To be in someone's shoes

Context #1

Christine: I heard that Jane's going to break up with her boyfriend.

Veronica: Yeah, she caught him cheating on her. I would break up with him too if I were in her shoes.

Context #2

David: Due to the recent budget cuts, I have to lay off 2 people next month.

Steve: That's going to be hard because I know your employees all have families to care for. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.

David: Gee, thanks!

Meaning: "to be in someone's shoes" means to be in their situation.  It is used to think about what your would do if you were facing the same things that they are facing.

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A small world

Context #1

Tom: So Sara, where are you from?
Sara: I'm from California.
Tom: Really? Me too! Where in California?
Sarah: I'm from San Diego. How about you?
Tom: I'm from San Diego too. Wow! It's a small world!

Context #2

Chris: You know that new girl in our class? Well, I just found out that we grew up in the same neighborhood. We went to the same elementary school 30 years ago!
Sam: Wow! That's amazing. What a small world!

Meaning: "a small world" is used to describe a situation where two people find out that they grew up together, live in the same apartment building, or have something truly amazing in common.

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Cut the mustard

Context #1

John: Who are you going to choose for the front desk staff position?

Wick: I’m not sure yet. Both candidates are smart, but neither can cut the mustard.

John: You have to pick one of them though, right?

Wick: Not if they can’t meet our standards.

Context #2

Paulie: I’m not worried about next week’s competition at all.

Adrian: Why? You should never underestimate the abilities of an opponent.

Paulie: I know someone who’s been watching that team, and they say that their skills will never cut the mustard versus our team.

Adrian: Well if they can’t meet the expectations of the competition, they’re going to have a difficult time with our team.

Meaning: The expression "Cut the mustard" means to measure up to the standard or meet the expectation of something. (Usually this involves a set of skills, qualifications, and experiences).

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Cross that bridge when you/we get there

Context #1

Don: I have to think about so many things. It’s driving me crazy.
Kelly: Well, do you have to make your decision about all of those things now?
Don: I have to decide if I want to buy these two different suits, but I have to finish this work first.
Kelly: Then don’t worry about it for now. You can cross that bridge when you get there.

Context #2

Chad: I’m worried that my girlfriend’s parents won’t like me when I meet them next month.
May: Why are you so worried about it?
Chad: I just can’t help but think that they won’t approve of our relationship.
May: You don’t even know what’s going to happen. You can cross that bridge when you get there. There’s no reason to worry about something that hasn’t happened yet.

Meaning: The expression "Cross that bridge when you/we get there" means to not think about a specific topic or situation until you have to finally face it, because there’s no point in worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet.

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To fall short (of)

Context #1:

Gabriel: Do you have any idea what this meeting is about today?

Katie: Apparently, we fell short of our monthly goal again.

Gabriel: Oh no! I thought sales were up this month.

Katie: Maybe in your department, but overall, our sales are down.

Meaning: The expression "to fall short (of)" means to fail to reach a target. It's often used with the preposition "of" when the target or goal is used as an object, as in the example above, where the company Gabriel and Katie work for failed to reach their monthly sales goal. It can also be used without "of," as in the next example:

Context #2

Monica: Did you watch the game?

Wayne: What a disaster!

Monica: I know! I had such high expectations for our team, and they were winning in the first half!

Wayne: Yeah, they really fell short in the second half.

Meaning: Wayne uses the expression "to fall short (of)" to say that the team failed to reach their target of winning. Notice that because he doesn't mention what the goal was, he does not use "of."

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To burn the midnight oil

Context #1: Ted and Wilma just finished an exam...

Ted: How was the exam?
Wilma: I think I did well, but I’m so tired, I don’t know for sure.
Ted: Really? What happened?
Wilma: I was getting ready for bed when I discovered that I didn’t read three chapters of the text book.
Ted: Oh no!
Wilma: Yes, chapters 16, 17, and 18! So I had to burn the midnight oil to catch up. I stayed up until 5am studying those chapters.
Ted: Uh, Wilma, I guess you were too tired to realize…those last chapters weren’t on the exam.

Context #2: Rhonda and William live in a dormitory.

