Example: "What will your son do if he doesn't get into medical school?" - "That's the $64,000 question!"
Note: This expression comes from an American game show from the 1950s called "The $64,000 Question." The last question on each show was worth $64,000.

Example: The reporter kept asking the actress questions about her divorce. Finally, the actress said, "I'd rather not air my dirty laundry in public."

Example: "Who left the science experiments in the company refrigerator? All kidding aside, please tell the employees to throw our their old food."

Example: The car salesman said, "I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse!"

Example: The college football team lost every game last year, but that's accient history now. With their new coach, they know they'll do better this year.

Example: I need to hang up. I'm expecting a phone call from my doctor any minute now.

Example: As a rule, I stop eating two hours before I exercise.

Example: When Jill started a new business, she had $250,000 of her own money at stake.
Example: There is a lot at stake in the upcoming climate talks.

Example: I'm sorry to cancel at the eleventh hour, but I'm not going to be able to drop you off at the airport this afternoon.

Example: You said you'd host the group of 10 visiting dancers from Russia. Don't try to back out now.

Example: I hate to bad-mouth our receptionist, but she chats on the phone all day and is rude whenever you ask her for anything.

Example: I was going to give you the details of our new advertising campaign, but Heather beat me to the punch.

Example: We're looking for an experienced money manager to manage the new fund - somebody who's been around the block a few times.

Example: No wonder Starbucks was voted one of the best places to work. They bend over backwards to keep their employees happy.

Example: "My boss treated me to lunch at McDonald's." - "Wow, he's a big spender!"

Example: Getting fired from Microsoft was a blessing in disguise for Chad. He went on to start his own business and became a millionaire.

Example: "Jim is so angry that we're not releasing the product on time that he's running around screaming." - "Don't worry. It'll blow over."

Example: Before the debate, all of the presidential candidates were busy boning up on the issues.

Example: Sorry, but Rajeev won't be able to meet with you until next Friday. He's booked solid until then.

Example: The reality TV show "The Apprentice" was the brainchild of Donald Trump.

1) someone's means of support; the way someone makes money to live on
Example: Jane's novels earn her just a few hundred dollars a year. Teaching fiction writing at the local university is her bread and butter.

2) the main way a company makes money; a company's main business
Example: Google has many different business activities, but selling ads is still their bread and butter.

Example: Sorry to break our date, but I can't make it to the movies tonight.

Example: Wendy and Mike fight all the time, so I wouldn't be surprised if they break up.

Example: I promised my boss I’d finish the report by Friday. Hopefully, he won’t be breathing down my neck all week.

Example: When Nicole's father asked her how her grades were last semester, she said, "I was hoping you wouldn't bring that up."

Example: At our holiday party, the boss stood up and said, "Before we start eating and drinking, I'd like to announce our recent sales results. Business before pleasure."

Example: Wanda is such a busybody. Whenever anybody makes a phone call, she tries to overhear.

Example: "Was that $90 bottle of wine you bought the most expensive one in the store?" - "Not by a long shot. They had a bottle for $500."

Example: Roy was going to get the client to sign the contract by hook or by crook.

Example: After skiing for eight hours, Kim was ready to call it a day.

Example: The mall is open until midnight the entire week before Christmas to cash in on the holiday shopping rush.

Example: "The bookstore is giving away free reading lamps? What's the catch?" - "The catch is that you have to pay for their membership plan to get the lamp."

Example: Come over to my house early on Saturday. We've got losts to catch up on.

Example: The president of our company says he doesn't want to manufacture in China. But when he realizes how much money we can save, he'll change his tune!

Example: After the bank reported bad earnings, the journalist took a cheap shot a its CEO by writing, "Some leadership might help."

Example: Gina found some love letters in her husband's night table and realized that he was cheating on her.

Example: The head of our Japanese office is coming to the office next Tuesday. Please clear your calendar for his visit.

Example: Jay's wife is angry at him for forgetting to pick up their son from school, but he hopes he'll be able to clear the air.

