Essential IELTS Reading tips for scoring Band 9, based on expert strategies and test-taker insights:
1. Understand the Test Format Thoroughly
3 Passages, 40 questions, 60 minutes — no extra time to transfer answers.
Each passage increases in difficulty.
Question types: Matching headings, True/False/Not Given, Multiple choice, Sentence completion, etc.
2. Develop Skimming and Scanning Skills
Skim for the general idea of the passage.
Scan for keywords or numbers when answering specific questions.
Practice reading for speed and accuracy — aim for about 15-18 minutes per passage including answering.
3. Master Question Types
Learn specific strategies for each question type:
True/False/Not Given → focus on factual accuracy; beware of assumptions.
Matching Headings → read the paragraph carefully, especially the first and last sentences.
Summary/Sentence Completion → look for synonyms and paraphrases in the text.
4. Focus on Keywords and Paraphrasing
Questions rarely repeat exact words from the text.
Practice identifying synonyms, word forms, and paraphrased ideas.
Underline or note keywords in both the question and passage.
5. Don’t Read Every Word
You’re not expected to read and understand every sentence.
Use skimming to find structure and scanning to locate answers.
Reserve close reading for relevant parts only.
6. Time Management
Target: 20 minutes per passage (including checking).
Skip and return to difficult questions — don’t lose time.
Keep moving. Don’t leave any question blank.
7. Improve Vocabulary
Band 9 readers know academic synonyms and collocations.
Read science, history, environment, and culture articles (e.g., BBC, National Geographic, The Economist).
Create your own vocab journal with meanings and examples.
8. Practice with Real Tests
Use Cambridge IELTS books (especially 7–18).
Time yourself under exam conditions.
Review not just mistakes but also why the correct answer works.
9. Be Grammar-Precise in Gap-Fill Questions
The grammar must fit the sentence.
Know if the gap needs a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.
10. Keep Calm and Focus
Stay relaxed and focused during the test.
If one passage is hard, another may be easier — don’t panic.
A calm, practiced test-taker often beats a panicked expert.
You can look for IELTS general reading test to practice.
Part 3 of IELTS speaking
Part 3 Introduction
You will see how to work on developing your fluency for IELTS Speaking Part 3.
You will get some tips on handling Part 3 questions.
IELTS Speaking: How to Introduce Yourself.
Many students are confused about the IELTS Speaking introduction questions in part 1 of the test.
How should you introduce yourself in IELTS Speaking?
Should I give long, fancy answers or keep it short and simple?
How can I be culturally appropriate?
So, let’s find out.
Any IELTS Speaking test starts with introduction questions. What are they? The introduction questions are always about where you live, what you do for work, or what you study. After these questions the examiner goes on to some other topics. It is important to have a good start to your Speaking test, because it will help you feel more confident and calm for the next part.
What happens in the IELTS Speaking Introduction?
Well, after you arrive at the test centre and register, you usually have to leave your belongings in a special room and go to the waiting area.
The examiner will invite you into the room.
They will be recording the whole test, so don’t be surprised to see an MP3 player on the table.
How to give your name?
The examiner asks for your name and checks your ID.
Keep it simple.
Examiner: What’s your name?
Candidate: Claude Rutabana
Examiner: and what can I call you?
Candidate: Just call me Claude
Or
Candidate: You can call me Claude
Tips and Tricks
1. Get to the test centre a little early.
2. Listen to some English (on your phone) before the test.
This will help you get in the mood.
3. Get mentally prepared.
If you are nervous, that is normal and fine. Just allow your nerves to be. Some nerves or butterflies before the test are a good thing. Smile. Be proud of your English. Love your English. Stay in that positive mood for a few seconds.
4. Ignore any notes the examiner makes.
Examiners may make notes and they are usually the timings they follow. They are not your score and have nothing to do with you. Ignore them.
How many parts are there in Part 1?
The examiner asks your name
The examiner will ask 1 or 2 questions about one of the following
Hometown
Home
Work
Study
You will be asked 2 to 3 questions on two more part 1 topics.
Part 1 topics and questions.
What Happens in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
This is what happens in Part 1 of IELTS Speaking;
When you enter the speaking test room, the examiner greets you.
The examiner will start to record the interview (audio)
The examiner asks for your ID
They (he or she) asks your full name
They ask you two or three introduction or ‘warm up’ questions about either
Your home
Your hometown
Your work
Your study
Common Introduction or 'warm up' Questions
In Part 1 of the test, you may get questions similar to these below.
Hometown
What kind of place is it?
What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
What do tourists like to visit in your hometown?
Home
Talking about your home
Do you live in a house or a flat?
What’s your favorite room?
Is there anything you want to change about this room?
Who do you live with?
Talking about your accommodation:
Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?
How long have you lived there?
What do you like about living there?
What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?
Work
Do you work or are you a student?
Part 2 of IELTS speaking
Introduction
You will discover why fluency is important in IELTS Speaking Part 2, and get some tips for handling Part 2.
Unt 8: Comparisons
Practice showing off comparisons when choosing between two things.
You will be able to answer the common "A or B?" type question, such as, ‘do you prefer paper books or digital books?’
Unit 9: Superlatives
You will be able to use superlative adjectives (e.g. the biggest, the best, the longest…) to describe your hometown and country.
Unit 10: Relative Clauses
You will be able to describe people, things and places and also learn how to use pauses to control your fluency.
You have to understand relative clauses.
If you wanted to define information in a sentence or if you want to add some information in a sentence you can use relative clauses.
We are going to learn about four words that are used to define or to add information in a sentence.
First let's understand who
Who is used to refer to person if you want to define a person or add some information about the person, you can use relative clause which includes who which can form a relative clause to talk about something.
If you want to add information or to define something you can use when
When is used to talk about time, to define time to add information, about time.
Where is used to talk about place. If you want to define a place, if you want to add some information about a place you can use where, so relative clauses add or define information in a sentence.
Unit 11. 0: Zero, First, Second and Third Conditional
Unit 11.1: 1st Conditional (If)
You will be able to use new intonation patterns for conditional sentences to talk about possible future situations
Examples: If I have money, I spend it Zero (because it is present, talk about habit)
How do you usually get to school?
I usually walk. If it’s raining, I take a bus.
If there’s no traffic, I cycle.
I don’t take a taxi, unless I’m really late. Zero ( more advanced)
If I have money, I will spend it first (likely possible)
If I had money, I would spend it. (not possible at the moment) Second (less possible)
As long as
Unit 11.2: Third Conditional
You will be able to make clever use of 3rd conditionals to express regrets in Part 2 questions
How to use the third conditional to express regret and to imagine how your life would be different If you had made a different decision.
Example
I went to the party (so the verb is go) and I met you (so the verb is meet)
Can you put those in the spaces in the third form?
If I hadn't gone to the party, I wouldn't have met you. Third (far from reality, totally impossible to change)
Passives (discussion about them)
IELTS Speaking Part 1.
Fluency for IELTS Speaking is a practical course created by English trainers at English Accent Hub.
In this course, it’s like I am sitting in the room with you, guiding you to improve your fluency as you follow me to give answers to different questions from all 3 parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
This course is both fun and professional
In this course you will get,
Intense repetition practice.
In addition, regular practice will help you to start using the most important aspects of grammar automatically, without having to think too much.
Finally, as you move your focus away from words and towards chunks, and as you practice more, you will start to actually feel English
Who this course is for:
IELTS students who need to improve their fluency in English
Take this course if you want a professional approach to preparing IELTS Speaking
Course content
Part1 of IELTS speaking
Unit 1: Present Simple
Practice giving answers about habits and routines, such as doing sports, cooking and reading.
Unit 2: Present perfect continuous (past to present activity)
Practice talking about how long you have been doing things. You will be able to use SINCE and FOR correctly in your answers.
Eg: I came to Huye in 2015.
I live here now.
.I have been living here since 2015. (Point in time) Yesterday, last year, Tuesday
.I have been living here for 6 years. (Duration of time) 2 years, one day, 3 weeks
Subj + Hve/has been+ Verb+ Ing (verb in gerund)
(Work on intonation)
Question
Do you drive?
Yes I do. I’ve been driving since I was 18 ( I turned, since I was a teenager or since I passed my driving test). I usually drive to work every day.
Unit 3: Present Perfect Continuous (recent activity)
You will be able to use the Present Perfect Continuous to describe what you have been doing lately in your hobbies or free-time.
You will start to build your natural English vocabulary with substitute drills.
Unit 4: Past Habit (simple, used to, would)
You will practice answering questions about your childhood or youth, and past habits or activities you used to do then.
You will also continue to build your natural English vocabulary with substitute drills.
Unit 4: Present Perfect (experiences)
You will be able to talk more fluently about your life experiences.
It is used to talk about result in the present.
This tense can be used to describe a past action that has a clear result in the present or some connection with the present.
Eg: I bought my telephone (past action)
I have bought a new telephone (result now/ I can show it)
Look, I have bought a new telephone. (Present perfect)
Tend to = typically= more often than not
Question: How are families today different from the past?
In the past families were larger. Now this has changed, and families tend to be smaller nowadays.
Do you think films have changed since you were a child?
Unit 5: Past continuous
You will practice using the past continuous to give the setting to events or activities in the past.
It is used to describe an activity happening in the past, often overlapping another activity.
Eg; I was watching TV, when the phone rang.
Question: Describe the time you get bored. I was living in Kigali at that time and I got invited to a party, but it was so tiresome/ tedious.
Unit 6: Past Perfect
You will practice describing extra information about an event before it happened. You will look at Part 2 questions on topics such as bad service, boring events and delays.
Unit 7: Present Perfect (result in present)
You will improve your fluency when answering common Part 3 questions such as 'how has ______ changed in recent years?'
IELTS Writing (Academic)
The Academic Writing module of IELTS consists of two writing tasks of 150 and 250 words each. Task 1 requires you to describe some data or a diagram. Task 2 requires you to write a short discursive essay, usually presenting your opinion on a particular issue.
Both writing tasks must be completed in 60 minutes. It is up to you, how much time you spend on each task. You must write in pencil on paper – there are no computers involved.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Describe a diagram
Time: 20 mins (recommended). Words: 150 minimum
In this task, you are shown a diagram or set of data and you have to write a short report identifying the main features and making comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Discursive essay
Time: 40 mins (recommended). Words: 250 minimum
In this task, you have to write about your opinion on a particular issue, or about both sides of an argument. The question will make it clear which approach you should take.
Example:
It is widely believed that people’s ability to learn new things decreases with age and that companies should actively recruit younger employees who have greater potential to learn.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Other topics covered in IELTS Writing Task 2 may include: education, health, technology, work, or the media. Sensitive topics such as politics or religion are avoided.
You do NOT need any special knowledge of these issues, only the ability to present ideas in a logical format with clear links and an appropriate style of language for academic discourse.
Typically, you will write a four- or five-paragraph essay beginning with an introduction and ending with a conclusion.
In IELTS Writing, Task 2 is more important than Task 1, so you should spend more time on Task 2.
How IELTS Writing answers are scored
Understanding the IELTS Writing scoring criteria for both Task 1 and Task 2 is critical to performing well in the IELTS Writing module. The examiner awards a score of 0 to 9 based on four criteria:
Task Achievement or Response: Do you answer the question fully: do you write enough words, cover the main points, and have a clear position?
Coherence and Cohesion: Do you organize your ideas into paragraphs and connect them with linking words?
Lexical Resource: Do you make good use of vocabulary: is it relevant to the topic and appropriate to academic writing?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Do you make good use of grammar and punctuation: do you attempt complex sentences and avoid too many mistakes?
Each of these four criteria is worth 25% of your IELTS Writing score.
Five exam techniques for IELTS Writing
1. Always make a paragraph plan before writing. In Task 1, each paragraph should deal with one aspect of the data. In Task 2, each paragraph should contain one main idea.
2. Avoid repeating the same words too many times. Paraphrase the questions and vary vocabulary as much as possible in both IELTS writing tasks.
3. In Task 1, do not attempt to explain or present reasons for the data. You should only describe what it shows.
4. In Task 2, remember that you can write about other people’s ideas as well. Practice using reporting verbs and passive structures to give your writing a more academic style.
