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.

http://languagesystems.edu/ 

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.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Black Friday; used as a noun

Context:

Alex: What are you doing over the Thanksgiving break?

Armando: Well, I'm spending Thanksgiving evening with my parents, and then I'm spending the night in a Best Buy parking lot.

Alex: Why would you do that?

Armando: It's Black Friday. I need a new computer, and they are selling a laptop I've had my eye on for really cheap. But they will have like 5 at that price, so I'm going to camp out in front of the stoor.

Alex: That's sounds dreadful. I will be wishing you luck from the comfort of my apartment.

Meaning: The expression "Black Friday" is a nickname for the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. Thanksgiving is a harvest celebration, and in the US, it's always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Because it's on a Thursday, most schools and companies stay closed on the day after. Since everyone is off work and it's roughly a month before Christmas, the day has become one of the most popular shopping days in the US. In order to attract customers, stores usually offer their best sales on that day, although many of these sales are limited, as explained by Armando in the example above. Because of these limited sales, some people have made the day almost a competitive shopping holiday, and every year there are reports of shoppers fighting over an item and people falling and being trampled when the store's doors open.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Bark up the wrong tree

Context #1 Alex: I'm sure that Cynthia took my candy. Mike: Cynthia? There's no way she took it. Alex: I think she did! She was at school yesterday. Mike: So was everyone else! It's a big school. Alex: She likes candy. Mike: Lots of people like candy. I think you're barking up the wrong tree. Alex: Wait a minute. Why are you so sure she didn't take it?

Context #2

Young Aaron's birthday is coming up soon. He will turn five years old on his birthday. Aaron's parents have been keeping Aaron's birthday present as a surprise but Aaron really wants to know what his present will be. As a result, Aaron is asking his mother all kinds of unusual questions to try to discover what his gift is. Aaron asks if his mother or father have gone shopping anywhere different. Aaron asks if his present is larger than a loaf of bread. He asks if his gift is hidden in the house. Aaron asks many questions. Finally, Aaron's mother says...

"Young man, if you think that I will tell you what your present is, you are very mistaken. You are barking up the wrong tree!"

Meaning: To make a wrong assumption about someone or something.

http://languagesystems.edu/ 

To go dutch

Context #1 – Friends Having Dinner Together

Marc:That was a good dinner. Let me ask for the check.

Henry:Yeah, please do. Let me know how much I should cover.

Marc: No way man! I invited you to dinner.

Henry: I only agreed to dinner if we would go Dutch. So, no arguments. 

Marc: Okay, but next time, you have to let me pay.

Context #2 – Paying for the taxi

Vivian: It’s great to see you again. I ordered us a taxi.

Roy: How much was it? I want to cover for it.

Vivian: We never said we would go Dutch. You can pay the next taxi.

Roy: Okay, sure. But for dinner, we will go Dutch. The restaurant we’re going to is not cheap.

To “go Dutch” means to pay for one self. For example, if friends go out to dinner or planned activity, each person will pay for their own food, transportation, etc.

http://languagesystems.edu/