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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A No-Brainer

Example 1:

Bill: Do you have plans for vacation, Mike?
Mike: Nope. I can't decide what I want to do. My roommates want to go to Las Vegas, but my parents want to take me on a cruise through Mexico.
Bill: Mike! That's a no-brainer! You can go to Vegas anytime! The cruise to Mexico is something you shouldn't pass up.

Example 2: 

Seth: Have you heard back from the company you interviewed with last week? I know you've been looking for work for a few months.
Ruth: Yes, actually. They called me the other day to offer me a position.
Seth: Wow! That's great! You're going to take the job, right?
Ruth: Of course! It's a no-brainer!

Explanation:
A no -brainer is an extremely easy question or decision to make.
In Example 1, Mike has to decide between a trip to Las Vegas with his friends or a cruise to Mexico with his parents. While both trips sound fun, Bill thinks the choice is obvious and easy to decide- of course he should go to Mexico! Living in southern California, Mike has plenty of opportunities to travel to Las Vegas, but it's unlikely his parents will take this same cruise again.
In Example 2, Ruth says she will take the job. To her, there is no other option. It is the obvious choice.
You can think of something as a no-brainer if someone who has no-brain can still make the decision easily.

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Be On The Fence

Context #1

Jim:  Have you decided who you're going to vote for?

Chris: I still don't know.  I'm kind of on the fence right now.  Both candidates are qualified and seem great for the job.

Context #2

Carol:  Have you and your husband found a new apartment yet?

Shelly:  Well, we're still on the fence about which city to live in.  I want to live closer to the beach, but my husband wants to live closer to his work. 

MEANING: to be on the fence means that you cannot make up your mind between two choices or alternatives.  It means that you are having a hard time deciding on one thing over the other. 

A Stone’s Throw

Example: 

Stephane:  I’m looking for the emergency clinic.  Someone told me it was pretty near.

Sean: It’s a stone’s throw away.  You see that building fifty feet away?

Stephane: The pink one?

Sean: That’s the one.  Just next door.

Stephane:  Wow, no kidding! It really is close.

Meaning: "A stone’s throw" means a very short distance; In other words, as far as someone can throw a stone.   Most people can’t throw something very far, so when this expression is used, it typically means you’re within sight of a location, thing, or person you’re looking for.

To fall into your lap

Example 1:

Tom and Elizabeth are brother and sister. Tom has been looking for a job for about a month.

Elizabeth: How’s your job hunt going, Tom?

Tom: I finally have a job

Elizabeth: Really?

Tom: Yes! I’m going to be working as a Coder for Google.com

Elizabeth: Oh wow!! That’s so exciting! Congratulations

Tom: Thank you sis!

Elizabeth: How did you get that job?

Tom: I’d turned in my resume about two months ago and completely forgot about it. Well, they called me last week and interviewed me over the phone.

Elizabeth: That’s amazing! It seems like it just fell into your lap

Tom: Yes! I’m surprised how easily it fell into my lap. They want me to start tomorrow.

Elizabeth: I’m so happy for you

Tom: Me too.

Example 2:

I’ve been looking for a cheap apartment in West Hollywood. My best friend pays $950 for a one bedroom apartment there. That rate is unheard of for that area. She told me that she is going to be going to Russia to teach English for one year, so I can take over her lease. I’ll be paying the same amount for rent. I can’t believe how effortlessly that apartment fell into my lap.

Meaning: To come to you without you making any effort.

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To Go Down in Flames

Example 1:

Hey, Marty! What are you doing for your birthday?

I think I am going to have a party at Fabulous 5.

Wait! They went out of business!

What?! Are you sure? They closed down?!

Yeah. Apparently there were leaks in the restrooms, holes in the walls, the chairs and tables were old and starting to break, and on top of all that, they owed a lot of money to the government. They had no choice!

Oh, man! Yeah, I guess it’s  true! The place was in pretty bad shape, but they had the nicest people working there and the DJs were always awesome! It’s hard to believe they would go down in flames like that!

I know! I’ll miss their cocktails… They were pretty good and they only cost $3.00!

Well, maybe that’s why they were not making enough money… I will never forget Fabulous 5!

Example 2:

Hey Susan,

Jonathan is my brother-in-law. He is an experienced banker and is currently looking for a job. His career went down in flames after his company accused him of stealing from them… I don’t believe that actually happened and now he can’t get a job anywhere. Do you think you could interview him if you need someone?

Sincerely,

Cibelle

Meaning of “to go down in flames”: To be ruined, to fail, to end completely or suddenly.

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For the Birds

Context #1 – Roommates watching TV at home

Vanessa: This new TV show was supposed to be so good, but it's really boring and confusing. I have no idea what's going on.

