Happy Friday! Sometimes we use expressions to show how we feel or to reiterate what was being said. One way or another, exclaiming idioms are fun! I can’t believe my ears! – used when you hear something shocking, “I am really surprised!” E.g. A. Did you know the Jenny got fired? B. What? I can’t believe my ears! She was really hard-working. I can’t believe my ears! They have just announced another property tax hike. I wasn’t born yesterday! – “I am not that naïve” E.g. A. Did you respond to that email from a Nigerian prince to wire money to him? B. Are you kidding? I wasn’t born yesterday. My son was trying to convince me that if I buy him a new toy, he will keep his room tidy for a year. What does he think? I wasn’t born yesterday! Chill out! – “Relax!”, “Don’t worry!” E.g. Chill out! You prepared hours for this presentation, I am sure it will go well. Chill out! I will take care of the rest of the paperwork and send it over to the boss today. Dream on! – used to accept what the other person says but think it is unrealistic, “wishful thinking” E.g. A. I know I am only 25 years old but I want to be able to retire in 10 years. B. Dream on! A. I think if I dress more trendy, I can date with a celebrity. B. Dream on! It’s a deal! – used to accept an offer, “I accept your proposal.” E.g. A. If you take my shift on Friday, I will take yours on Saturday. What do you say? B. It’s a deal! A. We will give you a 10% discount and free car washes for a year if you take the car right now. B. It’s a deal! Tell me about it! – used when we agree with the other person, “I agree with you” E.g. A. Jeff has got to get some new clothes. B. Tell me about it! He’s been wearing the same sweater for two weeks. A. The neighbor has just bought another garden gnome for his yard. B. Tell me about! His house will soon look like a scene from “Snow White”.
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On May 1st , many countries around the world celebrate Labor Day or International Workers’ Day , so why not learn some idioms with “work”? to work down to the wire: to work until the last minute E.g. The investors will need to turn in their report by 9 am, and they still have a lot to do. They will have to be working down to the wire. He had to work down to the wire to finish this large-scale illumination project on time. to work for (someone): to meet the requirements of someone; to fit someone E.g. I don’t think living in an apartment will work for us. We have two dogs, so we prefer to have a house with a yard. She tried on a bright pink dress but her friend though that color did not work for her. work one’s tail off: to work very hard E.g. The engineers worked their tails off to get the new product released before the end of the year. Many think that stay-at-home moms watch TV all day but they work their tails off to do the chores and take care of their family. in the works: (something) being prepared, under development E.g. The employees think that big salary increases are in the works. The new laws that are in the works that will affect all the residents of the state. work out: to exercise; to finish positively E.g. Jim started a new, healthier lifestyle. He goes to the gym and works out at least three times a week. I know there is a disagreement between us but I think we can work this out so that all of us are satisfied. the “works”: (with) all the available options E.g. George always orders the hamburger with the works, he loves all the toppings in his sandwich. This new phone has the works – high-resolution camera, quality sounds system and beautiful display – basically everything I need. |
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January 2019
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