5. Mistakes are much more obvious in writing than in speaking. You should be continuously working to improve your English grammar while preparing for IELTS.
Now Practice IELTS Writing
You can find many IELTS Writing practice questions with sample answers on different online platforms.
Study them carefully and note how each answer is scored.
Practice Test: Letter Writing
·Example 01: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to your family party. In your letter
– Explain why you are organizing the party.
– Describe what you are planning to do.
– Say how important it is to have your friend at the party.
Answer
Dear Peter,
I hope you and your family are doing well. It is my sister’s birthday this weekend, and we are throwing a little party for family and close friends. You should definitely come!
The party is going be at the café in High Street, where we used to spend a lot of quality time together. I’m sure you know the way to the café very well, but in case you can’t remember simply text me, and I will send you directions. The program for the party is quite fun; we are going to eat, listen to music, and I’ll bring a specially ordered cake with my sister’s name written on it.
You and I have been friends for so long, and you know how much my sister loves you. She will be thrilled if you come. Also, I know you haven’t seen each other for a long time, since you left town to start university. I hope you are doing well in there, and my sister and I would love to hear all about it at the party.
Hope to see you very soon.
Yours,
Liam
The purpose of this letter is clear, and all parts of the question were covered in its three paragraphs. This response is easy to read, thanks to the logical flow of ideas and fluency in their presentation. The vocabulary used here achieves an informal tone that this type of letter requires. Overall this letter seems to be worthy of IELTS Band 8.
Example 2: Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter
– explain why you changed jobs
– describe your new job
– tell him/her your other news
Dear John,
I am writing to let you know that I finally got a Software Engineer position in Google. I am so happy to share this news with you. As I told you earlier, my previous job was so bored to me. I kept working on fixing uncountable bugs of an existing system. Thus I started seeking new job opportunities 2 months ago.
Since I walked in Google’s office during my first interview, I immediately knew that this was my ideal work place. My major responsibility is tuning search results on several Google’s products. The most exciting thing is that my supervisor is a pioneer in this area around the world. I believe that I can get enormous cutting-edge knowledge from him.
Furthermore, I have bought a new house near my office. I sincerely invite you to come to visit next month if you are free at that point of time.
With best wishes,
Michael
This letter covers the task prompt fully. It has the right structure and its level of formality is suitable for a personal letter. The vocabulary and sentence structure is fine. The letter could have achieved a higher band score if it wasn’t for the errors (mouse over the words in blue will show suggested corrections). Seems worthy of Band 8.
You will also be given a task about reporting as explain. Make sure you take time to practice.
1. Master the Test Format
Know the four sections:
Social conversation (e.g. booking a hotel)
Social monologue (e.g. guided tour)
Academic conversation (e.g. students discussing a project)
Academic monologue (e.g. lecture)
Each section becomes slightly more complex. Practice all of them regularly.
🎧 2. Listen Like a Native
Listen to a variety of native English sources daily:
BBC podcasts, TED Talks, NPR, documentaries
Focus on different accents: British, Australian, American, Canadian
✍️ 3. Practice Smart
Use official IELTS listening tests for realistic practice.
Do timed practice — 30 minutes only.
After each test:
Check your answers
Listen again and read the transcript
Identify why you made mistakes
🧠 4. Improve Prediction Skills
Before each section, use the reading time (20–30 seconds) to:
Predict: what kind of info is needed? (a number, a name, a verb?)
Underline keywords in the questions
Think of paraphrases and synonyms
🧩 5. Develop Active Listening
Focus on signal words (however, then, because, finally)
Be alert for self-corrections (e.g. “Let’s meet at 10… no wait, 10:30”)
Stay focused for spelling-sensitive answers (names, places, codes)
✏️ 6. Be Fast and Accurate with Note-Taking
Use abbreviations and symbols while listening
Write clearly and check spelling
Use capital letters for all answers (to avoid losing marks)
🕓 7. Manage Your Time Wisely
Don’t get stuck on one question — answers come in order
Stay calm; even if you miss one, focus on the next
Use the final 10 minutes to transfer and check answers carefully
📈 8. Track Your Progress
Keep a log of:
Scores
Question types you struggle with (e.g. multiple choice, maps, tables)
New vocabulary or tricky pronunciation
“To get Band 9, don’t just prepare for the test — train your ears to live in English.”
Aim for daily listening practice + targeted IELTS work. Consistency is key.
INTRODUCTION
IELTS exam is International English Language Testing system.
It is divided into two formats: One is general training and the other one is academic.
In this exam your four skills are judged. What are they?
The first one is reading: In reading you'd be given 60 minutes and you will need to attempt 40 questions. These 40 questions will further be divided into three different passages and each passage will have around 13 to 14 question but it will be slightly different when it comes to general training.
In general training your first message will have two different sections and each section, they'll be around six to seven questions. Similarly, that passage will be divided into two different sections and each section will have around 6 to 7 questions.
However your last section will have all the 30 to 40 questions together.
Moving on to your second module which is listening, a tape will be played for 25 or 30 minutes and you need to do 40 questions. These first two questions will be further divided into four sections and each section will have 10 questions.
Moving on to your third module which is writing in writing you'll be given 60 minutes and you need to attempt two questions. Your first question is task 1 and the second question is task 2.
For general training people, you need to write letter about 150 words. For academic students you need to write a report, again 150 words.
But in your task 2, both the people (the people who are preparing for general training and academic) they need to write essay in 250 words.
The last one is speaking
Your exam will be for around 11 to 15 minutes and you'll be giving answers for three different parts.
The first part is where the examiner is going to ask questions about( introduction like you name, hometown, favorites, likes, dislikes or at some time he may also ask about certain topic {which can be season, color, best friend, public transport etc})
The second part could be about a cue card
Where you will be given a topic and you need to speak for two minutes.
The examiner is going to give a minute to prepare for the exam.
And then it is part three where there will be certain questions (Follow up questions about the particular topic you’ve spoken about.
Other Common Sentences
"Are you joking with me?"
"Are you serious?"
Hold On a Sec
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone to wait; to slow down; an expression used before providing a different point of view or opinion
Explanation: This is fairly straightforward. "Sec" in this context is one "second." You're basically telling someone to wait because you are about to say something else.
"Hold on a sec, I thought you were staying home tonight?"
"Hold on a sec, are you serious?"
"Hold on a sec. This is different from what you told me yesterday."
A. "Chip is going to draft a quarterback in the first round?"
B. "Hold on a sec. I swore he was going to draft a running back first."
A. "It's a surprise for me too, but I'm pretty sure about it."
Other Common Sentences
"Not so fast."
"On the contrary."
That's easier said than done
Meaning/Usage: This is used when something is easy to say but very hard to do.
Explanation: This phrase is very literal. Often times people tell you to do something that sounds easy, but it is actually hard. So in response, you can say this phrase.
"I want to quit smoking but that's easier said than done."
"She wants me to be more romantic but that's easier said than done."
"I wish I could just retire a wealthy man but that's easier said than done."
A. "I really want to learn how to take good photographs."
B. "Maybe you should take a class?"
A. "My sister learned how to do it all by herself."
B. "I don't doubt it but that's easier said than done."
Other Common Sentences
"That's more difficult than it sounds."
"It's easy to say something, but difficult to do."
You Never Know
Meaning/Usage: Expressing that the unlikely could happen
Explanation: This is short for "You never can be certain of anything."
"I don't think I'll get the job but you never know."
"You never know. Some people don't mind the rain."
"You never know. He still could change his mind."
A. "I don't think my husband wants to go with us."
B. "You never know. Have you asked him?"
A. "Not yet, but I will tonight."
B. "I think that might be a good idea."
Other Common Sentences
"It could happen."
"Things still can change."
I Can't Wait
Meaning/Usage: Being excited about something
Explanation: This is very literal. This phrase is usually used by itself and does not need to be in a full sentence.
"We only have 7 more days until vacation! I can't wait!"
"I can't wait. They are going to announce the contest winners today."
"I can't wait for summer to get here, I don't like the cold weather."
A. "I can't wait to see my parents this weekend!"
B. "Are they coming in town to visit?"
A. "Yes, I haven't seen them for a year."
B. "Have a fun time visiting with them."
Other Common Sentences
"I am eager for it to happen."
"I'm waiting with excitement."
Good Point
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they had a good comment, thought, or suggestion
Explanation: "Point" can be seen as an idea, a statement, or a thought.
"Good point, I should have followed the instructions while building it."
"Good point, I will call her to explain what happened."
"That is a very good point."
A. "I really think you should have called him first before stopping by his house."
B. "Good point. I will remember that next time."
Other Common Sentences
"Good thought."
"Good suggestion."
It's Up To You
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell a person that they are the one to make a decision
Explanation: "Up to" is commonly used to indicate a decision. It is common to say, "up to her," or "up to them," or "up to me."
"It's up to you, but I don't think we should bother him."
"I don't care what we do tonight, it's up to you."
"It's up to you whether we invite them to the party."
A. "What time do you think we should leave to go to the airport?"
B. "It's up to you. Our flight is at 7 o'clock."
A. "I think we should leave by 5 then."
A. "Ok. Sounds good to me."
Other Common Sentences
"You can decide."
"You can make the decision."
I Told You So
Meaning/Usage: This is used when you already told someone something and it came true
Explanation: This is commonly used when you give someone advice and they don't listen to you. Afterwards, the person you gave advice to did not get what they wanted, and if they had listened to you, they would have succeeded. In this case, you can use this expression.
"I knew that was a bad idea, I told you so."
"I told you so. You should have listened to me."
"You shouldn't be surprised, because I told you so."
A. "I should have listened to your advice."
B. "Why do you say that?"
A. "I tried that new restaurant and it was terrible."
B. "What did I tell you? I told you so."
Other Common Sentences
"I warned you."
Get to the Point
Meaning/Usage: Used when someone is not providing the piece of information that is the most important.
Explanation: When someone is telling you something and they are going around in circles without coming to any conclusion or without providing the main point, you can use this by itself to tell someone to stop going around in circles and to tell you what they mean.
"Can you please get to the point? You're taking forever."
"Get to the point, you're making no sense."
"If you can just get to the point maybe I can help you."
A. "I am having a hard time trying to tell you what happened."
B. "Just get to the point and maybe I will understand better."
Other Common Sentences
"Tell me what you mean."
Sure Thing
Meaning/Usage: To express that you will do something
Explanation: If someone asks you for help, you can respond with "sure thing" to indicate certainty.
"You want me to call you tomorrow? Sure thing."
"Sure thing. I'll be there!"
"I can help you move. Sure thing."
A. "Sorry to hear your mom is in the hospital."
B. "Thanks, they are still doing some tests to find out what is wrong with her."
A. "Well let me know once you find out anything."
B. "Sure thing, I will call you once they let me know."
Other Common Sentences
"Of course I will."
"Certainly."
Other Common Sentences
"I'm coming now."
"I'm currently going there."
It's a Long Story
Meaning/Usage: Used when you don't want to talk about something, if it is difficult to talk about; or if it is hard to explain
Explanation: This expression is straightforward, but can be used to say you don't want to talk about it, even if the story is not very long.
"I know you want to know what happened but it's a long story."
"It's a long story about what happened between us."
"We used to be friends but it's a long story."
A. "Hey there's Tim. Didn't you guys used to be good friends?"
B. "Yes, we were friends a few years ago but not anymore."
A. "Why, what happened?"
B. "It's a long story."
Other Common Sentences
"It's hard to explain."
"It will take a while to explain."
Since When
Meaning/Usage: Asking from when
Explanation: This one is a little difficult to explain. It is usually used when you are surprised by someone's action or words. When you know a person does not usually do something, you can start with "since when." This would indicate to the person that you know that they usually don't do this, but want to know when they started doing it.
"Since when have you been interested in my opinion?"
"Since when have you been coming to this gym?"
"Since when did you become so good at tennis?"
A. "I will have to go home soon, I have chess club tonight."
B. "Since when did you become so interested in chess?"
A. "I tried it with my uncle and loved it."
B. "Well, we'll have to play soon, I like playing too!"
Other Common Sentences
"From then until now."
