(noun) a plan in case something bad happens
Example Sentences:
A: I want to go to Harvard University to study medicine.
B: Do you have a back-up plan in case you don’t get in?
A: Yeah, I’m going to be a singer instead.
Father: What do you want to do when you grow up, son?
Son: I want to play guitar in a band and become famous.
Father: That’s very difficult. Do you have a back-up plan?
Son: Yeah, I want to marry a rich old woman!
The family made plans to go to Mexico, but had a back-up plan in case they had to cancel their vacation.
(verb) to leave someone alone
Example Sentences:
Mom: Son, you need to get a job!
Son: Back off Mom! I’ll get a job when I’m ready!
If you don’t back off, I’m going to call the police!
The friendly man in the bar backed off when my boyfriend came over and put his arm around me.
Media:
(noun) a person who criticizes someone’s driving abilities
Example Sentences:
Mom: Turn left! Slow down! Watch out for that car!
Son: Okay mom! Don’t be a back seat driver, I know what I’m doing!
I hate driving with back seat drivers because they make me so nervous.
The back seat driver gave directions to the driver.
Media:
Click to hear a native speaker pronounce at Forvo.com
(idiom) an idea has to go back to the beginning because it was unsuccessful
(noun) a bad person in a group
Example Sentences:
A: Do you like your new classmates?
B: Yeah, everyone is nice except for one bad apple. He answered his cellphone in class, and the teacher was very angry!
There was one bad apple in the movie theatre last night. This man at the back wouldn’t stop talking loudly. He was so rude!
Media:
(adjective) awesome, great, very good
Example Sentences:
Wow, your new car is so badass! Can I take it out for a drive?
Maria’s new tattoos are badass. I love them!.
(noun) a rebellious person, a person who likes to break the rules
Example Sentences:
Her new boyfriend is such a badass, did you see how he got into a fight with those police officers?
The criminal thought that he was a badass because he stole money from an old woman.
(adjective) very tired, exhausted
Example Sentence:
I have been working all day. I am so bagged!
A: Why aren’t you working?
B: I was up all night preparing for our presentation. Now, I’m bagged.
If you stay at the nightclub until 4 A.M you will be bagged the next day.
Media:
(noun) deep dark circles under the eyes, usually caused by lack of sleep
Example Sentences:
You have bags under your eyes, what’s wrong?
After partying all night, Thomas had bags under his eyes the next day.
Media:
(noun) (slang) testicles
Notes:
balls is often used to state whether a man is brave or masculine enough to do something.
Example Sentence:
You don’t have the balls to go skydiving. You are a coward!
I’ve got the balls to go talk to that beautiful woman over there. Watch me!
Media:
(idiom) nonsense
Example Sentences:
A: Did you hear the news?
B: What news?
A: I’ve got a date tonight. With Angelina Jolie!
B: That’s baloney.
The salesman was talking baloney when he told the woman that his new vacuum could clean her whole house in 5 minutes.
(idiom) to vomit a lot, to be very sick
Example Sentence:
On the weekend I got sick and barfed my guts up!
A: Where is Thomas?
B: He is barfing his guts up in the washroom because he drank too much tequila!
If I eat that fish I will barf my guts up! I am allergic to fish!
Media:
(idiom) to make the wrong choice when thinking about two or more options
Example Sentences:
The boss always barks up the wrong tree every time there is a problem. She always gets mad at the wrong department.
My mother barked up the wrong tree when she accused me of stealing. It was my sister!
If you think that I ate your food, you’re barking up the wrong tree. I wasn’t even home this weekend!
If he’s planning to go to Law school, he’s barking up the wrong tree by studying medicine.
Media:
Click to hear a native speaker pronounce at Forvo.com
(noun) a crazy person
Example Sentence:
Look at that basket case! He is dancing in the street.
He was acting like a basket case because he was high on drugs.
Media:
Click to hear a native speaker pronounce at Forvo.com
(verb) to discuss a topic without being specific about anything
(verb) to discuss a topic without being specific about anything
(idiom) I have no idea
Example Sentence:
A: What is the capital of Canada?
