Example 1: It's a good thing Bob left the furniture store when he did. Peter was so angry, he was about to throw a dining room chair at him.

Example 1: You'd better invite Ed to your party. After all, he's a good friend.

EXAMPLE 1: Jenny told Nicole she would vote for her, but all along she was planning on voting for Andrea.

EXAMPLE 1: "All better?" asked Maureen, after her son stopped crying.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole's classmates are from all over the world, including Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Poland, and Ukraine.

EXAMPLE 1: Have you seen those new alligator-skin cowboy boots? They're all the rage this season!

EXAMPLE 1: We need more milk? As a matter of fact, I was just going to ask you to go shopping.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole didn't like Don Quixote at first, but after 200 pages she started to get into it.

Example 1: We've run out of coffee, but at least we still have tea.

Note: The second definition of this phrase is "no less than": There were at least 300 people waiting in line to buy concert tickets.

EXAMPLE 1: The auto mechanic didn't know exactly how much the repairs would cost, but he was able to give me a ballpark figure.

EXAMPLE 1: After working a 12-hour day and then coming home and cooking dinner for her family, Tanya felt like a basket case.

NOTE: You may also see the expression "economic basket case" to describe an economy that is doing very poorly. Example: After years of dictatorship, North Korea is an economic basket case.

EXAMPLE 1: Kara beat around the bush for an hour, then finally told us she needed a ride to Kennedy Airport.

EXAMPLE 1: Whether or not I asked the waiter to bring us water is beside the point. Waiters should always bring water to the table.

EXAMPLE 1: We're better off leaving for France on Thursday evening, so we can spend the entire weekend there.

NOTE: This expression is often used with conditional tense (would), especially when you're giving advice: "you would be better off doing something" or "you'd be better off doing something."

EXAMPLE 1: You won five dollars in the lottery? Big deal!

EXAMPLE 1: Stop bragging so much about the award you got at work! People will think you've got a big head.

SYNONYM: to be full of oneself. Example: Joan is really full of herself. She's always talking about how smart she is.

EXAMPLE 1: Martin has become a real big shot in Hollywood. This year he produced several movies.

NOTE: This expression can also be used in the negative sense, to mean somebody who thinks they're very important. Example: Now that she's been promoted to vice president, Beth thinks she's such a big shot!

EXAMPLE 1: Jennifer is having a dinner party for 50 people, and she can't even cook. I think she's bitten off more than she can chew.

SYNONYM: to be or to get in over one's head. Example: Jennifer is in over her head with this dinner party!

EXAMPLE 1: The actress got nervous and forgot all of her lines. She really blew it!

SYNONYM: to screw up [slang]. Example: I can't believe you screwed up during the interview by asking for six weeks of vacation before you even got the job offer!

EXAMPLE 1: Brenda blew the interview and didn't get the job offer.

EXAMPLE 1: They sent a 12 year-old boy to jail for biting his babysitter? Don't you think they're blowing things out of proportion?

SYNONYM: To make a mountain out of a molehill

EXAMPLE 1: If you want to break into journalism, it's a good idea to work on a college newspaper.

NOTE: "Break into" has several other meanings:

1. Interrupt. Boris and I were talking. Please don't try to break into our conversation.
2. Enter illegally or by force. Somebody broke into Peter's house and stole his DVD player.
3. To suddenly begin an activity, such as singing. After receiving the check from the National Cookie Company, Susan broke into song.

Example 1: Samantha and Michael are getting married, but they haven't yet broken the news to their parents.

EXAMPLE 1: When Nicole's boyfriend told her he didn't want to see her anymore, she replied, "I can't believe you're breaking up with me!"

EXAMPLE 1: Our flight to Berlin leaves at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, so we'll have to get up bright and early.

SYNONYM: at the crack of dawn

EXAMPLE 1: Lauren is such a brown-noser. She's always telling her teacher how much she enjoys class.

NOTE: You will also see the verb form of this expression: "to brown-nose." Example: Dennis is always brown-nosing the boss, but I still don't think he's going to get a promotion.

EXAMPLE 1: If Don buckles down now, he might be able to graduate from high school this year.

EXAMPLE 1: Jenny didn't vote for Nicole. That really burns Nicole up.

EXAMPLE 1: Michael burned the midnight oil studying for his algebra test.

EXAMPLE 1: Nancy is always butting in to other people's business.

EXAMPLE 1: We're not sure yet whether or not we want to buy the house. We'd better buy some time so we can think about it over the weekend.

EXAMPLE 1: Microsoft bought out Adam's company for $12 million.

EXAMPLE 1: Larry won the bicycle race by a hair. The second-place winner came in just a second behind him.

EXAMPLE 1: Some people think Tom Hanks is by far the best actor in America today.

SYNONYMS: by a long shot; far and away; hands down

EXAMPLE 1: We spent a few hours walking around downtown Chicago. It was so cold that we were ready to call it a night by nine o'clock.

