Search This Blog

Translate

Friday, December 22, 2017

to cut to the chase


Idiom: to cut to the chase; used as a verb

First Example:

Henry: ...and then, I asked if there was going to be a meeting about this, or if it was just a decision from management, but she couldn't tell me, although she did not seem to want a meeting...       
Patti: Can you just cut to the chase already? Are they making the change or not?
Henry: Oh, uh, yeah, the managers decided.
Patti: Great, thanks.

Meaning: The expression "to cut to the chase " means to focus on what's important. As in the above example, the expression is often used when someone is telling a story or giving background, but the other person just wants to know the final outcome.


Second Example:

Lou: I need a new assistant. Mine is not working out.
Nico: Why not?
Lou: She gets hung up on little details, but our office is such a fast-paced environment. I need someone who can cut to the chase and get things done.
Nico: I think I know someone who might be perfect. I'll tell her to send you her resume.
Lou: Thanks!

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

to drink like a fish


Idiom: to drink like a fish; used as a verb

First Example:

Darla: Oh, is Tom out sick?                          
Jane: You haven't heard? He got in an accident last night.
Darla: Was he drunk driving?
Jane: Yeah, how'd you guess.
Darla: I mean, he did drink like a fish. It was only a matter of time.

Meaning: The expression "to drink like a fish" means to excessively drink alcohol frequently. The expression is not used for someone who drinks on occasion (even if they get very drunk when they do drink), but rather, someone who drinks nearly every day.

Second Example:

Frances: I need to take it easy this weekend.
James: Why? You don't want to go out?
Frances: No, I've been going out too much. I think I've gone every night this month, and I've been drinking like a fish. I think I need to just chill and get some rest.
James: OK, but we're going out, so if you change your mind, you know where to find us!
Frances: The bar?
James: Of course!
Frances: You have fun. I'll stay in.

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

finger lickin' good


Idiom: finger lickin' good; used as an adjective

First Example:

Billy: Have you been to that new barbeque place?    
Etta: Yeah, and their ribs really are finger linkin' good.
Billy: Ooh, that sounds good, and now I want ribs.
Etta: Let's go for lunch!

Meaning: The expression "finger lickin' good " is used for especially good food. It literally that the food is so good that you will lick your fingers after, although not everyone who says the expression will literally lick their fingers. "Finger lickin' good" was initially a slogan for Kentucky Fried Chicken (now KFC), and while it is still sometimes used by the company, it has become a popular expression outside of KFC.

Second Example:                               

Mom: What do you want for dessert for your birthday? Cake?
Son: No. Can you make that finger lickin' good brownie you made last month?
Mom: Sure! That was good, wasn't it?

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu