house. | a school. | the grocery. | the lobby. | the mall. | the park. | the shower. | I'm leaving work. |

 

I'm 

 nervous. | hungry. |

 

I'm not sure if 

 I understand your question. | my wife will understand. | she'll return my call. | we will go out tonight. |

 

I'm not used to 

 being around new people. | drinking so much. | having so much responsibility. | having so much stress. | studying so much. | talking English. | talking in front of groups of people. | traveling so much. | working so early. |

 

I'm on  

a bus. | my computer. | the phone. |

 

I'm sorry to  

admit what I did. | be so late. | call so late. | disagree with your decision. | end this relationship. | frighten you. | hear about your sick mother. | make you feel so sad. | waste your time. |

 

I'm thinking of  

checking out the new movie. | filming my vacation. | following a healthy diet. | handing out flyers describing our business. | increasing my work load. |

 

I'm trying  

new food. | to call my family. | to eat healthy. | to educate myself. | to enjoy my dinner. | to explain myself. | to get a job. | to understand. |

 

I'm working on 

 a big project. | educating myself. | making new friends. | my homework. | my website. | training my dog. |

 

I'm 

 scared. | so tired. | terribly hungry. | thirsty. | twenty three years old. | typing an email. | very happy. | very nervous. |

 

It had occurred to me 

 I might need to change my email address. | that I forgot something at the grocery. | before. | I forgot my mom's birthday. |

 

It is hard for me to 

 decide where to go tonight. | explain my actions. | guarantee your success. | handle so much pressure. |

 

It is kind of you to 

 decorate for the party. | double my salary. | entertain us. | fill me in. | help us. |

 

It is my turn to  

attempt solving the problem. | pay for dinner. | provide an answer. | roll the dice. | try and play the game. |

 

It is time to 

 decide what to do. | enjoy ourselves. | fill me in on what's going on. | help out. | join a gym. |

 

It looks like  

a balloon. | a banana. | a fish. | a jellyfish. | he is waving to us. | it's going to be a long day. | it's going to be fun. | it's going to rain. | she is lost. | they are leaving. | they are racing. |

 

It occurred to me  

that eating healthy makes me feel better. | that I forgot your birthday. | that we both belong to the same gym. | that we enjoy a lot of the same things. | the price for homes are more expensive here. |

 

It takes 

 15 minutes to get to downtown. | 7 seconds for my car to go 60 miles per hour. | all day for us to finish gol forty-five minutes for me to get ready. | four quarters to complete a football game. | me one hour to cook. | one hour to get there. | years to learn to play guitar. |

 

It's going to be  

delicious. | disgusting. | exciting. |

 

It's gonna be 

 depressing. | easy. |

 

It's hard for me to 

 accept what you are telling me. | argue your point. | balance my check book. | concentrate on the task. | consider your other options. | depend on you. |

 

It's my turn to 

 choose where we eat. | do laundry. | take out the trash. | walk you home. | work late. |

 

It's no use 

 apologizing. | arguing about it. | attempting to please him. | behaving that way. | checking on it yet. | cleaning up. | crying. | separating them. | talking to her. | whining about it. |

 

It's time to  

ask for a raise. | change the clocks. | cheer for our team. | collect our money. | say goodbye. |

 

It's too bad that 

 I found out about it. | it is supposed to rain. | my work has to lay off people. | she got hurt. | she lost her job. | tickets are all gone to that concert. | you do not understand. | you have to go. | we will not be there on time. |

 

It's very kind of you to 

 inform us what happened. | invite us. | join me. | listen to me. | offer me the job. |

 

I've decided to  

accept the job. | change my bad habits. | complete my degree. | extend my membership at the gym. | form a chess club. | hand over my responsibilities. | help you move. | increase my work load. | interview for the job. | manage a store. |

 

I've gotta  

clean my house today. | learn more about the laws. | tell my wife I'll be late. | try harder at school. |

 

I've heard that 

 there is no school next week. | you and your boss don't get along. | you fix computers. | you got a new car. | you got a new job. | you like to jog. | you like to shop. | you want to leave your job. | your wife is a yoga instructor. | you've never been to Canada. |

 

Let me  

make a suggestion. | make my own decisions. | offer to help you. | open the door for you. | pause and think about what we are doing. | save you the trouble. | taste the soup before you add more spices. | treat you to some ice cream. | try and fix your car. | welcome you to the neighborhood. |

 

Let us 

 get that for you. | help you. | not get too excited. | not interrupt them when they are talking. | not worry too much. |

 

Let's not  

discuss this now. | meddle in other people's business. | remain mad at each other. | stay here too long. | stop anywhere on the way. |

 

Let's say that 

 I have to work. | it's hard to decide. | the movie was really good. | we can host. | we enjoy being with them. | we had a good time. | we have to go. | you love to fish. | we found it. 