NOTE: There is also the expression "to call it a day" which means to stop activity for the day.

EXAMPLE 1: "How's business, Mike?" - "Can't complain. I sold a lot of computers this month."

EXAMPLE 1: Bob can't stand bureaucrats, so he'd never do well working at a large corporation.

EXAMPLE 1: Brandon wasn't going to take a vacation this year, but then he changed his mind and went to Bora Bora for two weeks.

EXAMPLE 1: Susan called her friend in the hospital to cheer her up.

NOTE: You can tell somebody to "Cheer up!" if they are feeling sad.

EXAMPLE 1: Susan called her friend in the hospital to cheer her up.

NOTE: You can tell somebody to "Cheer up!" if they are feeling sad.

EXAMPLE 1: Chill out! If we miss this train, we'll just take the next one.

EXAMPLE 1: Peter told Heather to stop the chitchat and get back to work.

SYNONYM: to shoot the breeze

NOTE: Chitchat can also be a verb. Example: Amber and Ted were chitchatting all night long.

EXAMPLE 1: Come on in, the door's open!

NOTE: This is a more conversational way of saying "come in."

EXAMPLE 1: If we can come to an agreement now, I can start work on Monday.

EXAMPLE 1: According to conventional wisdom, a diet high in salt can cause high blood pressure.

Example 1: A college education in America costs an arm and a leg.

EXAMPLE 1: My brother has a great sense of humor, so I can always count on him to cheer me up.

EXAMPLE 1: Last night, Nicole cranked out 200 signs for her campaign.

EXAMPLE 1: Yesterday, Joan's son sat down with her for a couple of hours and gave her a crash course on using the Internet.

EXAMPLE 1: Amy is so crazy about golf, she'd like to play every day.

EXAMPLE 1: In the world of women's tennis, the Williams sisters are the cream of the crop.

SYNONYM: creme de la crème

EXAMPLE 1: Scott loves to crunch numbers, so he decided to become an accountant.

EXAMPLE 1: The entire month of December is crunch time for Santa Claus.

EXAMPLE 1: Hockey isn't Alan's cup of tea. He prefers soccer.

NOTE: This expression is almost always used in the negative. She's not my cup of tea.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted often cuts class to spend more time with his girlfriend.

EXAMPLE 1: Tracy was chewing gum loudly during the movie. Her boyfriend finally told her to cut it out.

Example 1: Diane realized that working as a cashier was a dead-end job.

EXAMPLE 1: Peter thought Bob wasn't delivering the goods, so he fired him.

SYNONYM: to cut the mustard. Example: If you can't cut the mustard here, you'll have to find a new job.

EXAMPLE 1: Reality TV shows are a dime a dozen these days.

NOTE: This expression comes from the fact that a "dime" is worth only ten cents (very little value).

EXAMPLE 1: Although Ted did his best, he still failed his chemistry test.

SYNONYM: to give it one's all

EXAMPLE 1: Juan changed the light bulb and said, "That should do the trick!"

EXAMPLE 1: "Thanks for bringing the cookies," I said to Susan. "Don't mention it!" she replied.

EXAMPLE 1: It's not surprising that Lisa is down in the dumps. Paws, the cat she had for 20 years, just died.

EXAMPLE 1: Beth is a real dragon lady. She's always screaming at her employees and blaming them for her mistakes. I hope she gets fired!

SYNONYMS: bitch [slang]; shrew

EXAMPLE 1: I wanted to pay less for the car, but the salesman drove a hard bargain.

EXAMPLE 1: Don't ask Mrs. Smith how old she is. It drives her crazy.

SYNONYMS: to drive one nuts; to drive one up the wall

EXAMPLE 1: If we have time before the movie, let's drop by Bill's house.

Example 1: Let's face it, if Ted spent more time studying, he wouldn't be failing so many of his classes!

EXAMPLE 1: Did George Bush win the 2000 presidential election fair and square? That depends on whether you ask a Democrat or a Republican!

EXAMPLE 1: The boys at school are always laughing at Dana. Will she be invited to the school dance? Fat chance!

SYNONYMS: never in a million years; no way!

EXAMPLE 1: "Feel free to interrupt me and ask questions during my lecture," said the professor to his students.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted couldn't figure out one of his math problems, so he asked his sister for help.

EXAMPLE 1: Al is calling the theater to find out what time the movie starts.

EXAMPLE 1: You want to work here at Lulu's Dance Club? First things first, have you ever worked as a dancer before?

EXAMPLE 1: If we keep fooling around here, we'll be late to the restaurant!

NOTE: This expression also can mean to have casual sexual relations. Example: Steve and Tanya were fooling around in the back seat of the car when a policeman knocked on the window.

EXAMPLE 1: You paid last time we went to the movies. Let me foot the bill this time.

SYNONYM: to pick up the tab

EXAMPLE 1: Hurry up, for heaven's sake! You're going to be late for school.

