Be bent on doing something

Context #1:

Jean: Phillip! I'm so tired! Can't we finish tomorrow? The project isn't due until 5 pm. We have plenty of time in the morning. Let's go to sleep!

Phillip: No way, Jean. I told myself we'd finish this by tonight and we're not going to bed until we do. Sorry!

Jean: You're being really selfish, you know. You're so bent on finishing this project but you're not considering any one else's feelings. I'm tempted to just let you finish it on your own.

Context #2:

Mother: Son, why are your grades so low in your science class this semester?

Son: I don't know mom. I work really hard but the teacher is bent on making my life miserable. She hates me.

Mother: Why do you think that? I'm sure it's not true.

Son: It's true. She doesn't treat me the same as others.

Mother: I'll have to go and talk to her then.

Son: NO! Don't do that. It's really OK!

Explanation: 

To be bent on doing something means that you are obsessed with doing something and you MUST do it.

In example 1, Phillip MUST finish his project, even if it means that Jean and he will lose sleep. 

In example 2, the son claims that his teacher is obsessed with making his life difficult. 

Be sure to change the be verb to match your tense and always use an ing-verb following on

She is bent on preparing all of the appetizers by herself. She won't consider a caterer. 

Mr. Lee has been bent on learning English in less than two years. He studies every single day. 

When I was a kid, I was bent on reading all of the Harry Potter books.

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To Step Up (one's) Game (used as a verb)

First Example:

Tina: Did you hear? I just got the project.

Alec: Really? I thought my proposal was a lock.

Tina: They liked mine better. Looks like you need to step up your game if you're gonna compete with me.

Alec: Don't get too cocky. You won one proposal, your first.

Tina: The first of many.

Alec: We'll see.

Meaning: To "step up (one's) game" is a phrase that means to improve one's skills or talents. This idiom is sometimes used in a somewhat joking manner between people who are competing, as Tina uses it above.  Alternatively, it can also be used to commend someone on their improvement, as in the next example:     

Vito: I heard you got a promotion?

Kate: Yeah, they liked my last couple reports and told me to keep up the good work.

Vito: Congratulations! You've really stepped up your game. I remember when you first got here, you seemed so lost.

Kate: I was lost! I was terrified someone would figure out at any moment that I had no idea what I was doing, and I'd get fired.

Vito: Well, you know what you're doing now. You'll probably end up being my boss one day.

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In Over one's Head

Example 1:
I want to graduate early, so I registered for 2 extra classes this semester. I thought I could handle it, but I'm starting to think I am in over my head. With all the homework, reading assignments, and classes to attend, I'm not sleeping well and I'm feeling overwhelmed. The deadline to drop classes is next week. I'll probably have to drop one to make things more manageable.

Example 2:
My new job just started. It was probably a terrible idea to lie on my resume about my experience. Now my responsibilities includes skills that I don't actually have. I'm totally in over my head. I will have to be honest with my boss and let them know that I'm not actually qualified for this position. 

Explanation:

To be in over one's head is to be overwhelmed by something you can't handle. Usually a person puts themselves into this situation.
In Example 1, this student has registered for too many classes. The workload has become a problem. It is more than the student can handle.
In Example 2, this person gave false information to her employer, now they have responsibilities that are beyond their knowledge and experience. They cannot handle their job. 

Use the be  verb with a possessive pronoun to form sentences.
I am in over my head
She/He is in over her/his head
We are in over our heads
They are in over their heads 

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To Buy the Farm

Context #1 – Two friends talking

Victoria: Did you hear the news?

Brandon: No, what happened?

Victoria: Do you know that older man who lives down the street from us?

Brandon: Oh, yes. I do.

Victoria: Well, he bought the farm yesterday.

Brandon: Really? But he was only 87 and in good shape.

Victoria: I know! And I've heard he would go skydiving twice a week.

Brandon: So he bought it while skydiving? .

Victoria: No, he was fine after skydiving yesterday. He came home, ate dinner, and then went to bed. It happened in his sleep.