Rhonda: I’m going to bed now. Goodnight, William.
William: Goodnight, Rhonda. Hey, where is your roommate?
Rhonda: Wendy? Oh, she’s at the library burning the midnight oil.
William: Wow! You mean she hasn’t finished her essay yet? That’s unfortunate.
Rhonda: Not for me! I’ll sleep well; I won’t have to hear her snore all night!

Meaning: To work all night. We use this idiom to emphasize the idea that a person is working hard after his or her normal work hours. In the old days (before electricity), people burned oil in lamps in order to light a room at night. If someone is “burning the midnight oil,” it means they need light in order to finish their work at night.

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To go overboard

Idiom: To go overboard – to be very enthusiastic; to do or say too much because a person is too enthusiastic about something; to do something in an extreme or excessive way.

Context #1 – Two friends are talking at a party

Tina: Did you see Maria? I mean, I know this is supposed to be a dressy party, but my goodness!

Sherri: I know! She really went overboard with all her makeup. No one wears that much makeup, not even models for a photoshoot!

Tina: True. She has so much makeup on, she doesn’t even look like herself!

Context #2 – Two roommates are talking

Susan:  Wow! Look at all this food! I thought we were inviting just Jim from next door, not the whole apartment complex!!!

Paul: Yes, I know. Do you think I went a little overboard?

Susan: A little? Paul, we have enough food to feed everyone in the neighborhood for the next week!

Paul: Sorry. Maybe we can take the extra food to a homeless shelter.

Susan: That sounds like a plan.

Paul:  Next time, I won’t go overboard!

Meaning: To go overboard means to do or say too much because of being overly enthusiastic about something. In the first dialogue, Maria put too much makeup on for the party. Even though it is a dress party, she should not have put on so much makeup. In the second context, Paul cooked too much food for the one guest they were having over to dinner. 

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Sick

Context #1:

Tom: Have you seen the new Star Wars movie yet?
Jim: Yeah, I saw it last night. It was so sick!
Tom: I know! I think it is the best one yet.

Context #2:

Sara: On Saturday we went to the street skateboarding championships, and it was so cool!
Kim: I bet! I can't believe so of the tricks that they can do now.
Sara: I know! We saw some really sick tricks.

Meaning: "sick" is an idiom/slang word that is used to describe something that is really cool.

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Cream of the crop

Context #1:

Joe: Have you decided who you're going to hire for the open position in the accounting department?

Sam: Well, I interviewed about 8 people and now I'm down to the cream of the crop. There are 2 people I am still considering, and need to make my final decision by Friday.

Context #2:

Christa: Do you know what you're going to cook for Valentine's Day dinner this year? 

Sally: Well, I had about 5 different recipes I was thinking about, and I've narrowed it down to just 2 of my recipes that are really the cream of the crop.

Meaning: "cream of the crop" is an expression that means "the best of the best."  It is used to describe the very best things out of a group of things that are all pretty good.

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Add Insult to Injury

Context #1

I had a boyfriend for nearly 2 months. He recently broke up with me. He claimed the relationship was not working because I was not his “type.” My hair is blonde, I have blue eyes, and I’m fairly athletic. When we first met, he said I was exactly his type! Recently, my friend told me she saw my ex-boyfriend at Del Amo Mall with his new girlfriend. His new girlfriend was a blonde, blue-eyed volleyball player! My friend also said she looks very similar to me! First I was upset about our break-up. It adds insult to injury that he lied about his reasons. I now know I’m better off without him.

Context #2

Tina: Hi, Billy. How was your first day of school?
Billy: It started out fine, but quickly turned horrible.
Tina: What happened?!
Billy: Well, it started when I tried to go to my first class. The teacher couldn’t find me on his class list. It was a little embarrassing because everyone was looking at me. That’s when I realized I was in the wrong room. One of the front desk staff gave me the wrong information.
Tina: That’s not so bad.
Billy: That’s only the beginning. After my classroom situation was worked out, I was running late to get to my real class and I wasn’t paying attention. There was a muddy puddle and I didn’t see it. I fell right on my butt and to add insult to injury, I dropped one of my brand new textbooks in the puddle. I have to let it dry out. I can’t afford to buy another one.
Tina: Oh no! That does sound terrible! Are you OK?
Billy: I’ve managed to recover! Hope tomorrow is better!

