Raining Cats and Dogs

Idiom: Raining Cats and Dogs

Example 1:

I didn't expect this kind of weather. It's raining cats and dogs and I forgot my umbrella. Needless to say, I'm going to get soaked on my way home. Hopefully I won't catch a cold!

Example 2:

Looks like we have to reschedule the picnic. Forecasters predict really heavy rains this weekend. We won't have any fun in the park if it's raining cats and dogs!

Meaning: Raining cats and dogs is a playful expression to describe very heavy rain. This expression is usually used with "it."

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Party's Over

Idiom: Party’s over

Example 1:

Bruce: This has been an excellent vacation.

Clark: So true, but it’s sad to say this party’s over.

Bruce: I know. I wish vacation was longer. It always feels like vacation time flies.

Clark: Yeah, I agree. We have to make a living though.

Example 2:

Luther: Did you hear about the producers being arrested?

Barry: No, what happened?

Luther: They got caught stealing money from clients and projects. They’re in big trouble and now they’re being questioned about all the funds that are missing.

Barry: I guess their party’s over. No more big parties and trips on client money. Will they go to jail?

Luther: With enough evidence, yes.

Meaning:  The party’s over means something fun, happy and pleasant must come to an end.  For example, having a long paid vacation is fortunate, but one still must return to work; we can’t have vacation forever.

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Hit the Airwaves

Idiom: Hit the Airwaves

Example 1:

Samira: What’s wrong, Giorgio? You look really nervous.

Giorgio: I am nervous. My band just finished its first CD. Now we have to promote it.

Samira:  Wow! That’s great!

Giorgio: So we are getting ready to hit the airwaves and start promoting it. We have an interview on “Coffee with the Girls” this afternoon. It’s a local TV show and it has a large following in this area.

Samira: Oh, I’ve seen that show! They have a lot of bands and singers as guests. That is so exciting!

Giorgio: Yes it is, but I’m also nervous because we are going to play a single from the CD and then they will interview us afterwards. It’s a live show, so I don’t want to make any mistakes.

Samira: Well, if you want to become famous, you have to hit the airwaves to promote your band. Don’t worry! You will be just fine.

Giorgio: Thank you for the encouragement, Samira!

Samira: Anytime!

Example 2:

Lilith: Quick! Turn on the TV to channel 4!

Liam: What? OK, but why?

Lilith: Do you remember that woman who had an affair with the mayor a few months ago? Myra Johnson?

Liam: Oh yes. Didn’t she disappear? No one has heard from her since the mayor confessed to the affair on TV and apologized to everyone.

Lilith: Yes, and the mayor blamed Myra Johnson for everything! Well, now Myra is hitting the airwaves with her side of the story.

Liam: Wow! Good for her. She shouldn’t be blamed for everything. I want to hear what she says.

Lilith: Me, too. Look, it’s starting!

Meaning: to go on radio or TV to promote something or to tell one side of a story.

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Bells and Whistles

Idiom: Bells and Whistles

Example 1:

Gerry: Congratulations, Kiki! I heard you passed the driver’s test!

 Kiki: Yes, I’m so happy. It took me three tries, but I finally have a driver’s license.

Gerry: So have you thought about buying a car?

 Kiki: Of course! My dad said he would help me, so we have been looking for cars together. It’s been a little difficult because he has a completely different idea about what kind of car I should buy.

Gerry: What do you mean?

Kiki: Well, I want a cute car with all the bells and whistles! Then I can drive around the town in style. But my dad wants me to start with something boring and basic.

Gerry: Actually, it’s probably better to just get a basic car at first without the bells and whistles. It’s cheaper and more practical.

Kiki: But it’s my first car!

Example 2:

Jackie: What’s the matter? You look upset!

Tommy: My computer crashed and I don’t think I’ll be able to repair it. I really can’t afford to buy a new computer right now!

Jackie: Don’t worry. Computers are not that expensive, especially if you buy a computer without all the bells and whistles. The more extras you add, the more expensive it will be.

