With Friends Like This, Who Needs Enemies

Idiom: With friends like this, who needs enemies

Example 1:

Kirk: I'm so mad at Daniel right now.

Maria: Your friend Daniel?

Kirk: Yeah. We're taking the same English class, and I didn't finish my essay because we were out this weekend.

Maria: So why are you mad at Daniel?

Kirk: Well, I told the instructor I was sick this weekend, and asked for an extension, which he said yes to. But then when he went to collect the paper from Daniel, Daniel said he didn't have it because he and I were out partying all weekend.

Maria: He said your name?

Kirk: Yeah. So the instructor called me up and said I couldn't turn it in late after lying to him, all because Daniel ratted me out.

Maria: With friends like that, who needs enemies?

Example 2:

Jennifer was interested in dating Tom, a new guy in her class. Tom was cute, intelligent, funny - everything she could want in a boyfriend. She told her roommate, Stella, all about Tom, asking for advice in what she should do to get his attention. The next day, Jennifer saw Stella talking to Tom outside of her class. When Jennifer asked Stella about it, Stella told her that she and Tom were going out on a date this weekend! With friends like Stella, who needs enemies?

Meaning: Used to describe a bad friend, or a friend who betrays the speaker. Used when comparing a friend's actions to something an enemy might do. 

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Strike Up a Friendship

Idiom: Strike up a friendship

Example 1:

Daniel: Is that your Star Wars bag?

John: Yeah, why? 

Daniel: I’m a HUGE Star Wars fan! 

John: Awesome! Who is your favorite character? Mine is Darth Vader.

Daniel: ME TOO! Oh man, did we just strike up a friendship right now?

John: I think so, haha.

Example 2:

Adrian: I want a girlfriend.

Miran: Then go out and get one!

Adrian: It’s harder than you think! Work keeps me so busy that I can’t even strike up a friendship, let alone get a girlfriend!

Meaning: to start a new friendship

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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.

www.languagesystems.edu