Explanation

The expression add insult to injury is used when talking about a situation that is already bad AND it gets worse. Use this expression AFTER the initial bad situation and BEFORE the thing that makes it worse.

In Example 1, the speaker is talking about her breakup- a bad situation. This bad situation becomes worse when she finds out her ex-boyfriend lied to her about the reasons. Her boyfriend broke up with her and to add insult to injury, he lied about the reasons.

In Example 2, Billy had a terrible day that continued to get worse. First, he went to the wrong room. Then he slipped in a muddy puddle. To add insult to injury, his book was also damaged by the water.

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Actions speak louder than words

Context #1

Amy: Hey Brian, what time will you pick me for tomorrow’s carpool to school?
Brian: I’ll be there at 9 am sharp.
Amy: Are you sure? Because the last 3 times you were late and we almost missed our first class. I would almost prefer to walk than wait for you again if you’re going to be late.
Brian: I promise. I’ll be on time tomorrow. Trust me.
Amy: Actions speak louder than words. I’ll have to see what you do tomorrow.

Context #2

We have a new American President set to be sworn into office soon. During each campaign season, the candidates make many promises with hopes to gain support and votes from the citizens. It seems that a candidate will often say anything and everything that will get him or her elected, even if they have no intention of doing what they say. Regardless of whom you supported in the elections, this is always true: Whoever is elected must remember that actions speak louder than words when it comes to gaining our trust and support in the long run.

Explanation

Actions speak louder than words means that what you DO is more important than what you SAY.
In Example 1, Brian SAYS he will be on time, but actually, he has been late the last 3 times. His actions don’t match his words, so Amy reminds him that he needs to DO what he says, not only SAY that he will.
In Example 2, the speaker is discussing politics. It is likely true of politicians in many countries, that they SAY many wonderful things and make many amazing promises, but often FAIL TO DO it. The speaker uses this expression to emphasize that politicians would enjoy more trust and support from their constituents if their ACTIONS matched their WORDS.

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Fish out of water

Context #1

Two colleagues are talking at work...

Penny: How are you finding the transition from accounting to account management?
Mark: It's all quite difficult and confusing. I am never sure just what it is I should be doing.
Penny: It's natural to feel like a fish out of water for the first few weeks. You'll settle in no time.

Context #2

Two friends are talking ...

Ana: How's school going?

Mike: I'm feeling a little like a fish out of water.
Ana: Why is that?
Mike: Well, after spending twenty years in the workforce, going to school with a bunch of bright, quick young people makes me feel out of place. I'm not sure I can manage the workload.

Meaning: To feel "like a fish out of water" means to feel awkward because you are in a situation that you have not experienced before or because you are very different from the people around you.

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Snowed In

Context #1 

A college student is talking to his dad on the phone

Tommy: Hello, Dad? 

Dad: Tommy! It’s so good to hear from you! We heard that you got snowed in at the airport and we were worried about you. Is everything OK?

Tommy: Yes, I’m fine, but I’ve been snowed in here for about two days. I don’t know if I’ll be able to fly home for Christmas.

Dad: That’s OK. We are just happy you are safe.

Tommy: It’s strange being at the airport so long, but I think things should open up soon. I’ll keep you posted.

Context #2 

A little girl is asking her Mom about going to school

Sarah: Look at all that snow! It hasn’t stopped all day.

Mom: Yes, it looks like it is getting too deep.

Sarah: Do you think we will get snowed in? That would be so much fun!

Mom: What do you mean? It’s not fun to just stay home and not be able to go anywhere.

Sarah: It’s fun when you don’t have to go to school because you are snowed in!

Meaning: To be snowed in means to be trapped somewhere because of too much snow. In the first context, the college student is snowed in at the airport, so he is not able to fly home for Christmas. In the second context, the little girl is hoping to be snowed in so that she doesn’t have to go to school.

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Christmas Comes But Once A Year

                          

Context #1

Mother and Daughter are talking about her old toys

Melissa: Mommy, why are you wrapping those baby toys as Christmas presents? I’m much too big for those types of baby toys. I’m almost 8 years-old.