Listen how to pronounce the idiom now

Context #2 – Talking about a movie

Sal:  That movie was so violent! It's like everyone bought the farm at the end.

Patty: Well, it was a war movie.

Sal: Yeah, I guess so.

Patty: It really shouldn't have surprised anyone when most of the characters bought it. That's just the way it goes.

Sal: Well, it's depressing. Why don't we go see a comedy next time?

Patty: Sound good to me.

Meaning: “To buy the farm” or “to buy it” means to die or be killed. It's usually used in the past tense (bought the farm) and it is sometimes used without “farm” (bought it). In Context 1, the older man dies in his sleep with no visible cause. In Context 2, many of the people in the war movie are killed in combat, so it is a violent film.

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Leave No Stone Unturned

Example 1: 

When Bobby went to the park with his family, his father accidentally dropped the keys to the car. For more than an hour, the whole family was searching for them. Bobby's mother instructed them to "leave no stone unturned, we need those keys to get home!" So the family searched in all possible places until Bobby's sister found them near the car. After that, the family could relax and enjoy the park.

Example 2:

The police is the city left no stone unturned  in the search for the missing bank robbers. All leads were investigated and every contact was questions. The police had almost exhausted all of their resources when the thieves were  found in Mexico living in luxury.

Explanation:

The expression to leave no stone unturned means to use all your power, energy, and resources to find something/one. In example 1, Bobby's family had to literally look under and around every stone in the park until the missing keys were located. In example 2, the police searched everywhere and followed all leads until the thieves were located. 

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Pushy

Context 1:

Nathan: Hey, Paul. What's up?

Paul: Nathan! I was about to call you.

Nathan: Really? What's going on?

Paul: I was wondering if you would like to make a donation to my basketball team... We need some money to buy new uniforms and...

Nathan: Paul, seriously! You already asked me this four times this week! I already made a donation!

Paul: I know! Thank you so much, but you know, if you make another $10.00 donation by the end of today, it would really help us!

Nathan: Paul, you have asked me so many times! I already made a donation and you keep asking for more... You are sopushy! Please stop!

Paul: OK... I understand! Well, in case you change your mind, please check our website.You can also make a donation at the front desk.

Nathan: WOW! I have to go! Don't call me!

Paul: Alright! Don't forget my team! We really need your help!

Context 2: 

Hi Bryan,

I am e-mailing you because I don't want to talk to you anymore.

Yesterday I reached my limit with you. I already told you we are just friends, but everytime we meet you insist on flirting and telling me how much you want us to be a couple!

I have made it very clear that I am not interested, but you don't seem to understand! 

I am tired of this! You are so pushy! 

Please don't contact me anymore... I wish you the best.

Becca

MEANING: A pushy person is someone who insists on something in order to have what he or she wants. A pushy person is aggressively persuasive.

Hands down

Context 1: 

Title: Two friends

Bob:  Hey, Miriam! Did you try that Mexican restaurant I recommended?

Miriam: Hey! Yes, I did. I went there with my boyfriend… You know he is from Mexico, right?

Bob: Oh, that’s why you were asking about Mexican places! Did he like it?

Miriam: He did! He said that restaurant is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in L.A!

Bob: Really? Wow! I thought the food was good, but after hearing that, I know it is really the best one in town!

Miriam: Yes, thank you so much for the recommendation. Guess what happened during dinner?

Bob: I don’t know. What happened?

Miriam: My boyfriend proposed! He asked me to marry him!

Bob: That’s incredible! Congratulations… Did you say ‘yes’?

Miriam: Actually, I did not.

Bob: What? Wh… wha… What are you talking about?

Mriam: Bob, I met someone who is kind, smart, handsome, and every time I see him, my heart melts… He is hands down the best guy I have ever met… I fell in love with him!

Bob: Oh, really? Lucky guy… I fell in love with the nicest girl, but I know she just sees me as a friend.

Miriam: No, she doesn’t… She loves you, too…

Bob: Miriam, what are you talking about?

Miriam: I love you, Bob!

Bob: Miriam, you are hands down one of my best friends, but… I am in love with your sister.

Context 2: 

Title: Are you serious?