 

Please make sure that 

 dinner is ready when we get home. | she gets to school. | she is getting along with her new friends. | she wakes up on time. | the water is not too hot. | we leave on time. | you don't stay out too late. | your assignment is done. | cook the meat long enough. | record our favorite TV show. 

 

Please 

 order me the steak and potatoes. | pass me the salt." | stand back. | stop bothering me. | wait outside until we are ready. | wash your hands before dinner. | zip up your coat before you go outside. |

 

Rumor has it that  

he is going to get a raise. | he will not return. | it happened while texting.  | she cheated on him. | she goes to our gym. | show is going to end. | that player will get traded. | they are going to get married. | you like to paint. | your sister got in trouble. |

 

Thank you for  

heating up dinner. | helping me move. | hurrying to get here. | informing me about the job opening. | inviting me. | mailing that package for me. | providing me with the answers. | replying to my email. | stopping by to visit. | working so hard. |

 

That is why 

 she smiles when you walk by. | you help out people in need. | you lock your doors when you leave home. | you try and include everyone. | you use it for emergencies. | babies crawl before they can walk. | Pam cries at sad movies. | people admire you. | she appears so happy. | you fail to understand. |

 

The point is that 

 if we do not leave now we will be late. | if you study you will do well in school. | leaving a baby alone is not a good idea. | she does not understand. | " she needs to be more respon How was lunch?"" |" snakes can be dangerous. | the world would be a better place. | we need this done today. | we should help. |

 

There is no  

need to bother him. | need to call this late. | need to run away. | need to stop now. | way he missed it. | way that horse jumps it. |

 

There is something wrong with  

my car. | my cell phone. | my head. | my laptop. | our alarm clock. | our relationship. | your answering machine. | your attitude. | your dog. | your way of thinking. |

 

There's no need to  

act so shy. | act so strange. | be upset. | rush off. | talk now. | worry. |

 

There's no way  

he can fix it. | he can handle the news. | no one claims it. | they expect it. | we complete on time. | you finish on time. | your brother injured his ankle. | your mother approves. |

 

There's nothing  

my dog can learn. | our dog cannot open. | she can cook. | that truck cannot move. | the police can identify. | we can agree on. | we can join. | we cannot accomplish. | you can harm. |

 

What are our chances of  

going together? | staying together? | working together? |

 

What are the chances of  

getting tickets? | it raining today? | that happening? | winning the lottery? | you staying home today? |

 

What are your chances of 

 getting the job? |  improving? |  moving? |

 

What do you think about  

filming our vacation? | having a cup of tea with me? | living in a new city? | offering to babysit? | retiring from your job? | sailing? | staying here another night? | waiting in line for tickets? | working overtime next week? |

 

What if 

 I called her tomorrow? | I do not finish on time?" | I don't understand? | I miss the bus? | I were late to dinner? | it rains while we are camping? | no one is home? | someone sees me? | they decide to stay? | we introduce ourselves first? |

 

Why don't we 

 earn more money? | gather more firewood? | go bowling tonight? | pick some fresh flowers? | play a game of chess? | post our results online? | remember this place? | save more money? | test this before using it? | try and do it again? |

 

Would you mind 

 being quiet for a minute? | if I changed the channel? | if I opened the window? | if we went out to eat? | telling me what you're doing? |

 

You are supposed to  

decide before next Thursday. | encourage one another. | fasten your seat belt. | invite all your friends. | remain calm. |

 

You could have 

 blown your chance. | completed it sooner. | done better on your exam. | given me more time to get ready. | heard that from someone else. | sent that package first class. | slept in a little longer. | thought of something to do. | upset her by saying that. | written him a letter. |

 

You had better  

change your attitude. | hope for the best. | not come home late. |