B: Beats me.
A: Try and guess.
B: Toronto?
A: No, it’s Ottawa.
Boyfriend: What time does the movie start?
Girlfriend: Beats me.
Boyfriend: We’d better find out or we will be late.
(proverb) physical beauty is unimportant
Example Sentences:
A: Her new boyfriend is so ugly!
B: Shut up! Beauty is only skin deep! He’s a very kind and friendly guy!
Son: Mom, are looks important?
Mom: No, son. Remember that beauty is only skin deep. Even the ugliest person can be beautiful inside.
(adjective) to continually try the impossible
(idiom) something is more easily talked about than actually done
(proverb) people who don’t have an option have to accept what is offered
(idiom) someone slowly starts to realize or understand something
(idiom) at a serious disadvantage
Example Sentences:
A: How are things at your new job?
B: Well, I’m behind the eight ball because everyone speaks Portuguese except me!
A: That’s unlucky!
The young baseball player was behind the eight ball because he was the smallest member of his team.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to have confidence in someone or something
Example Sentence:
Son: Dad, I want to be a dancer. Do you think I can do it?
Dad: You’re 250 kilos, clumsy, and have no rhythm, but I believe in you, son! Let’s go sign up for dance lessons!
I can’t decide if I like Obama or Clinton. The only thing I really believe in is democracy!
(phrasal verb) to have faith in the truth or value of something
Example Sentence:
A: I believe in God. How about you?
B: I believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster
When I was younger I needed something to believe in, so I decided to join the army.
(verb) to work very hard
Example Sentence:
A: Why aren’t you working?
B: What do you mean? Every day, I bend over backwards to get the job done!
I keep bending over backwards to lose weight, and I’ve only lost 5 pounds!
Your mother and I have bent over backwards to help you!
Media:
(verb) to be disgusted by something
Example Sentences:
The guests at the formal dinner party were put off by the rude behaviour of one of the guests.
My parents were put off by my new boyfriend when I told them he was a drug dealer.
Media:
(verb) to be extremely nervous, angry, or worried
Example Sentence:
I am beside myself because I have a test to do today.
The teacher was beside herself when she caught her students cheating on a test.
I know you saw your boyfriend out with another woman, but you need to calm down. There’s no reason to be beside yourself, it may just be his sister!
Notes:
beside oneself is often used with the preposition with plus a noun form:
She was beside herself with nervousness.
He is beside himself with anger.
They were beside themselves with worry.
(proverb) it is better to do something correctly than not at all, it is better to arrive somewhere late than take risks and have an accident
Example Sentences:
Mom: I know you’re late for your appointment, but drive carefully! Better late than never!
Son: Yes, mom!
(proverb) it is better to do something correctly than not at all, it is better to arrive somewhere late than take risks and have an accident
Example Sentences:
Mom: I know you’re late for your appointment, but drive carefully! Better safe than sorry!
Son: Yes, mom!
Media:
(proverb) people who have the same characteristics or beliefs often want to stay together
Example Sentences:
My friends and I all love playing football, going to the nightclub, and drinking beer. Birds of a feather, flock together, I guess!
(verb) to begin a commitment that you cannot finish
Example Sentences:
Timmy took too much food at the all-you-can-eat buffet, and now he feels sick. Timmy always bites off more than he can chew.
A: How is Engineering school?
B: I feel like I’m biting off more than I can chew. I don’t think I’m smart enough to study Engineering.
A: Nonsense!
Our boss bit off more than she can chew when she promised the client we’d have the project ready by next week. It requires at least two weeks!
Media:
(verb) to be very angry with someone and reply rudely to them
(verb) decide to do something that is unpleasant, decide to do something that you have been meaning to do
Example Sentences:
The lazy man decided to bite the bullet and start exercising, so he joined a gym.
After fighting with his mother for three months, Thomas bit the bullet and called her to apologize.
I’m thinking about biting the bullet and going back to school. What do you think?
