• Post subject: Learn How to say some American Idioms with Examples on Arten
Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 11:53 am
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Learn American Idioms by Example
The idioms:
Brush up on Chances are slim Does it ring a bell Don't flatter yourself Don't get me wrong Give it to me straight He is a good catch I am broke I am starving I couldn't help it I tossed and turned all night I'll keep my fingers crossed I'll tell you what In a row In the air It doesn't make any difference It is on the tip of my tongue It is up to you It's a piece of cake It's better than nothing It's beyond me Let's get to the point Not that I know of Out of the question Rain check Up to something Whatever you say Work like a charm You are on the right track You can count on us You can say that again
Brush up on !!!
Jeff Do you have a driver's license ? Mike No. I am going to take the test in a couple of weeks . Jeff Didn't you drive in your country ? Mike Yes, but I have to brush up on my driving. Jeff And. You have to study the traffic rules too ! Mike Yes, there is a lot of new things I must learn.
Explanation :
If you brush up something or brush up on it, you practise it or improve your knowledge of it.
Example :
Eleanor spent much of the summer brushing up on her driving.
Chances are slim !!!
Carol What are your chances of getting into Yale ? Judy My chances are slim.. Carol I hear those Ivy League Colleges are tough to get into. Judy I know. I'd have better chance at the state University. Carol Sure. It's not a bad school either. Judy I'd rather be a big fish in a small pond.
Explanation :
If you say that someone doesn't stand a chance of achieving something, you mean that they cannot possibly achieve it.
Example : -
Neither is seen as standing any chance of snatching the leadership from him.
Does it ring a bell !!!
Shirley Guess who I met at the grocery store. Leonard I can't imagine. Shirley Do you remember Mr. Johnson from our old neighborhood. Leonard That name rings a bell, but I can't place him. Shirley He used to live in the building next to ours. Leonard Oh yes, now I remember. He had dark hair and wore glasses.
Explanation :
If you say that something rings a bell, you mean that it reminds you of something else, but you cannot remember exactly what it is ......
If you say that you cannot place someone, you mean that you recognize them but cannot remember exactly who they are or where you have met them before.
Don't flatter yourself !!!
Jean What's that noise? Harry What noise? Jean I hear a girl saying "Harry, honey. Please pick up the phone, you stud..." Harry Oh! That's my new cell phone. It must be my latest squeeze, Jane. Jean Jane? Harry Yeah. She's totally into me. She calls me all the time. Jean Don't flatter yourself!
Explanation :
If someone says to you ' don't flatter yourself, they mean that they disagree with your good opinion of yourself.
Example :
I flatter myself that this campaign will put an end to the war.
squeeze [Slang] a sweetheart or lover: used esp. in the expression main squeeze
she's totally into me = she's interested in me.
Don't get me wrong !!!
Billy Bill is going to sing tonight. Lucy Oh, no ! Billy Don't you like his singing ? Lucy It's not that. Don't get me wrong !!! Billy What's the problem then ? Lucy He only knows one song.
Explanation :
You say ' Don't get me wrong ' when you want to make sure that someone does not misunderstand what you are doing or saying, or why you are doing or saying it.
Example : -
Don't get me wrong, it's interesting work.
Give it to me straight !!!
Boss As you know Steven, you are a highly-valued worker. However, the company has run into financial difficulty lately that are causing some unexpected repercussions.
Steven Like what ! Give it to me straight.
Boss I am afraid we have to lay you off.
Explanation :
If you give someone a straight answer, you speak honestly and frankly to them.
Example :
What a shifty arguer he is, refusing ever to give a straight answer to a straight question.
He is a good catch !!!
Joe Guess who else is falling into the love trap. Judy It better not be Bobbie. I don't want to lose another friend to the death of love. Joe It's Marie. With the guy from New York.. Judy No wonder! I saw her wearing a promise ring. Joe I encouraged her. I think he's a good catch. Judy It better not be just 'cuz he looks like Tom Cruise. Marriage is more than a fling with a movie-star look-alike.