Tommy: I guess you are right, but I really do a lot of things on the computer in addition to my work. I especially like gaming and you need a strong computer for that, one that has all the bells and whistles.

Jackie: Well, maybe you will just have to make a sacrifice for now. Get a basic computer and add the extras later when you can afford it.

Meaning: Extra; the things that a device or machine has or does that are not necessary, but that make it more exciting.

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Put Someone Up

Idiom: Put someone up

Example 1:

Vanessa: So what are your plans for the summer break? We have three months before school starts again!

Brad: Well, I’m going to visit my friends in London.

Vanessa: Wow! That sounds like fun! But isn’t London expensive?

Brad: Yes, it is, but I’m really lucky. My friend who lives there is putting me up for the summer, so I don’t need to pay for a hotel.

Vanessa: You are lucky! I wish I had friends like that!

Example 2:

Sami: I’m in big trouble. My roommate has asked me to leave by this weekend and I have no place to live!

Petra: Oh, Sami. I’m so sorry to hear that. I would put you up for a short time, but there is no room at my house.

Sami: Really? Not even on the sofa?

Petra: That is where I sleep! We are already in trouble for having too many people living in the apartment.

Sami: I see. Do you think Jennifer could put me up for a while? Just until I find another apartment.

Petra: Maybe. She does have an extra room that she uses as an office. Why don’t we give her a call?

Sami: Great idea. Thank you for helping!

Meaning: To provide a place for someone or something to stay temporarily.

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Head For

Idiom: Head for

Example 1:

Vicki: I can’t believe it's almost time for Summer Break. I’m so excited.

Bjorn: Me, too!

Vicki: Do you have any plans?

Bjorn: I’m heading for Yellowstone Park. I’m going to spend the week camping and hiking!

Vicki: Hmmm…that’s good if you like camping and the outdoors. I’m more of a city girl.

Bjorn: Really?

Vicki: Yes. After school is out, I’ll get ready to head for the outlet malls. I can’t think of anything better than shopping for a week!

Example 2:

Janine:  Pete, you really should start studying more every day for classes. You are getting more behind every day.

Pete: Oh, Janine. You worry too much. I’ll have plenty of time later.

Janine: No, you won’t. You are headed for trouble if you don’t study. You could actually get kicked out of school!

Pete: Do you really think so?

Janine: Yes! It happened to me when I first started school here. I know what I am talking about.

Pete: Well, maybe you are right. I guess I am headed for failure if I don’t start studying more.

Janine: Of course I’m right! I’ll even help you.

Janine: Thanks, Janine!

Meaning: To travel or go toward some destination; to set something or someone on a course toward some situation or condition (used passively).

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Old Enough To Be Your Mother/Father

Idiom: Old enough to be your mother/father

Example 1:

Jane met a guy who seemed like a perfect match on her favorite internet dating site, so she decided to meet him in person. But when she saw him, he was much older than the picture he had posted! She said she couldn't date someone who was old enough to be her father.

Example 2: 

Tina: I heard you're dating someone new?

Jim: Yeah, she's awesome.

Tina: I also heard she's older than you are?

Jim: A bit - she's 36.

Tina: Whoa! She's old enough to be your mother!  

Jim: She's not THAT much older. I'm 25.

Tina: Still, 11 years is a big age difference!  

Jim: She makes me happy, so that's all that matters.

Meaning: The expression "old enough to be (someone's) mother/father" means that another person is substantially older than the person in question.  The expression is used to point out a considerable age difference in dating situations, even when the person is not actually technically old enough to be a person's parent.

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The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

Idiom: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Example 1:

The little boy saw his dad taking a nap, so he asked his mom if he could take one too. She said no and to wake his father, but when she got back, they were both asleep! "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" she said as she sighed.

Example 2:

Mother: I just got a call from our daughter's school.  One of us needs to go pick her up.

Father: Why? Is everything OK?

Mother: Apparently, she called her teacher a bad word.

Father: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?

Mother: I know, I should watch my language around her. 

Father: Well, I'll go get her. Don't want you teaching her any new vocabulary.

Meaning: The expression "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" means that a child is just like their mom or dad.

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