Type:
Phrase of the Day
(proverb) a foolish person will lose all of his money easily
(proverb) be patient, especially when you’re watching something
(idiom) something that you begin to like after trying it many times.
(proverb) if you eat fruit, you will remain healthy
(proverb) when a situation is bad, any chance at relief is good
(noun) (slang) a terrible person, a person who acts in a rude or offensive way
(verb) to have no patience or energy to tolerate something anymore
(idiom) an idea has to go back to the beginning because it was unsuccessful
(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:
(verb) to not do something that one was supposed to do
Example Sentences:
Shawna didn’t invite you because you always bail. You say you will come, and then you never do.
Mike bailed yesterday because he was sick.
A: Are you going to work tomorrow?
B: No, I’m planning on bailing because I want to go to the beach.
A: Will you get in trouble for that?
B: Yeah, but I don’t really care. I hate my job!
Media:
(adjective) to continually try the impossible
(idiom) something is more easily talked about than actually done
(verb) to discuss a topic without being specific about anything
(verb) to discuss a topic without being specific about anything
(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:
(slang) (idiom) I bet you
Example Sentences:
Betcha can’t lift 200 kilos like I can!
A: My new boyfriend is so handsome and successful.
B: Is he?
A: Yeah. He is a model and has his own business.
B: Betcha my boyfriend is better than yours! He’s an actor and lawyer!
Media:
(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:
(idiom) something that seems terrible, but actually produces positive results
(verb) to display one’s achievements or good characteristics to make others feel bad
(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:
(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) (slang) to behave in a very friendly, flattering, or kind manner to someone higher than you in order to get a benefit
(noun) (slang) someone who is very good at saying stupid and untrue things
(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 person who works in a restaurant cleaning dishes, setting tables, and assisting others
(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:
(idiom) something is too difficult or complicated for someone to understand
Example Sentences:
A: Do you ever wonder if God is real?
B: That stuff is so difficult I can’t make heads or tails of it.
Before the Olympics, Angelina tried to learn how to speak Chinese. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make heads or tails of it, and she quit after only 3 weeks.
A: What do you think of the new professor?
B: I can’t make heads or tails of his teaching style. I can’t understand what he’s talking about.
Michael can’t make heads or tails of Physics.
From the Blogs:
Can’t make heads or tails of this coin
Media:
(verb) to talk to someone you are romantically interested in so they can get to know you better
(verb) to stop something from happening in a very strict way
(idiom) sudden nervousness about something you have to do
Example Sentences:
The groom got cold feet before the wedding, and his friends had to calm him down.
Mike wanted to give the speech at the conference, but he got cold feet at the last second, and was unable to speak.
Media:
(verb) to admit that something you said was untrue or that you did something wrong
the advertisement for a new movie that tries to make people interested in seeing it
(idiom) being forced to wait for something
Example Sentences:
Customer: I would like to buy an iPhone right now, please.
Employee: I’m sorry, but you have to cool your heels, sir. Lots of people have been waiting longer than you.
Sharon cooled her heels in a park while waiting for her boyfriend to pick her up.
A: Are you ready to go to the beach?
B: I can’t. I’m cooling my heels until my mom comes home so I can borrow her car.
A: Hurry up!
Media:
(noun) (slang) a person who makes people uncomfortable at parties, bars, nightclubs or social situations
(verb) to do something in the easiest or cheapest way by skipping something important
Example Sentences:
The government cut corners when they built the school with bad materials, and put everyone in danger.
Shawn had a terrible vacation because he cut corners while planning it, and was forced to stay in bad hotels.
My mother used to yell at me for cutting corners when I was younger. If my room wasn’t perfectly clean, I’d have to do it again.
Media:
(proverb) to hurt yourself when trying to hurt someone else
(verb) to break plans with someone without telling them
Example Sentences:
A: Is Willy coming to the party tonight?
B: Yeah.