Got It
Meaning/Usage: Asking someone if they understand; telling someone you understand
Explanation: To "get" something is to understand something. So it became common to simply ask or say "got it."
"You will need to follow the directions if you want to do it right, got it?"
"If you're not home before 8 o'clock you will be in trouble, got it?"
"This is how you put the puzzle together, got it?"
A. "You're going to have to studying more if you plan on passing your test."
B. "Ok. I got it."
A. "I hope so. I don't want you to fail the class."
Other Common Sentences
"I understand what you are saying."
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
You Wish
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they will not get what they want.
Explanation: Many wishes do not come true. This expression is telling the person that what they want will be only a wish and not reality.
"You want straight A's like her? You wish!"
"You think she'll go on a date with you? You wish!"
"You think you're going to beat my high score? Don't you wish."
A. "I really need to win the lottery so I can retire."
B. "Ha! You wish!"
Other Common Sentences
"In your dreams."
"It's not going to happen."
You're Dressed to Kill
Meaning/Usage: Being dressed in a way to make people notice you; dressed very nicely; dressed to attract sexual attention
Explanation: This can be a compliment to some people, but it might not be to others. The reason is because it contains some level of sexuality in the meaning.
"I really like your outfit! You're dressed to kill."
"She must be trying to impress him. She is dressed to kill."
"That girl is dressed to kill tonight."
A. "Wow! Did you see Jennifer's dress?"
B. "I did. She is dressed to kill."
A. "Yeah. She sure looks sexy."
Other Common Sentences
"She is dressed really nice."
"She is dressed attractively."
I Blew It
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that you made a big mistake
Explanation: When something blows up, it is destroyed. Therefore, blow up implies in this context means to make a big mistake to damage any opportunities. Because making mistakes are very common, a simple way of saying this was needed so people started saying, "I blew it."
"I really thought I was going to get the promotion, but I blew it."
"I thought he really liked me but I blew it."
"I was trying to surprise her for her birthday, but I blew it."
A. "How did your interview go?"
B. "Not so good, I was very nervous."
A. "Why were you nervous?"
B. "I think I might have messed up on a few questions so I think I blew it."
Other Common Sentences
"I messed up."
"I missed my opportunity."
I Messed Up
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that you made a mistake
Explanation: This is a very common phrase. It is not as bad as "I blew it" but it also means to make a mistake. However, "I blew it" refers to making a big mistake to lose out on an opportunity, while "I messed up" can be used more freely to indicate any sort of mistake.
"I messed up. I got a ticket for speeding on the highway."
"I messed up, I lost my wallet at the airport."
"He is really upset with me. I messed up."
A. "Why did it take you so long to get here?"
B. "I messed up and got lost."
A. "Really, how did that happen?"
B. "I was not paying attention and took the wrong exit to get here."
Other Common Sentences
"I made a mistake."
"I did the wrong thing."
You Bet
Meaning/Usage: Telling someone yes in a definite way
Explanation: When you "bet" on something, you are placing a wager that you are right. In this context, "bet" is being absolutely sure. "You bet" is usually used when someone asks for something. Instead of saying "yes," saying "you bet" is more positive and makes the listener feel better.
"You bet I'll be at your game. I would not miss it."
"I can help you with your project, you bet."
"You bet I'm going to talk to her, she is beautiful."
A. "I'm moving in a few weeks and was wondering if you could help?"
B. "You bet. Just let me know when, and I'll be there."
A. "Thanks! That would be great."
Other Common Sentences
"Of course."
"Definitely."
Sleep Tight
Meaning/Usage: Get a good nights sleep
Explanation: Comes from the saying, "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite."
"Sleep tight, you have a lot to get done tomorrow."
"I hope you sleep tight after an exhausting day."
"Not sure if she will sleep tight after watching that scary movie."
A. "Our daughter woke up 2 times during the night."
B. "Is she ok?"
A. "Yes, she just had a tummy ache and could not sleep well."
B. "Tell her I said sleep tight and I hope that she feels better soon."
Other Common Sentences
"Get a good night sleep."
"Hope you sleep well."
Thank Goodness
Meaning/Usage: Expression to indicate relief
Explanation: Another popular way people indicate relief is to say "Thank God"
"Thank goodness this dress still fits, I have nothing else to wear."
"Thank goodness we got our tickets early, the concert is now sold out."
"Thank goodness he doesn't suspect anything. I really want it to be a surprise."
A. "Thank goodness we found out about this sale."
B. "I know! They have such good deals."
A. "Thanks for letting me know about it."
B. "You're welcome."
Other Common Sentences
"I am so glad."
"What a relief."
You Made It
Meaning/Usage: To succeed at something; to arrive
Explanation: The literal meaning to say a person arrived. But another common meaning is to say they succeeded at something.
"I can't believe you made it. It was a difficult task."
"You made it! I didn't think you were going to show up."
"I heard you made it a whole week without smoking?"
A. "You made it! I thought you were out of town?"
B. "I was, but I got home last night and thought I'd surprise you."
A. "What a great surprise! I'm so happy you are here."
B. "Me too! Thanks for having me."
Other Common Sentences
"You did it."
"You arrived."
Whatever
Meaning/Usage: An expression used to indicate you don't believe the other person
Explanation: This is also commonly used as an expression by itself. For example, when someone says something outrageous, you can simply respond with "Whatever!"
"Whatever, I know you like him."
"You're saying I can't go out tonight with my friends? Whatever!"
"Whatever! You know I don't believe you."
A. "He told me the window was already broken when he got home."
B. "Whatever, I saw him throw a ball with my own eyes."
A. "Ok. I will talk to him about it."
B. "You should because he is lying."
Other Common Sentences
"I don't agree with you."
"I don't believe you."
I'm Sick of It
Meaning/Usage: To express that you are tired of something; to express you don't like something anymore
Explanation: This is commonly used when something happens so often that you are tired of it.
"I'm not sure about you, but I'm sick of it!"
"I don't know why she's acting that way, but I'm sick of it."
"I'm sick of it. We need to stop arguing so much."
A. "Why has he been acting so mean to everyone?"
B. "I don't know, but I'm sick of it."
A. "Me too, I'm going to say something to him."
B. "Let me know what he says."
Other Common Sentences
"I'm tired of it."
"I don't like it anymore."
Get Out of Here
Meaning/Usage: Common way to express disbelief
Explanation: You are not telling someone to literally get out. This is a common idiomatic phrase to express disbelief. Often times it is used in a positive way as in the first example sentence below.
"Get out of here! We actually finished in first place?"
"Get out of here. She would never say such a thing about me."
"Get out of here. That's hard to believe."
A. "Jen told me that Ryan got an A on his test."
B. "Get out of here! He didn't even study!"
A. "I'm telling you the truth, he got an A."
B. "What a surprise."
Other Common Sentences
"You don't have to think about it."
Stop It!
Meaning/Usage: To ask someone to stop what they are doing.
Explanation: This is a common way of telling a person to stop something that is bothering you. It is more aggressive way of say, "please dont do that."
"Please stop it! You're giving me a headache."
"Stop it before you get hurt!"
"You had better stop it or you will get in trouble!"
A. "Tommy! Stop it right now!"
B. "Why? I saw other kids doing it."
A. "That's not how we behave in a restaurant."
B. "OK, I'm sorry."
Other Common Sentences
"Quit what you are doing."
"Don't do that!"
It's Nothing
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone that the task you did was not a big deal.
Explanation: It is commonly used when you are being thanked for something that wasn't difficult.
"It's nothing. It didn't take long for me to do this."
"No need to thank me. It's nothing."
"Oh, it's nothing to call and let you know what I find out."
A. "I had no idea you guys were getting together tonight."
B. "Really? I sent an email inviting everyone."
A. "I didn't receive it."
B. "You're more than welcome to come. I will add you to my email list for next time."
A. "Thanks. I hope it's not too much to ask."
B. "No, it's nothing to add you on."
Other Common Sentences
"No problem."
My Pleasure
Meaning/Usage: Happy to do something for someone
Explanation: "Pleasure" is to feel happy. When you use this term, you are telling the other person that you are happy to do it.
"It is my pleasure to introduce you to our guests."
"It was my pleasure to work with you."
"It is my pleasure to be involved in something so important."
A. "I really appreciate all you did helping me finish my project."
B. "No problem at all, it was my pleasure."
Other Common Sentences
"Don't mention it."
"No problem."
Go For It
Meaning/Usage: To encourage someone to do something that they have planned
Explanation: The literal meaning is to "decide on" or "choose." However, it is commonly used informally to encourage them to take action on something they are thinking about doing.
"I know you want that job. Go for it!"
"If you want to ask her out you're going to have to just go for it."
"Don't let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. Go for it!"
A. "I really like her. Should I ask her for her phone number?"
B. "Go for it man!" You have nothing to lose."
Other Common Sentences
"Just do it."
"Take action on it."
"Be proactive."
Good for Nothing
Meaning/Usage: Negative statement to indicate someone has no value; useless
Explanation: Another way to look at this statement is to say "There is nothing good about that person."
"That guy is good for nothing."
"That girl is a good for nothing troublemaker."
"I would not let anything he says bother you, he is good for nothing."
A. "How come you don't like Tim hanging out with Mike?"
B. "Mike is good for nothing. He is always is in some sort of trouble."
Other Common Sentences
"He is no good."
"He is worthless."
You're Telling Me
Meaning/Usage: Agreeing with someone
Explanation: In a statement form, this is agreeing with someone. In a question form, it can be a sarcastic remark related to hypocrisy. For example, a person who is fat tells a less fat person, A: "You need to go on a diet." B: "You're telling me?"
"You're telling me, that book was one of the best I've ever read."
"You're telling me, I already knew that was going to happen if he did not listen."
"You're telling me, if she keeps it up she will lose 20 pounds."
A. "She sure is a good teacher."
B. "You're telling me! She taught me everything I know."
A. "That girl sure is beautiful."
B. "You're telling me. She is the hottest girl in our school!"
Other Common Sentences
Don't Joke With Me
Meaning/Usage: Used when asking someone to be serious
Explanation: "Joke" is defined as something that is said to cause amusement. In this phrase, the person does not find it funny because that person is involved in some way. So they can ask the person to be serious using this phrase.
"He told me she likes me but I said don't joke with me."
"My sister told me I was in trouble and I told her don't joke with me."
"He said I had won a million dollars and I said don't joke with me!"
A. "I heard that Dave asked the new girl at work out on a date."
B. "Don't joke with me! You know I really like her."
Other Common Sentences
"Stop messing around."
"Please be serious."
I Can't Thank You Enough
Meaning/Usage: To be very thankful
Explanation: This is commonly used when you feel that simply saying thank you is not enough. If someone did something very special for you, then you are expressing that no words can repay what they did. So this phrase is used to convey this message.
"I can't thank you enough for all that you have done for me."
"Thanks for everything. I can't thank you enough."
"You were a big help today watching the kids. I can't thank you enough."
A. "So how is your car running since I worked on it?"
B. "It is running great! I can't thank you enough. You were such a big help!"
Other Common Sentences
"I really appreciate all that you have done."
"Thank you very much!"
No Worries
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell the person not to worry about it; also used to say you're welcome
Explanation: This is very commonly in both regular daily life and in the work place. It can be used after an apology or after someone says thank you. In both cases, it is telling the person that the event was no big deal and it does not require an apology or a thank you.
"No worries, we can get it done tomorrow."
"No worries, I didn't need it after all."
"No worries, I need to go to bed early anyways."
A. "I'm sorry for picking you up later than we planned."
B. "No worries. We still have time to get there."
A. "Thanks for giving me a ride to work today."
B. "No worries. I was heading this direction anyways."
Other Common Sentences
"Don't worry about it."
"It's OK."
"No problem."
Shame on You
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they did something wrong
Explanation: Having "shame" is very negative. This is frequently used to tell children that they did something wrong.
"You know better than to do that, shame on you."
"I thought I asked you not to make a mess? Shame on you?"
"Shame on you, you know not to eat so much candy before dinner."
A. "Did you tell a lie to your sister?"
B. "Yes daddy. I did."
A. "Well shame on you. You know better than to do something like that."
Other Common Sentences
"You should be ashamed of yourself."
