Fallen on deaf ears

Example 1:

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been warning people for years: smoking cigarettes is bad for your health. Beginning in 1965, the CDC required that warning labels be placed in small letters on the side of every package of cigarettes sold in the U.S. These warning labels read, "Caution: Cigarette Smoking May Be Hazardous to Your Health." The CDC updated its policy steadily from then and by 1981 had announced to the public that cigarette smoking did indeed cause cancer and other terrible conditions. However, these warnings have largely fallen on deaf ears, as young people continue to try cigarettes and begin to smoke regularly despite the mounting evidence of its risk. 

Example 2:

Julia: Hey, Becky. I'm having a problem with my boyfriend. I need your advice. 

Becky: I don't think so, Julia. I would really love to help you, but we've been through this so many times with all of your past boyfriends. Every other time you've come to me for advice, it just falls on deaf ears. 

Julia: That's not true! I listen to your advice as take it but the same things keep happening with each new boyfriend I have. They are always so jealous of my ex-boyfriends even though we've broken up.

Becky: Well, if you can remember, my advice is usually to stay single for a while in between relationships. You need time to get over one guy before you get involved with the next one. That might help you avoid this recurring problem.

Julia: Hmm, maybe you're right. I think I have to break up with my boyfriend. It's not working out and there's this cute new guy in my physics class that I've been talking to....

Becky: See what I mean?! You can't be helped!

Explanation: 

 to fall on deaf ears is an expression that is used when warnings or advice are ignored by the person/people receiving it. 

In example 1, the advice from the CDC falls on deaf ears because people continue to smoke cigarettes despite scientific evidence of its harm.

In example 2, Becky does not want to give Julia advice anymore because Julia never takes it and continues making the same mistakes.

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To sit on the fence

Definition: Avoid making a decision or choice

Henry: Hi Vinicius! Have you decided what class you want to take next session?
Vinicius: No I'm still sitting on the fence.
Henry: Which class are you on the fence about?
Vinicius: I will either take Advanced Conversation or Level 7, but I'm trying to figure out which one would be better for me.

In this conversation, Vinicius has to decide between which two classes to take. Since he can't decide or is undecided we say that he is sitting on the fence.

Fillipe: What happened yesterday at the business meeting?
Yuka: Janice and Robert got into a large argument about how best to complete the project.
Fillipe: So did you voice your opinion?
Fillipe: Smart thinking.
Yuka: Oh I sat on the fence for this one

In this conversation, Yuka thought it best not to take sides in an argument and remain neutral so she sat on the fence.

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A penny for your thoughts

Context #1 

Friends making a decision about where to take a trip

Natalie: I was thinking about the restaurants we should visit while in San Francisco. I have so many I want to go to. What about you? 

Robert: I don’t know what to say. Whatever is fine.

Natalie: Hey, we’re doing this together right? A penny for your thoughts, Rob.

Robert: Well, I heard they have good sushi there. I guess the sushi shop by the Ferry Building would be great.

Natalie: See, that wasn’t so painful, was it? Your opinion counts.

Context #2 

Teachers discussing next year’s school events

Tom: What do you think about taking students to the Ramen Festival in February?

Karley: I’m not from L.A., so please don’t ask. I really don’t know any place around here.

Tom: Oh, come on! I’m sure you’ve considered, at least, a place you want to visit. A penny for your thoughts, Karley.

Karley: Fine! I was thinking about this really nice restaurant in downtown with a great view of the city. Maybe after, we can all go to a museum.

Meaning: A penny for your thoughts is a comment you make when you want someone else’s opinion. Perhaps the person doesn’t want to contribute to ideas or is simply shy. It’s a way to motivate someone to participate. In both examples, the characters have to say it for their friend’s opinion to be expressed.

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To shoot some hoops

 

Context  #1: 

I just want to relax this weekend. I don't want to study. I don't want to clean or do laundry. I just want to relax. Maybe I'll watch something on Netflix or take a long nap. I might call up some friends and shoot some hoops if the weather is nice. 

Context #2:

We just returned from the LA Lakers NBA game in Downtown Los Angeles. It was so exciting! Basketball is my favorite sport and I can't wait to join a team so I can shoot some hoops with my friends!

Explanation:

To shoot some hoops means to play basketball. The sport of basketball is played with a ball and the object of the game is to get the ball through a hoop by throwing the ball. The verb shoot  is used the same as throw. 

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Shoot the Breeze!!

Context #1: 

Mark: Hey Rob! How was your date last night with Mary? 

Rob: Hi Mark. It was OK. I'm not sure we're a good match.

Mark: Why not?

Rob: Well, we met for coffee and only spent about 30 minutes together before she left. We were pretty uncomfortable, just shooting the breeze. She didn't really tell me anything about herself which is disappointing because I really wanted to get to know her. From what you said, she seemed really interesting. But this was not the case yesterday.

Mark: Oh man! That's too bad. Will you have another date with her?

Rob: I don't know. She said she would text me, but I'm not sure if she will!

Context #2

Tom: Hey Bill! How was your date with Jane yesterday?

Bill: Oh it was great! She is really easy to talk to. I really like her.

Tom: That's great!

Bill: Yeah, we had a great time. We went for coffee and spent at least 2 hours just shooting the breeze. We're going to get together next week, too!

Explanation:

To shoot the breeze is to spend time chatting casually about nothing in particular and with no purpose.

In context #1, Rob wanted to have deep conversation and get to know Mary, but they only had casual, light conversation. 

In context #2, Bill and Jane spent hours shooting the breeze  and enjoyed their time together.

This expression is often used with -ing form 

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