Bull in a China Shop

Idiom: Bull in a china shop

Example 1:

Martha: Are you going to Jesse's party?

Luke: No

Martha: Why?

Luke: Her living room, with its delicate furniture and knickknacks, makes me feel like a bull in a china shop

Martha: I know exactly what you mean. I can be very clumsy too

Example 2:

Keiko: I don't think you care about me

Ryu: Why do you say that?

Keiko: When we fight you become really aggressive and don't care about my feelings. I'm sensitive, and you are like a bull in a china shop.

Meaning: to be extremely clumsy; aggressive, without care or control.

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Set Up Shop

Idiom: Set up shop

Example 1:

Dad: Now that you have gotten your business degree, when do you plan to set up shop?

Mark: As soon as you give me the money to start my business

Example 2:

Ella: I'm going to miss you when you go to Paris next month

Louise: After I set up shop I'll be back in no time

Ella: I know it's been your dream to open your cafe there and I wish you the best

Louise: Thanks Ella, I love you

Ella: I love you more

Meaning: to open or start one's own business.

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Running on Fumes

Idiom: Running on Fumes

Example 1: 

Nancy: How long until we reach the hotel?

Jason: About 50 miles. Why?

Nancy: I was hoping we wouldn't have to stop before arriving, but we need to stop for gas at the next station. We've been running on fumes for a few miles and I don't want to push the car in the dark!

Jason: Neither do I! The GPS says there's a gas station one mile ahead.

Example 2:

Student life is so hard! This week, I had to write a 10-page paper in my sociology class and I have a midterm on Friday in my economics class. Between my part-time job, writing, and studying for the test, I'm running on fumes! I don't think I'll have enough energy to enjoy the weekend. 

Meaning: The expression running on fumes can be used to describe a vehicle/person with no fuel/energy left, but somehow they keep on going.

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Hit The Road

Idiom: Hit the road

Example 1: 

Jeff: Hey, Bill. What time is it? I need to be home by 10 or my mom will kill me.

Bill: It's 9:15. You'd better hit the road soon if you want to be on time!

Jeff: You're right! Bye!

Example 2:

Man 1: Excuse me, who are you and why are you taking fruit from my tree?!

Man 2: Sorry, they just looked really delicious and I wanted to try one.

Man 1: Well, you can't just take fruit from MY tree! Hit the road before I call the police!

Meaning: To hit the road is an informal expression that means leave, go, or begin a journey/trip. 

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To Choke

Idiom: to choke

Example 1:

Sam: How did you do on your biology test this morning?

Todd: Oh man, I totally choked. I couldn't remember any of the information I studied last night.  I can't believe it.

Sam: Really? That's too bad.

Example 2:

Chrissy: I have my first piano recital this Friday night. I'm getting so nervous.

Jane: Don't worry. You'll do fine. You practice a lot, right?

Chrissy: Yeah, I've been practicing for hours everyday, but I'm afraid I'll get really scared when I see the audience. What if I choke and mess up the whole piece of music?

Jane: Try to calm down. You'll be ok.

Meaning: To choke is an idiom that is used to describe someone who totally fails at a moment when they are expected or hoping to perform well.

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Zone Out

Idiom: to zone out

Example 1:

Tim: How was your history class today?

Chris: Well, I didn't sleep well last night, so I was so tired.  I pretty much zoned out the whole class.

Tim: You still look a little sleepy.  You'd better get some good sleep tonight.

Example 2:

Sara: Hey, Jill! Focus on the road!

Jill: I'm sorry. I was zoning out.

Sara: What were you thinking about? 

Jill: My boyfriend and I have been having problems and I guess I just started daydreaming.

Meaning: to zone out means that someone cannot concentrate and their mind starts to wander or daydream.

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Party's Over

Idiom: Party’s over

Example 1:

Bruce: This has been an excellent vacation.

Clark: So true, but it’s sad to say this party’s over.

Bruce: I know. I wish vacation was longer. It always feels like vacation time flies.

Clark: Yeah, I agree. We have to make a living though.

Example 2:

Luther: Did you hear about the producers being arrested?

Barry: No, what happened?

Luther: They got caught stealing money from clients and projects. They’re in big trouble and now they’re being questioned about all the funds that are missing.

Barry: I guess their party’s over. No more big parties and trips on client money. Will they go to jail?

Luther: With enough evidence, yes.

Meaning:  The party’s over means something fun, happy and pleasant must come to an end.  For example, having a long paid vacation is fortunate, but one still must return to work; we can’t have vacation forever.

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