Explanation :
If you describe someone as a good catch, you mean that they have lots of good qualities and you think their partner or employer is very lucky to have found them.
Example :
I was so in love with him and all my friends said what a good catch he was.
I am broke !!!
Robert Are you going to Hawaii on your vacation ? James Not this year. Robert Why not ? James For a good reason, I am broke. Robert Oh ! Come on. James Seriously, I am flat broke.
Explanation :
If you are broke, you have no money.
If a company or person goes broke, they lose money and are unable to continue in business or to pay their debts.
If you go for broke, you take the most extreme or risky of the possible courses of action in order to try and achieve success
I am starving !!!
Yin I think we should get something to eat. Linda Are you hungry ? Yin Hungry ? I'm starving. Linda There is an Italian restaurant near here. Yin Is the food very hot ? Linda It's kind of hot, but it's very tasty.
Explanation :
If you say that you are starving, you mean that you are very hungry.
Example :
Apart from anything else I was starving.
I couldn't help it !!!
Daryl I am upset. Somebody told my boss I have a part-time job. Smith And he doesn't like that ? Daryl No, he doesn't. He thinks that I am too tired to work. Smith I am sorry. I have to admit I told him. Daryl You told him ? Why ? Smith I couldn't help it. He asked me point-blank.
Explanation :
If you can't help the way you feel or behave, you cannot control it or stop it from happening. You can also say that you can't help yourself.
If you say something point-blank, you say it very directly or rudely, without explaining or apologizing.
adv 1. ARMS at close range: at or from very close range 2. outright: directly or bluntly and without further explanation • told them point-blank what I thought of them adj 1. ARMS fired at close range: fired straight and from so close to the target • point-blank shot 2. ARMS close to the target: very close to the target when shooting • at point-blank range 3. outright: direct and blunt • a point-blank refusal [Origin uncertain: possibly from French point (de tir) “firing point” + blanc “target”]
I tossed and turned all night !!!
Robb Are you ill ? Seles Not really ! I am just tired. Robb Didn't you sleep well last night. Seles No, I tossed and turned all night. Robb I am sorry to hear that, I hope you sleep better tonight. Seles Thank you. I'm sure I will.
Explanation :
If you toss and turn, you move restlessly in bed and cannot sleep properly, for example because you are ill or worried.
Example : -
You feel as if you've been tossing and turning all night, and wake up feeling worn out.
I'll keep my fingers crossed !!!
Peters Please have a seat. Albert Thank you Peters I'm Mr. Peters. The personnel manager. What can I do for you. Albert I am looking for a position as a sales representative. Peters We may have an opening next week. Please leave your resume, I will keep in touch with you. Albert Thanks. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Explanation :
If you cross your fingers, you put one finger on top of another and hope for good luck If you say that someone is keeping their fingers crossed, you mean they are hoping for good luck.
Example : -
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they turn up soon.
I'll tell you what !!!
Dave Let's go to the movies in Prickly tomorrow. Kuno Ok, where should we meet. do you know where Lot 10 is ? We went there together. Dave No, I don't remember. Let's meet somewhere outside Prickly. Kuno I'll tell you what -- name the place and I'll pick you up.
Explanation :
In spoken English, you use I'll tell you what or I tell you what to introduce suggestion or a new topic of conversation.
Example :
I tell you what, I'll bring the water in a separate glass.
In a row !!!
Jane The new year will be here before you know it. Mei This year really went by fast. Jane It seems every year goes by faster. Mei I especially enjoy the new year, though. Jane Why ? Mei We have three holidays in a row.
Explanation :
If something happens several times in a row, it happens that number of times without a break. If something happens several days in a row, it happens on each of those days.
Example :
They have won five championships in a row.
In the air !!!
