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!

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A wolf in sheep’s clothing

Example 1:

Madeline: Watch out for him. I don’t believe he’s the “nice guy” everyone thinks he is.

Sally: How do you know?

Madeline: I don’t really have any proof, but I get a sense he’s just a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He’s being nice now, but he’ll take advantage of you if he can.

Example 2:

Allison: I just had the greatest experience at the used-car dealer! I met the nicest salesman who showed me so many great cars. He promised me he’d give me the best deal.

Bradley: Be careful, buddy! Used-car salesmen are not known for being the most honest people. They’re often characterized as wolves in sheep’s clothing. Just make sure that what he promises is what you pay. And DON’T sign anything until you’re sure.

Explanation:

A wolf in sheep’s clothing is a biblical idiom that is used to warn people against individuals who do not show their true intentions in order to gain from unsuspecting people. Imagine a wolf, generally a dangerous animal, disguising itself as a sheep in order to take advantage of someone. 

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Bootleg

Bootleg; used as an adjective, noun or verb

Context #1:

Maria: Do you want to watch the new Star Wars movie?

Henry: Yeah, but it's not out yet. Christmas seems so far away

Maria: I have a bootleg copy.

Henry: How did you get that?

Maria: I downloaded it. Come over tonight and we'll watch.

Henry: I don't know; I'd feel guilty.

Maria: It's up to you, but I'm going to watch it.

Meaning: The word "bootleg" means that something was obtained and/or sold illegally. In the above example, Maria downloaded a movie that hasn't opened in theaters yet. Since she didn't pay for the movie, it's a "bootleg"."Bootleg" can be used as an adjective, as in the conversation above, and as a noun, as in the previous sentence. It can also be used as a verb, as in the following example, which explains the word's past:

The word "bootleg" was first used in the late 19th century, and it's believed it originated with cowboys who hid small guns in their boots. Whatever the origin, the word "bootleg" was associated with secrecy. In the 1920s and early 30s, Prohibition was passed, making all alcohol illegal to sell or produce in the United States. Of course, some people started illegally selling, or bootlegging, alcohol that was either purchased in another country (often Canada) or made illegally. Since then, the term has been used for any illegal production and distribution, especially those of inferior quality when compared to the original item. A person can bootleg music (especially concerts recorded without permission), movies (often cheap DVDs, sometimes handheld recordings from inside movie theaters), software, toys, games and of course, homemade alcohol.

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Off-the-Cuff

Context #1 – Students in class at university

Vickey: I’m so confused after Professor Johnson’s lecture today. Did you understand any of it?

Mac: Not at all! He just makes a bunch of off-the-cuff remarks and thinks it is a lecture. I doubt he even knows what he is talking about.

Vickey: I agree. He doesn’t seem prepared at all and then he changes his mind in the middle of class.

Mac: Yes, he shouldn’t just speak off-the-cuff every day. He needs to prepare for his lectures.

Context #2 – Two friends talking about a person they saw on TV

Sierra:  Did you see Bob on TV last night?

Peter:  Yes, I saw him being interviewed on the 10:00 News.  He was amazing!

Sierra: Did you know that he was speaking off-the-cuff? He didn’t prepare his answers at all.

Peter: Wow! Really? I wish I could give off-the-cuff answers like that. He really sounded good.

Sierra: Well, he is really talented when it comes to public speaking. He is a quick learner.

Meaning: “Off-the-cuff” means unprepared or spontaneous and can be used as both an adjective and adverb. In Context 1, the students are talking about a professor who makes off-the-cuff remarks (used as an adjective), which make his lectures confusing. They both agree that the professor shouldn’t speak off-the-cuff (used as an adverb). In context 2, the friends think that Bob’s off-the-cuff answers in the interview on TV were very good. 

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