Example: When Kara handed in the report a week late, she told a cock-and-bull story about having her laptop stolen from a coffee shop.

Example: Your parents won't let you have your own computer? Maybe when they realize you need it to do you homework, they'll come around.

Example: The mayor should come clean and admit that he bought a new car for his wife with taxpayers' money.

Example: We have a new employee coming out board tomorrow.

Example: Levi's has come out with a new line of "eco jeans" made from organic cotton.

Example: It's common courtesy to send a thank-you note after having a job interview.

Example: “You moved the chairs around in the conference room without asking me first?” – “Yes, I did. I didn’t realize you were such a control freak!”

Example: We tried to do it as cheaply as possible, but remodeling our kitchen ending up costing a small fortune.

Example: "Every weekend, I sit around the house and watch videos." - "You're such a couch potato!"
Note: This expression was first used by a man named Tom lacino in 1976. He loved to watch TV (or the "boob tube") and belonged to a group called the "boob toobers." A potato is a type of "tuber," and the couch is the favorite place to sit and watch TV.

Example: When a reporter asked the football coach what he would do if hs contract wasn't renewed, he said, "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

Example: AOL cut a deal with Hewlett-Packard to have its name on the welcome screen of all new Hewlett-Packard computers.

Example: Kendra lives right near the airport, so day in, day out, she hears airplanes taking off and landing.

Example: Unfortunately, we're at a dead end in our negotiations to buy the Indian software company.

Example: After enough people complained, the governor finally agreed to deep-six the new tax on services.

Example: When the senator announced he would run for president of the United States, reporters worked hard to dig up information about his past.

Example: Do I have to spell it out for you? If you don't start doing better in school, you're not going to get into college.

Example: The president wanted to keep his image clean, so he had others do his dirty work for him.

Example: Let's do the math. If we buy concert tickets for our 10 top clients, then at $50 per ticket, we'll have to pay $500!

Example: "Please let me apologize for being rude to you." - "Don't bother. I won't be dating you anymore, so it's not necessary."

Example: "Why did you lose your job?" - "Don't go there."
Note: You may also hear the variation "I don't want to go there"

Example: You'd better stop dragging your feet and start working on your college applications. Otherwise, you're not going to get them in on time.

Example: This party is so boring! I can't believe I let you drag me here.

Example: Frank drank two bottles of wine at the dinner party. He drinks like a fish.

Example: Maria and I used to talk on the phone every week, but then she stopped calling and just dropped off the face of the earth.

Example: Doug never talks about his first marriage. He doesn't like to dwell on the past.

Example: That's all you're having for dinner - an apple and a slice of bread? You eat like a bird!

Example: Our competitor's new cell phone offers more features than ours at a cheaper price. If we don't act quickly, they're going to eat our lunch.

Example: Let's pick up a bottle of wine so we don't go to the party empty-handed.

Example: Apple entered the market for cell phones in 2007 with the iPhone.

Example: Ryan's wife isn't very nice, but she is eye candy.
Example: Our company lobby is very dull. Let's put some eye candy in there.
Note: This expression also means graphics that make software, video games, or a website more pleasing to look at.

Example: Working as an intern in the White House was an eye-opener for Joy. She learned how politics really works in Washington.

Example: Kate is already the star of the tennis team and the president of her class. Winning the art contest is yet another feather in her cap.

Example: I don't know how Scott and Lisa stay married. They fight like cats and dogs!

Example: I missed the meeting this moring, so can someone fill me in on what was discussed?

Example: If you fill up on bread, you won't be able to eat the rest of your dinner.

Example: After Oprah picked A New Earth as her book club selection, the book flew off the shelves at bookstores around the country.

Example: Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth, provided a lot of food for thought on the problem of global warming.

Example: This new diswashing detergent is for the birds. The dishes are still dirty.

Example: The New York Yankees had to fork over $52 million to get the baseball star to sign a contract.

