To Chicken Out

Context #1 - 

Tim: Have you heard about the new ride and Magic Mountain called the Death Drop?

John:  Yeah, I heard it's super scary.  Have you been on it?

Tim:  Well, we went there this weekend and I was going to go on it with my friends, but I chickened out at the last minute.

John:  Really?  That must have been a little embarrassing.

Tim:  Yeah, it was!

Context #2 -

Christine: Did you hear about Steve and Carol's anniversary trip to Yosemite?

Stacy:  No, what happened?

Christine:  They agreed to go bungee jumping off this bridge, but Carol was ready to jump and then chickened out.

Stacy: Oh no!  How did Steve take it?

Christine:  He wasn't upset at all.  He actually thought it was kind of funny.

Meaning:  to chicken out is used when someone gets too scared or too afraid to do something so they back out or don't attempt it. 

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Hole in the wall

Context #1 

Sam: Last night we found this really awesome restaurant for authentic southern BBQ!

Tony: Really?  Where is it?

Sam: It's a tiny little hole in the wall right on the corner of Main St. and First.  The food is cheap and delicious!

Context #2 

Jenny: So, how was your trip to San Diego? 

Sara: It was great!  We found this little hole in the wall downtown that had the best Mexican food I've ever had.

Jenny:  Wow! That sounds good!

Meaning: In American English, the term hole in the wall is used to describe a small restaurant that is usually cheap and delicious, but sometimes a little dirty looking.  It sometimes can mean that the place is a little dirty looking but with good food or a cozy atmosphere.  

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Leave No Stone Unturned

Example 1: 

When Bobby went to the park with his family, his father accidentally dropped the keys to the car. For more than an hour, the whole family was searching for them. Bobby's mother instructed them to "leave no stone unturned, we need those keys to get home!" So the family searched in all possible places until Bobby's sister found them near the car. After that, the family could relax and enjoy the park.

Example 2:

The police is the city left no stone unturned  in the search for the missing bank robbers. All leads were investigated and every contact was questions. The police had almost exhausted all of their resources when the thieves were  found in Mexico living in luxury.

Explanation:

The expression to leave no stone unturned means to use all your power, energy, and resources to find something/one. In example 1, Bobby's family had to literally look under and around every stone in the park until the missing keys were located. In example 2, the police searched everywhere and followed all leads until the thieves were located. 

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Let the chips fall where they may

Example 1: 

Dad: Hey Johnny, it's almost 3 o'clock. Your guests should be arriving soon.

Johnny: Dad, I'm not popular. I bet no one will come. I invited everyone in my class to the party, but I bet we'll be here alone. 

Dad: Well son, I think you're a great kid and it was nice that you invited everyone. Let the chips fall where they may. If only a couple of people come, great. If everyone comes, great! We will have a good time either way. There's no sense in worrying about what you cannot control.

Example 2:

Stan placed a $200 bet on the last game of poker. He didn't know if he could win or not. His whole attitude was to let the chips fall where they may while he was staying in Las Vegas. 

Explanation:

Imagine throwing up a handful of small plastic chips. There is no way to control where they will fall. The expression let the chips fall where they may is a way of looking at and dealing with life that accepts its randomness without too much worry. It can also be used when one isn't concerned about the outcome of their actions. This expression can be used when you or someone else is preoccupied or anxious over something you have no control over.

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You rock

First Example:

Freddie: I’m going to organize the biggest party of all time.

Mick: Dude, you rock!  When is this party going to take place?

Freddie: We’re going to rent an entire farm and set up a massive sound system that all the neighbors will be able to hear.

Mick: Wow! You’re really putting on a show.

Meaning: "You rock" is an expression used to show strong approval.  Since Rock N’ Roll is a popular genre of music, it is an expression going back for some time.  However, it’s still popular in use.

Second Example:

John: Hey man, do you think you can have that work done by the end of the day?

Paul:  I completed that work last week.  I can have it on your desk in a minute.

John:  Fantastic! You rock!  I can always count on you.

Paul:  Thanks.  I really appreciate your comment.

Meaning: In this instance, “You rock” is also used for approval, but it can also be used as a cheer from excitement.

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Let your freak flag fly

First Example:

Nancy: What are you wearing for the costume party?

Marco: I’m going to wear a bear hat, a penguin coat, and cheetah pants.  I’ll be the weird one of the party.

Nancy: You’re really going to let your freak flag fly, huh?

Marco: Thanks.  You know me; I’m always trying to be fun.

Meaning: "Let your freak flag fly" is a positive expression used to show a characteristic that’s hidden or overt implying a unique or unconventional way of thinking.  Some people feel that the work “freak” might be a bad thing, but in this instance, it’s a show of approval.

Second Example:

Barbara:  What do you think about my idea for the holiday party we all wear our clothes inside out?

Tom:  I’m not sure.  That seems a little crazy.  Don’t you think?

Barbara:  Oh, come on!  Let your freak flag fly!  Not everything has to be formal in life.

Tom:  You know what?  You’re right.  We should have a little fun in the office every now and again.

Meaning: In this instance, “Let your freak flag fly” is used to show a unique way of thinking, that although may seem strange, can be a positive thing.  Here Barbara is just trying to create a fun atmosphere for the day.  It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a permanent condition or thought.

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To Shoot the Breeze

Meaning: Chat or talk to someone in a very casual, fun way

Context #1 – Two students are talking about going on Spring Break

Jaffer:  I can’t wait until the end of this term! I really need a break from studying.

Katrina: I know. It’s nice to take a break from school every now and then. What are you planning on doing?

Jaffer: Nothing. I just want to sleep all day, sit around, and shoot the breeze with my friends. I won’t even open one of my textbooks. I can’t wait!

Katrina: Me, too! I’m just going to be shooting the breeze and having fun! 

Jaffer: Well, have a good one!

Context #2 – Two co-workers are gossiping in the office around the water cooler

Simon: Did you see Kevin today? Unbelievable!

Pete: Huh? What do you mean?

Simon: He was over there at his desk just shooting the breeze with Jasmine. I don’t think he has worked even one minute today.

Pete: .Really? But Kevin is always such a good worker and finishes everything on time. Are you sure he wasn’t just helping Jasmine with her work? He just doesn't seem like the type to sit around and shoot the breeze with people at work.

Simon: Ha! Believe me, that wasn’t work! He was just sitting there enjoying their little chat without any concern about the tons of work everyone has to do.

Pete: Well, I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe he just didn’t feel like working today.

Meaning: “To shoot the breeze” means to talk or chat with someone in a very casual manner. In context 1, Jaffer isn’t going to go anywhere for his break. He just wants to “shoot the breeze” and hang out with his friends. In context 2, Simon is angry that Kevin is just sitting around and chatting with Jasmine instead of working.

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