Come out swinging

First Example:

Charlie:  Did you watch the political debate last week?

Emilio:  Of course!  It was so shocking; both candidates came out swinging.

Charlie:  That’s an understatement; they were beyond aggressive.

Emilio:  They attacked each other relentlessly.

Meaning: To "come out swinging" comes from the aggressive act of swinging your arms to punch someone or an object to hurt others.  It’s used as an expression to depict someone mounting a verbal attack on someone aggressively.  In this example, Emilio describes the politicians having a debate which probably involved strong accusations, strong/aggressive behavior or language to attack each other.

Second Example:

Sarah:  If Peter doesn’t have a good explanation for leaving me and my family in the middle of dinner, I’m going to come out swinging at him when he arrives.

Michael:  Hey, take it easy.  Don’t be so violent.  I’m sure there’s a rational explanation.  However, that doesn’t give you the right to attack someone physically.

Sarah:  I won’t actually do it, I’m just so angry for his rude behavior.

Michael:  I understand your anger, but saying something like that will confuse people and think you’re violent.

http://languagesystems.edu/

To go the extra mile

Idiom: To go the extra mile - to do more than what is required to reach a goal or complete a task; to do more and make a greater effort than what is expected. 

Context #1 – Two friends talking during lunch

Lance: Hey, Brittany. You look really happy. What's up?

Brittany: Oh, I just finished my English Conversation class.

Lance: Really? I thought it ended at 12:30. It's 1:15 right now.

Brittany: Well, my teacher stayed after class and explained some idioms to me and how to use them in conversation. Now I really understand and I feel great.

Lance: What a nice teacher! It sounds like she really cares.

Brittany: Yes, she does. My teacher really goes the extra mile to help us understand new idioms in class. She often stays late and explains things to students with questions. She doesn't have to do that during her free time.

Lance: True! You are lucky to have a teacher like her.

Context #2 – Two friends talking about a party last Saturday

Sara:  Did you like that party Billy threw for me last Saturday night for my birthday?

Pat: Yes! He really went the extra mile to make the perfect party for everyone.

Sara: I know! I totally didn't expect him to rent such a big room at the hotel and have the party catered with such delicious food! On top of that, he hired a live DJ to come in for the night. It was so nice!

Pat: Well, Billy is like that. He is a great guy and always willing to go the extra mile for his family and friends.

Meaning: To go the extra mile for someone means to do more than what is required to reach a goal or complete a task or to do more than what is expected of a person. In context 1, Brittany is happy because her teacher went the extra mile to help her understand something in English class. Therefore, the teacher did more than required to help Brittany understand the English lesson by staying during her own free time. In context 2, Billy threw a party for Sara and it was a super nice party. Billy did much more than what was expected to make it a great party.  

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.

http://languagesystems.edu/

To Take Something With a Pinch/Grain Of Salt (used as a verb)

First Example:

Lucy: Did you go to that political rally last night?
Jason: Yeah, and it was amazing! She had such great ideas, and her campaign promises are really inspiring.
Lucy: Maybe, but make sure you take anything she says with a pinch of salt.
Jason: What do you mean?
Lucy: Well, she's a politician. They're known for promising things they can't actually deliver just to get more people to vote for them.
Jason: I know, but I think she's for real.

Meaning: 

To "take (something someone says) with a pinch of salt " is a phrase that means you should be critical of what a person says. This idiom is often used when the person who says it doesn't trust something another person said, or thinks they have an ulterior motive.  In the example, Jason is excited by a political candidate, but Lucy says he should take what she says with a pinch of salt, suggesting that the candidate may be promising things she doesn't intend to deliver on.  
In addition, the word "grain" is sometimes used instead of "pinch." The idiom means the same thing with either "pinch" or "grain."

Here is another example:  
            
Bill: Want to try that restaurant that just opened?
Kelsey: I don't know; I heard their service isn't very good.              
Bill: Where did you hear that?
Kelsey: I read a review on Yelp.
Bill: Oh. Well, I take reviews on there with a grain of salt. A lot of people only write reviews if something went wrong and they want to complain.
Kelsey: True, and it got a pretty good review in the paper. Yeah, let's try it and decide for ourselves.


In this case, Bill says to take online reviews with a grain of salt, suggesting online reviews are often skewed. 

http://languagesystems.edu/

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.

http://languagesystems.edu/

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. 

http://languagesystems.edu/

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.  

http://languagesystems.edu/

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.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Let your freak flag fly

First Example:

Nancy: What are you wearing for the costume party?