Media:
(noun) the most unpopular member of a family
Example Sentences:
I went to Medical school and became a doctor. My sister didn’t go to school and became homeless. I think that she is the black sheep.
Mark became the black sheep of the family when he married a girl that nobody liked.
A: Who is the black sheep of your family?
B: My cousin, Bob.
A: Why is he the black sheep?
B: Because he spent 5 years in jail for stealing from our Grandmother.
A: Oh.
Media:
(idiom) something that seems terrible, but actually produces positive results
(proverb) relationships between family members (blood) are stronger than other relationships (water)
Example Sentences:
A: I can’t decide if I should go to my brother’s birthday party or my roommate’s!
B: Remember that blood is thicker than water. You should go to your brother’s!
A: Yeah, you’re right.
(verb) become extremely angry
Example Sentence:
I am going to blow a fuse if that man doesn’t stop bothering me.
My father blew a fuse when he realized that I borrowed his car without permission.
My girlfriend keeps blowing a fuse because I like to go out with my friends.
Media:
(verb) to make a very serious mistake
Example Sentence:
If you blow this chance, I will not let you move to the next level.
I can’t believe I didn’t study for the test! I blew my chances to go to law school now!
Johnny kept blowing his tests, so he was moved to an easier class.
(verb) to lose one’s temper, to become mad quickly
Example Sentence:
If you’re not careful you might blow your lid. You should relax.
I caught my boyfriend with another woman. I was so mad that I blew my lid and kicked him out of the house.
That policeman is always blowing his lid when he sees a criminal. He should be stopped.
(verb) to display one’s achievements or good characteristics to make others feel bad
(adjective slang) terrible, awful, bad
Example Sentence:
This coffee shop really blows. Let’s go to Blenz instead.
A: How is the movie?
B: It really blows. It’s the worst movie I’ve seen in awhile.
My new teacher blows at teaching grammar, but she’s really good with vocabulary.
Note:
blows is slang and should be used carefully
Media:
(adjective) depressed
Example Sentence:
I’m sorry I’ve been so blue lately. I’m just upset because my girlfriend left me.
Anna is blue because her father just died.
Media:
(adjective) extremely angry, frustrated, annoyed, embarrassed or upset
Example Sentences:
The young boy was blue in the face because his mother wouldn’t buy him an ice cream cone.
Daughter: I want to go on a date with Bobby!
Mom: You’re too young! You’re only 15 years old!
Daughter: I don’t care!!! I want to!!! You can’t stop me!!!!
Mom: You can shout till you’re blue in the face, but I’m not letting you go!
The boss was blue in the face because his employees were late.
I was blue in the face after accidentally seeing my mother-in-law naked.
Media:
(adjective) extremely drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re bombed.
If you keep getting bombed before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were bombed during their late-night party.
Media:
(noun) alcohol
Example Sentence:
If you keep drinking too much booze, you are going to get sick!
Media:
(adjective) barely acceptable, almost
Example Sentence:
Ten dollars for a bottle of water? That’s borderline criminal!
Your homework assignment is borderline, at best. I’d like you to do it again.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to make a mess of something, to destroy something, to ruin something
Example Sentences:
Those painters botched up my living room walls. They used the wrong colour paint!
While studying for the SATs, Lawrence botched his chances up by not doing any practice questions.
Media:
(noun) a person that can never be full of food, a person that is always hungry
Example Sentence:
My teenage son is a bottomless pit! He never stops eating!
Ever since I started exercising I’ve become a bottomless pit. I am always hungry!
Media:
(verb) to leave
Example Sentence:
Alright, I’m done. Time to bounce. I’ll see you tomorrow.
We’re going to be late, Kathryn. Let’s bounce!
Media:
(phrasal verb) to withdraw or quit something
Example Sentences:
I am going to bow out from our group, as I don’t get along with the members.
After 10 years at the company, our president bowed out last week. He will be missed.
Henry was unpopular at work because he was always bowing out when things became difficult.
From the News:
Clinton backs Obama and bows out
Media:
(phrasal verb) to force one’s way into somewhere
Example Sentences:
The family was worried after the break-in on the weekend.
