Chasing rainbows

Idiom: Chasing rainbows

Example 1: Sarah is so beautiful and talented! I sometimes dream about what life would be like if she were my girlfriend. I'm too shy to talk to her, but even if I could, I know I would just be chasing rainbows. There's no way she would be interested in me. 

Example 2: My friend is always trying new "get rich quick" schemes. She spends a lot of her money on lottery tickets and workshops that promise to help people achieve wealth in a short time. I try to help her be realistic and tell her that she is just chasing rainbows. Some people can get lucky and win the lottery, but most people won't. 

Meaning: A rainbow is a beautiful arc of color that appears after the rain. A rainbow cannot be touched or held in your hands because it is merely a visual phenomenon created by the sunlight's effect on water droplets in the air. Therefore, when someone chases rainbows, this person is chasing/going after something that is impossible or unrealistic. 

As in example 1, "Sarah" is the rainbow. The speaker knows it's an impossible goal.

In example 2, "getting rich quick" is the rainbow. It is an unrealistic goal.

www.languagesystems.edu

The calm before the storm

Idiom: The calm before the storm

Example 1: It was just before the department store was to open on "Black Friday," the biggest shopping day of the year. The store was very quiet, but the sales clerks knew this was just the calm before the storm. As soon as the doors open, there will be hundreds of customers rushing in to try to grab the best merchandise.

Example 2: The sky was dark full of clouds. The weather report said there was a big rainstorm on its way. The calm before the storm lasted only a short while. In just a few minutes, thunder, lightning, and strong winds began to rattle the small village. 

Meaning: The calm before the storm can be used figuratively (as in Example 1) or literally (as in Example 2). This expression describes a period of quiet and calmness before an anticipated period of exciting or chaos. 

www.languagesystems.edu

To be a cheapskate

Idiom: To be a cheapskate

Example:

Marc: OMG! Eric is such a cheapskate! He brought a tiny bag of candies for Peter’s kids on their birthday!

Anne: Really? I can’t believe it. I know he likes to save money, but they are his nephews!

Marc: Not only that, Peter always makes really nice gifts on his birthday! Remember last year’s?

Anne: Oh yeah, Peter got him an iPad Air 2!!

Meaning:

The expression “to be a cheapskate” means to be unwilling to give or spend money, to be miserly or stingy.

www.languagesystems.edu

Personality Conflict

Idiom: Personality Conflict

Example:

Tom: Have you seen Kevin and Peter these days? They are constantly arguing!

Kelsey: I know! They used to get along so well. Do you think they are stressed out with the new project?

Tom: I don’t know... I think it is more like a personality conflict. Kevin always submits the reports by the deadline, whereas Peter is always late.

Kelsey: Oh, I see.

Meaning: The expression “personality conflict” means a disagreement or opposing ideas that lead to verbal or physical fighting in a variety of situations. A conflict is created when what one person wants differs from what another wants. In the example above, one of the coworkers didn’t feel like submitting the report by the deadline, and that created a conflict both with the other coworker and with the boss.

www.languagesystems.edu

To imbue with

Idiom: To imbue with

Example #1:

Saul: What should we teach during summer camp this year?

Jay: I’m not sure, but remember last year’s camp? Our teachers really imbued us with a positive attitude.

Saul: That’s because we had a mature leadership crew last year.

Jay: I’m sure they imbued us with good values so we could have a positive influence on new camp members.

Example #2:

Leslie: Our mother really imbued us with good values, don’t you think?

Michael: She sure did.

Leslie: She really made an effort to influence us in a good way.

Michael: That’s why mom is the best.

  

Meaning: The expression "imbued with" means to influence or inspire someone to be filled with a feeling/custom. 

In the first example above, Leslie mentions that her mom "imbued her" with good values. That means her mother taught her how to be a good person.

www.languagesystems.edu

To run for

Idiom: To run for

Example I:

Hillary: Bill, I think I’m going to run for President in the next election.

Bill: That would be great.  I’m sure you will do a great job.

Maria: Many people suggested I didn't run for it this time around, but I still think I can make a difference.

Neil: Go for it.  I will support you all the way.

Meaning: The expression "to run for" means to try or attempt something. 

In the example above, Hillary wants "to run for" president because she feels that she is capable of being a good president.

Example II:

Aaron: Dude, my date wants to marry me after only one date.

John: It’s a good idea to run for it.

Aaron: It’s a bit scary considering we just met.

John: Uh, yeah. The situation sounds a little intense.

Meaning: In this example, the expression "to run for" means to run away or get away (as far as possible) from someone/something. 

In the example above, John suggests "to run for it” because he feels that the person Aaron is dating may be pushing the relationship faster than normal.

www.languagesystems.edu

To have a change of heart

Idiom: To have a change of heart; used as a verb 

Example:

Maria: So what do you think of the puppy now?

Neil: Now that he's at home, I admit, he is pretty adorable. And you're right, we did have enough room for a pet.

Maria: I'm glad you had a change of heart. I know you didn't want a dog at first, but I think we made a good choice.

Neil: So do I.

Meaning: The expression "have a change of heart" means that someone changes his/her mind on a decision or opinion, usually from a negative to a positive. 

In the example above, Todd has "had a change of heart" because he didn't initially want a pet.  But now that they have the puppy, he's happy about it.

www.languagesystems.edu