Example: Have a muffin. I baked them from scratch.
Example: Brandon threw out the college essay he was working on and started a new one from scratch.

Example: The sales clerk at the store was not very good. He futzed around for half an hour before giving me my purchase.
Note: You may also hear the vulgar variation "to fart around."

Example: After the bank suffered big losses from the mortgage crisis, one of their mortgage brokers got his walking papers.

Example: Falling Leaf Vineyards is experimenting with different ways of packaging its wines to try to get a leg up on the competition.
Note: This idiom comes from horseback riding. A helper offers a cupped hand so the rider can step in and put his or her leg up and over the horse's back.

Example: Tim thought his two-year-old daughter was going to fall asleep, but then she got a second wind and started singing and dancing.

Example: Ken and Nancy got divorced two years ago, but lately they’ve been talking about getting back together.

Example: "My roommate plays loud music every night while I'm trying to study!" - "Try not to get bent out of shape about it."

Example: "I'm having 12 people over for dinner tonight, and I haven't started cooking yet." - "You'd better get cracking!"

Example: With just a few months to go before the presidential election, the candidates are finally getting down to brass tacks.

Example: Sorry I'm late. I got held up in a meeting.

Example: Bob and Ann got hitched last Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Example: After gaining 10 pounds over the holidays, Dana decided to join a fitness club and get in shape.

Example: "I can't believe you bought such a big refrigerator! Do you know how much electricity that's going to use?" - "Get off your high horse! Look at your big-screen TV."

Example: "How did you get on the teacher's bad side?" - "I came to class late every day."

Example: We asked the owner of the used bookstore where we could get our hands on a first edition of The Grapes of Wrath.

Example: "I waited for you Starbucks for 45 minutes this morning. Where were you?" - "We must've gotten our wires crossed. I thought our meeting was tomorrow morning!"

Example: What do you mean you can't take me to the movies tonight? You promised me a week ago you'd take me. Don't try to get out of it!

Example: Tina was very upset when she lost the tennis tournament. "You'll get over it," her mother told her.

Example: You need that report by tomorrow morning? I'll get right on that!

Example: Let me get right to the point. If we don't come up with a plan to increase our sales, we're going to go out of business.

Example: We're losing sales. Let's get the new ad campaign underway immediately.
Example: The global economic conference got underway today in Washington.

Example: "Do you know why Rich got fired?" - "No, but I'll try to get the scoop."

Example: After her lousy lunch at Carmen's Bistro, Tammy decided to write to the owner and give him a piece of her mind.

Example: After being out of the office for six weeks, Anna asked me to give her the lowdown on what she'd missed.

Example: I'm trying to get more money for my studies, but the financial aid office keeps giving me the runaround.

Example: "Why are you giving me the silent treatment?" - "I'm mad at you for not inviting me on your ski trip."

Example: Before we present our proposal to the CEO, we have to get our manager to go along with it.

Example: The service at this hotel has really gone downhill. They don't even help you with your luggage anymore.

Example: "I'm thinking of applying to film school." - "I think you should go for it!"

Example: When Adam moved to Los Angeles, he went native and started wearing shorts and sandals to work every day.

Example: You passed the citizenship exam? We should go out on the town to celebrate!

Example: When Tiffany got rejected from all of the colleges she applied to, she went to pieces.

Example: Amanda got a good catch. Her fiancé is a successful investment banker, good-looking, and a nice guy.

Example: Your computer isn't working? Call Boris. He's our go-to guy for technology problems.
Note: The female equivalent is the "go-to gal."

Example: Do you want to grab a bite before the movie starts?

Example: Jacob loves his new iPod. He thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Note: This expression refers to the convenience of buying bread pre-sliced rather than having to slice the loaf yourself at home. This was considered an exciting new product when it was first available in the USA in 1928.

Example: I was going to sell this antique vase on eBay, but then I decided to hang onto it instead.

Example: The CEO said he was going to retire in a month to spend more time with his family, but then he had a change of heart and decided to stay on the job.

