To Pitch Camp

Idiom: to pitch camp

Example 1:

Rob: Let’s go camping before the summer ends. What do you think?

Alex: I have zero camping skills. I don’t even know how to make a tent. 

Rob: You mean to pitch camp?   

Alex: Huh?

Rob: Pitching camp is easy man. I can teach you how to do it. Usually a tent comes with a set of instructions. To pitch camp you’ll have to prop up your tent, create a fire within safe distance, and store food in a high place so bears don’t get to it.

Example 2:

Pablo: What are you doing man? Are you seriously thinking about pitching camp in city hall?

Ai: That’s the only way these politicians are going to listen to our demands. We are citizens and have the right to protest.

Pablo: Sure, but don’t you think pitching camp in City Hall will attract the police and get you in trouble? I’m not sure that it’s legal.

Ai: Sounds like you need to pitch camp in BoringVille. Voting does nothing.

Pablo: Oh really, I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up pitching camp in jail. Good luck playa!

Meaning: To Pitch Camp is to prepare, set-up, and arrange a place to sleep or camp. Some people use it to describe sleeping in front of a building as protest, sleeping in front of a store to get a good price before a sale (Black Friday), or simply camping in your back yard.

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The Life of the Party

Idiom: the life of the party

Example 1:

Pete:  I’m usually the wallflower of the party.  I’m not very good at socializing.

Chip: Dude, you really have to stop doing that. 

Pete: It’s not so easy man.  You can say that because you’re always the life of the party.  You’re always talking to everyone, introducing others, and making sure everyone is having a good time. 

Chip:  You think I’m the life of the party?  Wow, thanks man.  I never thought about myself that way.

Example 2:

Kazuyuki:  Being the life of the party comes naturally to many people.

Ting:  Are you kidding me?  I think it’s something that you have to work on.  You can be social, but that doesn’t make you the life of the party.  To be the life of the party, one should know most of the people in an event, be aware of everything that’s going on, be a good host, and entertain everyone.  That takes serious communication and organizational skills.

Kazuyuki:  Or you could just be very good looking and charming.

Ting:  You’re so pessimistic.  You’re definitely not the life of my parties.

Meaning: The life of the party is used to describe someone who keeps a positive environment for everyone and is always making people feel good.  People who are the life of the party are: usually social, outgoing, organized, and have a good sense of humor.  Being the life of the party requires good social skills and a positive attitude.

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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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