(slang) to save someone, to help someone out of a difficult situation
Example Sentences:
Sandra always saves her friend’s ass when she gets into trouble.
A: I’m going to go tell that woman over there that she’s beautiful.
B: I don’t think that’s a good idea. Her husband is beside her, and he’s very muscular.
A: Oh, I thought that was her brother.
B: Nope. Husband.
A: Okay. Thanks for saving my ass!
B: Anytime!
The firefighter saved my ass by helping me get out of the burning house
Media:
(verb) to save someone, to help someone out of a difficult situation
Example Sentences:
Sandra always saves her friend’s skin when she gets into trouble.
A: I’m going to go tell that woman over there that she’s beautiful.
B: I don’t think that’s a good idea. Her husband is beside her, and he’s very muscular.
A: Oh, I thought that was her brother.
B: Nope. Husband.
A: Okay. Thanks for saving my skin!
B: Anytime!
The firefighter saved my skin by helping me get out of the burning house
Media:
(verb) to just manage to achieve something
Example Sentence:
Thomas scraped a living as an actor, before he went back to school. Now he is more comfortable.
A: Did you pass the test?
B: I just scraped by. I got 51%!
(phrasal verb) to only make enough money to pay one’s bills
Example Sentence:
The newly-married couple scraped by, saving as much money as they could, so they could afford to buy a house.
Sharon scraped by for years until she got a better paying job.
(phrasal verb) to have sex
Example Sentences:
If you are going to screw around, make sure you use a condom.
A: What happened after you left the nightclub last night?
B: Melissa and I went home and screwed around!!
A: No way!
Billy had to leave the apartment last night because his roommate was screwing around with his girlfriend.
Media:
(phrasal verb) hug and kiss, be passionate
Example Sentences:
The young couple were planning to screw around when they had the house to themselves.
Last night I screwed around with Bob. I’m so embarrassed!
A: What were you doing when I called you last night?
B: I was busy screwing around with Rita.
A: Lovely Rita? Lucky you!
Media:
(verb) to make a mistake
Example Sentence:
If you screw up one more time, you will get fired!
Mary really screwed up when she forgot her husband’s birthday!
I keep screwing up on this assignment. Can you help me?
(verb) to agree with someone, to have similar attitudes with someone
Example Sentences:
My roommate and I see eye to eye on many important things, like doing the dishes, keeping the house clean, not eating each others’ food….
A: So, I’ll do the research, and you prepare the presentation. Is that okay?
B: yes, I think we’re seeing eye to eye.
If my boyfriend and I saw eye to eye, we wouldn’t have so many fights.
(verb) to date someone
Example Sentences:
Nervous Boy: Hi there. How are you?
Beautiful Girl: Great.
Nervous Boy: I was wondering something. Are you seeing someone right now?
Beautiful Girl: No.
Nervous Boy: Great. Would you like to go on a date with me?
Beautiful Girl: No, you’re too nervous.
Nervous Boy: Oh.
After breaking up with her boyfriend after 2 years of dating, Kathy promised herself that she would not see someone for at least six months.
(phrasal verb) to say goodbye to someone, to take someone to the airport or train station before they leave
Example Sentences:
Michael is going to see his girlfriend off before he joins us for dinner. She’s going to Mexico!
A: What will you be doing tomorrow afternoon?
B: I’ll be seeing off my parents. They’re taking a vacation.
The teenaged boy saw off his parents, and then prepared to have a party while they were away.
(verb) to know that someone isn’t telling the truth
Example Sentence:
Teacher: Why are you late?
Student: I’m sorry teacher, I had an appointment.
Teacher: Why do you have a Starbucks cup in your hand?
Student: Um….
Teacher: I can see through you. Please be honest with me.
Sandra saw through her boyfriend and his lies when she found a text message in his phone from another girl.
(verb) to betray someone
Example Sentences:
A: I asked Winnie to go on a date with me last night, and she said no.
B: Yeah, I know. I’m going on a date with her!