SYNONYMS: for God's sake, for goodness sake, for Pete's sake

EXAMPLE 1: This year, Tom Cruise will win an Academy Award for sure.

EXAMPLE 1: Ashley's parents freaked out when she told them she was dropping out of college to become an actress.

EXAMPLE 1: The house was in such bad shape, they decided to tear it down and re-build it from scratch.

EXAMPLE 1: After Angela appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine, she was really full of herself.

EXAMPLE 1: Are you sure you got the directions straight?

EXAMPLE 1: This new computer program is very difficult. I still haven't gotten a handle on it.

EXAMPLE 1: After Chris got canned, it took him a year to find a new job.

SYNONYMS: to get sacked; to be given the ax

EXAMPLE 1: The book club members spent the first two hours of their meeting eating and drinking before finally getting down to business.

EXAMPLE 1: If you don't get going on your homework soon, you're going to be up all night.

SYNONYMS: to get a move on; to get the show on the road

EXAMPLE 1: I invited 40 people to my Thanksgiving dinner, but only 10 people came. I don't get it!

EXAMPLE 1: My neighbor's dog barks all night. It really gets on my nerves.

SYNONYMS: to get under someone's skin; to bug someone [slang]

EXAMPLE 1: If Ted gets his act together now, he might be able to get into a good college.

EXAMPLE 1: Kristen had three years of working for a large law firm under her belt before leaving to start her own firm.

EXAMPLE 1: If you're not planning on helping us prepare dinner, please get out of the way. The kitchen is crowded.

EXAMPLE 1: Harold got plastered at the wedding and fell into the wedding cake.

SYNONYMS: to get loaded [slang]; to get sloshed [slang]

EXAMPLE 1: You think you won't get a speeding ticket when you drive 85 miles per hour? Get real!

EXAMPLE 1: We finally got rid of our spider problem, but now we have ants.

EXAMPLE 1: Let's get the ball rolling on this project. We've only got one week to finish it.

EXAMPLE 1: Billy had trouble learning how to ride a bike, but after a few months he finally got the hang of it.

EXAMPLE 1: We can't afford to waste any more time — let's get the show on the road!

EXAMPLE 1: Give me a ring tomorrow so we can discuss plans for this weekend.

SYNONYM: to give (someone) a buzz [slang]

EXAMPLE 1: We lost the soccer tournament, but we certainly gave the girls from Stamford High School a run for their money.

EXAMPLE 1: The scientist gave his assistant credit for the discovery.

EXAMPLE: I will be sure to thank you when I give my speech. I always give credit where credit is due.

EXAMPLE 1: I've never tried to make wine in my bathtub before, but perhaps I'll give it a shot.

SYNONYMS: to give it a try; to try one's hand at something

NOTE: "To give it one's best shot" means to try as hard as one can. I know you're nervous about the interview — just give it your best shot.

EXAMPLE 1: Courtney lost the race, but at least she gave it her best shot.

EXAMPLE 1: You want me to pay $3 for one cookie? Give me a break!

NOTE: YOU might see this written in its informal, conversational form: "Gimme a break!" This is usually how the idiom is pronounced.

EXAMPLE 1: You want me to pay $3 for one cookie? Give me a break!

NOTE: YOU might see this written in its informal, conversational form: "Gimme a break!" This is usually how the idiom is pronounced.

Example 1: Ted's friend Matt has seven earrings in each ear and an "I Love Mom" tattoo on his arm. He really gives Nicole the creeps.

EXAMPLE 1: Mary used to talk to her friends on the phone all day at work, until one day her boss finally gave her the ax.

EXAMPLE 1: When Lisa saw Amber at the mall, she didn't even stop to talk to her. She really gave her the cold shoulder.

SYNONYM: to blow someone off. Example: Amber can't understand why Lisa blew her off at the mall.

EXAMPLE 1: Sandra never gave me the time of day back in college, but now she calls me all the time for advice.

EXAMPLE 1: Bill gave up golf after realizing he'd never be good at it.

EXAMPLE 1: We have more than enough food for dinner. Go ahead and invite your friend to join us.

NOTE: "GO ahead" can also be used as a noun, as in the expression "to give somebody the go ahead," meaning to give somebody permission to move forward with an activity.

EXAMPLE 1: Frank's new business failed, so he had to go back to the drawing board.

EXAMPLE 1: Many people lost their jobs when Enron went belly-up.

EXAMPLE 1: Lisa enjoys arguing with people, so she decided to go into law.

NOTE: "Go into" has several other meanings, including:

1. Enter. Go into the house and get a pen.
2. Enter another emotional state. Sally went into hysterics.
3. Discuss details. I don't have time now to go into the whole story.

EXAMPLE 1: Jeff decided to go into business selling baseball cards.

EXAMPLE 1: When Tiger Woods got a hole-in-one during the golf tournament, the crowd went nuts.

