Wet Blanket
Example: Kim: I can’t wait to go to Bangkok. It’s going to be so much fun. There are so many places to see. Vijo: I hate the city. I prefer a more quiet countryside place. The city is for unstable people. Kim: Oh, don’t be
A bee in her/his/my bonnet
Example 1: Debbie has been really unhappy recently. I thought she was just busy and maybe a little stressed out. It turns out she’s had a bee in her bonnet about something I said to her last week. She was complaining that she never has
To Scratch the surface
Example 1: Katya: Hey,Yuko! What did you learn about in school today? Yuko: Our professor talked about space. We learned about stars, planets, and black holes. It was so interesting! Katya: Wow! I’ve always wondered if there could be life on other planets. Did you
Stand over someone
Example 1: Lina: How was your math test? Matthew: It was OK, but it was hard for me to focus. My teacher was standing over me during the whole test. I think she was watching me to see if I made any mistakes, but it was very
Keep me in the loop/ be in the loop
Example 1: Seth: So what’s happening for Marty’s birthday on Friday? John: We’re meeting at 6 pm for dinner at the new restaurant in downtown. Do you know which one it is? Seth: Yes, I’ve seen it but I can’t remember the name. Anyway, I’ll
Crocodile tears
Meaning: A display of an emotion that is not real; or showing an emotion but not feeling that emotion. If a person is not sad but wants to look sad, he or she will shed crocodile tears, meaning that person is acting sad rather than
Get out of here
Context #1 Sam:Guess what? I got a new car. I got a brand new BMW. Chris:Get out of here! Sam: Really! Context #2 Sharon: I finally broke up with Matt. Tammy: Now way. Get out of here! Sharon: Really. This time it’s is over. Meaning:
To be in hot water
Context #1: James is met at home by his angry mother Mother: You are in hot water, young man! James: Why? What did I do? Mother: You took the car without asking. Now you come home – and it’s 2:00 am! You didn’t call or
Hot potato
Context #1 Two friends discussing personal problems Jon: What’s up Aaron? What did you want to talk about? Aaron: I’m going to travel with my girlfriend to her home country, but it seems her parents don’t really want to meet me because I’m from a different culture.
A penny for your thoughts
Context #1 Friends making a decision about where to take a trip Natalie: I was thinking about the restaurants we should visit while in San Francisco. I have so many I want to go to. What about you? Robert: I don’t know what to say. Whatever is