"What you did was wrong."
I Owe You
Meaning/Usage: Similar to giving someone a debt coupon
Explanation: The literal meaning is exactly as it appears. However, this expression is merging all the words together to create a noun phrase. The closest meaning is a debt coupon. The coupon would be a piece of paper that would be a promise to pay back what was borrowed.
"I don't have any money so can I get an I owe you."
"I'll need an I owe you because I don't have any money."
"I used up an I owe you already so he won't let me borrow again!"
A. "Do you want to grab a steak tonight?"
B. "I'd love to, but I won't have any money until payday?"
A. "I'll give you an I owe you until you get your paycheck!"
B. "Thanks man. I appreciate that."
Other Common Sentences
"Can I borrow it from you?"
"Can I pay you back later?"
It's a Piece of Cake
Meaning/Usage: Describes something that is easy to do.
Explanation: In the 1870's, cakes were given as prizes for winning competition. To the winner, it was an easy task. Therefore, "cake" started representing something easy. Another phrase that is similar is "cake walk," which also represents something that is easy.
"That test we took was a piece of cake."
"I put the whole thing together myself. It was a piece of cake."
"I told them I had never done this before and they said it would be a piece of cake."
A. "So I heard you got an A on your math test."
B. "Yeah, it was a piece of cake for me."
Other Common Sentences
"It's very easy."
"You should have no problem."
I'm On My Way
Meaning/Usage: Common way of telling someone that you are going to the person.
Explanation: This is very straightforward. It is very commonly used.
"Don't worry I'm on my way."
"Just be patient, I'm on my way."
"I got your message saying you needed my help. I'm on my way."
A. "I thought you were going to come over right after work?"
B. "Sorry, I had to stay late. But don't worry I'm on my way home now."
Other Common Sentences
"The cops are watching this area all-day every-day."
"There's no way to cross the border because they're constantly monitoring all the passage ways."
Under the weather
Meaning/Usage: Feeling sick; not well
Explanation: When a sailor gets sick on a boat, they would go under the deck and away from the weather to get better. This phrase became popular to express sickness.
"I'm going to stay home because I'm feeling under the weather today."
"I told my boss that I was under the weather. She told me to stay home for the day."
"My wife is feeling under the weather, so I need to get home early today."
A: "Why didn't you come to school today?"
B: "I was under the weather this morning. I need to get some rest."
A: "Well, I hope you start feeling better."
Other Common Sentences:
"I'm feeling a little sick today."
"I don't feel too well."
"I'm not feeling that great. I think I should get some rest."
Don't sweat it
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone not to worry
Explanation: When people worry a lot, they can sweat. This became a popular way to tell someone not to worry.
"You can't do anything about it, so don't sweat it."
"You tried your best, so stop sweating it."
A: "I'm worried about my final examination."
B: "You didn't take it yet?"
A: "I took it yesterday. I'm not sure how I did."
B: "If you tried your best, there's nothing you can do about the results, so don't sweat it."
Other Common Sentences
"Don't worry about it."
"Nothing you can do about it."
You can say that again
Meaning/Usage: Completely agreeing with a statement
Explanation: When you hear something you agree with, you can simply agree. But if you completely agree, then you wouldn't mind hearing it again. This is not literally telling the person to say it again, but to tell the person that you "really" agree.
A: "Britney Spears is so hot!"
B: "You can say that again."
A: "It was a long year. We accomplished quite a bit."
B: "I'm just glad that we're almost done."
A: "You can say that again."
Other Common Sentences
"I hear ya."
"You got that right."
"Damn right."
Broke
Meaning/Usage: To have no money
Explanation: "Broke" is an informal way of saying "broken." Long time ago broken was defined as "having no money" or to "become bankrupt, to fail." Although the meaning long time ago meant bankrupt, it is used regularly just to express you don't have any money at that moment.
"I'm flat broke."
"I can't afford to buy that television. I'm totally broke."
"I can't pay my bills. I'm broke."
A: "Let's go see a movie."
B: "I can't. I barely have enough money for food. I'm broke until my next paycheck."
Other Common Sentences
"I don't have any money."
"I don't even have a dime to spare."
Beats Me
Meaning/Usage: To not know; to not understand
Explanation: Not many resources on this phrase, but could come from beating information out of someone. When someone is holding back information, they would get beat until they tell the answer. In this case, the person could be saying that even if I was beaten, I wouldn't know. Therefore, it became popular to say "beats me" to indicate you do not know.
"It beats me how they finished before us."
"Beats me why he was so mean to you."
"Beats me how she found out we did it."
A. "So how did you and Tim do in your race?"
B. "I finished in third and Tim finished in second."
A. "You got third? How did Tim beat you?"
B. "Beats me, I guess he has been training really hard."
Other Common Sentences
"I have no idea how to do this."
"I don't know what he's talking about."
I Don't Buy it
Meaning/Usage: Disagree; to not be convinced
Explanation: This phrase comes from a popular way of getting agreement, which is "buy in." For example, a company director can say, "we need buy in from all the board members to proceed." In this statement, "buy in" is getting agreement. Therefore, if you "don't buy it," then you are not agreeing.
"He said he didn't do it but I don't buy it."
"Their prices are supposed to be better but I don't buy it."
"She said she was sorry but I don't buy it."
A. "So what were you guys arguing about?"
B. "He said some mean things to me the other day."
A. "Did he apologize to you?"
B. "Yes, but I don't buy it."
Other Common Sentences
"I don't believe it."
Good For You
Meaning/Usage: Expressing that you are happy for a person
Explanation: This is pretty literal. However, this can be used sarcastically.
"Good for you, you finally passed your test."
"I heard you got accepted to college, good for you."
"I heard you got married recently, good for you."
A. "I was really surprised when I was offered the promotion."
B. "Why is that?"
A. "I just figured it would go to someone with more experience."
B. "Good for you, you deserve it as much as anyone."
Other Common Sentences
"I am proud of you."
"All credit goes to you."
Good Luck
Meaning/Usage: Wishing someone well. Also can mean that it is not possible.
Explanation: The literal definition of wishing someone well is very literal. It is used very frequently in this way. However, another popular way this phrase is used is when you don't think a person can do something. The third sentence below is an example of this.
"Good luck on your interview tomorrow."
"I heard you're going to look for a new house, good luck."
"Good luck trying to find a better deal than this one."
A. "My son has his first baseball game tonight."
B. "Is he nervous?"
A. "He is actually very excited for it."
B. "Tell him we said good luck!"
Other Common Sentences
"I wish you the best."
"Hope you do well."
Who Cares
Meaning/Usage: To express something is not important to you.
Explanation: This phrase is usually used by itself when you are responding to a statement someone made. The example sentences below show a full sentence to provide more context, but it is normally used by itself.
"Who cares if they win or lose?"
"Who cares whether or not it rains."
"Who cares about what they think."
A. "Did you happen to watch the game last night?"
B. "No I was not home."
A. "I was just wondering who won?"
B. "Who cares, I don't really like either teams."
Other Common Sentences
"It doesn't matter."
"I do not care."
Big Deal
Meaning/Usage: Something really important. Often times used with "no" to express that the event is not as important as they think.
Explanation: This phrase is also used sarcastically. For example, if someone says "I did 30 push-ups this morning." Someone else can respond, "Big deal. I did 50 push-ups!"
"Passing my driver's test was no big deal."
"He thinks he is such a big deal."
"It's no big deal if we don't go tonight."
A. "I think I might have lost that screwdriver you let me borrow last week."
B. "It's no big deal, I have another one."
Other Common Sentences
"He thinks he is all that matters."
"It's not that important."
What's going on?
Meaning/Usage: To ask what is happening
Explanation: This is fairly straightforward and is used more in spoken English.
"What's going on tonight?"
"I'm not sure why she is upset, what's going on?"
"What's going on with your job?"
A. "It seems like she is a bit upset."
B. "What's going on?"
A. "I think she got into an argument with her husband."
B. "That's too bad. Hopefully they can work things out."
Other Common Sentences
"What is happening?"
Nothing Matters
Meaning/Usage: To express nothing else is important
Explanation: Usually used before expressing what is actually important. The below example sentences will illustrate this.
"Nothing matters more than being happy."
"Don't worry about what she said. Nothing matters but what you think."
"Nothing matters if we can't start getting along better."
A. "My husband told me I need to make a decision about getting a job."
B. "Nothing matters but you being happy with what you are doing."
A. "You are right. I will need to find something I love to do."
B. "Good luck."
Other Common Sentences
"Nothing else is important at this time."
Come On
Meaning/Usage: Urging someone; also used to try and speed things up
Explanation: There are many definitions of "come on." This is only one common way of using it.
"Come on, you can tell me."
"Oh come on, you have to be kidding me."
"Come on man, be serious for once."
A. "I heard the movie is sold out for tonight."
B. "Oh come on! I've been waiting weeks to see it."
Other Common Sentences
There are not many other sentences that are similar to this. The meaning is basically to allure or attract.
Never mind
Meaning/Usage: To forget about it; to express you don't need an answer any longer
Explanation: Although the sentences below are used in full sentences, this phrase is most commonly used by itself. For example, A: "Can you grab that pen for me?" B: "What did you say?" A: "Never mind."
"Never mind what you were going to do, we need to leave now!"
"Never mind what I said before, I was wrong."
"Never mind cooking dinner for me, I will be home too late."
A. "So what would you like me to fix for dinner tonight?"
B. "Never mind cooking anything for me, I will not be home until late."
A. "OK I will just cook for myself and the kids then."
Other Common Sentences
"The movie totally blew me away. It was awesome."
"The essay was very creative and original. I was very impressed."
"I've never seen anything like that before."
Over one's head
Meaning/Usage: When something is mentally too difficult to understand.
Explanation: To understand something, information needs to go inside the brain. This is used to say that the information failed to go inside.
"I don't know the answer to that problem. The subject is over my head."
"Don't bother explaining it to him. It's way over his head."
A: "I have to write a paper on the theory of relativity. Do you know anything about it?"
B: "I won't be able to help you. The theory of relativity is way over my head."
Other Common Sentences
"I don't understand the meaning. It might be too deep for me."
"It's beyond my comprehension, so don't bother trying to explain it.
Piece of cake
Meaning/Usage: Describes something that is easy to do.
Explanation: In the 1870's, cakes were given as prizes for winning competition. To the winner, it was an easy task. Therefore, "cake" started representing something easy. Another phrase that is similar is "cake walk," which also represents something that is easy.
"You won't have any problems with it. It's a piece of cake."
"It's not that difficult. Actually, it's a piece of cake."
"Learning to type is a piece of cake. It just takes persistence."
"Sociology 101 is a piece of cake. You should get an A in that class."
A: "I have an interview for citizenship tomorrow. Do you know what they ask?"
B: "The only questions they ask are in the manual they provide."
A: "Was it difficult?"
B: "Since all the questions and answers are already provided, it was a piece of cake."
Other Common Sentences
"My homework today was as easy as pie."
"The assignment was a breeze."
Sooner or later
Meaning/Usage: Eventually
Explanation: When something should happen, but you don't know when it will happen, you can use this term to express that it will eventually happen.
"Don't keep waiting for him to confess. He'll tell you sooner or later."
"He'll come to his senses sooner or later."
"She'll realize that she's doing something wrong sooner or later."
A: "Why does Sarah date so many guys. Doesn't she know most of them are jerks?"
B: "I know. She needs to get hurt before she'll realize what's going on."
A: "I guess she'll figure it out sooner or later."
B: "Yeah... but I'm hoping it is sooner than later."
Other Common Sentences
"I'm not worried about it. He'll eventually return my CD."
"I'll graduate from school eventually."
I can eat a horse
Meaning/Usage: To express the desire to eat a lot of food.
Explanation: One explanation is that there is a lot of meat on a horse. Also not many people eat horses, but they would if they are very hungry. Combining the willingness to eat a large quantity of meat, and the willingness to eat meat that is not normally eaten suggests that the person is extremely hungry.
"I'm so hungry that I can eat a horse."
"I feel like I can eat a horse right now."
"If I didn't eat anything for two days, I would feel like I can eat a horse too."