NOTE: This expression also means "to go crazy" or "to become crazy with anger." Example: Jim went nuts when his wife told him she was leaving him for another man.

EXAMPLE 1: Follow the directions I gave you, and you can't go wrong.

EXAMPLE 1: You won $100,000 on the TV game show Jeopardy? Good for you!

EXAMPLE 1: I'm glad you brought an umbrella — that was good thinking!

EXAMPLE 1: Goody-goodies usually sit in the front row and smile at the teacher during class.

SYNONYMS: goody two-shoes; teacher's pet

EXAMPLE 1: When Daniel got promoted to vice president of the bank, his colleagues were green with envy.

EXAMPLE 1: Heather is really gung ho about her new job.

NOTE: If the expression "gung ho" doesn't sound like English to you, there's a reason. It comes from a Mandarin Chinese phrase meaning "working together." A US Marine Corps commander in China adopted this expression as the motto for his battalion during World War 2 and from there it sailed over to the United States and came into common use.

EXAMPLE 1: David was locked out of his house. He knew that as a last resort, he could always break a window.

EXAMPLE 1: Mark learned the ropes of the restaurant business by working as a cook at Outback Steakhouse.

EXAMPLE 1: When Amber saw Susan washing the cookie sheets, she offered to lend a hand.

EXAMPLE 1: The investment bank let Chris go after they discovering he was stealing erasers, paper clips, and other office supplies.

EXAMPLE 1: Let me level with you. I'm voting for Andrea instead of you.

EXAMPLE 1: Lighten up! I'm sure Ted was only joking when he said your guitar playing gave him a headache.

SYNONYMS: chill out [slang]; take it easy

EXAMPLE 1: Ken was late for work, and he couldn't find his car keys. He was running around his apartment like a chicken with its head cut off.

NOTE: This idiom is usually used with the phrase "to run around" as in the above examples.

EXAMPLE 1: When Pete Sampras won the tennis match, the crowd started cheering like crazy.

EXAMPLE 1: It's like pulling teeth getting Max to talk about his girlfriend.

EXAMPLE 1: Jenny was earning $5 an hour working at the store. She was really living from hand to mouth.

EXAMPLE 1: Your boss is an idiot. Live with it.

NOTE: There is also the expression "to learn to live with it," which means to get used to something annoying or difficult. Example: Sandra knew that Roger would always throw his dirty clothes on the floor. She'd just have to learn to live with it.

EXAMPLE 1: When Amber called Ted to tell him that she arrived home safely, it was a big load off his mind.

EXAMPLE 1: I'm looking forward to my trip to Mexico next month.

EXAMPLE 1: Before agreeing to go out on a date with her, Keith wanted to know what my cousin Maria looked like.

NOTE: The expression "it looks like" can mean "it is likely that..." Example: It's snowing, so it looks like the schools will be closed today.

EXAMPLE 1: Leo was upset that his soccer game was canceled. His mother said, "Look on the bright side, now you can stay home and watch TV."

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole lost her head after losing the elections and started yelling at all her friends.

EXAMPLE 1: Bob always loses his temper when his kids start talking on the telephone during dinner.

EXAMPLE 1: I used to make delicious pies, but this one tastes terrible. I think I've lost my touch.

EXAMPLE 1: Cindy spent five years studying Russian. Finally, she realized it was a lost cause. She would never learn it.

EXAMPLE 1: It took Allison several months to fall in love with Karl. It wasn't love at first sight.

EXAMPLE 1: My neighbor is re-modeling his house to look like Versailles. He doesn't have good taste, but he certainly is made of money.

SYNONYMS: loaded; rolling in dough; to have money to burn

EXAMPLE 1: Bob's friend Charles made a bundle in the stock market and retired at age 45.

EXAMPLE 1: Dan drank too much and then made a fool of himself.

EXAMPLE 1: Adam made a fortune when he sold his company to Microsoft.

SYNONYMS: to make a bundle; to make a killing

EXAMPLE 1: Many people laugh at him, but Bill actually makes a living selling gourmet dog food.

EXAMPLE 1: I made a pig of myself by eating four slices of pie.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole's beautiful cousin Cecilia from Santo Domingo really made a splash at the high school dance.

SYNONYM: to be a hit

EXAMPLE 1: Kimberly wasn't able to make ends meet so she had to ask her parents to pay her rent.

EXAMPLE 1: Our neighbors with the crazy dogs are moving away? That really makes my day!

EXAMPLE: Ted and Amber started making out at the stoplight and didn't realize that the light had turned green.

NOTE: "Make out" also means:

1. To manage. How did you make out at the doctor's today?
2. To understand or see with difficulty. It was so foggy, I could barely make out the street signs.
3. To prepare a check or other payment. Please make out a check for this month's rent.

EXAMPLE 1: Don is a busy lawyer, but he always makes time for his family.