Janet:  Miriam just broke up with Mark.

Kristy: That’s too bad. They were hands down the coolest couple at work!

Janet: I know! I think I will ask him out on a date…

Kristy: Janet! Are you serious?

Hands down means: “without a doubt”

Pull an all nighter

Meaning: Depriving yourself of sleep all night to do things that need to be done or you want to do. Usually used for studying.

Example 1

Matt and Ben are two friends

Matt: Are you going to John’s party tonight?

Ben: No, I’m not!

Matt: Why not?

Ben: I have a test tomorrow.

Matt: Didn’t you study for the test?

Ben: No, that’s why I have to study all night!!

Matt: Man! So you are going to pull an all nighter?

Ben: Yeah! It looks like it!

Example 2

Jessica finished her final exams at her university in the morning and is now visiting her parents in the afternoon.

Jessica: Hi mom!! It’s so good to see you.

Mom: Thanks honey! It’s so nice to see you, too. I’ve missed you.

Jessica: I’ve missed you, too. How are you?

Mom: I’m great. How about you?

Jessica: I’m so tired, mom!!

Mom: Why, honey?!

Jessica: I was awake all night

Mom: Why were you awake all night? Were you at a club? You should focus on your studies!!!

Jessica: NO Mom!!!! I was pulling an all nighter for my final exams.

Mom: Oh, I see. You are such a good student, honey!

Scarf Down

Context #1: 

The most embarrassing thing happened to me yesterday at lunch. My problems started in the morning. I forgot to set my alarm and woke up late, so had to rush out of the house without breakfast. By lunchtime, I was so hungry! I scarfed down my lunch like I hadn't eaten in days! The embarrassing part was that my very cute coworker saw the whole thing and I didn't notice until I was finished! Now he probably thinks I always eat like an animal. So embarrassing. 

Context #2: 

This week's party will include a formal dinner. Please use appropriate language. Please do not scarf down your food and don't forget to put your napkins in your laps.

Explanation:

to scarf down something means to eat something very quickly without regard for manners. When using this expression, a noun or name of food should follow the expression. 

He scarfed down the whole bag of potato chips by himself.

Don't scarf down your dinner. You'll upset your stomach. 

In Example 1, the speaker is recalling the embarrassing experience of being extremely hungry and so eating her food so quickly and ravenously. At lunchtime, she didn't care how she ate, or how she looked while she ate because she was very hungry. Only after, she realized that someone else had witnessed her wild eating.

In Example 2, the speaker is giving instructions for the upcoming party. Since the dinner will be formal, participants are instructed to eat slowly and politely, NOT to scarf down their food. 

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Boo-boo/Booboo

Context #1

Chrissy (mother): What's wrong Billy?

Billy (Chrissy's 3-year old son): I fell down.

Chrissy: Awww! I see you've got a little boo-boo.

Context #2

Joe: Ouch! I just pinched my finger in my car door!

Sam: Oh no!  Did you get a little boo-boo? You want me to kiss it? (totally joking with his friend) 

Meaning: "a boo-boo" is a child's word for an injury.  It could be a cut, a scrape, a bruise, etc.  This word is only used with speaking with small children.  It is not used when speaking to adults.  For this reason, context #2 is two guys joking with each other.  Same is teasing Joe, as if he were a little boy, or weak.

Context #3

'The server made a boo-boo! We couldn't use our computer for hours '

or

'Josh gave you the wrong file, he made a boo-boo'

Meaning: A mistake

Context #4

'I love you BooBoo, miss you already'

Meaning: Someone dear to your heart: your babe/baby, your Boyfriend/Girlfriend. It is used for someone/something who needs to be kissed and cuddled every second of the day.

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Be/Get all wet

Context #1

Sara:  This weekend we went to Sea World in San Diego.

Tammy: Did you guys have fun?

Sara: Yeah we did!  But during the Shamu show the whale splashed water all over us and we got all wet. 

Context #2

Tim: Guess what!  Last night I left my car window down and it rained all night!

John: Oh man!  

Tim: Yeah, this morning when I got in my car, the inside was all wet! 

