(verb) to insult someone when other people are already saying negative things
(verb) to politely refuse an offer, with the possibility that you may accept in the future
Example Sentences:
A: I’m having a dinner party tomorrow. Can you come?
B: Sorry, I’ll have to take a rain check, I already have plans.
A: Okay, no problem!
Son: Dad, you promised to take me fishing!
Dad: Sorry son, I’m very busy with work. Would you take a rain check?
Son: I guess so. Can we go next week?
Dad: Sure!
When I couldn’t go to my friend’s birthday party, I took a rain check instead.
Media:
(verb) go for a quick drive, often with no destination
Example Sentence:
I’ve got a new car, do you want to take a spin?
(verb) to have a strong opinion about something and not change it
Example Sentences:
A: What did you do about your teenage son?
B: I decided that I had to take a stand on his bad behaviour. I told him he couldn’t leave the house until he improved his school marks.
Politicians are always taking a stand on important topics, and then changing their minds.
Karl knew that the most important moment in his life was when he took a stand on the environment and decided to live a more green life.
(phrasal verb) to look like someone, to act like someone
Example Sentences:
Shelley really takes after her mother, because they both have blonde hair and blue eyes.
Tom and his father both enjoy playing with model trains. I guess Tom really takes after his dad!
Note:
take after is usually used to show resemblance between family members
(verb) goodbye
Example Sentences:
Student 1: I am going back to Brazil.
Student 2: I am going back to Korea.
Student 1: Good luck to you! I hope we will meet again soon!
Student 2: Take care!
Have fun on your vacation! I hope you enjoy Mexico! Take care!
Notes:
take care is used as a friendly way of saying goodbye.
Media:
(verb) to become responsible for a situation or person
Example Sentences:
A: Our boss went home sick. What should we do?
B: I think I will take charge of our office. Everyone listen to me!
I don’t like people who are always taking charge. I hate it when people tell me what to do!
When my parents went on vacation, I took charge of my younger brother.
(idiom) take a short break
Example Sentences:
Okay, we’ve been working hard today. Let’s take five.
The boss told his employees to take five, so they went and got some coffee.
Media:
(idiom) become confident or courageous during a difficult situation
Example Sentences:
I’m sorry to hear that your father died. I hope that you take heart in the fact that he was a very nice and good man.
Cancer patients should take heart that one day there will be a cure for cancer.
From the News:
Far away, I weep for Sichuan but still take heart
Media:
(idiom) become confident or courageous during a difficult situation
Example Sentences:
I’m sorry to hear that your father died. I hope that you take heart in the fact that he was a very nice and good man.
Cancer patients should take heart that one day there will be a cure for cancer.
From the News:
Far away, I weep for Sichuan but still take heart
Media:
(verb) to relax
Example Sentences:
A: What are you going to do this weekend?
B: I think I’m just going to take it easy. I had a long week.
A: What did you do this weekend?
B: I just took it easy. I didn’t do anything special.
The University student is looking forward to taking it easy after her exams are over.
(verb) goodbye
Example Sentences:
Student 1: I am going back to Brazil.
Student 2: I am going back to Korea.
Student 1: Good luck to you! I hope we will meet again soon!
Student 2: Take it easy!
Have fun on your vacation! I hope you enjoy Mexico! Take it easy!
Notes:
take it easy is used as a friendly way of saying goodbye.
(idiom) trust me
Example Sentence:
If you want a great Greek restaurant, you should go to Maria’s. Take my word for it, it’s the best Greek place in the city!
A: Did you hear that Mark got fired?
B: Are you serious?
A: Yeah, he was caught stealing, so the boss fired him.
B: I don’t believe you.
A: Well, you should take my word for it, because he won’t be here tomorrow.
(phrasal verb) to leave
Example Sentences:
A: What are you doing now?
B: I think I’m going to take off. I feel tired.
The bank robber took off down the street when the police arrived.
Well, I’d better be taking off. Thank you for dinner!
to do something to help you forget about something else
(idiom) trust me
Example Sentence:
If you want a great Greek restaurant, you should go to Maria’s Taverna. Take me at my word, it’s the best Greek place in the Vancouver!
A: Did you hear that Mark got fired?
B: Are you serious?
A: Yeah, he was caught stealing, so the boss fired him.
B: I don’t believe you.
A: Well, you should take me at my word, because he won’t be here tomorrow.
The boss told me that our company was about to be sold. I took him at his word, and in the end it was true!
(idiom) to fail to appreciate someone
Example Sentences:
You shouldn’t take your parents for granted, because one day they will be too old to help you out.
I feel like you’re taking me for granted. Every time you need money, you ask me, and you never say thanks!
The employees felt that their boss took them for granted, so they complained.
(verb) to take care of someone, to show someone important things
(phrasal verb) to start a hobby or sport
Example Sentences:
Next month I plan to take up soccer. I’d love to learn how to play.
She was thinking about taking up swimming, but she hated getting wet.
Last year, I took up guitar. It’s now my favourite hobby.