A: I hate him so much! Do you want to ditch him?
B: Sure! Let’s leave him at the library!
Tammy is mad at her boyfriend because he was always ditching her to meet his friends.
I was supposed to meet my friends to see Dark Knight last night, but they ditched me! I’m so mad!
Media:
(noun) a situation that is extremely important, and failure would result in a big problem
(idiom) to do the majority of the work when working with a group
(idiom) a statement does not appear to be correct or reasonable
(idiom) to make someone crazy, to irritate someone
Example Sentence:
My children always drive me around the bend when they are tired and in a bad mood.
John’s girlfriend keeps driving him around the bend because she always asks him questions when he gets home from the bar.
I quit my job because my boss drove me around the bend every time I went to work.
From the Blogs:
Curly hair shouldn’t drive you around the bend
Media:
(verb) to admit that something you said in the past was wrong
Example Sentences:
A: Canada is the biggest country in the world.
B: No it’s not, it’s Russia.
A: Russia? You idiot, it’s Canada!
B: Let’s check on the internet! They check.
A: Well, you’re right. Looks like I have to eat my words
After telling the student that he was going to fail the class, the professor ate his words when the student got 100% on the final exam.
Media:
(verb) (slang) to put one’s hand on one’s forehead when a stupid thing has been done or a stupid question has been asked
to experience difficult situations in life
Example Sentences:
A: How is your best friend?
B: He has fallen on hard times. He lost his job, his wife divorced him, and he gained 30 kilos.
The company fell on hard times when it started losing a lot of money.
If you fall on hard times, you can always ask your mother for help.
From the Blogs:
The Stargate program has fallen on hard times
Media:
(phrasal verb) to give someone complete information
Example Sentences:
What happened at the big meeting last night? Fill me in!
A: …so that’s what happened! They all got fired.
B: Thanks for filling me in.
Sandy filled in her best friend about her hot date last night.
Media:
(idiom) good for a specific situation
Example Sentences:
A: How is your new apartment?
B: It fits the bill perfectly. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a balcony and a gym.
A: Great!
Sandra’s new boyfriend doesn’t really fit the bill. He’s so boring and she’s so exciting! I don’t think their relationship will last.
Media:
something or someone that became successful quickly and is unlikely to be repeated
(idiom) forever
Example Sentences:
After working on a farm for 2 years, Trevor decided to become a vegetarian for good. He hasn’t eaten meat since!
A: I broke up with my boyfriend last night.
B: Are you going to get back together in 2 days like you always do?
A: No, this time it’s for good! I don’t ever want to see him again!
B: Do you mind if I call him then?
I’ve quit smoking for good!
Media:
(idiom) something in the past cannot be fixed, so it must be forgiven
(noun) a time when you have to make a difficult decision about something
Example Sentences:
After graduating from university, I reached a fork in the road when I had to decide between going to Law school, or to Graduate school. It took me months to decide!
A: I’m enjoying our European trip!
B: Me too!
A: Do you want to go next, Portugal, or France?
B: I don’t know. When do we have to decide?
A: We’ve reached a fork in the road, so we have to decide right now.
B: Okay……France!
Media:
(noun) the beginning of a new period or step
Example Sentences:
A: Thomas! Oh my god! Why did you quit your job at the Law firm? You were making so much money!
B: I decided it was time for a fresh start. I am going to go back to school and become a writer.
A: Oh.
After looking for a fresh start for a long time, Mark was very excited when he had the opportunity to become an accountant.
From the News:
Media:
(verb) to have a great relationship with someone quickly
(verb) to annoy or bother someone
Example Sentences:
My younger sister gets on my nerves. I find her so annoying!
A: How is your new roommate?
B: He keeps getting on my nerves.
A: Why? What is he doing?
B: He’s always having parties, being messy, eating my food….
The movie Be Kind, Rewind really got on my nerves. I found it so annoying!