EXAMPLE 1: Stephanie couldn't make up her mind whether to attend Harvard or Stanford. Finally, she chose Stanford.

EXAMPLE 1: Amber messed up and put salt instead of sugar in the cookies.

SYNONYM: screw up [slang]

EXAMPLE 1: When our houseguests decided to stay for another week, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I enjoyed hanging out with them. On the other hand, I was tired of cooking for them.

EXAMPLE 1: You've got a test tomorrow morning. Needless to say, you can't stay out late tonight.

SYNONYM: it goes without saying. Example: You've got a test tomorrow, so it goes without saying that you can't stay out late tonight.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted was a nervous wreck before his chemistry test.

EXAMPLE 1: You forgot to pick up eggs at the supermarket? Never mind. I'll get them tomorrow morning.

EXAMPLE 1: Sara goes to sleep every night at 3 a.m. She's a real night owl.

EXAMPLE 1: After the elections, Andrea said to Nicole, "I hope there are no hard feelings."

EXAMPLE 1: When the tornado came into town, it was no laughing matter.

EXAMPLE 1: There's no point in worrying about things you can't change.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole realized she'd made some mistakes with her campaign for president, but there was no use crying over spilt milk.

EXAMPLE 1: Brian's entire body is in pain. It's no wonder since he ran a marathon yesterday!

SYNONYM: small wonder

EXAMPLE 1: Tom likes to walk around town in his pajamas — he doesn't give a hoot what people think.

SYNONYMS: to not give a damn; to not give a darn

EXAMPLE 1: Bob talks about working at McDonald's, but the truth is he doesn't have a clue about making hamburgers.

EXAMPLE 1: You want me to sit in that sauna for an hour? Not on your life!

EXAMPLE 1: Ted was so nervous about his chemistry test that he didn't sleep a wink the night before.

EXAMPLE 1: You want me to buy the Golden Gate Bridge from you for a million bucks? Nothing doing!

SYNONYMS: No way! Not on your life!

EXAMPLE 1: After I found out that Nora shoplifted some lipstick from the drugstore, I wanted nothing to do with her.

EXAMPLE 1: You want to offer me free tickets to the J. Lo concert? Now you're talking!

EXAMPLE 1 : Ted has every single Metallica album — he's nuts about that band.

SYNONYM: crazy about

EXAMPLE 1: I don't need to know the nuts and bolts of how the computer works — just show me how to turn it on.

EXAMPLE 1: Yesterday I had to stay home all day and wait for the repairman. What a pain in the neck!

EXAMPLE 1: Professor Russo paid Jennifer a compliment. He said she had a beautiful smile.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole paid her friend back the $10 she borrowed.

NOTE: "Pay back" also means to "get revenge." Example: I know you're the one who stole my car, and one day I'll think of a way to pay you back!

EXAMPLE 1: Bob picks up languages quickly. After two weeks in Spain, he was already speaking Spanish.

NOTE: "Pick up" has several other meanings, including:

1. To take from the floor or ground. Pick up the pen you dropped.
2. To buy. I'll pick up some burritos on my way home.
3. To clean up. Let's pick up the bedroom before the guests arrive.
4. To retrieve someone. I'll pick you up at seven for our date.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole finished her physics test in just 25 minutes. It was a piece of cake.

SYNONYM: easy as pie. You should have no trouble passing the driving test. It's as easy as pie.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted pigged out on hot dogs and hamburgers at the barbeque and then got a stomachache.

NOTE: Pay attention to the preposition "on" after the verb "to pig out." One can pig out on hotdogs, pig out on candy, pig out on ice cream.

EXAMPLE 1: Susan would like to move to New Zealand and write romance novels, but she knows that's just a pipe dream.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole offered to pitch in and clean up her neighborhood beach. She picked up five plastic cups and an old towel.

SYNONYMS: to lend a hand, to lend a helping hand; to help out

EXAMPLE 1: Only 842 more cookies to bake. Let's keep plugging away!

EXAMPLE 1: Ted pulled an all-nighter to study for his chemistry test and ended up falling asleep in class the next day.

EXAMPLE 1: Mrs. Lopez put the blame on her husband for losing their life savings in the stock market.

EXAMPLE 1: For many years, Barbara put up with her husband's annoying behavior. Finally, she decided to leave him.

EXAMPLE 1: A customer in the video rental store was ranting and raving that the DVD he rented was broken.

EXAMPLE 1: The Broadway play closed after just 4 days - it was a real flop!

EXAMPLE 1: Rest assured that the police will find the thieves.

EXAMPLE 1: When Meg realized her house was on fire, she called the fire department right away.

EXAMPLE 1: Juan's right-hand man helps him make all of his decisions.

EXAMPLE 1: Let's roll up our sleeves and finish making these cookies!

EXAMPLE 1: Susan and Bob don't need to work anymore. They're rolling in dough.

NOTE: This is a play on words. "Dough" means "money" as well as what is used to make cookies, breads, and pastries. The dough (cookies) made by Bob and Susan brought them lots of dough (money).

SYNONYMS: rolling in it; rolling in money; loaded

EXAMPLE 1: The town rounded up 200 volunteers to search for the hiker, who was lost in the woods of Yosemite National Park.

EXAMPLE 1: When cooking fish, a good rule of thumb is 10 minutes in the oven for each inch of thickness.

EXAMPLE 1: I've been running around all day making final arrangements for our trip to Costa Rica tomorrow.

EXAMPLE 1: The Christmas tree was on fire, but Ted threw water on it and saved the day.

EXAMPLE 1: Karen has been arguing with her husband every day for the past 20 years, so by now it's just second nature.

EXAMPLE 1: Those new Fubu blue jeans are selling like hotcakes. All the girls love them.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted was in love from the moment he set eyes on Amber.

EXAMPLE 1: Ken knew his father was innocent, and he hoped he could set the record straight one day.

EXAMPLE 1: Brianna is scared of her French teacher, Monsieur Le Monstre. Whenever he speaks to her, Brianna starts shaking in her shoes.

EXAMPLE 1: Jay scored 100% on his science test. He's as sharp as a tack.

EXAMPLE 1: Bob shelled out $5,000 for Nicole's piano lessons before she decided she'd rather play the flute.

EXAMPLE 1: The professor talked for hours. I thought he'd never shut up.

NOTE: Remember that telling somebody to "shut up!" is rude. It's better to say "Be quiet!" or more politely, "Please be quiet!"

EXAMPLE 1: Ted is sick and tired of hearing about what an excellent student Nicole is.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole won't hear back from the colleges she applied to until April. For now, she'll just have to sit tight.

EXAMPLE 1: After Chad won the lottery, he was really sitting pretty. He quit his job and bought a mansion in Malibu, California.

EXAMPLE 1: Amanda doesn't get much done at the office. She's too busy slacking off.

NOTE: People who slack off all the time are called "slackers."

EXAMPLE 1: When her great aunt died, Anne inherited a small fortune.

EXAMPLE 1: Becky was really disappointed when she found out that the Britney Spears concert was sold out.

EXAMPLE 1: Before Tim left for Europe, his parents gave him $400 in spending money.

SYNONYM: pocket money

EXAMPLE 1: Jill and Heather were friends, until Heather stabbed Jill in the back by stealing her boyfriend.

EXAMPLE 1: Although the American figure skaters were good, they didn't stand a chance of winning a gold medal at the Olympics.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted and Amber stayed up all night talking about cookies.

EXAMPLE 1: I'm having some friends over for pizza tomorrow night. Why don't you stop by?

EXAMPLE 1: Al is so stressed out about his job that he can't sleep at night.

EXAMPLE 1: Chad struck it rich with the winning lottery ticket.

EXAMPLE 1: Gary bet all his money on a horse named Trixie, thinking she was a sure thing.

EXAMPLE 1: "Senator, don't try to sweep it under the rug. Everybody knows about your affair with the intern."

EXAMPLE 1: Amber's got a real sweet tooth. Last night, she ate a whole box of Godiva chocolates.

EXAMPLE 1: IBM offered to sweeten the deal by giving John a company car if he agreed to work for them.

EXAMPLE 1: The play "The Producers" really took New York by storm.

EXAMPLE 1: Bob always worked 10 hours straight, never taking a break.

EXAMPLE 1: You lost your keys? Take it easy, I'm sure you'll find them.

EXAMPLE 1: The highest salary we can offer you is $50,000 a year — take it or leave it.

EXAMPLE: Julia Roberts' career took off with the film "Pretty Woman."

NOTE: "Take off" has several other meanings:

1. Remove. Please take off your shoes before coming inside our apartment. We just vacuumed this morning.
2. To leave. We're taking off now. See you later!
3. To deduct. The waiter forgot to bring us drinks, so he took $10 off the bill.
4. To leave the ground. The airplane took off on time.

EXAMPLE 1: After 11 hours of driving, I was getting tired. Fortunately, my friend offered to take over.

EXAMPLE 1: Don't take this the wrong way, but I liked your hair better before you got it cut.

NOTE: This expression is often used in the negative form: "Don't take this the wrong way, but..."

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole was taken aback when her friend Rosa told her she no longer wanted to hang out with her.

EXAMPLE 1: Chris didn't want to jump out of the plane, but Erin talked him into it.

EXAMPLE 1: Dave and I spent hours talking over the details of the plan.

EXAMPLE 1: It'll be a tall order to find a new governor as popular as the current one.

EXAMPLE 1: When Ted showed up for chemistry class a half an hour late, his teacher really told him off.

EXAMPLE 1: When Ted came home at 4 a.m. last Sunday, his mother said, "Thank goodness you're home! I was so worried about you."