Example: Nick met a woman on the Internet, and she showed up in a wedding dress on their first date! He realized she must have a few screws loose.

Example: Before the job interview, Marianna had butterflies in her stomach.

Example: We can't let Becky drive home. She's had one too many.

Example: Karen has some nerve telling me to clean up my desk. Her entire office is a mess!

Example: Craig, one of our sales managers, always tries to keep all the new accounts for himself. Fortunately, we all have his number.

Example: Gary has the hots for you. Didn’t you see how he was starting at you during the meeting?

Example: When Apple Computer said they would announce a new product soon, many people wondered what they had up their sleeve.
Note 1: You will also see the variations "to have a card up one's sleeve" and "to have an ace up one's sleeve."
Note 2: This idiom comes from gambling, where players sometimes cheat by hiding a card up their sleeve.

Example: When Jeff Immelt became the head honcho of General Electric, he made some strategic changes at the company.

Example: I heard it through the grapevine that Marilyn's husband is leaving her to marry his administrative assitant.

Example: Ten dollars for a glass of wine? That's highway robbery!

Example: The new Internet dating site has hit a snag. They have 500 women signed up and only 20 men.

Example: Andrea and Dave met at a party and hit it off immediately. They're still together after five years.

Example: You look tired. It's time for you to hit the hay!

Example: When Jack found out that one of his employees was stealing from the company, he hit the roof.

Example: Do you know when Sheryl Crow's new CD is going to hit the shelves?

Example: On a hot summber day, a cold beer really hits the spot.

Example: We've received several offers on our house, but we're holding out for a price we think is fair.

Example: I'm sorry I got the promotion you were hoping for. I hope you won't hold it against me.

Example: I don't like the ballet. How about we go to the opera instead?

Example: Bart got promoted to vice president? I can't believe my ears! He is the worst manager in this company.

Example: "Who told you that Jack is planning to leave the company?" - "I have my resources."

Example: Sam told everybody that I'm planning to leave the company? I should've known better than to trust him!

Example: "If we pay for you to get your MBA, you'd better not leave the company once you get your degree." - "I wouldn't dream of it."

Example: "If Todd takes over as CEO of this company, we're going to go out of business." - "I wouldn't go that far!"
Example: "The cakes at the new pastry shop in town are the best in the world!" - "They are good, but I wouldn't go that far!"

Example: I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to make it to your house for dinner on Friday night.
Example: "Can you attend the conference?" - "I'm afraid not."

Example: "Did you hear what happened to Liz on her date with that guy she met online?" - "No, tell me. I'm all ears!"

Example: Some people liked Bob's speech, but in all honesty, I thought it was too long.

Example: Kevin was in bad shape after the car accident.
Example: After her dog died, Heidi was in bad shape.

Example: The economy is slowing down. Do you think a recession is in the cards?

Example: Sonia is in the doghouse with her boss after forgetting to attend an important meeting this morning.

Example: Our company is starting an online newsletter to keep our customers in the loop about our new products.

Example: My boss's laptop was stolen, and it had lots of inside information about our company's strategic plans on it. What a nightmare!

Example: Although the restaurant was very crowded, we got seated right away. It pays to be friends with the owner!

Example: Brian finally got a job? It's about time. He's been hanging around the house for over a year.

Example: You want me to help you with your science project? Okay, but it's going to cost you!

Example: Heather didn't invite me to her wedding, but it's no skin off my nose. Now I won't have to buy her a gift.
Note: You will also see the vaiations "it's no skin off my back" and "it's no skin off my teeth."

Example: "How are you and Vera doing?" - "It's over between us."

Example: I just returned from four days in India. I've got jet lag.

Example: Dennis just retired and is looking for something to do with his free time. Doing volunteer work may be just the ticket.

Example: "You guys are talking too loudly. Please keep it down so the baby doesn't wake up."

Example: Ellen is really struggling with her English literature class. She can't keep up with the reading.

Example: Sue is kicking herself for quitting her job before finding a new one. Now she’s got no money and can’t get any interviews.