Media:
(verb) to be enthusiastic about something that is going to happen
(idiom) use the same methods as your enemy
(idiom) believe something is true because you don’t have any reason to think it is a lie
(verb) to be unfriendly to someone on purpose
Example Sentences:
Wife: Why do you always give my mother the cold shoulder when she comes to visit us?
Husband: Because she always criticizes me!
I don’t like my homestay mother, because she is always giving me the cold shoulder.
The angry father gave his 15 year-old daughter’s new boyfriend the cold shoulder because he thought she was too young to have a boyfriend.
From the News:
Toronto gives Miss Universe cold shoulder
Media:
(idiom) very interested in something
Example Sentences:
A: Why didn’t you answer the phone when I called you?
B: Sorry, I was watching TV and I was glued to lost.
A: Is that a good show?
B: It’s fantastic!
The man on the bus was so glued to his book that he missed his stop!
Media:
(idiom) trust one’s instincts and feelings when making a decision
(noun) an expensive payment made to someone when they retire early or are fired
(proverb) other people’s things always seem so much better than your things
Example Sentences:
A: Have you seen my new neighbour? He’s good-looking!
B: So are you.
A: He drives a Ferrari!
B: So do you.
A: He has a sexy wife!
B: Your wife is good-looking as well. Don’t you think that maybe the grass is always greener on the other side? You are jealous just because he’s your neighbour.
A: You’re right, thanks. Stay away from my wife.
After visiting Canada, the American man wanted to move there. Then he remembered that the grass is always greener on the other side, and he decided to stay in the USA.
Media:
(noun) something a person enjoys despite feeling guilty about liking it
(idiom) uninterested in something, unenthusiastic about something
Example Sentences:
Jeanette gave a half-hearted effort on her presentation. I’d like her to do it again.
My best friend made a half-hearted attempt to help me move into my new apartment.
(adjective) extremely drunk
Example Sentence:
You can’t drive home, you’re hammered.
If you keep getting hammered before work, you’re going to get fired!
The College students were hammered during their late-night party.
Media:
(noun) a piece of clothing or other item passed from one person to another
(idiom) when one has a very bad attitude because one feels wronged
Example Sentences:
A: What’s wrong with our teacher? Why is she so mad?
B: She has a chip on her shoulder because all of her students were late today.
I have a chip on my shoulder because my neighbours kept me awake all night with a loud party!
Media:
(adjective) sensible, intelligent, have common sense
(idiom) to have a problem with something or someone
Example Sentences:
I have an axe to grind with my roommate because she’s always borrowing my clothes without asking!
The student had an axe to grind with his teacher, because he received a low mark on his presentation.
Media:
(idiom) to have to meet high expectations about something that came before
(idiom) to be extremely embarrassed
Example Sentences:
A: Happy Birthday!
B: My birthday was last month!
A: Oh. I really have egg on my face, don’t I?
The teacher had egg on her face when she forgot to give the students their final exam marks.
The nervous businessman hated having egg on his face, so he practiced his presentation many times.
(verb) to be very excited, cold or scared, and have spots on one’s skin
(idiom) to be very nervous or scared about something
(idiom) uninterested in something, unenthusiastic about something
(idiom) a sincere or direct conversation
Example Sentences:
I’m worried that my son is using drugs. I’m going to have a heart to heart with him tonight.
We need to have a heart to heart about your new girlfriend. I think she is terrible!
(noun) a very attractive person who doesn’t care about the feelings of those that they have relationships with
Example Sentences:
A: Did you and Shelley break up?
B: Yeah.
A: Why?
B: She was a heartbreaker. She left me for a more attractive guy.
A: Oh. Sorry to hear that man.
B: Her new boyfriend is my brother.
A: Oh.
She may be beautiful, but she is a heartbreaker. I wouldn’t get into a relationship with her!
Media:
(adjective) extreme sadness due to a death or the end of a relationship
Example Sentences:
A: What’s wrong with Bobby? He looks heartsick.
