To be a Must

Idiom: to be a must; used as a verb ("must" being a noun). 

First Example:

Maria: I'm so excited!  I'm going to Disneyland this weekend.

Neil: Have you been before?

Maria: No, I've never been.

Neil: You'll have a great time

Maria: Which rides should I go on?  I like fast rides.

Neil:  Then you should definitely go on Space Mountain.  It's a must.  And the railroad and Matterhorn are pretty fun as well.

Meaning: While "must" is normally used in English as modal, it can be used as a noun meaning something that is indispensable or required.  However, while "must" usually has a formal meaning when used as a modal, it's often used as a noun in informal situations, when someone is giving a suggestion of something that is worth doing.  In the example above, Neil says that the ride Space Mountain is a must, meaning that Maria should make sure to go on it.  Usually, "must" is used as a noun in the phrase "to be a must."

Here is another example:

            Having a car is a must if you hope to live and work in Los Angeles.  While the public transportation is acceptable for visitors, it's usually not reliable enough for everyday commuting.

Meaning: In this case, it's being suggested that a car is necessary for those living and working in Los Angeles due to unreliable public transportation.

This idiom is from LSI's new edition of "Reading Horizons," which will be used in the Level 6 Reading classes. For more information, please visit http://www.languagesystems.com/   

"on the surface"

Example 1:

Mark: Hi Gina, how are you and Michael doing? You look great!

Karen: Hi Mark! We're good--but totally crazy with the kids right now...!

Mark: Well, it seems like you're handling everything okay.

Karen: Ha! Maybe it looks like that on the surface... but I'm so stressed out! I had no idea how much work kids are!!

Mark: Well, just let me know if you need a break. Sue and I would love to babysit, and you and Michael can take a night off.

Karen: Thanks so much, Mark!

Example 2:

Barbara: Hi John! How's your new job?

John: Hey Barbara! It's going well, thanks!

Barbara: Is it what you expected?

John: Of course not! (laughs) You know there's always more than what you see on the surface... I have a lot more responsibilities than I thought I would have!

Meaning: at first glance, outward appearance (there is more than what you see in the beginning or on the surface)

In Example 1, Mark thinks Gina looks great--but really she is stressed out because she's so busy with two small children!

In Example 2, John explains to Barbara that there is a lot more for him to do at his new job than he thought at first.

The idiom "on the surface" was taken from Unit 10 (L.A. vs. N.Y.C.) in LSI's textbook Reading Transitions for Level 4 Reading/Vocabulary classes.  

"to make a move"

Example 1:

Jerry: Hey Ryan! So... how's it going with the new girl at Starbucks? Have you asked her out yet?

 

Ryan: No, not yet... It's hard to talk to her at work, but I think she knows I like her!

 

Jerry: Man, are you waiting for her to make a move?
                                                               

             
Ryan: Haha! Very funny! Actually, I don't like it when a woman asks me out the first time.

 

Jerry: Why not? Are you old-fashioned? If a woman makes a move, you know she's really interested.

 

Ryan: That's true, I guess--I just feel more traditional about asking someone on a first date.

 

Jerry: Well, don't wait too long, Jerry--or some other guy might make a move first!

 

Example 2:

August: So Amy... white goes first... make a move!

Cynthia: Hmm, I don't know all the chess pieces yet....

 

August: There's only one way to find out. Try one and you'll learn as we play.

 

Cynthia: Okay, I just have to protect my King and Queen, right?

 

August: Exactly! And white goes first. I'm black, so you make the first move.

 

Meaning: to try to start a romantic relationship with someone, to try to advance your position

In Example 1, Ryan likes a woman who works at Starbucks, but he's a little afraid to make a move and ask her out on a date. His friend, Jerry, is pushing him to just go for it.

 

In Example 2, August and Cynthia are playing a game of chess, but Cynthia has never played before. She doesn't know how to make a move with her chess pieces to start the game and advance. 

 

Usage notes: We make a move when we want to advance our position. We can make a move to try to get a promotion at work, win a game, and start a relationship with someone. 

 

The idiom "make a move" was taken from Unit 9 (The Speed of Romance) in LSI's textbook Reading Transitions for Level 4 Reading/Vocabulary classes.

Steer Clear

Idiom: Steer Clear

Example 1:

Are you on a diet? You'd better steer clear of the bakery! You know they always put the best cookies in the window and you might get tempted!

Example 2:

If you are going to Downtown LA, I advise you to steer clear of the 110 freeway. I heard on the radio that there was a big accident and traffic is pretty terrible at this time. 

Explanation:
steer clear + of + noun
steer clear = avoid  + something
This expression is often used to warn people about something they should avoid. In example 1, they suggest avoiding the bakery (with many delicious sweets) while their friend is on a diet. In example 2, the person is advised to avoid the freeway because of heavy traffic.

This idiom was taken from the LSI textbook titled "Reading Horizons," which is used to teach Level 6 Reading/Vocabulary classes at LSI schools. For more information please visitwww.languagesystems.com

average joe

Example 1:

These politicians don't care about the average joe. They only worry about other rich people. 

Example 2:

Jack Smith's story is amazing! Last year he was just an average joe and now he is a world famous rock star! How did he do it? 

Explanation:
average joe = average man
An average joe is a regular male person who is usually not exceptionally attractive, talented, or wealthy. Average joe is a common expression that is used when referring to an ordinary member of society.

This idiom was taken from the LSI textbook titled "Reading Horizons," which is used to teach Level 6 Reading/Vocabulary classes at LSI schools. For more information please visitwww.languagesystems.com

Time (be) Up

Idiom: Time (be) Up

Context #1 -

 

Teacher: Ok class, please put down your pencils and give me your tests.  Time is up!

Student: But I'm not finished yet!

Teacher:  Sorry, I can't give you extra time to finish.

 

Context #2 -

 

John: I can't believe my time here in Japan is already up!  I've been here for a whole year teaching English and now I have to go back to California.

Sally:  Yeah this year has flown by!  We're going to miss you.

John: I wish I could stay longer.

 

Meaning: the idiom "time is/was up" is used to describe the fact that the time someone had to do something has run out.  When the time you had to do something is gone, we say your "time is up."  This idiom was taken from the LSI textbook titled "Reading Transitions," which is used to teach Level 4 Reading/Vocabulary classes at LSI schools. For more information please visitwww.languagesystems.com

To Get in Shape

Idiom: To Get in Shape

Context #1 -

 

Sara:  I can't believe I'm getting married in 2 months!

Jane:  I know...I can't wait to see you in your wedding dress.

Sara: Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me.  I have 2 months to get in shape for the wedding.  Time to hit the gym!

 

Context #2 -

 

Jim: I heard your son is playing on the high school football team this year.

Tom: Yeah, he's really excited!  But he's not too excited about all the practices they have.

Jim: I understand.  It takes a lot of hard work to get in shape for the football season.  He'll survive!

 

Meaning:  the idiom "get in shape" is used to describe the process of exercising or working out with the purpose of getting into great physical condition.  This idiom is taken from the LSI textbook "Reading Connections," which is used to teach Level 3 Reading/Vocabulary classes at LSI schools.  For more information please visit www.languagesystems.com