Someone broke-in to my apartment and stole my laptop!
I had to get an alarm put into my car after someone kept breaking-in to steal my CDs.
Media:
(idiom) good luck!
Example Sentences:
A: I have a presentation to do today!
B: Break a leg! I hope it goes well!
The actor was told to break a leg as he prepared to go on stage.
From the News:
Break a leg, say gamblers, as Mills enters dance contest
Media:
(noun) a failure of a relationship
Example Sentence:
The young couple’s marriage broke down after the husband had an affair with his wife’s sister.
Media:
(noun) a quick and sudden negative change in someone’s mental health
Example Sentence:
My father had a major breakdown after he got fired from his job. Now he is in the hospital.
I had a mental breakdown after my girlfriend broke up with me.
Media:
(verb) to stop working properly, to stop working.
Example Sentence:
I need to buy a new washing machine. I’m afraid mine is going to break down soon.
A: Why are you late?
B: I’m sorry Boss. My car broke down on the way to work. I had to get it fixed.
My mother couldn’t cook Thanksgiving dinner because our oven broke down. We had to order pizza instead.
Tommy’s family is saving for a new air conditioner because theirs always breaks down.
Media:
(noun) an analysis of information
Example Sentence:
The boss asked his employee for a breakdown of the sales statistics for the fourth quarter.
Can you give me a breakdown of the numbers for this month?
Media:
(noun) an easy thing
Example Sentence:
This class is such a breeze. I think I need something more difficult.
The book was a breeze to read.
I expected the test to be hard, but it turned out to be a breeze.
Media:
Related:
(idiom) let’s see how good you are
Example Sentences:
The football team challenged their rivals to bring it on as they ran onto the field.
A: Your girlfriend is ugly.
B: What did you say?
A: I said, she’s ugly.
B: Do you want to fight?
A: Bring it on!!
Note:
bring it on is usually used before challenging someone to a competition or fight
Media:
(verb) to change someone’s mind about something, to convince someone about something
Example Sentences:
A: I don’t care what you say, the best pop singer in history is Elvis Presley!
B: No, it’s Michael Jackson!
A: I am going to bring you around one day! You will see that Elvis is better than Michael Jackson!
B: Whatever!
The teacher brought her students around when she convinced them that homework was good for their English skills.
Mary was working at bringing around her boyfriend, because she wanted him to propose to her soon!
(phrasal verb) to depress someone
Example Sentences:
Man: Happy 25th anniversary, honey!
Woman: You too, dear! I love you!
Man: I don’t want to bring you down, but I want a divorce!
Woman: Why?
The bad weather brought the people down when it started to rain during the outdoor festival.
That boring old man keeps bringing everybody down by telling stories about the past!
Stop singing that sad song! You’re bringing me down!
Media:
(verb) to reveal a secret
Example Sentences:
Boyfriend: I want to bring something out into the open.
Girlfriend: Okay, go ahead.
Boyfriend: I had sex with another woman.
Girlfriend: Oh.
My brother brought something out into the open last night when he told me he was gay.
A: I’m pregnant!
B: Congratulations! How long have you known?
A: For two weeks! I didn’t want to tell anyone!
B: Well, while we’re bringing things out into the open, I’m pregnant too!
A: Congratulations!
(phrasal verb) to raise someone
Example Sentences:
When you bring up your children, are you going to teach them about religion?
The young woman had many difficulties bringing up her three children by herself.
My mother died when I was young, so my father brought me up.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to introduce something, to raise something for discussion
Example Sentences:
I don’t want to bring up a difficult subject, but have you decided what you will do when your boyfriend moves to London for a year?
When the student brought up a problem he was having, the teacher was happy to help her.
Angry Wife: Remember two years ago, when you got drunk and went out to the nightclub with your friends?
Angry Husband: That was a long time ago, please stop bringing that up.
Media:
(verb) (slang) to behave in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher than you in order to get a benefit
(noun) (slang) a person who behaves in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher in order to get a benefit
(idiom) a brief moment where a person is famous
Example Sentences:
The happy young man had a brush with fame when he appeared on the news.
