Eye-popping

Idiom: Eye-popping; used as an adjective

Context #1:

Taylor: Did you see the new Christopher Nolan movie?
Jake: Yeah. You?
Taylor: Yeah, and while I didn't really care for the story, the cinematography was eye-popping! I was not expecting it to look that amazing.
Jake: Yeah, I was blown away by how beautiful it was.

Meaning: The expression "eye-popping" means that something is visually shocking or surprising. In the above example, Taylor uses "eye-popping" to say that something was surprisingly beautiful. It can also be used in a number of other ways, such as when someone wears a particularly revealing outfit, as in the next example:

Context #2:

The actress wore an especially eye-popping outfit to the awards show after party. She was wearing a very short shirt and a blouse that was rather low-cut. A few critics called it a scandal, but others said she looked gorgeous.

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Street Smart

Idiom: street smart(s); used as an adjective or noun

Context #1:

Lenny: So Mayra got a new place.

Bruce: Really? Where is it?

Lenny: Over on 4th, kind of near the freeway.

Bruce: Isn't that kind of a bad neighborhood?

Lenny: Yeah, but she's street smart. She grew up in an area like that, so she knows how to survive. And she's saving a ton of money compared to her last place.

Meaning: The expression street smart means that someone knows how to survive in dangerous urban areas, usually because they have experience living in similar areas. The expression can be used as an adjective, as in the example above, or as the non-count noun street smarts, as in the next example:

Context #2

Don't go into that neighborhood without any

street smarts; it can be a rough area, and

people walk around with expensive jewelry and talking on expensive mobile phones are likely to get mugged.

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To catch some rays

Context #1:

Gina: Hi, Will! It looks like you caught some rays on the weekend.

Will: I sure did! My friend and I went to Huntington Beach on Saturday. We played in an all-day beach volleyball tournament!

Context #2: 

Linda: Joan, where were you?

Joan: Oh, it is such a nice day. I went out to catch some rays.

Linda: I see that. Did you fall asleep?

Joan: Yes. It was so warm and comfortable.

Linda: And were you reading?

Joan: Yes! How did you know?

Linda: It looks like an open book fell on your face; the bottom half of your face is pale and the top half is tanned. 

Joan: Oh, no!

Meaning: To be in the sunshine. In this case "catch" means receive and "rays" means the sun's energy. If you "catch some rays," then, you are outside on a sunny day. For most North Americans, "catching some rays" is a positive, healthy experience. 

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To take a rain​ ​check

Context #1: 

Arias and Varysun are talking on the phone.

​

Arias: Hey Varysun! Can you remind me what time we are going to watch the movie Change of Thrones?

Varysun: Actually, I'm feeling a little sick today.

Arias: Oh, no! What happened?

Varysun: I don't know for sure​,​ but my stomach has been hurting and I've been in bed all day.

Arias: That sounds terrible! Is there anything I can get you?

Varysun: No, thank you, I've just been drinking a lot of 

​water​ and resting.

Arias: I'm glad you are taking care of yourself. 

Varysun: Do you think we could take a rain check on going to the movies?

Arias: Yes! Of course. Once you feel better we can pick another date and time to watch Change of Thrones.

Varysun: Thank you for being so understanding!

Arias: No worries at all, my friend! Feel better and get well soon.

Varysun: Okay, bye now.

Arias: Bye!

Context #2:

Branishk and Ramsayon are cousins who are hanging out at The Rose Garden.

Branishk: I thought you and Sansara were going to Santa Barbara this weekend, no?

Ramsayon: We were but she said she needed to take a rain check.

Branishk: Really? Why? What happened?

Ramsayon: Well, her sister had to have an emergency surgery​,​ so she decided to help​ her this weekend.

Branishk: That's really nice of her. Were you able to get a refund from the hotel?

Ramsayon: We were going to stay at my friend's place, so​ we didn't loose any money. 

Branishk: That's good!

Meaning: To reschedule plans for later

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Pay it forward

Context #1  

John: Have you heard what people have started doing at the Starbucks drive through?  The person in front is paying for whatever the people behind them have ordered.

Steve: Yeah, I've heard about that happening. I guess people are just trying to be kind to each other.

John: That's right. It's a really cool way to pay it forward.  

Context #2

Jenny: Look someone left their wallet in the classroom.

Christine: What should we do?

Jenny: Let's take it to the school's office. I know they have a lost and found. Maybe they can even find the owner.

Christine:That's a good idea. I'm glad you're doing the right thing and paying it forward.

Meaning: "pay it forward" is an idiom that has come into use relatively recently.  It is used when someone does something kind or morally right knowing that if they do good, then in the future someone else will be kind or do good to them. If you are kind, you will receive kindness in the future. If you do bad to others, something bad will happen to you in the future. 

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A kick!!

Context #1  

Tom: What are you doing?

Chris: I'm putting Tabasco sauce in my humus.

Tom: Why?

Chris: Well, the humus tastes good, but it needs a little kick.

Context #2

Suzie: What did you order?

Teresa: I ordered the Thai green curry.

Suzie: I've had that before.  I hope you like spicy food because that green curry really has a kick.

Meaning: "a kick" is a common American expression that means a spicy component when it comes to food.  It is usually used with the verbs "to have," "to need" and "to give."   

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To shoot some hoops

 

Context  #1: 

I just want to relax this weekend. I don't want to study. I don't want to clean or do laundry. I just want to relax. Maybe I'll watch something on Netflix or take a long nap. I might call up some friends and shoot some hoops if the weather is nice. 

Context #2:

We just returned from the LA Lakers NBA game in Downtown Los Angeles. It was so exciting! Basketball is my favorite sport and I can't wait to join a team so I can shoot some hoops with my friends!

Explanation:

To shoot some hoops means to play basketball. The sport of basketball is played with a ball and the object of the game is to get the ball through a hoop by throwing the ball. The verb shoot  is used the same as throw. 

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