Thursday, September 22, 2016

To drive someone up the wall


Context #1

Bob: I really hate it when people throw their dirty cigarette butts on the ground. 
Joe: I know! It drives me up the wall too.



Context #2

Sarah: My boyfriend is always late. If he says he'll pick me up at 2, that means 2:30 or even later sometimes. 
Becky: That would drive me up the wall!

Meaning: To drive someone up the wall is an expression used to express that someone feels really frustrated, annoyed or even angry.

http://languagesystems.edu/
                                          

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

To get knocked up

Idiom: to get knocked up – to get (someone) pregnant


Context #1 – At a party with friends

James: I can’t figure out what do bring for my brother’s bachelor party next week.
Candy: Your brother is getting married? I didn’t know.
James: Yeah, he knocked up his girlfriend and they decided to get married.
Candy: Didn’t they date for seven years now. So it’s not really a big deal. They’ve been living together for such a long time anyway.
James: Yeah, we’re all pretty happy about it anyway.


Context #2 – Two friends having lunch

David:  How are you feeling these days?
Julie: Well, after I got knocked up I’m feeling pretty strange.
David: Why is that? I’m pretty sure your husband is happy though.
Julie: Oh, we really wanted a child, but my body is having some changes and I’m feeling strange.

Meaning: “(get) knocked up” means to get pregnant. People typically use this as slang and with close friends, family or acquaintances.You would never usually use this term in formal situation, for example with your boss. 

                                       http://languagesystems.edu/