Meaning: "all wet" is an adjective phrase, so it is used with the verbs "be/get" just like other adjectives.  It means to become soaked with water, or to become really wet.

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To Play Hardball

To Play Hardball

Example 1:

Things are getting a little tough so the president has decided to play hardball on this issue.

Example 2:

Jacob: Sam is such a nice teacher

Jake: Yes, but he’s also not afraid to play hardball when the class starts acting rowdy

Meaning: to act strong and aggressive about an issue with someone

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Travel Light

Example 1:

I'm going home for the holidays this year. I am so excited to see my family after 6 months of being here in America studying English. My classmate gave me good advice for my trip. She advised Itravel light. She explained that if I take just a small amount of luggage, I can save money on the flight fee and also have a lot of space to bring back my favorite things from my country! This is such a good idea because there are so many things I want to bring back to America with me, so if I travel light, I'll have space in my luggage to bring it back with me!

Example 2:

John: Mike, are you ready for our camping trip?

Mike: I sure am! I've got the tent, the sleeping bag, the portable TV, the portable DVD player, the generator...

John: Mike! Have you ever been camping before? We won't need a TV or a DVD player! We'll be enjoying nature. And besides, it's always best to travel light when camping. We'll have to hike up to the campsite from the car. We can't carry so much!

Mike: Oh, I see. OK. I guess I have to go home and repack my things....

Explanation:

To travel light means to pack only a little luggage for a trip. 

In Example 1, the student will travel light in order to leave space to bring back souvenirs.

In Example 2, John tells Mike that it's important to travel light when camping because they will be hiking.

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Off the grid

Example 1:

Jason: I think the most logical thing we could do is keep a low profile and stay off the grid.

James: That’s not my style Jason.  I know some people like to do that, but I need to be social.

Jason: I’m not saying that’s fun, but just to get away from things for some time.

James: Getting off the grid means my social life would be dead.  I’m sorry, but I need massive

human interaction.


Example 2:

Griz: I was thinking of a vacation to the Andes of South America.

Leslie: Would we be off the grid?

Griz:  That’s the idea.

Leslie:  Good luck with that.  I’m not giving up my comforts and friends to go climb some

mountains.  I don’t like camping.

Ted:  You should really reconsider.  I think it would be good to get away from all this technology

and from people in general.

Leslie:  You should do it.  That way you can be alone in the mountains and I can be alone at

home.  Yay!  It works for the both of us.  Have fun!


Meaning: to be away from anything relating to media, television, radio, electricity, etc.  To

get off the grid means to be in a remote outdoor place with no access to any services most

people depend on.  Some people who don’t depend on electric companies, grow their own food,

don’t use motorized vehicles that run on petroleum can be considered off the grid.


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friends in high places

Idiom: friends in high places (used as a noun)

First Example:

Sandra: Did you hear that Ben got the promotion?
Donald: No way! I thought for sure you'd get it!
Sandra: Well, I don't have as many friends in high places.
Donald: What do you mean?
Sandra: Well, he has a few friends in upper management. Something tells me that helped him more than his qualifications...

Meaning: The expression "friends in high places" means to know people in important positions who can help and support you.  In the example above, Sandra claims that Ben has friends in upper management positions, and that these friends in high places are what helped him get the promotion.

Second Example:

Ally: Want to go to a big movie premiere tonight?

Cameron: Sure, but how are we going to get in?

Ally: Let's just say that I've got a few friends in high places.

Cameron: Like who?

Ally: That's not your concern. 

Cameron: But seriously, who?

Ally: OK, fine. I used to babysit the producer of the film. His mom and my mom are friends, so when I heard he was making this movie, my mom called his mom, and she made him give me two tickets. Anyway, do you want to go with me? 

Cameron: Sure! Do you have any embarrassing stories you can share about him?

Meaning: In the second example, Ally doesn't actually have a friend in a traditional position of power; rather, her mother knows the film's producer's mother. Often, the expression "friends in high places" is used like this, in order to suggest a person knows someone important but wants to keep the identity of that person secret. 

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