A: "I didn't eat anything all day."
B: "You must be really hungry."
A: "I can eat a horse right now."
Other Common Sentences
"I'm starving. I think I can eat a whale."
"I'm famished. I could eat anything right now."
Rings a bell
Meaning/Usage: To remember something
Explanation: A bell is used to alert us of many things such as a door bell, telephone bell, school bell, clothes dryer bell, etc. When we hear the bell, we know what the bell represents. To ring a bell became a way of saying that you remember something. Another explanation comes from Pavlov. He created an experiment where he rang a bell before he gave food to a dog. He did this repeatedly and the dog started to drool before he saw any food because the dog knew the food would come after the bell rang.
"I can't put my finger on it, but it definitely rings a bell."
"It rings a bell, but I'm not one hundred percent sure."
"Oh, oh, oh... that rings a bell. Where did I see that from?"
A: "Did you go to Martha Lake High School?"
B: "Yeah. Why?"
A: "I met this girl. Her name is Jane Summerland. Do you know her?"
B: "That name rings a bell, but I don't remember for sure."
Other Common Sentences
"That reminds me of something."
"That sounds so familiar."
"I know what you're talking about but I can't pin point it."
Sleep on it
Meaning/Usage: To take time to think about something.
Explanation: Some people report that they think more clearly after a good night sleep. Also, some people say they often times regret a decision they have made. When something is important, making a decision after a good night sleep is a good practice.
"I've been thinking about this problem for two hours. I think I will sleep on it. It might come to me in the morning."
"I don't think I can decide now. Let me sleep on it and I'll tell you my answer tomorrow."
"I'm going to need to sleep on it. I don't want to rush my answer right now."
A: "Do you know if you are going to buy the leather set or the cashmere set?"
B: "I've been thinking about it for three hours. I really can't decide."
A: "Why don't you sleep on it."
Play it by ear
Meaning/Usage: To decide to do something as the situation develops; choosing to deal with a situation as more events unfold.
Explanation: The original meaning is to play music without using a score or music sheet to look at. Just as a musician will play something unplanned without looking at something, this idiom is to do something unplanned depending on the situation.
"I'll have to play it by ear because I don't know how long they want me to work."
"We'll have to play it by ear for next Friday because everything is uncertain."
"Should we plan something for this Saturday or should we play it by ear?"
A: "What are you doing next weekend?"
B: "Nothing. Did you want to do something?"
A: "Yeah, but I might have to give my dad a ride to the train station. I don't know the exact time yet."
B: "Let's play it by ear then. Just call me when you find out for sure."
Other Common Sentences
"I don't have any reservations tonight so let's just wing it."
"We'll just do things as they come along."
Grab a bite
Meaning/Usage: To get something to eat
Explanation: "A bite" refers to food. This is a pretty literal so it is simply saying to get something to eat.
"When do you want to go grab a bite?"
"I don't have much time, so let's grab a quick bite."
"If you didn't have lunch yet, let's grab a bite to eat."
A: "Did you have lunch yet?"
B: "Not yet. I'm swamped with work."
A: "You have to eventually eat so let's just grab a bite somewhere close."
Other Common Sentences
"Let's go eat."
"Where should we have lunch today?"
"Let's have lunch together."
Take it easy
Meaning/Usage: To relax; to stop working so hard; to calm down
Explanation: Usually used to calm someone down when they are too excited, or when you want to tell someone to relax because they are working too much.
"You're pushing yourself too hard. Take it easy."
"Take it easy man. You're putting too much pressure on yourself."
"I don't want to take it easy so stop telling me to take it easy."
A: "Work has me working seventy hours a week."
B: "You should take it easy. You're going to get sick at this rate."
A: "I wish I could, but I have deadlines to meet."
Other Common Sentences
"Relax a little. You're overworked."
"Take a little break. You need it."
Go with the flow
Meaning/Usage: To do things as other people are doing it because it is easier to do; to not go against the common way of doing things
Explanation: Rowing up the river is very difficult to do. If you go with the flow, you are following the path of the least resistance.
"Why do you do everything differently? You should just go with the flow."
"If you don't know where the shuttle is, just go with the flow. Everyone is going in that direction."
"If you don't want to stand out, go with the flow."
A: "I got a speeding ticket. Do you think I should go to court to fight it?"
B: "What are you going to tell the judge?"
A: "That I was basically going with the flow."
B: "That's not going to work. I would just pay the fine."
Other Common Sentences
"Do it like everyone else does it."
"If you're unsure how to do it, see how everyone else is doing it."
"The best way not to stand out is to blend in with everyone."
Twenty-four seven
Meaning/Usage: Constantly; always available; every minute of the day and night
Explanation: There are 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week.
"7-11 is a great store because they are open twenty-four seven."
"If a business doesn't provide twenty-four seven customer support, they will not succeed."
"You better be careful because I'm going to be watching you twenty-four seven."
"They're available twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year."
A: "What web hosting place do you recommend?"
B: "Most of them are pretty good. Just make sure they have twenty-four hour technical support."
A: "All of them have twenty-four seven support. It's a necessity these days."
Section I
Bored to death
Meaning/Usage: Very bored
Explanation: Death is the worst thing, so using it to compare how you feel is telling someone that you are very bored.
"I have nothing to do. I'm bored to death."
"I hate it when I'm bored to death."
"Would you rather be super busy or bored to death?"
A: "Hey Seth, what are you doing?"
B: "I'm reading a book. What are you doing?"
A: "I'm bored to death. Let's do something."
B: "Sure. Come over and we can play some games."
Other Common Sentences
"I'm so bored, I could die."
"I'm dying of boredom."
You've got to be kidding
Meaning/Usage: This is used when a true statement is ridiculous.
Explanation: "Kidding" is the same as joking. When a person hears something that is true, but it is not expected, the person will use this idiom to express that the statement is ridiculous.
A: "Hey Jared. Mom told me to tell you that you shouldn't stay out too late."
B: "You've got to be kidding me. I'm 30 years old."
A: "Patrick won the school election by two votes."
B: "He's not that popular how did this happen?"
A: "Nobody voted because they expected Jason to win."
B: "You've got to be kidding me."
Other Common Sentences
"I really hope you're wrong."
"Please tell me it ain't so."
Sick and Tired
Meaning/Usage: Used when you no longer enjoy something because you have done it too many times.
Explanation: It is common to say, "I'm sick of it" or "I'm tired of it." Both of these are negative terms. If you have to do something again, it will either make you feel sick or tired because you do not enjoy it.
"I'm sick and tired of eating the same thing for lunch everyday."
"I'm getting sick and tired of this song. They play it way too often at this club."
"I'm sick and tired of listening to him nag all the time."
A: "Where are you going for lunch today?"
B: "I don't know... how about a burger?"
A: "No. I eat that almost everyday. I'm getting sick and tired of them."
B: "Let's go eat teriyaki then."
Other Common Sentences
"I'm getting sick of this phone. I think I'll buy a new one."
"I'm tired of the same routine. I need to find something new and different."
Call it a day
Meaning/Usage: Used to express that the work day is over.
Explanation: "Call it" is often times used to make a decision. When you add "day" to this, then a person is making a decision to say that the day is over. This is mostly used to end a working day.
"Let's call it a day. I'm too tired to continue working."
"We can't continue working without Mike, so let's call it a day."
"It's already nine o'clock. Let's call it a day."
A: "How much more work do we have for tonight?"
B: "I think we finished everything for the day."
A: "Good. Let's call it a day then."
Other Common Sentences
"Let's turn in for the night."
"I think we should pick it up from the morning."
pick it up = continue
Get on one's nerves
Meaning/Usage: Used when someone or something is bothering you.
Explanation: Your body uses your "nerves" to feel any sensation such as a tap on the shoulder, a poke, a hot fire that is too close, or anything else. In this phrase, "nerves" is not used in a physical way, but to express that they are feeling bothered by what is happening.
"You're beginning to get on my nerves."
"Will you please stop doing that? It's getting on my nerves."
"His whining is getting on my nerves."
A: "He doesn't like his birthday present."
B: "He's starting to get on my nerves. It's one thing to not like it, but it's another to complain about it. We tried our best to get him a good present."
A: "Yeah. It's bothering me too."
Other Common Sentences
"You're beginning to annoy me."
"His complaints are starting to bother me."
My husband is a couch potato. He sits in front of the TV all day long.
Couch potato
Meaning/Usage: Used when someone watches too much television.
Explanation: This was created for someone watching too much television because in some western countries, a person usually sits on the "couch" and eats "potato" chips while watching television.
"My husband is a couch potato. He sits in front of the TV all day long."
"You have a huge belly because you're a couch potato."
"I should be more active and less of a couch potato."
A: "James. We're going to play basketball. Do you want to play?"
B: "No, I'm going to watch TV today."
A: "You did that all day yesterday. You better stop being a couch potato or you're going to get a big fat belly."
Other Common Sentences
"Good luck trying to get his attention. He's glued to the television."
Read one's mind
Meaning/Usage: When someone says something that you were also thinking about.
Explanation: This is a stronger way of saying, "I was thinking of that too."
"You read my mind."
"I was going to suggest that. You must have read my mind."
A: "Do you want to go play pool?"
B: "You read my mind. That's exactly what I was thinking too."
Feel blue
Meaning/Usage: Feel sad
Explanation: Long time ago, blue was related to the rain. Whenever the fictional god Zeus was sad, he would make it rain (crying).
"What a gloomy day. It makes me feel blue."
"Whenever I feel blue, I like to listen to upbeat music."
"Matt's feeling a little blue right now. Let's go cheer him up."
A: "Where is Matt these days? I haven't seen him in a while."
B: "He feels a little blue because he can't find a girlfriend."
A: "Let's go cheer him up."
Other Common Sentences
"I feel a little depressed right now."
"I don't know why, but I just feel sad."
"Even though it's a nice day, I feel gloomy inside."
Fender bender
Meaning/Usage: A small car accident
Explanation: "Fender" is the car body part that is right above the tire. "Bender" is derived from bend. Since the fender is a small part compared to the hood and door, and bend is not as bad as break or crack, combining these two indicates that the accident is very small. Like a small dent or scratch.
"I got into a small accident. It was just a fender-bender."
"I got into a fender bender in the parking lot."
"I can’t believe the damage is going to cost me 800 bucks. It was just a fender bender."
A: "I got into a car accident."
B: "That sucks. You didn’t get hurt did you?"
A: "No. It was just a fender bender."
Other Common Sentences
"It was a small accident."
"I rear ended him, but luckily there was no damage."
Get foot in the door
Meaning/Usage: Taking or passing the first step of a longer process; Generally used when referring to an entry level position that will eventually lead to better opportunities.
Explanation: There is no use trying to get to the 10th floor if you can't even get through the door. So getting through the door is extremely important. This statement expresses optimism.
"It's not a great position, but at least my foot is in the door."
"I need to find a way to get my foot in the door."
"I'm doing an internship for SK Telecom. It's an opportunity to get my foot in the door."
A: "Did you find a job yet?"
B: "No. I'm still looking."
A: "With the sagging economy, it's hard to find a job."
B: "Yeah. I'm even considering a lower position. At least I'll have my foot in the door."
Other Common Sentences
"I'm working in the mail room. But I'm hoping I can change positions now that I'm in the company."
"I hate my position, but it's the only way I could start in this company."
Chicken
Meaning/Usage: Being afraid or scared
Explanation: Chickens are very timid, afraid or scared of many things. It is common to use animals to express traits such as "sly as a fox" or "strong as a bear."
"There's nothing to be scared of. Don't be a chicken."
"Everyone thinks I'm a chicken because I didn't go bungee jumping with them."
"Stop being a chicken and just go."
A: "Did you ask Martha on a date?"
B: "No. I was about to, but I got a little nervous."
A: "You're such a chicken."
Other Common Sentences
"I didn't know you were afraid of insects. You're a scaredy cat."
"He's a coward. He wouldn't even go on the rollercoaster ride."
"Jack is scared of everything. He's such a sissy."
Give somebody a hard time
Meaning/Usage: Make someone feel bad for making a mistake.
Explanation: This can be done by complaining to the person a lot, ignoring the person, giving them a punishment, or anything that will make the person go through a hard or difficult time.