A: What?! You know I like her, how could you sell me out?
B: Whatever! She’s hot!
Sarah’s best friend sold Sarah out by stealing her boyfriend.
The employee felt that he was selling his company out by taking a job with one of their rivals.
(idiom) go into, enter
Example Sentence:
That restaurant was horrible! I will never set foot in there again!
I am never setting foot in that store, because I didn’t like the service.
When the attractive woman set foot in the party, everyone stared at her.
(idiom) car
Example Sentence:
Wow, that’s a nice set of wheels you have! When did you buy a new car?
(adjective) unsafe, uncertain, questionable
Example Sentences:
A: Do you want to go to the restaurant in the bad part of town?
B: No, it’s kind of shady over there. Let’s go to McDonald’s instead.
The English student decided to choose a different tutor because she thought that Wayne was a bit shady.
We decided to call the police after a shady man was seen walking around our house. The cops told us he was trying to damage our car!
From the Blogs:
Media:
(verb) to extremely upset someone
Example Sentences:
I don’t want to shatter you, but I want a divorce!
Angela was shattered when her boyfriend died in a car accident.
The newscaster delivered some shattering news when she told us that the president had died.
From the News:
Lakers’ dream season shattered
Media:
(noun) a person who displays his or her achievements or good characteristics to make others feel bad
Example Sentence:
A: Do you like your new roommate?
B: No! He has a beautiful girlfriend, a nice car, good looking friends and really nice stereo system. He brought them all over last night to see his new place.
A: Wow, your roommate is a show off!
The young skateboarder enjoyed being a show off because it made all of his friends jealous of his skateboarding abilities.
(phrasal verb) to display one’s achievements or good characteristics to make others feel bad
Example Sentence:
A: How is your new teacher?
B: He spent the first hour of class showing off by talking about his degrees, his books, his sports car and his beautiful wife. I dislike him a lot!
The young woman showed off her expensive new iPhone to her jealous friends.
(verb) to show the real nature or characteristics of a person
Example Sentences:
Everyone thought Bill was a nice guy, but he showed his true colors when he was really rude to the waitress at his birthday party.
The young woman wanted to show everyone her true colours when she decided to volunteer.
My roommate started showing me her true colours about six months after we moved in together. She’s so messy!
Media:
(phrasal verb) arrive somewhere
Example Sentence:
Marta showed up to the party in a beautiful pink dress. She looked very sexy!
The teacher is mad at you because you keep showing up late for class.
If you show up to the concert early, you may get a prize.
(idiom) be quiet, shut up
Example Sentences:
Would you guys please shut your trap! I’m trying to sleep!
I had to ask my roommate to shut his trap because he was being too noisy.
(idiom) in a very good position
Example Sentences:
Kevin’s dad owns the company, so he’s sitting pretty. He can get a job anytime he wants!
Team Canada sits pretty on top of the standings in the world hockey championships.
The confident student was sitting pretty before the exam, because he had 98% in the class and could not fail the class.
Media:
(verb) to wait,
Example Sentence:
On the telephone
A: Hi, can I speak to Mike please?
B: Sure, just sit tight a minute and I’ll go get him.
In person
A: Hi there. I have a 10 o’clock meeting with Mr. Bryson
B: Okay. Just sit tight one moment and I’ll go get him.
Would you kids please sit tight! I’m trying to think!
Media:
(adjective) unsafe, uncertain, questionable
Example Sentences:
A: Do you want to go to the restaurant in the bad part of town?
B: No, it’s kind of sketchy over there. Let’s go to McDonald’s instead.
The English student decided to choose a different tutor because she thought that Wayne was a bit sketchy.
We decided to call the police after a sketchy man was seen walking around our house. The cops told us he was trying to damage our car!
Media:
(verb) to sleep very well
Example Sentences:
You will sleep like a log if you get plenty of exercise during the day.
A: Did you have a good sleep last night?
B: Yeah, I slept like a log. I didn’t wake up once!