Brad: Yes, this show is definitely for the birds. Why don't we change the channel?

Vanessa: I agree. Even reruns of old shows are better than this!

Context #2 – Two friends at a party

Sami:  Hey, Petra! How are you?

Petra: OK, I guess. I hardly know anyone here.

Sami: Yeah, me too. I thought Brian invited a bunch of our friends?

Petra: I don't see anyone. Plus, these snacks suck. A few carrot sticks and sparkling water? Seriously? This isn't supposed to be a health club, it's a party!

Sami: I know. And this live band is terrible. They are just making noise, not music.

Petra: You know what? This party is for the birds. Let's get out of here and go some place fun!

Sami: Great idea! Let's go.

Click to listen to the idiom now

Meaning: “For the birds” means that something is worthless or undesirable. In Context 1, the new TV show is terrible and not even worth watching, so they decide to change the channel. In Context 2, the party doesn't have good food, music, or people they know, so it is no good. Petra and Sami finally decide to leave.

Check out the following video that is literally "For the Birds!"

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To Chicken Out

Context #1 - 

Tim: Have you heard about the new ride and Magic Mountain called the Death Drop?

John:  Yeah, I heard it's super scary.  Have you been on it?

Tim:  Well, we went there this weekend and I was going to go on it with my friends, but I chickened out at the last minute.

John:  Really?  That must have been a little embarrassing.

Tim:  Yeah, it was!

Context #2 -

Christine: Did you hear about Steve and Carol's anniversary trip to Yosemite?

Stacy:  No, what happened?

Christine:  They agreed to go bungee jumping off this bridge, but Carol was ready to jump and then chickened out.

Stacy: Oh no!  How did Steve take it?

Christine:  He wasn't upset at all.  He actually thought it was kind of funny.

Meaning:  to chicken out is used when someone gets too scared or too afraid to do something so they back out or don't attempt it. 

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Hole in the wall

Context #1 

Sam: Last night we found this really awesome restaurant for authentic southern BBQ!

Tony: Really?  Where is it?

Sam: It's a tiny little hole in the wall right on the corner of Main St. and First.  The food is cheap and delicious!

Context #2 

Jenny: So, how was your trip to San Diego? 

Sara: It was great!  We found this little hole in the wall downtown that had the best Mexican food I've ever had.

Jenny:  Wow! That sounds good!

Meaning: In American English, the term hole in the wall is used to describe a small restaurant that is usually cheap and delicious, but sometimes a little dirty looking.  It sometimes can mean that the place is a little dirty looking but with good food or a cozy atmosphere.  

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Let the chips fall where they may

Example 1: 

Dad: Hey Johnny, it's almost 3 o'clock. Your guests should be arriving soon.

Johnny: Dad, I'm not popular. I bet no one will come. I invited everyone in my class to the party, but I bet we'll be here alone. 

Dad: Well son, I think you're a great kid and it was nice that you invited everyone. Let the chips fall where they may. If only a couple of people come, great. If everyone comes, great! We will have a good time either way. There's no sense in worrying about what you cannot control.

Example 2:

Stan placed a $200 bet on the last game of poker. He didn't know if he could win or not. His whole attitude was to let the chips fall where they may while he was staying in Las Vegas. 

Explanation:

Imagine throwing up a handful of small plastic chips. There is no way to control where they will fall. The expression let the chips fall where they may is a way of looking at and dealing with life that accepts its randomness without too much worry. It can also be used when one isn't concerned about the outcome of their actions. This expression can be used when you or someone else is preoccupied or anxious over something you have no control over.

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To bug someone

Meaning: To annoy or bother someone

Context #1 – Two students are talking after class

Jackie: You know that girl in the red shirt who sits in back of the class?

Pippy: Hmmm…let me think. Oh, yes! The really tall girl.

Jackie: Yes, that one! She bugs me so much!

Pippy: Really? Why?

Jackie: She just taps her pen on the table all through class. It’s a constant “tap, tap, tap.” I can’t stand it! I just want to tell her, “Stop bugging everyone with your constant tapping!”

Pippy: Calm down, Jackie! First of all, I think you are the only one who can hear the tapping because you sit right in front of her. Second, if you don’t like the constant tapping, just change where you sit in class.

Jackie: I guess you’re right. It still bugs me though. How rude!

Context #2 – Two students are walking in the hallway after English class

Simone: Oh my gosh! Let’s walk the other way. That guy always bugs me after class.

Pete: What’s going on? What guy?

Simone: The guy from our English class. He keeps trying to talk to me and ask me to go out with him. I don’t want to go. He’s nice, but not my type.

Pete: Just turn around and tell him, “Don’t bug me anymore!”

