To Choke

Idiom: to choke

Example 1:

Sam: How did you do on your biology test this morning?

Todd: Oh man, I totally choked. I couldn't remember any of the information I studied last night.  I can't believe it.

Sam: Really? That's too bad.

Example 2:

Chrissy: I have my first piano recital this Friday night. I'm getting so nervous.

Jane: Don't worry. You'll do fine. You practice a lot, right?

Chrissy: Yeah, I've been practicing for hours everyday, but I'm afraid I'll get really scared when I see the audience. What if I choke and mess up the whole piece of music?

Jane: Try to calm down. You'll be ok.

Meaning: To choke is an idiom that is used to describe someone who totally fails at a moment when they are expected or hoping to perform well.

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Zone Out

Idiom: to zone out

Example 1:

Tim: How was your history class today?

Chris: Well, I didn't sleep well last night, so I was so tired.  I pretty much zoned out the whole class.

Tim: You still look a little sleepy.  You'd better get some good sleep tonight.

Example 2:

Sara: Hey, Jill! Focus on the road!

Jill: I'm sorry. I was zoning out.

Sara: What were you thinking about? 

Jill: My boyfriend and I have been having problems and I guess I just started daydreaming.

Meaning: to zone out means that someone cannot concentrate and their mind starts to wander or daydream.

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