Second to None

Second to None: the best, better than anything or anyone else

Context #1 – A friend is asking his roommate about restaurants

Mark: Hey, Mannie. What are you doing?

Mannie: Well, I’m looking for a really nice restaurant. I’ve decided to ask Tanya to marry me and I would like to do it in a romantic restaurant.

Mark: Congratulations! You make a great couple! I know a perfect restaurant right on the beach. It has a beautiful view and the food is delicious!

Mannie: Are you sure it is the best restaurant in the area?

Mark: I guarantee you that this restaurant is second to none. You will love it!

Context #2 – Friends talking about a concert

Cassandra: Hey, would you like to go see that new band “Things Hidden” tonight at the coliseum?

Tabitha: Oh, yes! I heard they are the best new band out there!

Cassandra: They are second to none! No other band can compare.

Tabitha: Let’s go early so that we can get really good seats.

Explanation: “Second to none” means the best or better than anything or anyone else. In context 1, Mannie wants to take Tanya to the best restaurant in town so that he can propose to her.  Mark assures Mannie that the restaurant he recommended is the best, or second to none. In context 2, the band that the two friends are going to see is the best new band in town. 

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To rip off

Idiom: to rip off (verb), a rip-off (noun) – to steal something from another person; to cheat or trick someone into spending more money on a product than what it is worth.

Context #1 – Friends are taking a tour of Los Angeles

Dan: Let’s go see the Hollywood sign next, but don’t leave your bag in the car.

Juan: Really? Why not?

Dan: Because there are thieves at popular sites who often rip off tourists who are not careful with their bags and belongings.

Juan: Oh, I see. That happens sometimes in my country, especially in areas where there are a lot of tourists.

Dan: Yes, so be careful.  If someone rips us off, then we will really be in trouble!

Context #2 – Two friends are talking about buying a car

Sami: I saw an advertisement for a new car. It’s so cheap, so I really need to get to that dealership to buy it now!

Petra: Sami, do you really believe that? It’s too good to be true. Those car dealerships rip everyone off.

Sami: Really? But they can’t lie to people. That’s terrible.

Petra: They put up those advertisements to get people to go to the dealership.  Then, they say unfortunately that “good deal” is no longer available. They are very tricky. Then they will pressure you into paying a lot more for a car than what it is really worth.

Sami: What a rip-off!! That’s outrageous.

Petra: Yes, it is. You are better off knowing the full market value and shopping around at many different places. Then, hopefully, you won’t get ripped off like so many customers.

Sami: That sounds like a plan!

Meaning: To rip off is a verb and a “rip-off” is a noun. This idiom means to steal something or to purposely deceive or trick someone into paying more for a product than what is necessary.  In context 1, two friends are touring Los Angeles and are afraid that if they leave their bags in the car, a thief will “rip them off” or steal their bags. In context 2, Sami sees a really good advertisement for a car, but Petra warns him that the car dealership may be trying to “rip him off” by getting him to go there through false advertising. 

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