EXAMPLE 1: You lost your job? That's the way the cookie crumbles.

EXAMPLE 1: By the time we got to the theater, the new Harry Potter movie was already sold out. Oh well, that's the breaks!

EXAMPLE 1: Ted likes to put sugar on his spaghetti. I guess there's no accounting for taste.

EXAMPLE 1: Elizabeth found a wonderful new job and just moved into a beautiful new apartment. Things are looking up for her.

EXAMPLE 1: Why run for Governor of New York? Think big: run for President of the United States!

EXAMPLE 1: After drinking four beers, Bob was three sheets to the wind.

SYNONYMS: wasted [slang]; liquored up [slang]; dead drunk

EXAMPLE 1: When Ted failed his chemistry test the second time, his teacher really threw the book at him.

EXAMPLE 1: To tell you the truth, Ted isn't a very good student.

EXAMPLE 1: After Bob and Susan edited Nicole's college applications, they were worse than when she started. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

NOTE: Broth is a clear liquid that forms the base for soups.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole paid top dollar for a shirt at Banana Republic.

EXAMPLE 1: The women's basketball team at the University of Connecticut has an excellent track record.

EXAMPLE 1: Nobody was surprised when Nicole's boyfriend broke up with her, since she treated him like dirt.

EXAMPLE 1: The new teacher learned some tricks of the trade from Mrs. Blackstone, who'd been teaching at the school for 40 years.

EXAMPLE 1: I used to be friends with Monica, but she gossiped all the time and it really turned me off.

NOTE: The noun form, turn-off, is also common and usually describes something that causes the opposite sex to respond negatively. Example: When Jake started talking about all his ex-girlfriends, it was a real turn off for Sara.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted didn't want to get another tattoo on his back, but Amber twisted his arm.

EXAMPLE 1: You want to climb Mount Everest? Easier said than done!

EXAMPLE 1: We had to hang around the airport for an extra six hours because our flight was delayed.

EXAMPLE 1: I know you're four games behind, but you can still win the tennis match. Just hang in there!

EXAMPLE 1: Ted spent all of last summer hanging out by his friend's pool.

NOTE: "Hang out with" means to keep company with someone.

EXAMPLE 1: When Linda's passport was stolen in Florence, she was not a happy camper.

NOTE: This expression is usually used in the negative (not a happy camper).

EXAMPLE 1: Since his wife left him for her dentist, Dan has been going through hard times.

EXAMPLE 1: Last summer, Nicole had a blast backpacking through Europe with some friends.

EXAMPLE 1: Marcy and Jose had a good time salsa dancing at Babalu, a nightclub in Manhattan.

EXAMPLE 1: Alexander has a heart of gold and always thinks of others before himself.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole has her heart set on going to New York this weekend.

EXAMPLE 1: The Boston Symphony Orchestra is head and shoulders above any other orchestra in the area.

EXAMPLE 1: During the first years of their marriage, Brad and Jennifer were head over heels in love with each other.

EXAMPLE 1: Amber offered to help out in the kitchen by chopping nuts.

SYNONYM: to lend a hand

EXAMPLE 1: "Help yourselves to cookies and coffee," said Maria before the meeting started.

NOTE: Pay attention to the reflexive form: Help yourself in singular, help yourselves in plural.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted parried all weekend. Finally, on Sunday night, he decided it was time to hit the books.

EXAMPLE 1: Dawn hit the nail on the head when she said that Tiffany is jealous of Amber.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole holds a grudge against Jenny for voting for Andrea instead of her.

EXAMPLE 1: "How's it going?" I asked Ted. "Everything's fine. How are you?" he replied.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted's car isn't running well. If worse comes to worst, he can take the bus to school.

EXAMPLE 1: "Did you enjoy the Madonna concert?" - "I'll say!"

EXAMPLE 1: After her boyfriend broke up with her, Nicole was in a bad mood for several days.

EXAMPLE 1: We can either go to the new Star Wars movie or see a play tonight. In any case, you'll need to be at my house by six o'clock.

EXAMPLE 1: John is in charge of all international sales for his company.

EXAMPLE 1: Don't worry — your dog will be in good hands while you're on vacation. We'll take her to the New York Dog Spa & Hotel.

EXAMPLE 1: After she won the tennis tournament, Elizabeth was in good spirits.

EXAMPLE 1: Tim hoped that he and Svetlana would get along as well in person as they did over the Internet.

EXAMPLE 1: The play is already in progress, so you'll have to wait until intermission to sit down.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted thinks it'll be easy to become a rock star. In reality, it will take years of hard work.

EXAMPLE 1: It's snowing? In that case, you'd better take the bus to school today instead of driving.

EXAMPLE 1: I was surprised when Luis called me, since we hadn't been in touch with each other since high school.

EXAMPLE 1: It looks like I'll be able to get out of work early today, so let's plan on meeting downtown at 4:30.