"Suzie gave him a hard time for not showing up to her recital."
"Stop giving me a hard time. There was nothing I could do about it."
"If you don't finish your project, the manager is going to give you a hard time."
A: "My mom gave me a hard time for one bad grade on my report card."
B: "That's a tough situation. My parents never gave me a hard time for bad grades."
Other Common Sentences
"Albert is making it difficult for me."
"He's getting on my case about my comment."
Make up one's mind
Meaning/Usage: Make a decision
Explanation: This is usually used when someone can't make a decision. Not only does it mean to make a decision, it also implies to do it quickly.
"We don't got all day, make up your mind."
"Make up your mind, we don't have much time."
"I can't make up my mind. Can you help me decide?"
"If you don't make up your mind, I'll choose for you."
"Both of them look really good. I can't make up my mind."
A: "I don't know which one to get."
B: "They're both pretty good, so just pick one."
A: "I always regret it when I pick the wrong one."
B: "You're picking between white chocolate or regular chocolate. There is no wrong answer so hurry up and make up your mind."
Other Common Sentences
"I can't decide which one to take."
"I don't know if I should get the Volvo or the Ford."
"I like both of them too much to decide."
Stay in touch
Meaning/Usage: To stay connected
Explanation: When you can touch someone, you are literally close to that person. "Stay in touch" is indicating that the person wants to keep communicating so they will be "close" as friends.
"Call me more often man. We got to stay in touch."
"I hope you stay in touch with me. I'll give you my contact information."
"Let's stay in touch. I'll email you whenever I can."
"Are you staying in touch with her, or are you guys not talking any more?"
A: "Since you are moving to England, I'm really going to miss you."
B: "Yeah. I'm going to miss you a lot too."
A: "You promise that you'll stay in touch?"
B: "Of course. We'll always keep in touch."
Other Common Sentences
"Keep in touch. I'll want to know how you're doing."
"Julie told me that she would keep in touch with me."
Keep an eye on
Meaning/Usage: To watch after; to supervise; to take care of
Explanation: When you have your eye on something or you are watching something, then you are paying attention to something or someone.
"Can you keep an eye on my daughter while I go get the car?"
"Don't worry about your luggage. I'll keep an eye on it."
"My mom will keep an eye on our equipment while we go get the truck."
A: "Excuse me sir."
B: "Yes."
A: "I have to go to the bathroom. Can you keep an eye on my suitcase for a minute?"
B: "No problem."
Other Common Sentences
"Can you watch my bag for me?"
"Can you watch my suitcase while I go to the bathroom."
I go on a hike every now and then.
Now and then
Meaning/Usage: Once in a while
Explanation: "Then" is an unspecific time in the future. When a person does not do something regularly, they can use this phrase to imply once in a while.
"I go on a hike every now and then."
"My mother calls me every now and then to see if I'm doing well."
"It's not something I can do all the time, but I do it every now and then."
A: "Do you like skiing?"
B: "I really enjoy skiing. It's one of my favorite sports."
A: "You must go very frequently then."
B: "I wish I could, but it's too expensive, so I only go every now and then."
To go to bat someone: To defend somebody.
I’m tired of going to bat for you and your show.
Call the shots: To make the decisions.
So, you’re calling the shots now?
Throw in the towel: To give up.
Throw in the towel.
The home stretch: To complete something.
Being tough. You’re in the home stretch.
Give it your best shot: Do your best
Well, then Nigel.
Give your best shot.
To get off the hook: To escape punishment.
I don’t have a choice.
I get some kind of hope in you come back over the railing, get
off the hook here.
The ball is in your court: It’s up to you.
I said no. But you need, right back in the driver’s seat.
So, the ball is in his court?
I could use something: When you would really like to have
something.
Well, do either of you smoke?
No, not usually, but yeah, I could use one (cigarette) right
now.
Be in a rut: To be stuck in a boring or unchanging routine,
often feeling unmotivated or uninspired. It usually implies doing the same
things repeatedly without any excitement or progress.
You’re stuck in a rut. That’s why you can’t face retirement.
No big deal: Not important or not a problem.
Forget it mom, it’s no big deal.
No, it is a big deal.
At the drop of a hat: It means immediately, quickly and
without hesitation.
I can’t just stop at the drop of a hat.
To close in on
sb/sth: To gradually get nearer to someone or something, esp.in order to attack
them
It’s the fire nation. They’ve closed in on the North Pole.
To zip it: To stop talking immediately
You ask too many questions. How about you zip it for a
minute, okay?
It’s straightforward: It’s simple
Seems straightforward enough.
Can you give me a hand? Can you help me.
Elena, can you give me a hand here?
I’m ranging to go: I’m eager
But you’re looking fit and raring to go, Mr Gupta?
It’s horrendous: It’s awful
I made a horrendous mistake.
I washed my hands of you: It means I’m done with you or I
don’t want to continue my relationship with you.
Demure: Reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a
woman).
Now, Lucy, I know it’s our first date, and you need to
appear demure.
Don’t patronize me: Don’t treat me as if I’m less capable or
intelligent.
Don’t patronize me. Don’t do that.
Word for word: Using exactly the same words that someone
spoke or wrote.
No, Carrie, some of that stuff really happened word for
word.
Clockwise: In the direction in which the hands of a clock
move.
Would you be open to rotating the couch clockwise 30
degrees?
No
I can’t wrap my head around it: Someone is unable to
understand or comprehend something, often because it is complex, confusing, or
strange; essentially, they can't grasp the concept fully.
Just can’t wrap my head around this.
Throw shade: To
criticize someone or something publicly and show that you do not respect them.
They don’t want us down there. They’re throwing shade.
You are such a hypocrite: Means that someone says one thing
but does another. It implies they are being honest about their beliefs or
actions.
You are such a hypocrite mother.
That time of the month: To be on one’s period
But be that time of the month.
Vertically challenged: short
There’s a lot of benefits of being vertically challenged
To break wind: To fart
Oh, dear. Did I break wind?
Fall through: It’s said when an arrangement, plan sale or
deal fails to happen.
The deal fell through, honey.
Turn a blind eye: To intentionally ignore something that you
know is wrong, and pretend you do not see it.
I can’t turn a blind
eye to terrorism.
You are a catch: is a compliment to say that someone
has qualities that make them attractive as a partner, not necessarily only
physically but in their attributes
You’re a great catch.
Whip up something: To make food or a meal very quickly and
easily.
Hey, you wanna stick around and I will whip you up some
dinner?
Look on the bright side: To find good thing in a bad
situation.
Look on the bright side.
chopped liver: Someone or something that is not at all
important or deserving of respect: He didn't even say hello to me. What am I —
chopped liver?
I loathe you: Means you dislike or hate someone very
much, often with disgust or intolerance. For example, you might loathe
doing housework or the idea of being a soldier.
I loathe you.
It’s like watching paint dry: Something is very boring
It’s like watching paint dry.
Kick it up a notch: To increase the intensity, effort, or
excitement of something; essentially, to do something better or more vigorously
than before, often used in casual conversation to signify taking things to the
next level.
Might I suggest we kick things up a notch?
Can’t stand/Someone or something: To dislike someone or
something very much.
I mean, I had a
great time with you.
I just can’t stand your friends.
Pet peeve: something that a particular person finds
especially annoying.
What is Monica’s biggest pet peeve?
one of my biggest pet peeves is poor customer service.
I’m not cut out: Not suited to or capable of doing some
activity or task.
You’re not cut out for this kind of work
See If I care: See if I care" means that you are completely indifferent to something someone is saying or doing, essentially saying "go ahead and do it, I don't care at all" - it's usually used in an annoyed or angry tone to express a strong lack of concern.
Example: See If I care.
"You can go to
the party without me, see if I care!"
A bad egg: Someone who is dishonest, unreliable, or a
generally unpleasant person.
I’m a bad egg.
I lost my train of thought: To be talking and then suddenly
forget what you were talking about.
Wait… I lost my train of thought. What was I saying?
Every cloud has a silver lining: every difficult or sad
situation has a comforting or
more hopeful aspect,
even though this may not be immediately apparent.
Remember, every cloud has a silver lining.
Sorry to barge in: To
walk into a room quickly, without being invited, to rudely interrupt someone or
something.
I’m sorry to barge in like this.
A hoarder: A person who accumulates things and ides them
away for future use.
The woman was a desperate hoarder.
Bent out of the shape: Angry or agitated
I got so bent out of the shape about you and that house.
I won’t keep you any longer: I won’t take any more of your
time.
Well! I won’t keep you any longer, I know how busy you are.
Bounce back: It means to recover quickly from a setback,
adversity, or difficult situation. It implies resilience and the ability to
return to a normal state after facing challenges.
You’ll bounce back some day.
Step up: It means to take on someone responsibility, improve
your performance, or increase your effort, especially in response to a
challenge or need.
It’s good that you stepped up today.
Savvy: Someone who is savvy is clever and knows how to deal
with situations successfully. A person who has or show practical knowledge and
experience.
She is very savvy business woman.
Let sleeping dogs lie: To avoid bringing up old problems or
bad situations that could lead to trouble or complications if disturbed.
I know that our parents told us to act normal and let
sleeping dogs lie.
Cut to the chase: To start talking about what is really
important without wasting time.
And we’re both busy, so I’ll cut to the chase.
Get under someone’s skin: To annoy or irritate someone
deeply and persistently, often to the point where they can’t stop thinking
about it.
You’ve lived with suspicion too long. It’s got under your
skin.
Keep me posted: Regularly give (someone) the most recent
news about something.
Hey, eh! Keep me posted on things.
Thigh slapper: a very funny joke, remark, story or incident
What?
Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize the concept of our being
married was such a thigh-slapper.
To give someone the cold shoulder: To intentionally ignore
someone or treat someone in an unfriendly way.
Darling, how long do you intend on giving the cold shoulder?
Lurch, please remind my parents that I’m no longer speaking
to them.
Knock it off: Used to tell someone to stop doing something
that you find annoying or foolish.
Ok, knock it off.
To miss out on something: To fail to benefit from something
useful or fun by not taking part in it.
Mack, I don’t want miss out on life because you’re afraid to
leave this pond.
On our behalf: As our representative, instead of us
I wonder… Might I ask you to speak to them on our behalf?
Phony: 1. Someone who pretends to be someone else or to have
feelings or abilities that he or she does not really have.
2. Something that is not real or genuine; fake; counterfeit.
She hates phonies. I totally hate phonies, too.
Dare need: Desperately urgent need, pressing need.
Are you gonna refuse a wounded man in dire need of medical
attention?
Walk out on: Depart or leave suddenly or angrily.
You walked out on me, when you lied to me.
That’s beside the point: Not relevant or important to the
subject you are discussing.
Actually I drive a jeep. But that’s beside the point.
Bless you! A phrase said to a person who has just sneezed in
front of you.
Bless you!
Thank you.
Keep your chin up: Encourage someone not to give up and to
remain cheerful despite a difficult situation.
Anyway, keep your chin up.
It’s all Greek to me: It’s confusing
Uh, it’s, uh, it’s all Greek to me.
Spot on: Completely accurate or correct
It’s spot on, Dave.
Basket case: Someone who is emotionally unstable, unable to
act normally.
All he needs is to be around someone who is not selfish
basket case, who’ll give him a little space, who’ll treat him like a man.
Walking on air: Feeling very happy, almost like you’re
floating because of your happiness. People say this when something good
happens, like hearing great news or reaching a goal.
I’m walking on air.
On credit: With an arrangement to pay later
Are you going to pay for that any of that?
Oh,right, right. No, this is on credit.
Yeah, I’m gonna pay it back later.
Call it a day: To finish work
Ok, let’s call it a day.
To have a lot on your plate: To have a lot of work
Unfortunately, I have a lot on my plate today’s work.
To go the extra mile: To do more than is expected
I appreciate you going the extra mile for grandma.
To burn the midnight oil: To work late
Wow, Ben, burning the midnight oil?
You know me sir.
To work your fingers to the bone: To work hard
I worked my fingers to the bone for you.
A couch potato: A lazy person
My only son is a couch potato.
