To Chicken Out
Context #1 – Tim: Have you heard about the new ride and Magic Mountain called the Death Drop? John: Yeah, I heard it’s super scary. Have you been on it? Tim: Well, we went there this weekend and I was going to go on it
Big Guns
First Example: Nick: Who’s going to play on your basketball team for the tournament? Ben: We have Michael taking the lead. Nick: Oh! You’re bringing out the big guns. You really want to win. Ben: What’s the point of playing if you don’t have a
Cram for a test
Meaning: the act of attempting to learn a large amount of information in a short period of time, especially for a test. Example 1 . Jack and Jessica are classmates, and are in the classroom right now. Jessica: You look stressed. Jack: I am super
To Blow a Fuse
Context #1 – Two people are discussing about a broken Bodhi: Hey bro, why didn’t you tell me that you borrowed my surf board? Johnny: Dude, because I knew you would blow a fuse. Bodhi: Really? I’ve never treated you bad man. Johnny:Yeah, but last time Tyler dropped
to tighten one's belt
Idiom: to tighten one’s belt (used as a verb) First Example: Tim: Do you want to go to lunch? Sally: I brought lunch, but thanks for the invite. Tim: Wow! You never bring lunch!
to break even
Idiom: to break even (used as a verb) First Example: Manager: I’m sorry, but we won’t be able to give that raise you asked for. Employee: That’s too bad. Can you explain why? Manager: Well, the
Heavy Hitter
Example 1: Oprah Winfrey is considered a heavy hitter in her field. Example 2: Carlos: I’m excited to have Wendy working with us!! Hoyeon: Why? Carols: Have you seen her resume? She’s a real heavy hitter! Meaning: someone who has achieved a lot and is very
To Play Hardball
To Play Hardball Example 1: Things are getting a little tough so the president has decided to play hardball on this issue. Example 2: Jacob: Sam is such a nice teacher Jake: Yes, but he’s also not afraid to play hardball when the class starts
Travel Light
Example 1: I’m going home for the holidays this year. I am so excited to see my family after 6 months of being here in America studying English. My classmate gave me good advice for my trip. She advised Itravel light.She explained that if I
head back to one’s hometown
Context #1 Gary: What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Chris: Well, normally we go to my parents’ place. But this year we’re heading back to my wife’s hometown in Nebraska. Gary: Nebraska? I hope you have a nice warm jacket to take with