Example: When the job candidate asked about the salary during her first interview, it was the kiss of death.

Example: In Joel's experience with online dating, many women look like knockouts in their photos, but aren't so pretty in person.

Example: Luke danced with all eight of the bridesmaids at the wedding. He's such a ladies' man!

Example: I know this is a last-minute invitation, but are you free tonight to come over for dinner?

Example: My grandmother got lost last night while driving. Now she say she's learned her lesson. She won't be driving at night anymore.

Example: Larry doesn't like speaking in front of large groups, so he'll have to leave his comfort zone to make a speech at is daughter's wedding.

Example: I'm no longer angry at you for forgetting to show up for dinner last weekend. We can let bygones be bygones.
Note: A "bygone" is an event that has already happened, or gone by.

Example: You’re too busy to walk the dog today? Okay, I’ll do it today, but I’m not letting you off the hook for tomorrow.

Example: "Jeff says he already paid you back." - "Like hell he did!"
Note 1: This is considered to be strong language by some.
Note 2: This expression can also be used to:
1) Express intensity: We tried like hell to win.
2) Say somebody looks bad: She looked like hell after staying up all night.

Example: During out weekend in Manhattan, we saw two Broadway shows and ate at a French restaurant. We really lived it up.

Example: Paul has been working out at the gym every evening since his girlfriend told him he had love handles.

Example: When the president and his wife had a lover's spat in public, it was in all the newspapers the next morning.

Example: Firefighters in California are making headway putting out the wildfires.

Example: Sorry I have to cancel our trip to London, but let me make it up to you. I'll take you to New York next weekend.

Example: Mike is making money hand over fist by buying old apartment buildings, renovating them, and then renting them out.

Example: Pamela told you that I have a bad attitude? That makes my blood boil!

Example: If you want to make the big bucks, you should go into investment banking.

Example: Kathy loves sports, and her new boyfriend is a professional athlete. They're a match made in heaven.

Example: Susan's chocolate chip cookies are so good, they melt in your mouth.
Example: The filet mignon at Rick's Steakhouse just melts in your mouth.

Example: "Do you think José will be willing to leave his job at Hewlett-Packard to work for us?" - "Yes, money talks."

1) silly or naughty actions
Example: The principal walked into the classroom to find the kids dancing on their desks. "Stop your monkey business!" she said. "Your teacher will be here in a few minutes."

2) unethical or illegal behavior
Example: The governor fired his deputy after he discovered her monkey business. She had accepted $200,000 from a construction company in exchange for awarding them government contracts.

Example: George is moving full steam ahead with his plan to start his own software company.

1) to stop thinking or talking about a certain subject
Example: We've been talking about the sales strategy for 45 minutes. We need to move on to another topic now.

2) to recover emotionally from something
Example: Jerry was depressed for months after his girlfriend left him, but now he's finally ready to move on.

Example: "Is Liz married?" - "No, she's still looking for Mr. Right."

Example: "Are you going to take the new job you were offered?" - "I don't know. I'm still mulling it over."

Example: Put down the bill. Tonight's dinner is my treat!

Example: I don't mean to be a naysayer, but I don't think your new business idea is very good.

Example: My cell phone does have a camera, but the pictures it takes are no great shakes.

Example: When Tanya's ex-husband asked her if she was dating anybody, she replied, "None of your business."

Example: "Do you think Paul would let me borrow his motorcycle?" - "Not a chance! He never lets anybody else use it."

Example: Who was that actor in Pirates of the Caribbean? I couldn't keep my eyes off him!

Example: we're looking for a hotel in London that won't break the bank. Do you have any suggestions?

Example: Martin loves football. He would not miss the Superbowl for all the tea in China.

Example: "How was your dinner at Café Michel?" - "I was expecting great things, but it was nothing to write home about."

Example: I’m in a no-win situation. If I promote Rachel, then Bill will be angry. If I promote Bill, then Rachel will leave the company.