Mom: Are the kids still awake?
Dad: No, they’re sleeping like logs.
Mom: Fantastic!
Media:
(verb) to sleep very well
Example Sentences:
You will sleep soundly if you get plenty of exercise during the day.
A: Did you have a good sleep last night?
B: Yeah, I slept soundly. I didn’t wake up once!
Mom: Are the kids still awake?
Dad: No, they’re sleeping soundly.
Mom: Fantastic!
Media:
(adjective) done in a smooth, impressive, or effortless way
Example Sentences:
The slick car salesman convinced Tom that he needed to buy a sports car so he would be successful with the ladies.
Wilma was so slick during her job interview that she was hired right away.
From the News:
Lightning too slick for Luongo, Canucks
Media:
(noun) terrible food
Example Sentence:
If you expect me to eat this slop you are making a huge mistake. Go make me a better dinner!
I never eat fast food. It tastes like slop to me.
The young man started taking a cooking class, because all of his meals tasted like slop.
Media:
(adjective) extremely drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re sloshed.
If you keep getting sloshed before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were sloshed during their late-night party.
Media:
(noun) a person who is annoying because they are intelligent and like to show it
(noun) a person who is annoying because they are intelligent and like to show it
(noun) a person who is annoying because they are intelligent and like to show it
(adjective) extremely drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re smashed.
If you keep getting smashed before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were smashed during their late-night party.
Media:
(adjective) sexy, good looking
Example Sentence:
When you wear that dress, you look so smokin’!
My new boyfriend is so smokin’, you should meet him.
(noun) a very easy thing
Example Sentence:
This class is such a snap. I think I need something more difficult.
The book was a snap to read.
I expected the test to be hard, but it turned out to be a snap.
(verb) to suddenly shout or get angry at someone
Example Sentence:
The angry driver snapped at the police officer for giving her a ticket.
Notes:
snap at an be used with preposition for or the conjunction because.
I snapped at my mother for waking me up early.
I snapped at my mother because she woke me up early.
(noun) something that is very boring
Example Sentence:
That movie is such a snoozer. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone!
My afternoon class is such a snoozer! I want to switch out of it.
The biology students were mad because their professor was a snoozer. They asked the department for someone more interesting.
(phrasal verb) to have too much work to do
Example Sentences:
Boss: I don’t want to snow you under, but can you finish those reports by tomorrow morning?
Employee: I guess so.
Boss: Thanks! I’m off to the beach!
A: Are you ready to go out today?
B: No, I can’t. I’m snowed under with work. Maybe tomorrow.
The students were unhappy because their teacher was always snowing them under with homework.
Media:
(verb) charge heavily
Example Sentence:
The government is always soaking us with taxes.
How much did the car dealer soak you for that Porche?
I got soaked when I went shopping in Holt Renfrew. It is way too expensive!
(slang) leave me alone!
Example Sentence:
A: Do you have any money?
B: Sod off! I’m not giving you any money!
The rude man told his roommates to sod off when he was drunk. Now they are mad at him.
Note:
sod off is a British expression
(verb) to try and understand the cause of a problem
Example Sentence:
The roommates tried for four hours to sort out why their apartment smelled so bad. Then they realized it was because it was dirty.
A: I can’t sort out why I keep getting this math problem wrong.
B: Here, let me help you.
Boyfriend: Why are you so upset?
Girlfriend: You should be able to sort it out . You had sex with my sister!
Related:
(idiom) when someone says negative things about something because they can’t have it
(idiom) who cares? why is that important?
Example Sentence:
A: Did you know that the Chinatown in Vancouver, BC is the second biggest in the world?
B: So what?
(verb) to give one’s opinion in a strong way
Example Sentences:
A: What do you think of global warming?
B: Well, if you want me to speak my mind, I feel like people aren’t doing enough to stop it!
People don’t like Lisa very much because she is always speaking her mind, even if people aren’t asking for it.
William was fired because he spoke his mind to his boss.
