Thursday, February 19, 2015

To imbue with

Idiom: To imbue with


Example #1:
Saul: What should we teach during summer camp this year?
Jay: I’m not sure, but remember last year’s camp? Our teachers really imbued us with a positive attitude.
Saul: That’s because we had a mature leadership crew last year.
Jay: I’m sure they imbued us with good values so we could have a positive influence on new camp members.

Example #2:
Leslie: Our mother really imbued us with good values, don’t you think?
Michael: She sure did.
Leslie: She really made an effort to influence us in a good way.
Michael: That’s why mom is the best.
  
Meaning: The expression "imbued with" means to influence or inspire someone to be filled with a feeling/custom. 
In the first example above, Leslie mentions that her mom "imbued her" with good values. That means her mother taught her how to be a good person.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

To run for

Idiom: To run for


Example I:
Hillary: Bill, I think I’m going to run for President in the next election.
Bill: That would be great.  I’m sure you will do a great job.
Maria: Many people suggested I didn't run for it this time around, but I still think I can make a difference.
Neil: Go for it.  I will support you all the way.

Meaning: The expression "to run for" means to try or attempt something. 
In the example above, Hillary wants "to run for" president because she feels that she is capable of being a good president.

Example II:
Aaron: Dude, my date wants to marry me after only one date.
John: It’s a good idea to run for it.
Aaron: It’s a bit scary considering we just met.
John: Uh, yeah. The situation sounds a little intense.

Meaning: In this example, the expression "to run for" means to run away or get away (as far as possible) from someone/something. 

In the example above, John suggests "to run for it” because he feels that the person Aaron is dating may be pushing the relationship faster than normal.