Marco: I’m going to wear a bear hat, a penguin coat, and cheetah pants.  I’ll be the weird one of the party.

Nancy: You’re really going to let your freak flag fly, huh?

Marco: Thanks.  You know me; I’m always trying to be fun.

Meaning: "Let your freak flag fly" is a positive expression used to show a characteristic that’s hidden or overt implying a unique or unconventional way of thinking.  Some people feel that the work “freak” might be a bad thing, but in this instance, it’s a show of approval.

Second Example:

Barbara:  What do you think about my idea for the holiday party we all wear our clothes inside out?

Tom:  I’m not sure.  That seems a little crazy.  Don’t you think?

Barbara:  Oh, come on!  Let your freak flag fly!  Not everything has to be formal in life.

Tom:  You know what?  You’re right.  We should have a little fun in the office every now and again.

Meaning: In this instance, “Let your freak flag fly” is used to show a unique way of thinking, that although may seem strange, can be a positive thing.  Here Barbara is just trying to create a fun atmosphere for the day.  It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a permanent condition or thought.

http://www.languagesystems.com/

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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Mellow (used as an adjective)

                    
First Example:

            Steven: Long week, huh?

            Sharon: Yeah, I'm exhausted.

            Steven: Are you doing anything special this weekend?

            Sharon: Nope. I'm just gonna keep it mellow, maybe rent a movie and order pizza. If possible, I think I'm going to avoid leaving my house until Monday.

            Steven: That sounds great! I wish I could relax, but I'm taking the kids to Disneyland.

            Sharon: Well that sound fun.

            Steven: I'd rather be relaxing like you.

Meaning: While "mellow" can describe a taste (for example, a mellow dish would be pleasant and mild, not spicy or strong in any way), it can also be used to describe an atmosphere or attitude. A person or place that is mellow is relaxed and laid-back. When Sharon says she is going to keep her weekend "mellow," she means she is just planning on relaxing.

Second Example:

            Grace: What do you think of the new math instructor?

            Todd: I like her so much more.

            Steven: Me too! She's such much more mellow than Mr. Sanchez was!

            Sharon: I know! He was so high-strung!

Meaning: In this instance, Steven says that the new instructor is more mellow than Mr. Sanchez, meaning the new teacher is more relaxed than their former teacher, who was nervous and anxious according to Sharon.

http://www.languagesystems.com/

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.

Dough

Context #1

Carl: You owe me $80 for the Lakers ticket I got you.

Tony: Oh yeah.  But I don't have any dough on me now.  Let's go by the bank ATM machine and I'll get that money I own you. 

Context #2

Bethany:  I heard the restaurant you work at was super busy last night.  Did you get a lot of good tips?

Chrissy: Yeah, I worked so hard, but I didn't mind because I need the extra dough.

Meaning: "dough" is an American slang expression used for "money."

http://www.languagesystems.com/

Big Guns

First Example:

Nick: Who’s going to play on your basketball team for the tournament?

Ben: We have Michael taking the lead.

Nick: Oh! You’re bringing out the big guns.  You really want to win.

Ben: What’s the point of playing if you don’t have a strong leader that plays well?

Nick: That’s true.  We don’t have big guns on our team, just good team players.

Ben: Hey, that’s not bad.  You can’t depend on one good player only.  The big guns should only complement the team.

Second Example:

Julia: Hey, are you hosting the party this Saturday?

Tom: Yes.  I’m going to bring out the big guns and have a live band.

Julia: Oh cool.  You mean no DJ?  Just live music?  Who’s playing?

Tom: My friend’s brother is the lead singer of Green Day.

Julia:  What? That’s definitely the big guns.  No one will forget your party.

Meaning: The expression "big guns" refers to an important person in an organization or something/someone that has strong influence or value.  For example, Nick said to Ben that because Michael is playing, he’s bringing in the big guns.  He recognizes that Michael will make a big difference in favor of Ben’s team.  He can add value or strong competition for the team.

By Carlos T. #NELA

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Grub/Grub on

Context #1: 

I'm so hungry! Let's get out of here and get some grub!

Context #2:

I'm so hungry! I could grub on just about anything right now!

Explanation:

the word grub can be used as a noun or a verb. 

In noun form, it means food. In verb form, it means eat. 

In example 1, grub is used as a noun. "Let's get out of here and get some food"

In example 2, grub on is used as a verb. "I could eat just about anything..!"

http://www.languagesystems.com/

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.

http://www.languagesystems.com/