I had a brush with fame when I put that video up on You Tube! I got 2000 views!
(adjective) completely naked
Example Sentences:
The patient was forced to be buck-naked for his medical exam.
All of the people in the nudist colony enjoyed being buck-naked.
Media:
(verb) to annoy or bother
Example Sentences:
You bug me. Hang up your cellphone while you’re driving.
My younger sister really bugs me. I find her so annoying!
A: How is your new roommate?
B: He keeps bugging me.
A: Why? What is he doing?
B: He’s always having parties, being messy, eating my food….
The movie Be Kind, Rewind really bugged me. I found it so annoying!
(adjective) perfect, foolproof, unable to fail
Example Sentences:
I’m going to call my boss and pretend to be sick. Then you and I can go to the beach. He won’t see me there because he’ll be at work. It’s bulletproof!
The bank robbers thought they had a bulletproof plan until they were caught by the police.
Media:
(slang) nonsense
Example Sentences:
A: Did you hear the news?
B: What news?
A: I’ve got a date tonight. With Angelina Jolie!
B: That’s bullshit.
The salesman was talking bullshit when he told the woman that his new vacuum could clean her whole house in 5 minutes.
(noun) (slang) someone who is very good at saying stupid and untrue things
(noun) (slang) someone who is very good at saying stupid and untrue things
(idiom) to be acting in a depressed way
Example Sentence:
I’m sorry I’ve been so bummed lately. I’m just upset because my girlfriend left me.
Anna is bummed because her father just died.
Media:
Related:
(idiom) to be acting in a depressed way
Example Sentence:
I’m sorry I’ve been so bummed out lately. I’m just upset because my girlfriend left me.
Anna is bummed out because her father just died.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to depress someone
Example Sentence:
Titanic always bums me out. I like movies with happy endings!
The sad clown bummed out all of the children and ruined my son’s birthday party!
My roommate keeps bumming me out. When I go home I get so depressed!
Media:
(idiom) to go to bed very late and wake up very early to do a lot of work
(idiom) to go to bed very late and wake up very early to do a lot of work
(verb) to refuse to admit that something is true because it is unpleasant.
(noun) a man who works in a restaurant cleaning dishes, setting tables, and assisting others
(noun) a girl who works in a restaurant cleaning dishes, setting tables, and assisting others
(noun) a person who works in a restaurant cleaning dishes, setting tables, and assisting others
(idiom) completely naked
Example Sentences:
The patient was forced to be butt-naked for his medical exam.
All of the people in the nudist colony enjoyed being butt-naked.
Media:
(noun) (slang) a woman who has a sexy body but an ugly face
Example Sentences:
A: Do you think Madonna is attractive?
B: No man, she’s a butterface. Her body is hot, but she’s very old!
Steve’s new girlfriend is a butterface. She’s an athlete, so she has a nice body, but she’s so ugly!
Note: Everything is sexy but her face
Media:
(phrasal verb) (slang) to behave in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher than you in order to get a benefit
Example Sentences:
Sarah always butters up her boss, because she’s trying to get a promotion and a raise.
A: Who’s your professor this semester?
B: Professor Ornstein.
A: Oh, he’s really tough. If you want to get a good mark, you’d better start buttering him up!
B: How should I do that?
A: Start by telling him he is the best professor you’ve ever had. Then keep going….
William was angry because he didn’t get promoted to manager, even though he had sucked up to the owner of the company for years.
Media:
(adjective) extremely drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re buzzed.
If you keep getting buzzed before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were buzzed during their late-night party.
Media:
(slang) leave me alone!
Example Sentence:
A: Do you have any money?
B: Buzz off! I’m not giving you any money!
The rude man told his roommates to buzz off when he was drunk. Now they are mad at him.
Media:
(idiom) with extremely quick progress
Example Sentence:
My English has improved by leaps and bounds since I started studying at PLI.
Sally’s health improved by leaps and bounds after she started exercising.
Media:
Click to hear a native speaker pronounce.
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