Mom: Well, Melissa, these presents are not for you. They are for needy families at Christmas who cannot afford to buy their babies toys and other Christmas presents.

Melissa: Really? Can I help you? I bet these toys will make those babies very happy!

Mom: Of course, you can help. Christmas comes but once a year, so we need to remember the less fortunate and do something to make their Christmas bright!

Context #2 

A children’s choir* is getting ready to sing in a hospital lobby

Choir Leader: OK, everyone, please stand together so that we can sing our first song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Tabitha: I feel strange standing here in this hospital singing Christmas songs. Why are we here?

Samantha: And people might get mad at us for making noise!

Choir Leader: We are here in the hospital to cheer up the people who are not feeling well at Christmas time and cannot go home.

Tabitha: Oh, so they want to hear us?

Choir Leader: Of course! Christmas comes but once a year, so we should all do our best to be extra kind to people at Christmas. Your beautiful voices will cheer them up!

Explanation: The idea behind this saying is that since Christmas only happens once a year, we should treat it as a very special time by being extra good to others, especially children. Check out this 1936 cartoon with the title “Christmas Comes but Once a Year,” to see what “Professor Grampy” does to cheer up some sad orphans ** at Christmas. Click on the link below: Christmas Comes But Once a Year

*Choir: an organized group of singers (of all ages), typically one that takes part in church services or performs regularly in public.

**Orphan: Children who do not have a mother or father.

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Wish Upon a Star

Context #1 

Mother and 4-year-old son are talking

Mom: Did you like the movie, Pinocchio?

Johnny: Yes, I did. I especially like Jiminy Cricket! He’s funny!

Mom: Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Johnny: Mommy, you know that song that Jiminy Cricket sings in the movie? What does “wish upon a star” mean?

Mother: Well, when you look up in the sky at night and you see the first star, make a wish.  Then, your wish is supposed to come true. 

Johnny: So, when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true?

Mom: Well, let’s try it and find out!

Context #2 

A little girl is talking to her teacher at school

Samantha: I really wish that I get an A on this spelling test. It would make my grandpa so happy!

Teacher: Well, Samantha, you are 5 years old now and a big girl. If you studied, you will do just fine. Don’t worry.

Samantha: Do you know what I did last night?

Teacher: What?

Teacher: I decided to wish upon a star, the first star I saw, to be sure that I would get an A!

Meaning: To wish upon a star often refers to making a wish after seeing the first star in the sky at night. Many children believe that if you wish upon a star, your wish will come true.

"When You Wish upon a Star" is a song written for Walt Disney’s 1940 adaption of Pinocchio. The original version was sung by Cliff Edwards in the character of Jiminy Cricket. The song has since become the representative song of The Walt Disney Company.  It is also popular at Christmas time. Check out Jiminy Cricket performing this song in the film Pinocchio. See the link below: When You Wish Upon a Star

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Pull Christmas Crackers

Context #1 

Family sitting down for Christmas dinner

Dad: OK everyone. Let’s sit down to eat Christmas dinner!

Jason: Dad, can we pull the Christmas crackers now?

Dad: Sure, Jason! Go ahead.

Jason: Pulling Christmas cracker with his sister and it makes a “bang.”

Mother: Oh, look at those cute little toys. OK, Jason, now let your sister pull a Christmas cracker to see what she gets!

Context #2 

Two friends planning a Christmas party

Sami:  You know what? I have another idea for our Christmas party this year. Let’s have Christmas crackers!

Petra: What? I don’t know what that is.

Sami: Well, in Britain and some other English-speaking countries, people “pull Christmas crackers” during parties. The Christmas crackers contain little trinkets, toys, or even jokes on small pieces of paper.

Petra: That sounds interesting! Let’s do it.

Meaning: A Christmas Cracker is a cardboard paper tube, of brightly colored paper and twisted at both ends. They are usually given during Christmas dinner or at Christmas parties. They make a noise when pulled apart by two people and contain small presents like toys, trinkets, or even jokes on pieces of paper. Christmas crackers are part of Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Christmas crackers are not very common in the United States. 

Check out this video of people pulling Christmas cracker! https://youtu.be/ZAq6YzBBJBc

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