Example: When Briney Spears shaved her head, some people thought she was off her rocker.

Example: I can't remember the name of Al's company off the top of my head, but when I'm back in my office I'll email it to you.

Example: We're off to the movies. See you later.
Example: "I'm off to Singapore tonight." - "Have a great trip!"

Example: Ted complained that his mother was always on his case about doing his homework.

Example: Please tell Mona to stop making personal phone calls on the company's dime.

Example: Alex just got divorced. He's not quite ready to be on the dating scene.

Example: "How was your date with the guy you met online?" - "He was a nice guy, but talking to him was difficult. I don't think we were on the same wavelength."

Example: We had no plans for the weekend, so on the spur of the moment we decided to go to Altantic City.

Example: The actress was on the warpath after a newspaper printed a false story about her love life.
Note: The warpath was originally the "path to war" taken by Native Americans when traveling to a battle.

Example: Ed's boss offered him a six-month assignment in Beijing, telling him it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Example: The stoplight at the intersection is broken. It's only a matter of time before there's an accident.

Note: You will sometimes see this expression as "it's just a matter of time before." Also, you may hear the variation "it's only a matter of time until."

Example: We’d like to let you work from home, but it would just open a can of worms. Everybody would want to work from home.

Example: The teacher said, "Out with it! Who drew this picture of me on the blackboard?"

Example: The Retox Rock Bar in New York is always packed to the rafters on Saturday nights.

Example: Let's go to Manhattan to celebrate New Year's Eve. We'll paint the town red!

Example: The flat-screen television we bought two years ago pales in comparison to the models available today.

Example: "If Alan needs the money, he should sell his art collection." - "He'll never part with his paintings."

Example: We just got to the party half an hour ago, and you want to leave already? What a party pooper!

Example: Shawn and Monica had a big fight on Saturday night, but by Sunday afternoon they had patched things up.

Example: With oil prices so high, we're going to pay through the nose to heat our house this winter.

Example: If you're thinking about buying a new stereo system, you should pick Sam's brain. He writes for Stereophile magazine.

Example: You paid last time we went out for lunch. Let me pick up the tab this time.

Example: When the high school football team lost the game, the players pinned the loss on their coach.

Example: "Is Rich's new girlfriend pretty?" - "No, to tell you the truth, she's a plain Jane."

Example: "If the job offer in Chicago falls through, do you have a Plan B?" - "Yes, I'll just stay at my current job in New York."

Example: We thought we were going to buy a small software company, but suddenly the company has doubled their asking price. I don't think they want to play ball.

Example: "I saw Tina with a cute guy last night. Does she have a new boyfriend?" - "Nothing serious. She's just playing the field."

Example: When Wendy told me she was dating a married man, I warned her that she was playing with fire.

Example: When Amanda found out that her boyfriend Tyler had invited Megan to the school dance, she was really PO'ed.
Note: This slang term is short for "pissed off" and is considered vulgar by some.

Example: Do you think Dan will pop the question when he and Stephanie are on vacation in the Caribbean?

Example: Don told you we all have to work on Chrismas Day? Don't listen to him. He's just pulling your leg!

Example: As a producer at HBO, Sharon already knows how the popular TV series will end. Her friends are trying to pump her for information.

Example: Our soccer team has lost four games in a row, but we're not ready to push the panic button yet.

Example: When Christie's passport was stolen in Budapest, it put a damper on her entire trip.

Example: Investment advisors recommend holding a variety of stocks and bonds. They say it's important not to put all your eggs in one basket.

Example: Kristen put on a few pounds over the holidays, so now she's on a diet.

Example: Let me put my cards on the table. If I don't get promoted this year, I'm going to leave the company.
Note: You will also see the variation "to lay one's cards on the table."

Example: After a full day of sightseeing in Moscow, Grace was ready to drop.

Example: Emily put the time and place of her next party on Facebook.com for everybody to see? That’s a recipe for disaster!

