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

 

On the Tip of One’s Tongue

Idiom: On the Tip of One’s Tongue

EXAMPLE:

Rory: Laurie! You have to help me! Something’s really bothering me!

Laurie: Sure, Rory. What’s going on?

Rory: Well, I was listening to a song that I really like, but I can’t remember the name of the singer! It’s on the tip of my tongue!

Laurie: Ok. Do you remember the name of the song?

Rory: Ummmm…no.

Laurie: That’s not helpful. Do you remember what the singer looks like?

Rory: Yeah. He has long black dreadlocks. He’s a really good piano player as well as a singer.

Laurie: All right, now we’re getting somewhere. What else can you tell me about him?

Rory: Um…he always wears sunglasses.

Laurie: He always wears sunglasses? Why does he always wear sunglasses?

Rory: Oh, he always wears them because he can’t see. He’s blind.

Laurie: Rory! Are you thinking of Stevie Wonder?

Rory: Yes! That’s it! Thank you so much! I feel better now!

Laurie: No problem. I can’t believe you forgot Stevie Wonder’s name…

Meaning:

This is an expression that we use when we can remember what something looks like, sounds like, etc. but we can’t remember the actual name of the object or person. It is often used, for example, when we can remember someone’s face, but we can’t remember their name. We can almost remember the name, but not quite, and it’s a very frustrating feeling!

To get to know

Idiom: To get to know:  used as a verb

Example 1: At first, the new-hire wasn't sure about his co-workers; but now that he has gotten to knowthem, he enjoys their company.

Example 2: When you arrive in a city for the first time, traveling around and finding new things is usually difficult. Once you get to know the city, however, everything becomes much easier.

Meaning: "To get to know" suggests that something that was unfamiliar or "unknown" becomes familiar or "known." "To become familiar with" is a synonym.

"To get to know" is an idiom found in unit 4 of Reading Transitions, a Language Systems International text book used for Level 4 students.

Second Nature

Idiom: second nature; used as a noun

First Example:

John trained Luana on a new job at work.  At first, she was very nervous about it, and she was afraid she would do it wrong.  But after doing it for a couple days, it became second nature to her.  She can't believe she ever thought this was difficult!

Meaning: "Second nature" is an adjective phrase that is used to describe a behavior or trait that has become such a habit, it almost seems to have been part of a person from birth. This idiom is usually used to describe something is easy and natural for one person (but not necessarily to other people).  In the example, Luana was at first nervous about her new task at work, but she quickly learned that it was actually very simple.  Notice that the phrase is followed by "to her."  While not required (as in the next example), "second nature" is commonly used with "to +person."

Here is another example:               

Son: Mom, do you think I'll pass my driving test?

Mom: I'm sure you'll be fine. And if you fail the first time, you can take it again later.

Son: I'm sure you passed your test the first time.

Mom: Actually, I failed my first two driving tests.

Son: Really?!  But you're such a good driver.

Mom: Like you, I was really scared during my driving tests.  Plus, I was a pretty terrible driver.  I ran a stop sign during my first test, and I hit another car in my second test before I could even leave the DMV. 

Son: Wow!  I didn't know that!

Mom: I've driven a lot since then, and now it's second nature; I don't even think about it when I drive.  I'm sure you'll be fine.  And think of this way: even if you fail the first time, you'll probably still do better than hitting a parked car in the parking lot.

Son: Thanks mom.

In this case, the son is nervous about his driving test since he's a new driver, but his mom explains that now that she has been driving for years, driving is second nature to her.  She doesn't even think about how to drive because she just knows how.

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