Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Idiom: Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Example 1: 

Lisa: Did you see that new guy in class? He is SO cute!!

Tina: Oh, you mean James? Yes, he is very handsome! He is my brother's friend.

Lisa: I want to go out on a date with him.

Tina: Lisa, you are barking up the wrong tree!!

Lisa: What do you mean?

Tina: He is gay. He isn't interested in girls!

Example 2:

News Anchor: The police investigation revealed that Mr. Thompson was not guilty of committing the burglary. It was actually his neighbor who had committed the crime. The police finally realized that they were barking up the wrong tree by accusing Mr. Thompson.

Meaning: To waste your effort pursuing the wrong thing, person or path.

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Let Nature Take Its Course

Idiom: Let Nature Take Its Course

Example 1: 

My daughter Isabella is 17 years old. She just graduated from high school and I am worried about her. The thing is, she has never dated anyone. All her friends have gone on dates but her.

Should I try to help her? Or should I let nature take its course?

Example 2: 

Ted: My friend didn't study at all last term for his algebra class. I took the final exam one day before the rest of the class. After the exam, he wanted me to give him all of the answers.

Irene: He wanted you to cheat?! Well, did you give him the answers?

Ted: Oh, no. I let nature take its course: he failed the exam.

Meaning: To let nature take its course means to let things happen naturally with no interference from an outside source.

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Tempest in a Teapot

Idiom: Tempest in a Teapot

Example 1: Small cultural differences can sometimes create big problems! My roommate is from another country, so we sometimes disagree. Just the other day, we were fighting because I had left my jacket on the couch when I arrived home. I was tired and in a rush to get something to eat. I thought it wasn't a big deal but my roommate began to lecture me on responsibilities as a roommate and having pride in your home. He got really upset and I couldn't understand it! What a tempest in a teapot! 

Example 2: 

George: I'm so angry!

Martin: What's the matter?

G: We invited 50 people to the party and 45 confirmed, but only 42 have arrived on time! I planned all of this for nothing!!! I'm going to cancel the whole thing if they don't show up in 5 minutes!

M: Hey, George! Relax! It's OK! The rest of the guests will come soon, I'm sure. 

Jack: Martin, what's wrong with George?

M: He's upset because 3 guests haven't arrived yet.

J: Really!? That's just a tempest in a teapot! There are more than enough people to begin the party!

Meaning: This expression is used to describe a big fuss or commotion over something minor. In Example 1, the speaker feels that his roommate is overreacting to something very small and unimportant. In Example 2, George is really upset because 3 people haven't arrived for the party, but Martin thinks it's not a big problem because most of the guests have arrived.  

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Rain or Shine

Idiom: Rain or Shine

Example 1: I have been training for the Los Angeles Marathon for 6 months and the race is coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm prepared for the run, but I'm nervous because the weather report shows rain for marathon day! It's such a big event with a lot of preparation by the city so it will happen come rain or shine. I really hope we have nice weather that day. Running in the rain would be dreadful.

Example 2: 

Maggie: Hi Jessica! How are you? 

Jessica: Hi! I'm great, thanks! I'm pretty excited for my wedding this weekend!

M: Wow that is exciting! I hope the weather stays clear and sunny for your big day.

J: I hope so, too. but I'm not worried! I know everything will be perfect rain or shine!

Meaning: (come) rain or shine = no matter what the weather or situation (usually weather). In Example 1, the Los Angeles Marathon will not be cancelled if it rains on that day. In Example 2, Jessica says she expects everything will be fine even if it rains. 

This expression can be used with come without changing the meaning. Example: We will be there come rain or shine. = We will be there rain or shine.

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