The icing on the cake

Context #1

Dear Diary,

I just started at my new school and I'm very excited! All of my teachers are excellent, the school is in a wonderful location, my schedule is great, AND one of my classmates is really cute. The classes are pretty small, too, so I know I'll be partnering with him on projects and exercises. I know I'm here to study so I won't let him distract me from that. He's just the icing on the cake! Can't wait for school tomorrow!

Context #2

Lena: How's your new job, Sandra?

Sandra: I love it! It's a great company.

Lena: Is the pay good? Are you making more than at your last job?

Sandra: Oh, yes! Much more! But that's just the icing on the cake. We're given tons of perks like fully-covered health insurance, an office gym, and a free healthy lunch catered on site every Friday. There are also lots of opportunities to move up as the company grows into other markets. I'm really excited about it!

Lena: Wow! That sounds amazing. Are they still hiring?

Explanation: The icing on the cake is used to talk about an additional, but non-essential, part of something that is already quite good. It makes a good thing even better.

In Example 1, the student is writing in her diary about her new school. Her new school is good in many ways AND there's a cute boy in her class. The cute boy is not necessary but makes a good thing even better. 

In Example 2, Sandra has a great new job. There are many perks and opportunities for growth which makes the job great. She says the great pay is an extra thing to make the job better.

use the BE verb with this expression

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In a daze

Context #1

Jim: Yesterday when we were playing soccer, Mary and I both went to head the ball and we collided.

Sam: Are you ok?

Jim: I was in a daze for a few minutes, but after that I was ok.

Context #2

Bethany: I heard Christine is totally in love with this guy she met at the gym.

Sally: Yeah, I know. She has been walking around in a daze since they met.

Meaning: "in a daze" means to feel a little confused, or not able to concentrate or think clearly.

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A trip

Context #1

Tom: Remember our high school P.E. teacher Mrs. Stevens?

Chris: Yeah, of course.

Tom: Well I ran into her at the store yesterday. It's been like 20 years.

Chris: Wow! That must have been a trip!

Context #2

Sara: Did you see that new Matrix movie?

Jane: Yeah, but it was a little strange.

Sara: I know. That movie is a trip.

Meaning: "a trip" is a noun that is used as a kind of slang word to mean something that is strange, unbelievable, or really fascinating. The adjective is "trippy." It is used more by guys than girls. 

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From time to time

Context #1

Luz: Do you like watching action movies?  I think they’re the best.

Leo: Sure, from time to time. 

Luz: Like how often?

Leo: maybe once every three or four days.  Not too often.

Context #2

Bob: From time to time I remember when we first met. 

Shannon: That’s so sweet of you to say.  I didn’t think you thought about that at all.

Bob: Yes, occasionally I’ll have a memory that brings me back to the moment I ran into you while crossing the street with your friend.

Shannon: Well, from time to time I remember when you asked me out ten minutes later after we crossed the street.

Bob: I guess we both like thinking about the beginning of our relationship.

Meaning: Irregularly; now and then; occasionally; sometimes; not predictably.

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Be second to none

Context #1

Saul: Today was such a good soccer game. I didn’t think I would score so many goals.

Jay: Duh, everyone knows you’re second to none. You’re the best player in the league. 

Saul: I didn’t really think about it that way. I’m glad people can see how hard I train.

Jay: Bro, you’re the best. Like I said, you’re second to none. 

Context #2

Dwayne: This restaurant is so delicious. It’s not even that expensive. 

Alexis: Yes! This place is second to none, even though it’s a small local joint.

Dwayne: I guess people never think small community restaurants like these can be world class.

Alexis: Well, most restaurants start somewhere right? 

Dwayne: Yeah. And your knowledge of finding good restaurants like these is definitely second to none.

Meaning: Second to none means literally: there is no one to whom this person would be second. Example: It is the best. It can be applied to objects, too.

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For a living

Context #1

Peter: Did you see the new blue house at the corner?

Ana: Yes, I loved the colors. Who painted that?

Peter: It was John's art! He paints houses for a living.

Ana: Oh, nice to hear that! I wish I had such talent! 

Context #2

Brianna: Can I ask you something, Mel? 

Melanie: Of course you can! 

Brianna: That's fine! What do you do for a living?

Melanie: I work at the market on Fridays, Bri! I told you! 

Brianna: Oh, my God! I thought you were a veterinarian!

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By hand

Context #1

Mark: Hi Dave, how are you? Oh, why do you look so worried?

Dave: Yeah, I'm a little worried about pollution.

Mark: I know, Earth is suffering. Pollution is terrible! That's why I always have my bag made by hand with me. They are super cute and sustainable. 

Dave: You made my day! I'm going to buy it now!

Meaning: Made by human hands and handheld tools as opposed to a machine. 

Context #2

Michael: Hello, Ana! Would you like me to help you with the deliveries?

Ana: No, Michael! I'm sorry but my boss told me to deliver the message by hand.

Michael: That's fine! I just wanted to help!

Meaning: Something that is delivered "by hand" is delivered by a person and given directly to the person it is addressed to. 

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