B: Yeah, his mom died unexpectedly last night.
The 13 year-old boy was heartsick after being dumped by his first girlfriend.
Media:
(idiom) understood with a strong and personal effect
Example Sentences:
I was never worried about my health, but when my brother died from a heart attack, it really hit home. Now I exercise every day and eat right.
Mary’s car accident really hit home for her, and after that she decided she had to start driving more carefully in the future.
Media:
(phrasal verb) to make a sexual comment to someone
Example Sentences:
That guy tried to hit on my girlfriend, so I punched him in the face.
If you keep hitting on my boyfriend, there is going to be trouble!
The beautiful woman had a terrible time at the nightclub because she was constantly hit on.
Media:
(idiom) in brief, in summary
Example Sentences:
A: How was your trip to Ireland?
B: Well, in a nutshell, it was fantastic! We toured the countryside and saw lots of different areas!
I would like to tell you about my experience as a soldier fighting in Iraq. In a nutshell, it was very difficult and dangerous…
From the News:
In a nutshell: What to do about food allergies in schools
Media:
(idiom) laughing uncontrollably
Example Sentences:
A: How was the comedian last night?
B: He was so funny! He had everyone in stitches!
We were in stitches after watching America’s Funniest Home Videos. It was so funny!
Media:
(idiom) remain cheerful during a difficult period, don’t give up
(noun) an extremely attractive woman
Example Sentences:
Jennifer Anniston is a knockout. She is so attractive!
The young men stared as the knockout walked down the street.
Media:
(proverb) laughing is very good and solves all problems
(verb) to take a strict opinion or viewpoint when you are in charge
(idiom) very angry, very nervous
Example Sentences:
A: What’s wrong with you? You’re acting like a cat on a hot tin roof!
B: I have to give a speech today!
A: Oh. Good luck!
The actor was like a cat on a hot tin roof while he was waiting for his first performance to begin
(verb) to satisfy one’s basic needs because of a lack of money
(proverb) find a problem with a gift that you have been given
(verb) to make something unimportant seem extremely important
Example Sentences:
Young children often make a mountain out of a molehill when they get upset after seeing their parents fight.
Our boss made a mountain out of a molehill when he fired Wayne for making a simple mistake.
A: Oh my god, my boyfriend just left me!
B: Oh, sorry Sarah!
A: My life is over! I will never love again! I’m going to kill myself!
B: Don’t you think you are making a mountain out of a molehill? You only dated for two weeks!
A: Oh.
Media:
(verb) to make enough money to pay all of your bills without getting into debt
(verb) to steal
Example Sentences:
My roommate always makes off with my clothes. It makes me so mad!
Someone came in and made off with my wallet! Call the police!
During the riot, many people were caught making off with computers, DVDs, and other electronic goods.
From the News:
Media:
(verb) to finish something quickly because it is so easy
(adjective) ruined, made ugly
Example Sentences:
The fireworks celebration was marred by drunk teenagers fighting in the streets.
East Vancouver’s beautiful neighbourhood was marred when a Wal-Mart came to town.
A: How was your date last night?
B: It was marred when my date’s ex-boyfriend joined us.
From the News:
Phillipine vote marred by violence
Media:
(phrasal verb) to make a mistake
Example Sentence:
If you mess up one more time, you will get fired!
I can’t believe I didn’t study for the test! I messed up my chances to go to law school now!
Mary really messed up when she forgot her husband’s birthday!
I keep messing up this assignment. Can you help me?
From the News:
New daylight time may mess up medical devices, authorities say
Media:
(proverb) people who are sad like to be with others who are also sad
(proverb) being happy is more important than being rich
(phrasal verb) to focus or define the choices available
Example Sentences:
Before the Smith family chose their vacation, they had to narrow down their options.
The University student narrowed down his career choices to doctor or lawyer, but was having a hard time choosing one.