(idiom) stop thinking about something for a short period of time
Example Sentences:
I know you are worried about your mom, but why don’t we go to a movie. It might help you take your mind off your problems.
When she studies hard for tests, Tam likes to take her mind off her topic every few hours and go for a walk.
(phrasal verb) to completely discuss something important
Example Sentences:
Before you make a decision about a career, you should really talk it over with a career advisor.
The employees talked over a few of the problems, to try to find a solution.
Most problems can be solved by simply talking them over with another person.
(adjective) extremely drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re tanked.
If you keep getting tanked before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were tanked during their late-night party.
Media:
(idiom) to tell a parent, babysitter, teacher (etc.) about the wrong actions of another person.
Example sentence:
You ate the cookies, I’m telling on you!
Stop hitting me or I’m telling mom on you.
Note:
tell on someone is usually used by children only.
(adjective) something perfectly done, or done following specific instructions
Example Sentences:
The driving student performed a textbook parallel park while doing his driving test.
Your presentation was textbook. You did exactly what i told you.
Media:
(idiom) that sounds familiar
Example Sentences:
A: Have you heard of the city Prince Rupert?
B: Yeah, that rings a bell. Is that in British Columbia?
Someone named Shawna called me yesterday. Her name rings a bell, but I can’t remember who she is.
(idiom) there is nothing else to say about something
Example Sentences:
Kids: We want to go to Disneyland!
Parents: No, we’re going to Paris.
Kids: But we want to go to Disneyland!
Parents: We’re going to Paris, and that’s that!
Kids: You are so unfair!
I’m sorry sir, but you cannot buy a Nintendo Wii because they are sold out, and that’s that!
Media:
(idiom) that’s great, that’s fantastic
Example Sentences:
You got a promotion at work? That’s tight!
A: I won $100 at the casino last night.
B: That’s tight! Congratulations!
Media:
(proverb) children are very similar to their parents
(proverb) the person who gets started early has a better chance of success
(idiom) a major or controversial problem that is not discussed
(proverb) you are accusing someone of doing a thing that you are guilty of
Example Sentences:
Mom: I can’t believe you smoked marijuana! I’m so angry!
Son: I’m 18 years old. Didn’t you smoke marijuana when you were 18?
Mom: Yes, but this is different! I was more mature than you!
Son: Well, this is the pot calling the kettle black! You did exactly the same thing.
The Shane tried to criticize Wayne for driving drunk, until he realized that doing that would be like the pot calling the kettle black, because Shane had been arrested for drunk driving two years ago.
(proverb) people who complain the most will get what they want
(proverb) people who complain the most will get what they want
(proverb) the final terrible thing that makes a situation unbearable
(idiom) there are lots of possible boyfriends or girlfriends
(adjective) very stupid
Example Sentences:
My new boyfriend is thick, but he’s really handsome.
My co-workers don’t know how to do anything. They’re so thick. I can’t believe how dumb they are!
Media:
(verb) to think about a problem in an original or creative way
(adjective) extremely drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re three sheets to the wind.
If you keep getting three sheets to the wind before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were three sheets to the wind during their late-night party.
(verb) to discourage or be negative about something
Example Sentences:
Our boss never likes to throw cold water on our suggestions. She loves encouraging us instead.
I wanted to start a recycling program at work, but my boss threw cold water on the idea by saying it was too expensive.
My father is always throwing cold water on my plans to become a singer.
Media:
(idiom) to vomit a lot, to be very sick
Example Sentence:
On the weekend I got sick and threw up!
A: Where is Thomas?
B: He is throwing up in the washroom because he drank too much tequila!
If I eat that fish I will throw up! I am allergic to fish!
(adjective) angry
Example Sentence:
I am so ticked off that you didn’t call me on Friday night. I stayed at home by myself!
Every time you come to work late you make me so ticked off! One more time and you’re fired!
(phrasal verb) to restrict someone, to prevent someone from leaving or doing what they want to do
Example Sentences:
Boss: Do you have plans tonight?
Employee: No, not really.
Boss: I don’t want to tie you down, but could you stay for a few extra hours so we can finish these TPS reports?
Employee: I guess so.
I never sign a long lease on my apartments, because I don’t want them tying me down. I like to be able to leave whenever I want!
The 40-year-old man felt tied down by his wife and kids, so he left home to join the circus.
(noun) a person who is unwilling to give or spend money, who is not generous
(idiom) used to express pride or respect for someone
Example Sentences:
A: Hey, Uncle Paul! I got 100% on my final exam!
B: I tip my hat to you! Congratulations!
Let’s all tip our hats to Mark for his great presentation.
The boss tipped his hat to us for our hard work during the busy season.
Media:
(adjective) a little bit drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re a little bit tipsy.
If you keep getting tipsy before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were tipsy after having two drinks.
Media:
(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 tooting his own horn by talking about his degrees, his books, his sports car and his beautiful wife. I dislike him a lot!
The young woman tooted her own horn by showing her expensive new iPhone to her jealous friends.
A: Did you get a good score on the TOEFL test?
B: I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I did fantastically!
A: Congrats!
