Skeleton crew

Idiom: skeleton crew; used as a noun

First Example:

Toby: Are you going to the concert this Saturday?

Claire: No.  I have to work Saturday night.

Toby: That's too bad - but maybe you can get off a little early? It's usually pretty slow on the weekends.

Claire: Because it's always so slow, Tim decided to run a skeleton crew. There are only going to be three of us here manning the phones.

Toby: That's too bad.  Well, I'll take lots of pictures for you.

Claire: Thanks.

Meaning: The idiom "skeleton crew" is used when a business is operating with the minimum number of people.  This is usually done during an emergency or low demand causes there to be limited staff. In the example above, Claire says she will be working on a skeleton crew because there isn't enough demand for a full crew.  "Skeleton crew" is the American idiom, while British people use the alternative "skeleton staff." Here is another example of the American version:

Mary: Wow, the service at that restaurant was awful!         

William: Well, they were running on a skeleton crew.

Mary: Really?  How do you know?

William: When you were in the restroom, the waiter told me. Apparently, the manager fired a server everyone liked, so all of the servers went on strike. There was only one server for the whole restaurant tonight, and he had to act as bartender as well.

Mary: Then that explains why it seemed like he was always running around but everything came out so late.

William: Exactly. And that's why I left him a decent tip. I felt bad for him.

Meaning: In this example, Mary says the service at a restaurant was slow, and William explains that the restaurant's normal employees were on strike, leading to a skeleton crew of only one server.       @LSISB @LSIOC @LSINE @LSILA

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Skeleton(s) in one's closet

Idiom: skeleton(s) in one's closet ; used as a noun

First Example:

Michael: Why is Oscar so upset?

Pam: You didn't hear?  Everyone found out that his brother is in prison, and now he's really embarrassed.                                                      

Michael: Why? It's not like he's the one in jail.

Pam: True, but some people don't like others to know about their families' secrets.  And no one likes having the skeletons in their closet revealed.

Michael: That's true. I would hate it if everyone was talking about some deep, dark secret in my family.

Pam: Like what?

Michael: Well, like... Wait, I'm not gonna tell you!

Meaning: The idiom "skeleton(s) in one's closet" is used as a noun to refer to the embarrassing or shocking secrets that people have. The skeletons in the idiom refer to the secrets themselves, and the closet refers to keeping them "in the dark." "Skeleton's in one's closet" is the American idiom while British and Australian people use the alternative "skeleton(s) in one's cupboard." Here is another example of the American version:

Adviser: So, Mrs. Smith, before you run for office, I need to know. Do you have any skeletons in your closet?  Any affairs or other dirty little secrets?        

Politician: Not that I can think of.

Adviser: You don't have any past criminal behavior - any laws broken that might come out?

Politician: Like speeding tickets?

Adviser: No, no one cares about minor things like that. I'm talking about major things like drinking and driving, or a hit and run.

Politician: Nope, can't think of anything like that.

Adviser: Good.  Now let's discuss marketing...

Meaning: In this example, the adviser is asking if the politician has any skeletons in her closet. This idiom is commonly used when discussing the secrets of politicians and other public figures. The adviser even clarifies that minor issues, like speeding tickets, aren't really bad enough to be considered a skeleton in one's closet.       @LSISB @LSIOC @LSINE @LSILA

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In the bag

Idiom: In the bag

Context #1 – Two students are talking about the test tomorrow in class.

Jason:  I stayed up all night studying for this test and I still don’t feel ready!

Celina: Really? I studied with my friends last night and I am not worried at all about this test. It’s in the bag.

Jason: I don’t know how you do it, Celina.

Celina: Well, I think it helps to study with a group of friends because then you can learn from each other. Why don’t you study with us before next week’s test?

Jason: I think I will. Hopefully, I’ll have next week’s test in the bag!

 Context #2 – Two people are talking about a recent job interview

Jose: Hello, Theo. Why do you look so nervous?

Theo: Well, I just finished a job interview for a position that I have wanted for a long time. The pay is better and I can work flexible hours.

Jose: OK. Then why are you so nervous? It sounds like everything is good.

Theo: When I initially applied, I was such a good match for the position, I felt that I had the job in the bag. But after the job interview, I’m not so sure. They asked a lot of difficult questions and I don’t know if I answered everything completely.

Jose: Don’t worry so much about things, Theo! I’m sure you have the job in the bag. Just be patient.

Meaning: To have something in the bag means to be certain or extremely likely to occur or to be assured about the success of something. In context 1, one student feels she has the test in the bag, which means she knows she will get a good grade. In context 2, Theo doesn't think he will get the job because he didn't perform well in the interview. Therefore, he doesn't have the job in the bag.                      @LSISB @LSIOC @LSINE @LSILA

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To hit the books

Idiom: To hit the books

Context #1 – Two students just got back from the one-week break and are starting a new term at Language Systems in LA.

Jeff:  What a vacation! San Francisco was beautiful and the weather was perfect.