EXAMPLE 1: You'll make dinner every night for a month if I help you with your homework? Okay, it's a deal!

EXAMPLE 1: Even when he was unemployed and homeless, Bill managed to keep his chin up.

EXAMPLE 1: Keep me posted about your plans for the summer. If you're going to be at your cottage on the lake, I'd love to come visit.

EXAMPLE 1: Jeremy loves to kid around, so don't be offended by anything he says.

NOTE: YOU will often here this in the negative "not kidding around." This means to take something very seriously. Example: The White House is not kidding around with airport security.

EXAMPLE 1: Ted knocked himself out getting votes for Nicole, and she didn't even say thank you.

NOTE: "Don't knock yourself out!" means don't work too hard at something or for someone; it's not worth it. Example: Don't knock yourself out for Jeremy — he won't appreciate it anyway!

EXAMPLE 1: Steve has been an auto mechanic for 25 years. He really knows his stuff.

EXAMPLE 1: Bob and Susan were living on a shoestring after Bob lost his job.

EXAMPLE 1: Whenever Susan feels on edge, she takes several deep breaths and starts to feel more relaxed.

EXAMPLE 1: Jennifer has four men on the job painting her house.

EXAMPLE 1: Joey was on thin ice with his mom after he spent his lunch money on candy bars.

NOTE: There is also the variation "to skate on thin ice." Joey knew he was skating on thin ice when he bought candy with his lunch money.

EXAMPLE 1: My heart goes out to the Richardsons. Their home was destroyed in a fire.

EXAMPLE 1: Ryan thinks about football all the time. He's got a one-track mind.

EXAMPLE 1: Don't ask for Susan's advice on fashion. She's really out of it. She wears sneakers with everything.

NOTE: "Out of it" also means "confused" or "disoriented." Example: After staying up all night studying, Ted felt out of it the next day.

EXAMPLE 1: Susan studied French in high school, but she hasn't spoken it since. She's really out of practice.

EXAMPLE 1: My friend Emily wanted me to climb Mount McKinley with her, but I told her it was out of the question.

EXAMPLE 1: Mrs. Field's oatmeal raisin cookies are out of this world!

EXAMPLE 1: Gary was out of work for a year before finding a new job.

EXAMPLE 1: The professor was speaking over our heads. None of us could understand him.

EXAMPLE 1: You won $2,000 in the poetry writing contest? Way to go!

EXAMPLE 1: Betsy's grandfather used to be very well off, but he lost most of his fortune when the U.S. stock market crashed in 1929.

EXAMPLE 1: What's the matter, Bob? You don't look very happy.

EXAMPLE 1: What's up? I haven't spoken to you in a long time.

EXAMPLE 1: Will Ted teach Nicole how to play the guitar? When pigs fly!

SYNONYMS: when hell freezes over; never in a million years

EXAMPLE 1: Donna wined and dined Bob and Susan and then presented them with a contract for the sale of Susan's Scrumptious Cookies.

EXAMPLE 1: The basketball team hasn't lost a game all season. They're on a winning streak!

EXAMPLE 1: When Mrs. Lee asked Joey what he wanted to be when he grew up, he said, "An adult." She told him not to be such a wise guy.

SYNONYMS: wise ass [rude], smart ass [rude]

EXAMPLE 1: Larry became an investment banker after college, and now he works like a dog.

SYNONYMS: to work one's tail off; to work like a horse; to work one's fingers to the bone

EXAMPLE 1:  Don worked his tail off to save money for his son's education.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole spent half the night helping Ted work out a very difficult chemistry problem.

NOTE: "Work out" has several other meanings, including:

1. succeed; prove effective. This plan won't work out — you'll need to go back to the drawing board and work out a new plan.
2. endure; last. Tony and Angela argue all the time. I don't think their marriage will work out.
3. exercise. After working out at the gym for two hours, Scott could barely walk.

EXAMPLE 1: It would be worth your while to audition for the game show Jeopardy. You'd probably win a lot of money.

EXAMPLE 1: If you wrap up your homework by eight o'clock, we'll have time to catch a movie tonight.

EXAMPLE 1: "Amber is strange," muttered Nicole under her breath, as Ted was leaving the room.

EXAMPLE 1: It might rain later, so our plans for the picnic are up in the air.

EXAMPLE 1: Nicole really jumped the gun by writing her acceptance speech before the results of the elections were announced.

EXAMPLE 1: I was just kidding when I said your new orange dress makes you look like a pumpkin.

EXAMPLE 1: Martin wanted a hot drink after spending the day skiing. A cup of hot cocoa was just what the doctor ordered.

EXAMPLE 1: You think our house needs repairs? You can say that again — even our toilet is broken!

EXAMPLE 1: I'll help you with your homework if you do the dishes. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

EXAMPLE 1: Will we ever find intelligent life on other planets? Your guess is as good as mine.