Jenny Vanessa! Guess what. Leo proposed to me! Vanessa Wow. Love is in the air. Did you accept? Jenny Not yet. I have some doubts...like the age factor. I'm really robbing the cradle here. Vanessa So he's eight years younger...he's mature for his age. Jenny I'm worried about the cultural differences, too. Vanessa You guys have the same interests and similar personalities. AND you have the same dreams.
Explanation :
If something is in the air it is felt to be present, but it is not talked about
Example :
There was great excitement in the air ...
To rob the cradle means to date or marry someone much younger. Such a person is a cradle-robber. You might criticized for cradle-robbing.
It doesn't make any difference !!!
Mike Shall I pick you up at 5 or 6 ? Joei It doesn't make any difference. Mike O.K I will pick you up at 5. Joei No problem ! Mike Shall we play badminton or table tennis on Sunday ? Joei It doesn't make any difference.
Explanation :
If something makes no difference, it does not have any effect on what you are doing.
Example : -
It is sad to see him go but it won't make any difference to the way we conduct our affairs.
It is on the tip of my tongue !!!
Mahoney Do you remember the restaurant we went to Friday. Marcus Sure I do. It was the ' Silver Castle '. Mahoney No, we've never been to the ' Silver Castle '. Marcus Maybe it was the Gold Coin. Mahoney No Gee. It is on the tip of my tongue. Marcus Never mind. The food was terrible.
Explanation :
If a comment or question is on the tip of your tongue, you really want to say it or ask it, but you decide not to say it.
Example : -
A sarcastic remark was on the tip of her tongue
It is up to you !!!
John Would you like to go out to dinner or to a movie ? Karen Either one, it is up to you . John What would you prefer ? Karen I really don't care, I just want to get out of the house. John Well, then how about dinner and a movie ? Karen That's a great idea !
Explanation :
If you say that it is up to someone to do something, you mean that it is their responsibility to do it.
Example : -
The choice was up to Paula.
It's a piece of cake !!!
Han What kind of Chinese food would you like to have. Joe I'd like to have spring rolls. Han Fine. By the way, do you know how to use chopsticks ? Joe It's a piece of cake. Han How in the world did you learn to use them ? Joe I was stationed in Taiwan for five years, you know.
Explanation :
If you think something is very easy to do, you can say it is a piece of cake. People often say this to stop someone feeling worried about doing something they have to do.
If soldiers or officials are stationed in a place, they are sent there to do a job or to work for a period of time.
It's better than nothing !!!
Jim Did you ask Mr. Davidson for a raise ? Carmen Yes, I asked for 80 cents any hour more Jim Did you get it ? Carmen No, I got 30 cents Jim That's too bad. Carmen Oh, it is alright. It is better than nothing.
Explanation :
If you say that something is better than nothing, you mean that it is not what is required, but that it is better to have that thing than to have nothing at all.
Example : -
After all, 15 minutes of exercise is better than nothing.
It's beyond me !!!
Anthony How long have you been in this country ? Seung Two months. Anthony Is it hard for you to study at an American college ? Seung Yes, I find it very difficult. Especially when you can't follow the professor's lecture. Anthony That's because you just arrived. Do you like biology ? Seung No. It's beyond me.
Explanation :
If you say that something is beyond someone, you mean that they cannot deal with it.
Example :
Although he could give her sympathy, any practical help would almost certainly be beyond him ......
Let's get to the point !!!
Janet Good afternoon Bob, isn't it a lovely day ? Bob Yes, it is Janet ! Janet It is the kind of day when you want to go outside. Bob Janet, let's get to the point. Do you want the afternoon off ? Janet Yes, Bob. Bob Alright. As soon as you finish typing. You can go.
Explanation :
When someone comes to the point or gets to the point, they start talking about the thing that is most important to them.
Other example :
You have been talking all night, but I don't see your point.
Not that I know of !!!
Mei Is Mrs. Johnson joining us for dinner ? Susie Not that I know of. Mei I was hoping she would come with us. Susie Why ? Mei I would like her to try some of our traditional Chinese foods. Susie That's very kind of you
Explanation :
You say 'Not that I know of' when someone has asked you whether or not something is true and you think the answer is 'no' but you cannot be sure because you do not know all the facts.