From the Blogs:
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind
Media:
(phrasal verb) to leave quickly on a bicycle, motorcycle, car, or other form of transportation
Example Sentence:
The bank robbers sped off when the police arrived.
My son’s friends are always speeding off when I come home. I wonder what they’re up to.
(idiom) to vomit a lot, to be very sick
Example Sentence:
On the weekend I got sick and spewed!
A: Where is Thomas?
B: He is spewing in the washroom because he drank too much tequila!
If I eat that fish I will spew! I am allergic to fish!
(adjective) very clean
Example sentence:
Mom: This room is spick and span, you must have spent a long time cleaning it!
Son: Yes, I did. It was so dirty!
The family spent hours cleaning their house so that it was spick and span before the big party.
(verb) to reveal a secret accidentally or on purpose
Example Sentences:
A: I’m pregnant.
B: Oh no! You’re only 15!
A: I know! You can’t tell anyone!
B: Don’t worry. I won’t spill the beans.
I spilled the beans about the surprise party, by telling the birthday girl. I feel so stupid!
Ted never tells Mary anything, because she’s always spilling the beans. Last week she told everyone that he’s getting a divorce!
(noun) the exact double or copy of someone
Example Sentences:
A: Do you look like your father or mother?
B: I’m the spitting image of my mother. I look exactly like her!
The newborn baby is the spitting image of her father, because she has a similar nose.
(idiom) to vomit a lot, to be very sick
Example Sentence:
(idiom) to vomit, to be sick
Example Sentence:
Oh no! The baby just spit up!
Notes:
spit up is used for babies and very young children only
(verb) to make or have just enough to survive
Example Sentences:
The student was able to squeak by and pay his rent by getting a part-time job.
A: Did you pay all of your bills last month?
B: Yeah, I just squeaked by.
I’m tired of always squeaking by. I want to get a job that pays well so I don’t have to worry about money!
From the News:
Media:
(verb) to be clearly seen, to be easily noticed, to be distinctive
Example Sentence:
A: Do you think they can see us?
B: Well, you’re wearing a bright pink sweater. You really stand out. I’m sure they’ll see you.
The young boy stood out in the dance class because he was the only male there.
That painting really stands out from the others. I have never seen something so unique.
(adjective) completely naked
Example Sentences:
The patient was forced to be stark naked for his medical exam.
All of the people in the nudist colony enjoyed being stark naked.
(verb) set an activity in motion, start an activity
Example Sentence:
I would like you to start the ball rolling on our project, Jenkins. Can you file that report?
My fiancee and I started the ball rolling on our wedding plans when we found a place to have our ceremony.
(verb) to allow someone to take your place, to resign, to move out of the way
Example Sentences:
Even though I was first in line, I decided to step aside and allow an old lady to go in front of me.
When the boss stepped aside, there was a fight over who would replace her.
The Mayor is planning on stepping aside after calls for his resignation.
From the News:
Opposition wants immigration minister to step aside
Media:
(verb) to allow someone to take your place, to resign, to move out of the way
Example Sentences:
Even though I was first in line, I decided to step aside and allow an old lady to go in front of me.
When the boss stepped aside, there was a fight over who would replace her.
The Mayor is planning on stepping aside after calls for his resignation.
From the News:
Opposition wants immigration minister to step aside
Media:
(verb) to keep going, to endure something difficult
Example Sentences:
I know this exam is hard, but I have to stick it out. If I don’t get a good mark I’ll never get to go to law school!
Even though Rebecca’s course was difficult, she stuck it out. We’re so proud of her!
A: Are you still training for that marathon?
B: I sure am.
A: Is it going okay?
B: It’s so difficult!
A: What are you going to do?
B: I’m planning on sticking it out. I will feel so proud when I’m finished
(proverb) a quiet person may be extremely wise and intelligent
Example Sentence:
That guy in our class is always very shy and quiet, so I decided to talk to him on the bus yesterday. He was so funny and smart, we had a great conversation. Still waters run deep, I guess!
