Hit the Airwaves

Idiom: Hit the Airwaves

Example 1:

Samira: What’s wrong, Giorgio? You look really nervous.

Giorgio: I am nervous. My band just finished its first CD. Now we have to promote it.

Samira:  Wow! That’s great!

Giorgio: So we are getting ready to hit the airwaves and start promoting it. We have an interview on “Coffee with the Girls” this afternoon. It’s a local TV show and it has a large following in this area.

Samira: Oh, I’ve seen that show! They have a lot of bands and singers as guests. That is so exciting!

Giorgio: Yes it is, but I’m also nervous because we are going to play a single from the CD and then they will interview us afterwards. It’s a live show, so I don’t want to make any mistakes.

Samira: Well, if you want to become famous, you have to hit the airwaves to promote your band. Don’t worry! You will be just fine.

Giorgio: Thank you for the encouragement, Samira!

Samira: Anytime!

Example 2:

Lilith: Quick! Turn on the TV to channel 4!

Liam: What? OK, but why?

Lilith: Do you remember that woman who had an affair with the mayor a few months ago? Myra Johnson?

Liam: Oh yes. Didn’t she disappear? No one has heard from her since the mayor confessed to the affair on TV and apologized to everyone.

Lilith: Yes, and the mayor blamed Myra Johnson for everything! Well, now Myra is hitting the airwaves with her side of the story.

Liam: Wow! Good for her. She shouldn’t be blamed for everything. I want to hear what she says.

Lilith: Me, too. Look, it’s starting!

Meaning: to go on radio or TV to promote something or to tell one side of a story.

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Bells and Whistles

Idiom: Bells and Whistles

Example 1:

Gerry: Congratulations, Kiki! I heard you passed the driver’s test!

 Kiki: Yes, I’m so happy. It took me three tries, but I finally have a driver’s license.

Gerry: So have you thought about buying a car?

 Kiki: Of course! My dad said he would help me, so we have been looking for cars together. It’s been a little difficult because he has a completely different idea about what kind of car I should buy.

Gerry: What do you mean?

Kiki: Well, I want a cute car with all the bells and whistles! Then I can drive around the town in style. But my dad wants me to start with something boring and basic.

Gerry: Actually, it’s probably better to just get a basic car at first without the bells and whistles. It’s cheaper and more practical.

Kiki: But it’s my first car!

Example 2:

Jackie: What’s the matter? You look upset!

Tommy: My computer crashed and I don’t think I’ll be able to repair it. I really can’t afford to buy a new computer right now!

Jackie: Don’t worry. Computers are not that expensive, especially if you buy a computer without all the bells and whistles. The more extras you add, the more expensive it will be.

Tommy: I guess you are right, but I really do a lot of things on the computer in addition to my work. I especially like gaming and you need a strong computer for that, one that has all the bells and whistles.

Jackie: Well, maybe you will just have to make a sacrifice for now. Get a basic computer and add the extras later when you can afford it.

Meaning: Extra; the things that a device or machine has or does that are not necessary, but that make it more exciting.

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