Example: Your poor opinion of Ted's girlfriend was right on the money. She ended up leaving him after she realized he wasn't rich.

Example: Tom loves horror movies, so Dawn of the Dead was right up his alley.

Example: "Your name rings a bell. Have we met before?" - "Yes, we were introduced at Joe's party last week."

Example: It's risky for David to leave his job as a corporate laywer to run an art gallery. But he says it's a risk worth taking.

Example: Starbucks announced plans to roll out a new line of coffee drinks.

Example: "You know our teacher doesn't allow eating in the classroom!" - "I know, but rules are meant to be broken. I haven't eaten anything all day."

Example: With offerings like lobster pizza and fried chicken pizza, Paolo's Restaurant is not your run-of-the mill pizzeria.

Example: You just met Rob two months ago, and now you're talking about marrige? Don't you think you're rushing into things?

Example: Be sure to save room for dessert. I baked an apple pie.

Example: "Are you still interested in buying my car?" - "Yes, but before we seal the deal, I'd like to take it for another test drive."

Example: The furniture store is selling everything at 60% off. I can see the writing on the wall: soon they'll be going out of business.
Note: You may also see the variation "handwriting on the wall."

Example: When you buy your new house, be careful what kind of mortgage you take. Your mortgage lender may try to sell you a bill of goods!

Example: I set Todd up with Melanie last year, and I just found out they're getting married!

Example: When the English language school heard about the demand for English in Korea, they set up shop in Seoul.

Example: José dreamed of becoming a professional football player, but he settled for becoming a high school football coach instead.

Example: The postal clerk was shooting the breeze with one of the customers as the line got longer and longer.

Example: Karen just hired a new marketing assistant. She's going to spend a couple of weeks showing him the ropes.
Note: This terms comes from the world of sailing. New sailors were shown how to use the ship's ropes.

Example: We're almost ready to buy the house, but before we sign on the dotted line, we're going to ask the sellers to replace the roof.

Example: Jennifer slaved away at a big law firm for 10 years before finally deciding she'd rather work as a teacher.

Example: I made some small talk with our company's CEO at the holiday party.

Example: Ivan got an investement proposal by email, but he smelled a rat when he read the line, "Please deposit $25,000 into my account by next Friday."

Example: I know I promised to take you to San Francisco next weekend, but something came up.

Example: Did you hear the news? Laura and Tony have split up!

Example: The small restaurant has announced plans to publish cookbooks and produce a line of frozen foods. I think they're spreading themselves too thin.

Example: You'd better stay over at my house tonight. It's snowing too hard for you to drive home.
Note: When someone asks you to "stay over," it is sometimes, but not always, meant as a sexual invitation.

Example: "I'd better be going home now." - "Why don't you stick around and have dinner and watch a movie with us?"

Example: Donna asked me what Max and I discussed during out meeting. She's always sticking her nose where it doesn't belong!

Example: Our biggest competitor was caught going through our company's trash bins. How could they stoop so low?
Example: I can't believe Seth was cheating on his wife with her best friend. How could he stoop so low?

Example: Before you move in with Sam, make sure that he's serious about getting marrried, and he isn't just stringing you along.

Example: We stuffed our faces at the all-you-can-eat brunch this morning. We probably won't be eating again today.

Example: Brenda's boss takes himself very seriously and never makes jokes. He's a real stuffed shirt.
Note: In the 19th century, merchants stuffed shirts with paper for display to give an idea of how the shirt would look when worn. From this practice came the insult of calling a person a "stuffed shirt."

Example: I know you don’t like your roommate, but the school year is almost over. Suck it up for another couple of months.

Example: You don't want to go to Melissa and Brian's wedding? Suit yourself. I'll go without you!

Example: If you're going to be in my neighborhood tomorrow, please swing by and say hi.

Example: You're willing to translate this report into Spanish? Okay, I'll take you up on your offer.

Example: Sorry to talk shop at a party, but what do you think we should do about the contract?

