Idiom: Nail-biter Meaning: something (such as a game or movie) that causes people to feel nervous because the ending is not known until the final moment Example #1: Jan: I’m so excited for the Super Bowl this coming Sunday!! Steve: I know! The Seattle Seahawks
Sometimes idioms can have two completely different meanings. This is what keeps English so interesting! The expression “on the rocks” can have a negative meaning about a romantic relationship, but it can also refer to how you would like your cocktail served! First example:
James: Where’s Chris? Class is going to start in like 2 minutes. Steve: I know. I bet he’s going to be late again. James: Man, that guy is always late. Julie: Did you hear about the big sale this weekend at Forever 21? Diane: Yeah,
Context #1 Tod: Hey, have you seen Kim lately? She hasn’t come to class for like a week. Joe: Yeah I know. She’s MIA. I tried calling her a couple of days ago but I couldn’t get a hold of her. Tod: I hope she’s alright.
Meaning: easy; something that is not difficult Use: Tom: What did you think of that test, Jill? Jill: It was a piece of cake! In other words, Jill thought the test was easy.
Meaning: The result or end of a situation is unclear or undecided. Use: My friend is really unreliable. He often promises to do things for me and then he forgets. He told me he would pick me up at 5 tonight, but whether he will
First Example: Susanne: Hey Peter! How is your new workout plan going? Peter: Not so great. Susanne: What happened? You seemed so excited about your New Year’s resolutions last week, saying you were going to go to the gym four days a week. Peter: I
To Ring in the New Year: to celebrate the beginning of the new year at midnight on December 31. Example 1 Nina: I am so excited for tonight! I’ve always wanted to ring in the new year from Times Square in New York City! Vince: I
To Turn Over a New Leaf – To make a fresh new start to begin again; to reform and begin again; to start behaving in a better way Example 1 Nina: I am so out of shape! When I was walking up the stairs to class
On Thin Ice – In a risky or difficult situation. Example 1 Nikki: I’m so nervous right now. I’m on thin ice with Dave and I still have to sing with him again tonight when we go out Christmas caroling in the mall. Ned: What
