To Choke

Idiom: to choke

Example 1:

Sam: How did you do on your biology test this morning?

Todd: Oh man, I totally choked. I couldn't remember any of the information I studied last night.  I can't believe it.

Sam: Really? That's too bad.

Example 2:

Chrissy: I have my first piano recital this Friday night. I'm getting so nervous.

Jane: Don't worry. You'll do fine. You practice a lot, right?

Chrissy: Yeah, I've been practicing for hours everyday, but I'm afraid I'll get really scared when I see the audience. What if I choke and mess up the whole piece of music?

Jane: Try to calm down. You'll be ok.

Meaning: To choke is an idiom that is used to describe someone who totally fails at a moment when they are expected or hoping to perform well.

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Zone Out

Idiom: to zone out

Example 1:

Tim: How was your history class today?

Chris: Well, I didn't sleep well last night, so I was so tired.  I pretty much zoned out the whole class.

Tim: You still look a little sleepy.  You'd better get some good sleep tonight.

Example 2:

Sara: Hey, Jill! Focus on the road!

Jill: I'm sorry. I was zoning out.

Sara: What were you thinking about? 

Jill: My boyfriend and I have been having problems and I guess I just started daydreaming.

Meaning: to zone out means that someone cannot concentrate and their mind starts to wander or daydream.

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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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Hit the Airwaves

Idiom: Hit the Airwaves

Example 1:

Samira: What’s wrong, Giorgio? You look really nervous.

Giorgio: I am nervous. My band just finished its first CD. Now we have to promote it.

Samira:  Wow! That’s great!

Giorgio: So we are getting ready to hit the airwaves and start promoting it. We have an interview on “Coffee with the Girls” this afternoon. It’s a local TV show and it has a large following in this area.

Samira: Oh, I’ve seen that show! They have a lot of bands and singers as guests. That is so exciting!

Giorgio: Yes it is, but I’m also nervous because we are going to play a single from the CD and then they will interview us afterwards. It’s a live show, so I don’t want to make any mistakes.

Samira: Well, if you want to become famous, you have to hit the airwaves to promote your band. Don’t worry! You will be just fine.

Giorgio: Thank you for the encouragement, Samira!

Samira: Anytime!

Example 2:

Lilith: Quick! Turn on the TV to channel 4!

Liam: What? OK, but why?

Lilith: Do you remember that woman who had an affair with the mayor a few months ago? Myra Johnson?

Liam: Oh yes. Didn’t she disappear? No one has heard from her since the mayor confessed to the affair on TV and apologized to everyone.

Lilith: Yes, and the mayor blamed Myra Johnson for everything! Well, now Myra is hitting the airwaves with her side of the story.

Liam: Wow! Good for her. She shouldn’t be blamed for everything. I want to hear what she says.

Lilith: Me, too. Look, it’s starting!

Meaning: to go on radio or TV to promote something or to tell one side of a story.

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Bells and Whistles

Idiom: Bells and Whistles

Example 1:

Gerry: Congratulations, Kiki! I heard you passed the driver’s test!

 Kiki: Yes, I’m so happy. It took me three tries, but I finally have a driver’s license.

Gerry: So have you thought about buying a car?

 Kiki: Of course! My dad said he would help me, so we have been looking for cars together. It’s been a little difficult because he has a completely different idea about what kind of car I should buy.

Gerry: What do you mean?

Kiki: Well, I want a cute car with all the bells and whistles! Then I can drive around the town in style. But my dad wants me to start with something boring and basic.

Gerry: Actually, it’s probably better to just get a basic car at first without the bells and whistles. It’s cheaper and more practical.

Kiki: But it’s my first car!

Example 2:

Jackie: What’s the matter? You look upset!

Tommy: My computer crashed and I don’t think I’ll be able to repair it. I really can’t afford to buy a new computer right now!

Jackie: Don’t worry. Computers are not that expensive, especially if you buy a computer without all the bells and whistles. The more extras you add, the more expensive it will be.

Tommy: I guess you are right, but I really do a lot of things on the computer in addition to my work. I especially like gaming and you need a strong computer for that, one that has all the bells and whistles.

Jackie: Well, maybe you will just have to make a sacrifice for now. Get a basic computer and add the extras later when you can afford it.

Meaning: Extra; the things that a device or machine has or does that are not necessary, but that make it more exciting.

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Put Someone Up

Idiom: Put someone up

Example 1:

Vanessa: So what are your plans for the summer break? We have three months before school starts again!

Brad: Well, I’m going to visit my friends in London.

Vanessa: Wow! That sounds like fun! But isn’t London expensive?

Brad: Yes, it is, but I’m really lucky. My friend who lives there is putting me up for the summer, so I don’t need to pay for a hotel.

Vanessa: You are lucky! I wish I had friends like that!

Example 2:

Sami: I’m in big trouble. My roommate has asked me to leave by this weekend and I have no place to live!

Petra: Oh, Sami. I’m so sorry to hear that. I would put you up for a short time, but there is no room at my house.

Sami: Really? Not even on the sofa?

Petra: That is where I sleep! We are already in trouble for having too many people living in the apartment.

Sami: I see. Do you think Jennifer could put me up for a while? Just until I find another apartment.

Petra: Maybe. She does have an extra room that she uses as an office. Why don’t we give her a call?

Sami: Great idea. Thank you for helping!

Meaning: To provide a place for someone or something to stay temporarily.

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