Example: Let's talk turkey. If you'd be willing to lower the price of your house by 20%, we might be interested in buying it.
Note: There are different theories about the origin of this expression, which dates from the 1840s. One possibility is that it refers to the conversation around the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. There is a also a story of a settler and an Indian who went hunting together. They caught turkey and buzzards. When discussing how to share their catch, the Indian said, "Talk turkey to me."

Example: "I hope you're not planning to stay at this job for a few months, get information, and then start your own company." - "That's the furthest thing from my mind!"

Example: "We've made you the job offer. The ball is in your court now."

Example: Linda, I saw you taking money from the cash register. The jig is up!

Example: Your sister visited you every day when you were in the hospital. The least you can do is call her on her birthday.

Example: I can't believe I'm cleaning everybody's old food out of the office refrigerator. This is not in my job description!

Example: This is the thanks I get for spending six months training Rob. My company just fired me and put Rob in charge!

Example: When Tim was single, he hung out at bars on the weekends. Now that he's married, those days are over.

Example: I hope you're not ticked off at me for forgetting to invite you to my party.

Example: Hal and Leah tied the knot during their trip to Las Vegas.

Example: Time is of the essence in addressing global warming.

Example: Laura is so time-crunched, she doesn't have time to go to the mall anymore. She buys all of her clothes online.

Example: Sam broke up with Kara on Tuesday. To add insult to injury, he asked her good friend Joy out on a date for Saturday night!

Example: Mmmmm, this chocolate cake is to die for!

Example: To make a long story short, I've decided to quit my job and move to Prague to open a coffee shop.

Example: When Beth's boss asked her why she was gone for three hours for lunch, she became tongue-tied.

Example: Don't ask Joy how old she is. Age is a touchy subject for her.

Example: Lou returned to work three days after getting out of the hospital for heart surgery. He's a tough cookie!
Note: You may be the variation "one tough cooke."

Example: "Did you visit Fisherman's Wharf during your trip to San Francisco?" - "No, our friends who live there told us it was a tourist trap full of souvenir shops and silly museums."

Example: I'd like to treat you to dinner on Saturday.

Example: Tina really turned on the charm when she was visiting her new boyfriend's parents.

Example: In the past, I've been known to gossip. However, I'm turning over a new leaf and won't be talking about people anymore.
Example: Jake is turning over a new leaf. Starting tomorrow, he's giving up smoking.

Example: Joan's ex-husband was a two-timer. She caught him in bed with his administrative assistant.

Example: Jill is under the impression that if she does 100 sit-ups a day, she'll flatten her stomach.

Example: Would you be up for going out for a drink after the movie tonight?

Example: You think your employees don't surf the web during work hours? Wake up and smell the coffee!

Example: "Glen screamed at me when I walked into his office to ask a question!" - "He must've woken up on the wrong side of the bed."

Example: Ellen's son plays the guitar and sings for hours every night. He's a wannabe rock star.

Example: At first I thought our new neighbors were strange, but I'm starting to warm up to them.

Example: I'd love to have another slice of pie, but I'd better not. I'm watching my waistline.

Example: Seeing Joe made me nervous because I hadn't seen him since I won the promotion he wanted. Fortunately, he told me that was water under the bridge.

Example: When Tracy's neighbors were playing loud music at 2 a.m., she knocked on their door and said, "I'm sorry to be a wet blanket, but I'm trying to sleep."

Example: “So Diane’s decided to leave the company. What’s the big deal?” – “She’s one of our top employees!”

Example: "I don't know if you and I have a future together." - "What's that supposed to mean?"

Example: Once she moved to the United States, Juanita decided she would only speak English. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," she said.

Example: "You told Suzi she looks good with blonde hair?" - "Yes, I told a white lie."

Example: You think your two-year-old will become a genius by watching these DVDs? That's wishful thinking!

Example: Wendy puts lemon peels on her forehead whenever she has a headache. She says it works wonders.

Example: My roommate throws dirty laundry on the floor, leaves old food in the refrigerator, and, well, you get the picture.