To shoot from the hip

Context #1

Dana: Karen, I need to buy a new shirt for my company dinner tomorrow night. I think I'm going to buy one of these two. What do you think? Which one?

Karen: Well, the red one with the yellow sleeves is interesting - and bright. It really catches the eye! But the white and blue shirt will probably look better with your skirt. I'm just not sure I like the pink buttons. Hmmm, I don't know. Let's ask Roger.

Dana: Roger, what do you think of these two shirts? Which one would you buy if you were me?

Roger: Neither. They are both ugly.

Karen: Wow. He really shoots from the hip.

Context #2

Dear Professor Andersen,

I wanted to write you to ask if our group could submit our project again. Joseph and I did a lot of research and planning. Fred, on the other hand, did very little work. Fred knew this, so he promised Joseph and I he would read and organize all of our work and put it all together. I guess he decided to shoot from the hip because none of our research was included - and he didn't do any. Joseph and I are very worried about our grade.

Thank you for your consideration,

Jane

Meaning: To say or do something without thinking carefully about it. This can be used in a positive or negative way. When this idiom is used, it can mean a person is direct and honest (positive) or careless and thoughtless (negative).

http://languagesystems.edu/

To miss the boat

Context #1

Dear Mrs.Goldberg,

I would like to express my interest in interviewing for the front desk position at Goldbergs and Associates. 

Would it be possible for us to meet this week?

Sincerely,

John Snowish

___________________________________________

Dear Mr. Snowish,

Thank you for your interest in our company.

Unfortunately this position has already been taken. 

I am sorry you missed the boat, but we will keep your resume and contact you when a similar position becomes available.

Best regards,

Mrs. Goldberg

___________________________________________

Context #2

Hey Cassie, 

How is everything in LA?

It's good to be back in Russia, but I miss you guys so, so, so much!

How is everything with you and the girls? How is Devin? Does he miss me at all? Do you think he likes me?

Seriously, I even told him I liked him and he never asked me out!

I'm telling you, if he says he likes me now, I am just going to tell him he missed the boat! It's too late. I don't even like him anymore...

Anyway, I hope all is well with you! 

Miss you!

Natasha

Meaning: to be too late to join an event or trend, or to late for an opportunity.

http://languagesystems.edu/