Hit the ground running: Start work
I’m gonna hit the ground running.
Get past something: To be able to stop something from
affecting you, upsetting you, or influencing you.
Dude, can we just get past that?
To face something: To confront or deal with some situation
with a particular attitude.
Facing your fear is not easy. But I am here for you.
Scrapper: Someone who is always ready for a fight.
Now, let this scrapper, come to me.
Stand up for: To
defend or support a particular idea or a person who is being criticized or
attacked.
I think we can all be proud to live in a Riverdale where
young people stand up for justice.
Demeaning: Is used to describe actions or words that lowers
someone’s dignity, making them feel less valued or respected.
Why are constantly demeaning women?
To be overkill: To be unnecessary
It’s overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our
mandate.
To be behind the times: To be outdated
You guys are really behind the times.
To be as silent as a grave: To be quiet
Man is as silent as a grave
I’m up to my ears: I’m busy
I’m up to my ears on Mike’s case.
Long story short: Give a short version or only the conclusion
of a long story.
Long story short, the store is gone.
She is so basic: She is so boring
She is so basic.
I’m not basic
Enjoy your meal: Used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal
they are about to eat.
Never mind, enjoy your meals.
My heart skips a beat: Feeling very excited or nervous.
You make my heart skip a beat.
God willing: Used to express hope for something.
God willing, there will be.
To reminisce: To think, talk or write about old times, past
experiences that you remember with pressure.
We were talking and reminiscing about old times last night.
We were just reminiscing about old times, weren’t we?
So, what are you reminiscing about?
But no one likes to reminisce about old slave days.
I’d like a little time to reminisce.
Enough reminiscing, right?
Follow in someone’s footsteps: Do the same thing as someone
else, especially someone in your family, previously did.
I have no interest in following in your footsteps.
Fair and square: Doing something honestly and according to
the rules, without any cheating or deception involved.
Don’t be silly, you’ve earned it fair and square.
Rake in: To earn or receive a lot of money or profits,
especially when it is done easily and quickly.
When we raked in exponentially more money than every other
night.
Ruthless: Having or showing no pity or compassion for others
Mean: Not kind to people, cruel, harsh, dangerous
The Louis I know, wouldn’t be defeated by something like
this. He is Ruthless, he is mean.
Call the shots: To be the person who makes the decisions; be
in charge; and give orders.
I’m calling the shots now. And to start, I’m driving.
To hit the hay: To go to bed in order to sleep
Daddy?
What are you doing up?
I can’t sleep.
But you need to hit the hay buddy.
Goody two shoes: A person who always behaves well and has a
disapproving attitude to people who do not
Okay, I don’t know much about this kind of stuff. And I can
tell that you’re having fun so I don’t wanna be Miss goody two shoes.
Do it, judge me.
Bite the bullet: Stop waiting and do something difficult
I’m afraid we’ll just have to bite the bullet on this thing.
Go with the flow: To adapt to whatever happens
A good fighter needs to know how to improvise to go with the
flow.
Gutted: Disappointment
I’m gutted
Daft: Stupid
Don’t be daft.
Leg it: Run away
Quick, leg it!
Scran: Food
Ok, get some scran
Muppet: Stupid
No, hold my hand, you muppet
Nowt: Nothing
I’ve done nowt. I’m innocent.
Have beef with someone: To have a disagreement or conflict
with someone. This slang implies that there is some sort of problem or ongoing
tension between individuals.
Have you ever had beef?
Like, with someone like fighting?
Bark up the wrong tree: To make the wrong choice; to ask the
wrong person; or to follow a mistaken idea.
I think you’re backing up the wrong tree.
To take someone for granted: Fail to properly appreciate
someone important in your life
I’m really sorry, I took you for granted.
Chicken out: To decide not to do something, usually because
of fear or cowardice.
I’m not chickening out!
Beseech: To urgently ask someone to do something; to beg
And I beseech all of
you to aspire to embrace our core values.
Pass down to: To give something someone who is younger,
typically within a family or from one generation to the next. It often refers
to traditions, knowledge, or possessions that is transferred from older to
younger family members.
It’s an old remedy passed down in my family from generation
to generation.
Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree: Children often
resemble their parents in behavior or traits. Though it can be positive, it’s
more commonly used negatively to highlight that a child has inherited
undesirable habits or flaws from a parent.
I guess the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Presumptuous: Being confident or bold, often overstepping
boundaries or taking liberties in a way that can be seen as disrespectful or
inappropriate.
Miss Bridgerton thought me presumptuous, arrogant,
insincere.
Let someone off the hook: To release someone from a
difficult situation or to excuse them from a responsibly or obligation they were
expected to handle.
Of course. Let him off the hook like you always do.
Playing the violin: Playing with emotions
They’re exploiting these people and you know it.
What I know is you’re the same old Mike playing that violin
to get me to help.
In a bind: In difficult situation
You know I didn’t know.
I don’t know anything of the kind.
What I do know is you’re in a bind.
Once in a blue moon: Very rarely
Oh, come on, I asked you to dinner once in a blue moon.
Whenever I do, you drop everything.
Leave high and dry: Leave someone in difficult situation.
I could leave you high and dry right now. You know that.
You’re getting under my skin: You’re annoying me
I’m here to apologize. Look, you got under my skin when you
called me an experience. Because the truth is, I haven’t been doing this very
long.
Burning the candle at both ends: Working hard without rest
I was hoping we could have dinner tonight.
I probably have to meet with Oliver tonight, too.
Mike, I’m just worried about you burning the candle at both
ends.
Be under the gun: Under pressure
I’m sorry. I’ve been totally under the gun at the office,
but I think we’re out of the woods.
Try me: Give me a chance
We had a great night. Listen, you have to go.
He wouldn’t understand.
Try me.
Shoot yourself in the foot: Causing trouble.
But this isn’t about whether or not Mike calls back. This is
about you not letting Mike call the shots.
I let him call the shots. All he’s going to do is shoot
himself in the foot.
May be.
Act up: (Of a machine or part of body) not work properly or
cause problems
Is back acting up again?
A little bit.
You should try yoga.
Take after: Be similar to an old member of your family in
appearance or character.
Thank God, she takes after her mother.
I’m taciturn: I’m usually silent. I don’t talk much.
A taciturn man
Of one’s very own: Used to emphasize that something belongs
to a particular person and to no one else.
At that moment, I wanted nothing so much in all the World as
to have a vase of my very own.
I’ve been there: Used to say that one has experienced the
same thing that someone else has experienced.
I’m sorry, I was just…
It’s not funny. This is actually my job.
No, believe me, I’ve been there.
Lame: Very boring
Pretty lame huh?
Crappy: Poor quality
I’ve had a crappy couple of days.
That sucks: That’s really bad.
That sucks.
You reap what you sow: It means that your actions, whether
good or bad, have consequences. In order words, the effort and behavior you put
into something will determine the results you get.
You reap what you sow.
Par for the course: Typical, something you would expect to
happen (it comes from golf course)
Rejection is difficult to take, but it’s par for the course.
Track down: Search for or pursue someone or something until
located or captured.
I’ll track her down eventually.
Not have a clue: To not know anything about something, to be
unable to deal with something
You know what, you don’t have a clue when it comes to
dealing with kids.
Well, if you think you’re so good at it, why don’t you give
it a shot?
Ok, I will.
To nip something in the bud: To stop something immediately
so that it does not become a worse problem.
It sucks. It’s a sucky idea.
Nip it in the bud.
To throw money down the drain: To waste money
I mean that’s 78 cents down the drain.
To make a fortune: Acquire great wealth by one's
own efforts
Let’s make a fortune.
To be broke: To have no money
How broke are you?
Desperately
Tighten one’s belt: To spend less money
Fred Andrews will have to tighten his belt
Cost an arm and a leg: Very expensive
Must’ve cost you an arm and a leg, huh?
A rip-off: Something overpriced.
That much lemonade, I felt a little ripped off.
I can’t wrap my head around: Unable to comprehend something
that one considers illogical, confusing, complicate.
I’m trying to wrap my head around being a father.
Goof around: Spend time doing nothing important or behaving
in a silly way.
May be they were just goofing around.
What’s eating you? : Used for asking what is annoying or
bothering someone. Why is someone in a bad mood?
What’s eating you sweetheart?
Repercussion: An effect or result of an action, usually
negative or unintended.
We don’t even know what kind of repercussions; we’re dealing
with yet.
Let bygones be bygones: Forgive someone for something done
or for a disagreement and to forget about it.
Let bygones be bygones, trust me; resentment gets old.
To think it over: Consider something seriously
You think it over, rest Avner. They you come back
It’s top-notch: It’s very good
You’d be a top-notch fashion photographer.
To cut back on something: To consume less
Cut back on any alcoholic drinks, tobacco, caffeine
Gibberish: Words that have no meaning or are impossible to
understand.
All the writing in Barbie Land is actually just gibberish,
it’s just scribbled the way kids kinda write.
On edge: Nervous, tense, unable to relax
I’m sorry, did I scare you?
I’m just a little on edge.
Beat around the bush: To delay or avoid talking about
something difficult or unpleasant.
May be I was beating around the bush earlier!
Don’t beat around the bush, Leonard.
I’m pumped: I’m excited
Cool, yeah, I’m pumped up about it. Cool. Yeah.
It’s a piece of cake: It’s easy
Oh, relax, fellas. This is gonna be a piece of cake.
I’m swamped: I’m busy
But I’m swamped and I don’t have time to teach you about
cuisine.
Insensitive: Not realizing or caring how other people feel
and therefore likely to hurt or offend them
And I’ve been thinking about what you said, and I find it
totally insensitive.
I’m being insensitive, really?
Yeah.
How?
Thrifty: Careful about spending money and not wasting
things.
How can you afford this place? Have you been dealing with
drugs?
No, I’m thrifty. I cut my own hair and walk to work.
Run a business: To be in charge of a business.
I was too busy running a business.
On thin ice: To be in a risky or potentially dangerous
situation.
You’re already on thin ice with me.
Lead by example: Guide others through your behavior instead
of your words.
If you’re going to ask us to run, don’t you think you should
lead by example?
Hunky-dory: It’s a used to describe a situation, condition,
or state that is satisfactory, fine, or going well. When things are “hunky
dory”, there are no problem or concerns.
You all seem hunky-dory.
That’s why I make sure everything was hunky-dory.
Throw a party: to plan, arrange and host a social gathering.
I’m throwing your mom a birthday party.
To wing it: To do something without proper preparation or
plans
There’s no town on the map.
Well then, maybe we should just forget the map and wing it.
We can’t wing it. We need a new plan.
Make ends meet: Have enough money to buy what you need to
live.
Took the night job to make ends meet.
Put yourself in their shoes: Imagine how someone else feels
in a difficult situation so as to understand or empathize with their
perspective, opinion or point of view.
Put yourself in their shoes for a change
To be hooked on something: To be addicted to something
You’re gonna get hooked on that thing.
The Last Straw: The latest problem in a series of problems
that makes a situation impossible to accept.
That’s it, this is the last straw.
To have a blast: To have fun
Everyone is having a blast.
Hey V how did your holiday go?
Um that was a
nightmare.
What?
I felt it during the
holiday!
Oh, my goodness!
I like it. How about you?
Well I went to Hal
Long Bay with my friends.
Oh, I heard it was rainy
there right?
It was but, it was awesome. Uh, we stayed in, we watched movies, we played board games, actually we had a blast.
That’s amazing.
Hang out with: Spend time with
Hanging out with some friends probably.
Whatever: I don’t care
Whatever
Never mind: Forget about it
Never mind.
I’m all set: I’m ready
I’m all set.
Sure: Definitely
Sure
It’s up
to you: You choose
It’s up to you.
You kept this from me: Prevent someone from learning or
finding out something
And you kept this from me!
A needle in a haystack: Impossible to find.
It’s like a needle in a haystack.
When pigs fly: Something that’s impossible.
-I’d be glad to give you a tour sometime
-When pigs fly.
Cat got your tongue: Why aren’t you saying anything.
What’s matter? Cat got your tongue?
They are a dime a dozen: They are very common, easily found
or not valuable
They are a dime a dozen!