Out of the question !!!
Robert I am going to look at new cars tomorrow. James I wish I could have one. Robert Why don't you come along ? James I'd like to but I don't want to be tempted. Robert I am sure you could get a good deal. James No, buying a new car is out of the question for me right now.
Explanation :
If you say that something is out of the question, you are emphasizing that it is completely impossible or unacceptable.
Example : -
For the homeless, private medical care is simply out of the question .......
Rain Check !!!
Jean My brother and his family will be coming into town next week. Joe Is he the one who writes articles for the English Post ? Jean Right, why don't you come over next Sunday to meet him. Joe I'd love to but I can't. Can you give me a rain check !!! Jean Sure, they'll be here for a week. So just let me know when you can come. Joe Ok ! I will be very interested in seeing him.
Explanation :
If you say you will take a rain check on an offer or suggestion, you mean that you do not want to accept it straight away, but you might accept it at another time.
Example :
I was planning to ask you in for a brandy, but if you want to take a rain check , that's fine .......
1. ticket for rescheduled event: a ticket or ticket stub entitling somebody to attend an event canceled because of rain at a later rescheduled time 2. guarantee of offer: a promise or coupon guaranteeing that an offer that cannot be fulfilled or accepted at present will be fulfilled or accepted at a later time take a rain check (on something) to delay doing something until a later date or time (informal)
Up to something !!!
Jennifer Yeah, great. But who recorded these for you?: Billy My classmate, as a joke. It makes me sound like a womanizer. Jennifer Well, then let me record one for you. Billy OK. Cool. Be sexy. Here. Go! Jennifer Hey, jerk! Answer the phone, you idiot! Billy Hey! I should have known you were up to something .
Explanation :
If you say that someone is up to something, you mean that they are secretly doing something that they should not be doing.
Example :
Why did you need a room unless you were up to something.
Whatever you say !!!
Kato How about having dinner together after work? Mori Fine. Kato Should we have Japanese or American food ? Mori Whatever you say ! Kato There is a good steak house around the corner. Mori That's a good idea.
Explanation :
You say whatever you say to indicate that you accept what someone has said, even though you do not really like them or do not think it is a good idea.
Example :
We'll go in your car, Billy. --- ' Whatever you say '.
Work like a charm !!!
Salesman Lowest prices! Best quality! Hello, sir! Buyer Oh, hi. I'm just looking. I have a computer already. Salesman How long have you had it? Buyer Eight years. Works like a charm. Salesman Eight years? What a dinosaur! I can't believe you still use it. Buyer It's fine for writing letters and...
Explanation :
If you say that something worked like a charm, you mean that it was very effective or successful.
Example :
Economically, the policy worked like a charm.
You are on the right track !!!
Greg I am trying to figure out who the murderer is in this story. Curtis Who do you think it is ! Greg I think it's Mr. Johnson because he was in the house at the time of the murder. Curtis No, but you are on the right track.
Explanation :
If you are on the right track, you are acting or progressing in a way that is likely to result in success.
Example :
Guests are returning in increasing numbers - a sure sign that we are on the right track ...
You can count on us !!!
Stacey Sue, can you drive Jane and I to the doctor on Monday ? Sue I think so. Stacey We need a ride very badly, are you sure you will be able to help out ? Sue Sure. I will mark it on my calendar so I don't forget. Stacey Thanks. You are a good friend. Sue You can always count on me when you need help.
Explanation :
If you count on someone or count upon them, you rely on them to support you or help you.
Example : -
I can always count on you to cheer me up .........
You can say that again !!!
Yin I think there is a sharp contrast between Americans and Chinese. For example the Americans are very individualistic, while the Chinese are very group-oriented.
Yang You can say that again. Chinese are very conscious of what other people think of them.
Explanation :
You can use "You can say that again" to express strong agreement with what someone has just said ; an informal expression.
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