Katie: I know. It’s nice to take a break from school and get out of town for a while.

Jeff: Yes, but now it’s back to school. I want to take the TOEFL test in January, so I really have to hit the books. I don’t think I have been studying enough.

Katie: Don’t worry! You still have time to study. However, I have to take the TOEFL next week, so I have been hitting the books for the past couple of months. No breaks for me until I take that test.

Jeff: Well, good luck!

Context #2 – A student who is failing his English class is asking his teacher for help.

Jonathan: Hi teacher. I’m here because I noticed that I’m failing this class and that I may not be able to go to the next level. Is there anything I can do?

Timothy: Well, the first thing you must do is hit the books, since we have tests in a couple of days. Then, you need to attend class every day and come on time.

Jonathan: I know. I’m really going to try to do better. I have just been a little lonely and homesick lately. I really miss my family back home.

Timothy: In addition to hitting the books,  practicing and talking to people in English outside of class will help your studies and your loneliness. Maybe if you make more friends to talk to in English, you won’t be as homesick.

Jonathan: You are right. I feel lonely sometimes, so it would be good to make more friends and go out more often. Then, I could also learn more English. Thank you for the advice!

Meaning: “To hit the books” means to study hard. In context #1, Katie and Jeff both have to hit the books in order to get a high score on the TOEFL test. In context 2, the student has to hit the books in order to pass his class.
@LSISB @LSIOC @LSINE @LSILA

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To Strut One's Stuff

Idiom: to strut one’s stuff

Context #1 – Two people are watching a soccer game and one of the players just scored a goal.

Jen:  Goal!!! That was a great shot! Look at him strut his stuff!

Kat: Hmmm. I think that was just a lucky shot.

Jen: Seriously? Look at the replay. It was an AMAZING shot, not luck!

Kat: Well, I don’t think so. Believe me, he should not strut his stuff and celebrate like that over one lucky shot. It’s silly.

Jen: I think he should strut his stuff every chance he gets. Anyways, the game is over so let’s eat dinner.

Context #2 - Two people are watching others dancing at a club.

Jack: Look at Paul out there on the dance floor just strutting his stuff.

Terri: I know! Where did he learn to dance like that?

Jack: Oh, he has been dancing since he was a baby. Plus, I think he has a lot of natural talent.

Terri: Well, that’s obvious. I wish I could do that.

Jack: You should ask Paul to give you lessons. In no time at all, you’ll be strutting your stuff on the dance floor!

Terri: Ha, ha! I don’t think I could ever be that good, but it would be a lot of fun.

Meaning: “To strut one’s stuff” means to show off what you can do well or to walk proudly and show off (or celebrate) one’s best features or talents. In context #1, the soccer player struts his stuff, or shows off, after making an amazing goal. In context #2, Paul is a talented dancer and is strutting his stuff, or showing off his dance moves, on the dance floor.
@LSISB @LSIOC @LSINE @LSILA

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Heat Wave

Idiom: Heat Wave

Context #1 – Walking in LA during a heat wave

The temperature is 105 plus degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), and it feels like you just stepped into a huge oven. It's the hottest it's been in recent memory. You just passed a homeless guy who was trying to fry an egg on the sidewalk. There is air conditioning in just about every place you go, except your apartment because you don’t have an air conditioner. You are desperately looking for a place to cool off until the sun goes down. Just staying outside for an extended period of time could be bad for your health. It is difficult to move and EVERYONE is cranky because of the hot weather. You are experiencing a HEAT WAVE....

Context #2 – Two roommates in an apartment without air conditioning during a heat wave

Jennie:  I cannot even believe how hot it is right now. It’s like I’m in hell and there is no end in sight.

Katie: I know! I can’t even breathe. I feel like I’m in an oven. I had no idea there could be a heat wave like this in California.

Jennie: We really should have rented an apartment with air conditioning. I just didn’t think we would need it.

Katie: Well, we are going to melt if we stay in this apartment any longer. Why don’t we go see a movie? It’s always nice and cool in the movie theater.

Jennie: That sounds like a plan. Maybe it will cool off later after the movie finishes.

Katie: I doubt it! Mrs. Cline our neighbor says that she cannot remember a heat wave like this and she has been living in California her whole life!

 Meaning: “Heat wave” is an idiom that is specifically used to talk about a period of time that is much hotter than usual. In context #1, it describes a person experiencing a heat wave while walking outside. In context #2, the roommates are in their apartment, but they don’t have air conditioning, so they are trying to find a way to stay cool.  @LSILA @LSINE @LSIOC @LSIS

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At face value

Idiom: at face value

Example 1- Sales representatives will do anything to sell you their product.  So, don’t take their word at face value.

Example 2- Charlie is very smart; if he gives you legal advice, you should take it at face value.

Meaning: "at face value" means the superficial appearance or implication of something. @LSILA @LSINE @LSIOC @LSISB

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