A: What classes are you going to take next semester?
B: I’m not sure. I plan on narrowing my choices down over the next few weeks.
From the News:
Genetic tests narrow down source of SARS
Media:
(verb) to annoy or bother someone on purpose
Example Sentences:
My younger sister really needles me. I find her so annoying!
A: How is your new roommate?
B: He keeps needling me.
A: How?
B: He’s always having parties, being messy, eating my food….
Media:
(idiom) to be unable to make a difficult decision about two or more possibilities
(idiom) to have an advantage over someone, to be better than someone
(idiom) someone is not as tough or strong as they seem
Example Sentences:
A: That guy just challenged me to a fight!
B: Don’t worry, his bark is worse than his bite. He would never get into a fight!
A: Okay.
When I started my new job, my boss was always threatening to fire me. After a few weeks, I realized that her bark was worse than her bite, and that she would never fire me.
Media:
(proverb) to go from a situation that is bad, to one that is worse
(idiom) something is too difficult or complicated for someone to understand
Example Sentences:
A: Do you ever wonder if God is real?
B: That stuff is so over my head that I never try to think about it.
Before the Olympics, Angelina tried to learn how to speak Chinese. Unfortunately, it was over her head, and she quit after only 3 weeks.
A: What do you think of the new professor?
B: His teaching style is way over my head. I can’t understand what he’s talking about.
Media:
(verb) to get a very high score on a test
Example Sentence:
Mom! Dad! I passed my math test with flying colours!!
If you keep passing your tests with flying colours, Steven, you’ll be the best clown to graduate from clown school!
Timmy’s parents promised him a new bicycle if he passes his science exam with flying colours.
From the Blogs:
Samsung i7500 passes FCC with flying colors
Media:
(verb) to express respect for something even though it is the opposite of what one thinks
(proverb) please give me your opinion
Example Sentences:
A: What do you think of global warming?
B: I don’t know.
A: Penny for your thoughts?
B: Well, if you want to know, I feel like people aren’t doing enough to stop it!
A: What do you think about Lisa? Penny for your thoughts?
B: People don’t like Lisa very much because she is always giving her opinion, even if people aren’t asking for it.
From the Blogs:
Penny for your Thoughts with Penny Cohen
Media:
(noun) something that really annoys someone
Example Sentences:
A: What’s your pet peeve?
B: My pet peeve is people who smoke in restaurants. They ruin the taste of the food and harm people’s health. I HATE smokers! You?
A: People who complain a lot.
The teacher’s pet peeve is people who are always late, so you should be on time.
Media:
(verb) to get information about something by asking someone who is an expert or who has a lot of information
Example Sentences:
I often pick Steve’s brain about repairing my car, because he’s a mechanic.
A: Hi there, are you a doctor?
Doctor: Why, yes I am!
A: Would you mind if I picked your brain for a moment?
Doctor: Not at all. What would you like to know?
A: Do you think my arm is broken?
The famous chef was angry, because people were always picking his brain for cooking tips.
Media:
(noun) a sentence used when trying to meet someone of the opposite sex
a conversation starter where the speaker tries to interest someone for romance or dating.
(verb) to pay the bill for someone
Example Sentences:
Waiter: And here’s your bill. Have a good night, everybody!
Bob: I’m going to pick up the tab tonight, guys. I just got paid and am feeling generous!
Guys: Thanks, Bob!
My father picked up the tab for my schoolbooks while I was studying at University.
Husband: The Smith family wants to go out to dinner with us tonight.
Wife: I don’t want to go.
Husband: Why not?
Wife: Because, they’re greedy and selfish.
Husband: Why do you say that?
Wife: Because they never pay, and we’re always picking up the tab.
Husband: Yeah, you’re right! Let’s go out with the Wilson family instead.
Wife: Why?
Husband: Because they’re rich. Maybe they’ll pick up the tab for us!
Wife: I love you!