Strong suit: It refers to a skill, quality or talent that
someone excels at. It’s what they are particularly good at, their strength or
specialty.
Connecting with people is not her strong suit.
Chit-chat: To talk informally about matters that are not
important
Fellas, are we gonna chit-chat or are we gonna play?
Go for broke: To risk everything on one big effort to
possibly achieve success.
We’re going for broke. We are.. we are.. you know, we have
to get promoted.
To go with the flow: To accept the situation
Just gonna go with the flow.
You’re barking up the wrong tree: You’re mistaken
Barking up the wrong tree, MC Gruff
To run late: To be late.
I’m running late too.
I’m on board: I agree.
I’m on board with that, Rachel.
Cut it out: Stop it
Dad, cut it out!
It’s a breeze: It’s easy.
Without the parents, it’s a breeze.
It’s a no-brainer: It’s obvious.
Lenny, It’s a no-brainer.
Bounce: American slang for leaving or departing a place. It
is often used informally to indicate that someone is going to leave quickly or
abruptly.
Good to see you. Listen, I gotta bounce.
I’m dying to: I really want it
You really want it now?
I’m dying to now.
I beg to differ: I disagree (in a polite way)
I beg to differ
Have a safe trip: It’s a polite way of wishing someone well
on their journey. It conveys your concern for their safety and wellbeing while
they are away from home.
Have a safe trip.
I will.
Stale (of food): No longer fresh and pleasant to eat
These are stale.
Well, eat slow, we’re gonna make them last.
Back and forth: Moving first in one direction and then in
the opposite one many times. (between two places or people)
I mean, we’re always going back and forth.
Without further ado:
To proceed without delay or unnecessary talk. It’s used to skip formalities and
get straight to the main point.
So, without further ado, I’d like to welcome from the board
of directors of museum Minister James Redding.
You kept this from me: Prevent someone from learning or
finding out something
And you kept this from me!
A needle in a haystack: Impossible to find.
It’s like a needle in a haystack.
When pigs fly: Something that’s impossible.
-I’d be glad to give you a tour sometime
-When pigs fly.
Cat got your tongue: Why aren’t you saying anything.
What’s matter? Cat got your tongue?
They are a dime a dozen: They are very common, easily found or
not valuable
They are a dime a dozen!
Strong suit: It refers to a skill, quality or talent that
someone excels at. It’s what they are particularly good at, their strength or
specialty.
Connecting with people is not her strong suit.
Chit-chat: To talk informally about matters that are not
important
Fellas, are we gonna chit-chat or are we gonna play?
Go for broke: To risk everything on one big effort to
possibly achieve success.
We’re going for broke. We are.. we are.. you know, we have
to get promoted.
To go with the flow: To accept the situation
Just gonna go with the flow.
You’re barking up the wrong tree: You’re mistaken
Barking up the wrong tree, MC Gruff
To run late: To be late.
I’m running late too.
I’m on board: I agree.
I’m on board with that, Rachel.
Cut it out: Stop it
Dad, cut it out!
It’s a breeze: It’s easy.
Without the parents, it’s a breeze.
It’s a no-brainer: It’s obvious.
Lenny, It’s a no-brainer.
Bounce: American slang for leaving or departing a place. It
is often used informally to indicate that someone is going to leave quickly or abruptly.
Good to see you. Listen, I gotta bounce.
I’m dying to: I really want it
You really want it now?
I’m dying to now.
I beg to differ: I disagree (in a polite way)
I beg to differ
Have a safe trip: It’s a polite way of wishing someone well
on their journey. It conveys your concern for their safety and wellbeing while
they are away from home.
Have a safe trip.
I will.
Stale (of food): No longer fresh and pleasant to eat
These are stale.
Well, eat slow, we’re gonna make them last.
Back and forth: Moving first in one direction and then in
the opposite one many times. (between two places or people)
I mean, we’re always going back and forth.
Without further ado: To proceed without delay or unnecessary
talk. It’s used to skip formalities and get straight to the main point.
So, without further ado, I’d like to welcome from the board
of directors of museum Minister James Redding.
I get it: I understand.
Mark my words: Remember what I am saying.
Mark my words.
Hands off: Don’t touch
Gets your hands off me.
To be in a good shape: To stay fit
Other than that I’m in good shape.
Rain or Shine: To do something regularly.
Rain or shine, we’re gonna have school.
A shopping spree: A period of time in which one spends a
large amount of money purchasing many items, usually in an impulsive manner.
Of course I will be going on a shopping spree beforehand.
You’re breaking up:
The voice can no longer be heard clearly because the connection in not
strong enough.
Can you repeat that, you’re breaking up.
Dig in: To start eating or to invite someone to start
eating, and encourage them to eat as much as they want.
Now, dig in. It’s gonna get cold.
Run out of: To use all of something and not have any more
left.
They are running out of food, and there’s nothing to hunt.
Bells and whistles: Special features that are added to
product or system to attract more buyers.
Is this set up for MP3?
All the bells and whistles.
Come again: Ask someone to repeat something that you have
not heard or understand.
Example: I’m sorry. Come again!
To look up: To research
Example: I look it up online.
To get along with: To have a friendly relationship
Example: Some people in this office are not getting along
with other people in the office.
To find out: To learn something you didn’t know before.
Example: You’ll find out soon enough, senator.
Have it your way: If you say “have it your way”, you are
telling someone in an annoyed way that you will agree with or accept their
suggestion even though you do not think they are right.
Example: -I don’t need your advice
Have it your way.
But I would suggest trying this at least once.
Give it a go. You don’t know till you try.
Give it a go: To try something usually for the first time.
You’re getting older; these things are bound to happen occasionally.
To be bound to happen: Used when you are sure soothing will happen, because it is a natural consequence of something that is already known or exists.
Be a sucker for: Have a weakness or strong attraction
towards something or someone, often to the point of being easily persuaded or
manipulated.
Example: I guess I’m just a sucker for pretty face.
Other than that I'm in good shape.
To be in good shape: To stay fit.
Rain or shine, we're gonna have school.
Rain or shine: To do something regularly.
The ball is in your court
"If the ball is in someone's court, they have to do something before any progress can be made"
Example: It's up to you what to do, the ball is in your court now.
Sorry guys, back to the drawing board.
"To start planning something again because the first plan failed"
Oh, you can say that again!
"used to show that you completely agree with what someone has said"
Interesting idea mum, I will give that some thought.
"I will think about it"
"consider something"
Hold on a second.
Sure thing
"of course"
Vocabulary
Out of her mouth: When
we say that something came out of someone’s mouth that means that, that person
said those words.
Example: I have no
idea what you’re talking about. That never came out of my mouth.
We go in strong. We hold our ground. We let her know she’s done pushing us around.
Vocabulary
Go in strong: To begin
sth in a powerful, energetic way with conviction.
Example: They went in
strong, but the other team was much better, so they still lost the game.
Hold our ground: If you hold your ground, you are determined
not to lose or give up a fight, your opinion,etc in the face of opposition.
Example: We’ll try to
hold our ground and resist the enemy’s next attack.
To be done (doing something):
When you’re done doing something, that means you are finished doing it, you
have completed that action.
Example: I’m done
cleaning the kitchen. I think it looks good enough.
To push someone
around: Informal phrasal verb for treating someone roughly or inconsiderately.
Example: When we were kids, my older sister liked to push me around.
Manny, why are you so home early? Did you let him skip school?
No mom, I was kicked out for punching a really misunderstood kid; thanks to you.
Vocabulary
To skip school: To
skip an activity or event is to not attend it (not to be present at). To intentionally
miss class.
Example: Our neighbor
told me Mark was hanging out at this café all morning. I think he skipped
school.
To be kicked out: To
be forced to leave a place.
Example: Mammy has been
kicked out from his school for bullying a classmate because his mother gave him
some bad advice.
He drank too much and
got kicked out of the bar.
Thanks to someone or something: because of someone or something:
I told him everything. And you know what we realized? There is a bully in our life and it's you. You make the rules, you boss us around, and when we're not gonna take it anymore.
Vocabulary
Bully: A person who
continuously seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as
vulnerable.
Or to describe behavior of intimidating people who are weaker than you.
Example: His boss
bullies all the employees.
To boss (someone
around): To tell someone what to do (giving orders), often constantly, and in
an annoying way.
Example: My supervisor
is always bossing people around, even employees from other departments.
Ah, look at you two, standing up to the big, scary bully that loves you and protects you and wants you to be safe in this World.
Vocabulary
To stand up to (someone): To defend yourself against a powerful person or organization when they treat you unfairly.
Example: Her parents
didn’t believe in her plan, but she worked up the courage to stand up to them.
The
best option, hands down.
This
is used to emphasize something (definitely).
Example- She is hands down the best (There's no room for
doubt. She is definitely the best.)
This is a very common way that people
used to ask something politely.
Example -
I was wondering if you could help me with my project tomorrow.
Tell
me about it!
This
phrase is used ironically to tell someone that you understand what they're talking
about because you've had a similar experience.
Example -
It's been such a busy day at work. Uh,tell me about it!
Do
you happen to know where he is?
You
can use this phrase when you want to ask something politely.
For example:
Do you happen to know if there's a parking lot nearby?
That explains it.
This
phrase is used when you couldn’t understand something but then you get new
information that explains everything.
Hey,
it happens.
This
phrase is used as a response to a problem without complaining. It’s
usually a minor inconvenience and it can be yours or it's someone else's.
For example: I know it sucks but hey it
happens.
That makes sense.
People use
this phrase when they can easily understand something and they think it
makes sense so they agree.
For example: Why has Nora disappeared from social media? She started college, so she's probably busy. Oh yeah that makes sense.
It
is what it is.
It is what it is - People
use this phrase when they're in a difficult challenging situation that cannot
be changed and must be accepted.
For example:
I know it's tough. But it is what it is.
I
can't help it.
I can't help it -
This phrase is said when you are unable to act differently. It can be applied
to countless situations.
For
example:1. I know, I shouldn't drink coffee but I can't help it (I cannot
stop myself)
2. Elvis's song “I Can't
Help falling in love with youâ€
You know I always want to have a
legacy in the game. It's important to me and also to my family for my kids to
walk into that stadium that we've built in 20 years time and say daddy built
this. You know, that's something that I wanted to really to really have.
You know,
I had young kids coming up to me- boys, girls saying, you know, the reason why
we play this game, is because you came to America. And that's what I always
wanted from coming to America. Obviously, I wanted to win championships.
And it was just about giving back and yesterday
when I was in the stadium for our first game, um it just really felt that this
was the moment that I'd always wanted.
But more importantly, I wanted to provide something that, you know, most places that I've played in has- You know, a real kind of legacy and a real opportunity for children to play this great game.
I first met her- She came to watch
me in a game in London with her manager at the time, (yeah) and uh one of the
other Spice Girls, Sporty Spice.
Vocabulary
The spice girls - An English pop group consisting of five women. The media often distinguish between them by using a different adjective for each, for example, Sporty Spice and Posh Spice. The group's first five songs, released in 1996 and 1997, were all No 1 hits, including Wannabe, Say You'll Be There and 2 Become 1. Each member of the group has also recorded solo albums. They often appeared in the British media in the 1990s, talking about their philosophy of girl power, the idea that women should have a strong attitude about their identity, support each other and enjoy themselves.
And I was just establishing myself
in the Manchester united team at the time, (yeah) but we all had our favorite Spice
Girl. So um, that was the first time, I met her.
So then, the week after, I didn't
get to talk to her that that day but the week after, she then came back up to Manchester
to watch another game.
Um and she'd had a couple of drinks.
So, I decided, why not? You know, I'd try and get a number, and we talked for
about an hour in the player's lounge and then she actually got the train up that
day. So, she uh, she wrote her number down on her train ticket, which I still have.
It's a real dream. You know, obviously
when I when I was playing the game, you know, I never even dreamt for a minute
that I'd become an owner of a team.
I guess it’s going to be Australia (Oh, really)
Yep, because I’ve been to a lot of countries around the world
So there are some really interested ones
But Australia’s the one what I’ve had the best time.
Er.. my favorite country is France. It’s where I grew up and I love the countryside, the weather and the food.
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