Simone: Ha, ha. You know I can’t be that rude. Even though I don’t want to talk to him, he seems like a nice person. I don’t want to hurt his feelings.

Pete: Well, I guess you had better get used to people bugging you!

Meaning: “To bug someone” means to bother or annoy someone. In context 1, the girl in class who always taps her pen on the desk really bothers Jackie. In context 2, the guy who keeps trying to talk to Simone really bothers her.

Check out this video. Does it bug you?

Insane Pen Tapping

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To Ream Someone Out

Context 1: 
    

Example:

            Natalia: Victor! Mind if I eat lunch with you?

            Victor: Sure, if you want

            Natalia: What's wrong? Why do you seem so upset?

            Victor: I just got reamed out by my boss in front of everyone.

            Natalia: Oh no! What happened?

            Victor: I was working on this report for him, and I thought it was due Monday. But it turns out, he wanted it today for his lunch meeting.

            Natalia: Uh oh.

            Victor: Yeah. He yelled at me in front of my desk, then slammed the door of his office.  Then he stormed over to the meeting room and didn't say anything when he walked by. So now I'm not even sure I still have a job after lunch.

            Natalia: I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm sure he will calm down and realize it was just a misunderstanding. Still, sorry he reamed you out, especially with everyone around.

Meaning: The expression "to ream (someone) out" means to very strongly and angrily criticize someone. Here, Victor says that he just got "reamed out" by his boss, which means that his boss probably yelled at him in a critical way. Below that, Natalia apologizes that Victor's boss "reamed him out." Notice that in the first example, since the idiom is happening to the subject, there is no "someone" in the idiom ("I just got reamed out"), but in the second example, since the idiom is happening to the object, there is a pronoun in the idiom ("sorry he reamed you out").

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To Be/Have a Big Mouth

Context 1:

Bill: Sara, do you think anyone knows about what happened on Sunday? It was so embarrassing. 

Sara: Don't tell Johnny anything if you want to keep this secret. He HAS a big mouth! Everyone will know what happened in a few hours!

Context 2: 

I learned that it's not good to BE a big mouth. I learned my lesson after I got my friend in trouble. I used to gossip and tell everyone everything, whether it was true or not. One day, I heard some negative gossip about my friend. I didn't think it was true, but I told my classmates about it because I loved to gossip. Later, our classmates wouldn't talk to her because they thought the gossip was true I felt terrible because it was my fault. I apologized to my friend and I promised myself that I would never gossip again!

Explanation:

You can BE a big mouth OR you could HAVE a big mouth. The meaning doesn't change. 

This expression describes someone who talks too much, often revealing secrets.  

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To run off at the mouth

Context 1: 

2016 is an election year in the United States, which means that Americans will be choosing their next President. There are some candidates who are well qualified and have good, solid ideas for improving the county. In contrast, there are other candidates who don't appear to be serious and are experts at running off at the mouth; their ideas are unrealistic and many of their statements are offensive. 

Context 2: 

Parent: You must listen to me, Bobby! It's very important that you pay attention in class when the teacher is talking. You have been in trouble 3 times this week for interrupting her lesson! What is your explanation?!

Child: My teacher is so boring! All she does is run off at the mouth. No one listens to her because no one likes her.

Parent: I can't believe you would be so disrespectful! 

Explanation: 

To run off at the mouth means that you are talking a lot, but not saying anything important, or to talk a lot without consideration of your words. This expression has negative connotations and may be considered rude. Please use with caution!

Example 1 mentions presidential candidates who talk a lot, but doesn't provide anything useful and are sometimes offensive. 

Example 2 shows a conversation between a parent and child. The child says his teacher just talks a lot and doesn't say anything useful, that's why he is having trouble in this class. His mother is surprised that he would be so rude.

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To give your John Hancock

First Example:

Ken: I can’t believe that I have been offered a position to play in the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball club.

Dan:  All you have to do is write your John Hancock on the contract and you will be eight million dollars richer.

Ken:  I never thought my Signature would mean so much.

Dan:  You better get used to it. Now that you’re famous, you will need to use your John Hancock for everything from contracts to autographs.

Second Example:

Nancy: We can’t buy this car without giving our John Hancock.

John: Everything official needs a signature.  Giving our John Hancock is our acknowledgement of commitment.

Nancy: Yeah, that’s true.  I just wish I would have practiced a nicer looking signature.

John:  It doesn’t really matter.  You’re not famous anyway.

Meaning: The expression "John Hancock" refers to a person’s signature.  It dates back to the signing of the American Declaration of Independence.  Mr. Hancock’s signature was so large that it was very noticeable.  It’s expressed in several ways.  Some of the most common ways are: “to give your John Hancock” or “Write your John Hancock.”

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