Media:
(verb) to tease someone, to deceive someone in a friendly way
Example Sentences:
The students decided to pull the teacher’s leg by telling him that they wanted to have a test.
A: Did you hear that Britney Spears is pregnant again?
B: What? Really?
A: No, I’m just pulling your leg.
Boyfriend: Hi honey!
Girlfriend: I’m pregnant.
Boyfriend: Are you pulling my leg?
Girlfriend: No. Let’s get married.
Media:
(proverb) to begin something with a lot of effort and hard work
(idiom) to take some action to support something you have said
(idiom) a situation where someone goes from being poor to being rich
(adjective) disorderly and without rules
Example Sentences:
The rough-and-tumble hockey game was stopped after a player became injured.
A: How was your football match last night?
B: It was really rough-and-tumble. The referee didn’t call any penalties, so people started getting hurt!
A: Oh my!
From the News:
Rough and tumble series continues in New Jersey
Media:
(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.
(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:
(noun) (slang) 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 shit disturber, let’s fight!
The policeman arrested the shit disturber for throwing rocks at windows.
Media:
(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:
(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:
go to sleep and make a decision in the morning.
Example Sentences:
A: Should we go to Paris or London?
B: Let’s sleep on it and make our decision tomorrow.
When I wasn’t sure if I should study Law or Medicine, my dad said it was a good idea if I slept on it and made a decision in the morning.
From the Blogs:
Recognizing When You Should ‘Sleep On It‘ In Your Long Distance Love
Media:
(noun) a person who is annoying because they are intelligent and like to show it
someone does not have a social life, is not cool or interesting
(idiom) when someone says negative things about something because they can’t have it
(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:
(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:
take an advantage of a situation when the time is right
take an advantage of a situation when the time is right
(phrasal verb) (slang) to be terrible at something
Example Sentences:
A: Do you want to play tennis?
B: No way, I suck at tennis. Let’s play Nintendo Wii instead.
Our team was great defensively, but we sucked at generating any offense.
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 sucks up to 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 sucking up to him!
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:
(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!
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) 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.
(verb) to take care of someone, to show someone important things
(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) 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
(verb) to think about a problem in an original or creative way
(verb) reject an idea, thing or person during an important moment
(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:
(idiom) doing something without other people noticing
Example Sentences:
A: I heard you had a new girlfriend!
B: Yeah! But she’s kind of young. She’s only 15.
A: Wow! What does her father think?
B: Well, we’re keeping our relationship under the radar because we don’t want him to know.
The employee didn’t want his boss to find out that he was looking for another job, so he did all his searching under the radar.
From the News:
Media:
(idiom) in a terrible situation because of a high amount of something
(noun) a person who is shy at social events, especially someone who doesn’t like dancing with other people
(verb) to say that you are no longer responsible for something
(idiom) something in the past cannot be fixed, so it must be forgiven
(verb) to make your feelings easy to understand, to be vulnerable
Example Sentences:
Sally’s nervous boyfriend wore his heart on his sleeve when he asked Sally to marry him.
A: I think we should end our relationship.
B: Why?
A: I just think we’d be better with other people.
B: But I love you.
A: Look, I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve here, but I’m in love with your brother instead!
B: Oh.
If you wear your heart on your sleeve, it is easy to have your feelings hurt.
Media:
(idiom) you should take a risk, because things cannot get worse
(proverb) you can’t have it all
Example Sentences:
A: Tomoko works so hard to have a beautiful house, but she’s so busy that she can’t enjoy it.
B: What do you mean?
A: She works 15 hours a day, and only goes home to sleep.
B: I guess you can’t have your cake and eat it too!
I wanted to take that class so badly, but when I arrived the teacher was terrible. I have a great class and a terrible teacher! You can’t have your cake and eat it too!
From the Blogs:
Media:
(proverb) if you did bad things in the past, you will get bad results in the future
if you did good things in the past, you will get good results in the future
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