You rock

First Example:

Freddie: I’m going to organize the biggest party of all time.

Mick: Dude, you rock!  When is this party going to take place?

Freddie: We’re going to rent an entire farm and set up a massive sound system that all the neighbors will be able to hear.

Mick: Wow! You’re really putting on a show.

Meaning: "You rock" is an expression used to show strong approval.  Since Rock N’ Roll is a popular genre of music, it is an expression going back for some time.  However, it’s still popular in use.

Second Example:

John: Hey man, do you think you can have that work done by the end of the day?

Paul:  I completed that work last week.  I can have it on your desk in a minute.

John:  Fantastic! You rock!  I can always count on you.

Paul:  Thanks.  I really appreciate your comment.

Meaning: In this instance, “You rock” is also used for approval, but it can also be used as a cheer from excitement.

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The Life of the Party

Idiom: the life of the party

Example 1:

Pete:  I’m usually the wallflower of the party.  I’m not very good at socializing.

Chip: Dude, you really have to stop doing that. 

Pete: It’s not so easy man.  You can say that because you’re always the life of the party.  You’re always talking to everyone, introducing others, and making sure everyone is having a good time. 

Chip:  You think I’m the life of the party?  Wow, thanks man.  I never thought about myself that way.

Example 2:

Kazuyuki:  Being the life of the party comes naturally to many people.

Ting:  Are you kidding me?  I think it’s something that you have to work on.  You can be social, but that doesn’t make you the life of the party.  To be the life of the party, one should know most of the people in an event, be aware of everything that’s going on, be a good host, and entertain everyone.  That takes serious communication and organizational skills.

Kazuyuki:  Or you could just be very good looking and charming.

Ting:  You’re so pessimistic.  You’re definitely not the life of my parties.

Meaning: The life of the party is used to describe someone who keeps a positive environment for everyone and is always making people feel good.  People who are the life of the party are: usually social, outgoing, organized, and have a good sense of humor.  Being the life of the party requires good social skills and a positive attitude.

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With Friends Like This, Who Needs Enemies

Idiom: With friends like this, who needs enemies

Example 1:

Kirk: I'm so mad at Daniel right now.

Maria: Your friend Daniel?

Kirk: Yeah. We're taking the same English class, and I didn't finish my essay because we were out this weekend.

Maria: So why are you mad at Daniel?

Kirk: Well, I told the instructor I was sick this weekend, and asked for an extension, which he said yes to. But then when he went to collect the paper from Daniel, Daniel said he didn't have it because he and I were out partying all weekend.

Maria: He said your name?

Kirk: Yeah. So the instructor called me up and said I couldn't turn it in late after lying to him, all because Daniel ratted me out.

Maria: With friends like that, who needs enemies?

Example 2:

Jennifer was interested in dating Tom, a new guy in her class. Tom was cute, intelligent, funny - everything she could want in a boyfriend. She told her roommate, Stella, all about Tom, asking for advice in what she should do to get his attention. The next day, Jennifer saw Stella talking to Tom outside of her class. When Jennifer asked Stella about it, Stella told her that she and Tom were going out on a date this weekend! With friends like Stella, who needs enemies?

Meaning: Used to describe a bad friend, or a friend who betrays the speaker. Used when comparing a friend's actions to something an enemy might do. 

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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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Party Animal

Idiom: Party Animal

Example 1:

Tommy: Are you ready to see the final game of the season?

Don: I’m so excited about it, that I’ve been partying for the last three days without sleep.

Tommy:  Dude, you’re a real party animal. That’s wild. Where do you find the time and money to be able to do that?

Don: It’s in my blood. My father was a party animal, my grandparents were party animals.  Actually, now that I think about it, all my family members are party animals.

Example 2:

Victoria: I spent so much time studying in college. I wish I would have been more social and attended more events.

Liz: I remember nothing about class or college. My boyfriend and I were always partying.

Victoria: How did you manage to graduate, being such party animals?

Liz: I wish I could tell you, but I can’t remember. 

Victoria: I can’t believe it. Most people are incapable of that.

Meaning: A party animal is someone who attends parties on a consistent basis.  A party animal is someone who is constantly attending, participating, and/or organizing parties. Usually, they are social and have high levels of energy.

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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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To be out

Idiom: to be out

Context #1

Jim:  Hey, you'd better wake up Steve.  You know the teacher hates when he sleeps in class.

Tom:  I already tried.  I poked him several times but he still didn't wake up.  He is out!

Context #2

Susie:  What time did you get home from the party last night?

Kathy: I got home around 2 o'clock in the morning. 

Susie: Yeah, me too.  I was so tired I just went to bed.

Kathy: I know.  I brushed my teeth and then turned on the TV to watch a movie but I was out in like 5 minutes.

Meaning: to be out is an American idiom that is used when you describe someone who is in a deep sleep.  When I person is out, it is usually because they are really tired, really exhausted, or really drunk. If someone is out, it is really hard to wake them up. Practical idioms like this are taught in the Speaking and Conversation classes at LSI.  

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