From the Blogs:
Nothing Wrong With Tooting Your Own Horn
Media:
(adjective) excellent, of the highest quality
Example Sentences:
My new teacher is top-notch. I think she is the best I’ve ever had.
Saltlik is a top-notch restaurant in Vancouver.
I only like staying in top-notch hotels. I have high standards.
(idiom) to vomit a lot, to be very sick
Example Sentence:
On the weekend I got sick and tossed my cookies!
A: Where is Thomas?
B: He is tossing his cookies in the washroom because he drank too much tequila!
If I eat that fish I will toss my cookies! I am allergic to fish!
(verb) make or keep in contact with someone
Example Sentence:
I’ll start the first part of the project, you start the second, and we’ll touch base in a few days.
A: Have fun on your vacation, son. Don’t forget to call me!
B: Don’t worry mom, we’ll touch base in a couple of days.
The boyfriend and girlfriend were always touching base while they were separated.
(phrasal verb) to talk about something for a short period of time
Example Sentence:
Employee: You wanted to see me, boss?
Boss: Yes, I wanted to touch on a few things about your presentation tomorrow. Do you have five minutes to talk?
The parents briefly touched on the death of Tommy’s grandfather, so he didn’t get too upset.
(noun) a terrible situation, a disaster
Example Sentence:
The AIDS crisis is a major train wreck. World governments need to do more to solve the problem.
I was late to work, my car got stolen, my boyfriend broke up with me, and my dog died. This week has been such a train wreck!
(noun) someone who is in a terrible situation, someone who is a disaster
Example Sentence:
Britney Spears is a trainwreck, someone needs to help her!
My best friend has three children from three different husbands, no job, and is addicted to drugs. She is such a trainwreck!
(adjective) difficult
Example Sentence:
Teacher, this homework is too tricky. Can’t you make it a bit more easy?
(noun) a person who enjoys creating fights or causing trouble
Example Sentences:
A: Your girlfriend is ugly!
B: What?!
A: I said, your girlfriend is ugly!
B: Do you want to fight?
A: Yeah!
B: Alright you troublemaker, let’s fight!
The policeman arrested the troublemaker for throwing rocks at windows.
Note:
troublemaker can also be used to refer to mischievous young children in a friendly way
My cute little troublemaker made a mess on my floor!
Media:
(noun) television
Example Sentence:
Did you see that show on the tube last night? It was great.
A: What did you do last night?
B: I just stayed home and watched the tube because I had nothing better to do.
Note:
tube is usually used with the definite article the
the tube
(adjective) very tired
Example Sentence:
I am tuckered out after hiking to the top of Grouse Mountain!
The students were tuckered out from studying all night for their final exam.
Media:
(noun) stomach
Example Sentence:
I drank my juice too quickly and now my tummy hurts.
Note:
tummy is usually used by women and young children only.
Media:
(verb) to go to bed
Example Sentence:
Well, I’m going to turn in, I’m feeling pretty tired. Good night!
My mother always turns in at 9 pm. She loves going to sleep early.
I don’t know why I’m so tired today, I turned in early last night!
(phrasal verb) to change, to become
Example Sentence:
If you go to school and study hard, you will turn into an intelligent person.
What happened last night? You drank ten beers and turned into a jerk! You were mean to everybody!
Vancouver is turning into a beautiful big city!
(verb) reject an idea, thing or person during an important moment
(verb) to begin to act in a better way
Example Sentences:
A: Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?
B: Yeah, I want to turn over a new leaf. I’m going to start exercising more, and stop eating bad food!
The alcoholic man turned over a new leaf when he decided to live without alcohol.
Teacher: Wow, you’re doing your homework, little Dustin?
Dustin: Yeah, teacher! I’ve decided I want to become an accountant, so I’m turning over a new leaf. I’m going to start doing my homework every night!
Teacher: I’m proud of you.
(verb) to change something in an exciting way
Example Sentences:
The new, young teacher turned the school on its ear by introducing technology into the classroom.
Michael Phelps is turning swimming on its ear by winning so many races.
The new boss plans to turn our company on its ear by changing a lot of things.
Media:
(verb) to pass an important or difficult point and begin to improve
Example Sentences:
After a lengthy fight with cancer, Tim has turned the corner and is starting to become healthy again.
A: Are you still sick?
B: Yeah, but I feel like I’m going to turn the corner in a day or two. I feel a little bit better.
A: Great!
Loretta turned the corner once her most difficult final exam was done.
From the News:
Crews turn corner on California fire
Media:
(phrasal verb) to ask someone for help
Example Sentence:
Mom: And if you get lost while traveling, don’t forget to turn to a policeman for help.
Son: Yes, Mom!
Mark turned to his best friend when he was having a fight with his girlfriend.
She is always turning to me when something bad happens. Why can’t she ever call me when she’s happy?
(proverb) it’s always better to have two people doing something
Example Sentences:
A: How are you doing with your presentation?
B: Not so good.
A: Do you want help?
B: Sure! Two heads are better than one.
The scientist asked his colleague to look at his work because two heads are better than one.
Search 
- Phrase of the Day!
- Categories