(adjective slang) terrible, awful, bad
Example Sentence:
This coffee shop really stinks. Let’s go to Blenz instead.
A: How is the movie?
B: It really stinks. It’s the worst movie I’ve seen in awhile.
My new teacher stinks at teaching grammar, but she’s really good with vocabulary.
Note:
stinks is slang and should be used carefully
(proverb) if you make small repairs now, it is much better than making large repairs later
Example Sentences:
A: Are you going to start exercising? You’ve gained a bit of weight.
B: I only gained five pounds! I’ll exercise if I get fatter.
A: But you should start soon, after all, a stitch in time saves nine. It’s easier to lose five pounds than it is to lose 25!
B: You’re right!
Media:
(adjective) very excited and full of energy
Example Sentence:
I am stoked to start my English studies.
The young students were stoked to go to the hockey game.
I was stoked when Obama won the election.
(idiom) completely sober, not drunk at all
Example Sentence:
Thomas was stone sober because he hadn’t had anything to drink all night.
Mom: Are you drunk?
Son: No, I’m stone sober. I didn’t have a single drink!
(phrasal verb) to visit a place or person for a short period of time
Example Sentence:
A: Are you going home after work?
B: No, I have to stop by at the bank and pay some bills.
If you’re not busy, you should stop by and visit your mother. She is lonely.
Last night, I stopped by to the grocery store to buy eggs.
The man’s friends became annoyed when he kept stopping by before calling first.
(phrasal verb) to visit a place or person for a short period of time
Example Sentence:
A: Are you going home after work?
B: No, I have to stop in at the bank and pay some bills.
If you’re not busy, you should stop in and visit your mother. She is lonely.
Last night, I stopped in at the grocery store to buy eggs.
The man’s friends became annoyed when he kept stopping in before calling first.
(noun) a handsome and masculine man
Example Sentence:
That guy is such a stud. Look how muscular he is!
I think that Johnny Depp is a stud. I love all his movies.
(idiom) to eat a lot of food in a short period of time
Example Sentences:
Girlfriend: If I had known you were going to stuff your face I wouldn’t have brought you to this nice restaurant!
Boyfriend: Leave me alone, I’m hungry!
Jillian was embarrassed because her date kept stuffing his face during their meal.
The hungry football team stuffed their faces at the all-you-can-eat restaurant.
(adjective slang) terrible, awful, bad
Example Sentence:
This coffee shop really sucks. Let’s go to Blenz instead.
A: How is the movie?
B: It really sucks. It’s the worst movie I’ve seen in awhile.
My new teacher sucks at teaching grammar, but she’s really good with vocabulary.
Note:
sucks is slang and should be used carefully
(idiom) to accept that you must do something that you don’t want to do
(adjective) very busy
Example Sentence:
I’m sorry I didn’t answer your email. I’m really swamped with work right now.
The lawyer was swamped at the office, so he couldn’t go to his son’s birthday party.
(verb) sweat a lot
Example Sentences:
The soccer players were sweating like a pig during their practice.
A: I hate Miami.
B: Why?
A: Every time I come here, I always sweat like a pig.
(verb) to quickly and thoroughly make someone like you, to charm someone
Example Sentences:
The young man wanted to sweep the pretty girl off her feet, so he walked up to her and told her she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
A: I have a new boyfriend, he’s so handsome!
B: Where did you meet?
A: He is my English teacher. He is so nice, and kind, and he swept me off my feet when he told me I was the most beautiful student he has ever had!
B: Wow, you should marry him!
A: Okay!
Media:
(adjective) good, great, awesome
Example Sentences:
Pulp Fiction is a sweet movie. It’s so great!
My English school is so sweet, I love it!
What a sweet song!
Media:
(verb) to make a change
Example Sentence:
A: I’m bored.
B: Well, why don’t we switch it up and go to a movie?
I decided to switch things up and change my career. I went from lawyer to housewife!
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