Off the grid
Example 1: Jason: I think the most logical thing we could do is keep a low profile and stay off the grid. James: That’s not my style Jason. I know some people like to do that, but I need to be social. Jason: I’m not
to pal around (with)
Idiom: to pal around (with) (used as a verb) First Example: Christina: Have you seen Jackie lately? Beatrice: No, she seems to spend all her time with Tim. Christina: They do seem to spend a lot of time together. Do you think they’re dating?
friends in high places
Idiom: friends in high places (used as a noun) First Example: Sandra: Did you hear that Ben got the promotion? Donald: No way! I thought for sure you’d get it! Sandra: Well, I don’t have as many friends in high places. Donald: What do you
to just scrape by
Context #1: Tom: Did you pass your physics class this semester? Brian: Yeah, but I barely scraped by. I almost failed! Context #2: Jennifer: This Russian class I’m taking is so hard. Whitney: Are you failing it? Jennifer: I’m not failing, but I am just
Afraid of One's Own Shadow
Example 1: Mark: Are you OK, Sandra? You look worried about something. Sandra: Oh, hey Mark. I didn’t see you there. I’ve been a little more anxious these days. I can’t seem to relax. Mark: Did something happen? Sandra: I had a car accident recently.
Scare the Daylights Out of Someone
Example 1: Jill: Hey Bill, did I tell you the story about the racoon? Bill: No, but it sounds interesting! What happened? Jill: Well, last week when I went to take out the garbage, a giant racoon hissed at me! I think I was interrupting
to study one’s brains out
Idiom: to study one’s brains out Context #1: Jim: How did you do on the grammar test? Sam: I got 100%. I studied my brains out for that test. Jim: Nice job! Context #2: Chrissy: Are you preparing for the GRE exam? Tammy: Yeah, I’ve
Curveball
Meaning: a difficult, strange or unusual situation (This idiom comes from baseball. The person responsible for throwing the ball towards the batter “the pitcher” has an array of different throws, one of them being the “curveball.” It’s a particularly difficult throw to strike, as it can change
to scrape together
Idiom: to scrape together (used as a verb) First Example: The college students didn’t think they’d have enough money to pay their rent. They sold some stuff and borrowed from their parents and they finally scraped together what they needed just in time. Meaning: The
to live within one's means
Idiom: to live within one’s means (used as a verb) First Example: Angela is in debt. She hasn’t been living within her means this past year, using credit cards to pay for everything. Now she has to move back into her parents’ house so she