Get shredded

Example 1: 

John: Did you try the new exercise routine by Arnold Schwarzenegger? It's guaranteed to get you shredded! 

Paul: OMG! I have to try it! 

John: Totally, man! I can teach you but be prepared for a lot of physical pain.  

Paul: You can count on me! 

Meaning: Means well defined muscles especially in the arms and abs.

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

to cut to the chase

Idiom: to cut to the chase; used as a verb

First Example:

Henry: ...and then, I asked if there was going to be a meeting about this, or if it was just a decision from management, but she couldn't tell me, although she did not seem to want a meeting...       

Patti: Can you just cut to the chase already? Are they making the change or not?

Henry: Oh, uh, yeah, the managers decided.

Patti: Great, thanks.

Meaning: The expression "to cut to the chase " means to focus on what's important. As in the above example, the expression is often used when someone is telling a story or giving background, but the other person just wants to know the final outcome.

Second Example:

Lou: I need a new assistant. Mine is not working out.

Nico: Why not?

Lou: She gets hung up on little details, but our office is such a fast-paced environment. I need someone who can cut to the chase and get things done.

Nico: I think I know someone who might be perfect. I'll tell her to send you her resume.

Lou: Thanks!

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

to drink like a fish

Idiom: to drink like a fish; used as a verb

First Example:

Darla: Oh, is Tom out sick?                          

Jane: You haven't heard? He got in an accident last night.

Darla: Was he drunk driving?

Jane: Yeah, how'd you guess.

Darla: I mean, he did drink like a fish. It was only a matter of time.

Meaning: The expression "to drink like a fish" means to excessively drink alcohol frequently. The expression is not used for someone who drinks on occasion (even if they get very drunk when they do drink), but rather, someone who drinks nearly every day.

Second Example:

Frances: I need to take it easy this weekend.

James: Why? You don't want to go out?

Frances: No, I've been going out too much. I think I've gone every night this month, and I've been drinking like a fish. I think I need to just chill and get some rest.

James: OK, but we're going out, so if you change your mind, you know where to find us!

Frances: The bar?

James: Of course!

Frances: You have fun. I'll stay in.

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

finger lickin' good

Idiom: finger lickin' good; used as an adjective

First Example:

Billy: Have you been to that new barbeque place?    

Etta: Yeah, and their ribs really are finger linkin' good.

Billy: Ooh, that sounds good, and now I want ribs.

Etta: Let's go for lunch!

Meaning: The expression "finger lickin' good " is used for especially good food. It literally that the food is so good that you will lick your fingers after, although not everyone who says the expression will literally lick their fingers. "Finger lickin' good" was initially a slogan for Kentucky Fried Chicken (now KFC), and while it is still sometimes used by the company, it has become a popular expression outside of KFC.

Second Example:                               

Mom: What do you want for dessert for your birthday? Cake?

Son: No. Can you make that finger lickin' good brownie you made last month?

Mom: Sure! That was good, wasn't it?

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

To cross one's fingers

Idiom: to cross one's fingers; used as a verb

First Example:

Oscar: I have a job interview later today.     

Tiffany: What's it for?

Oscar: A new startup - it pays better than my current job; plus, it's what I went to school for.

Tiffany: That sound perfect.

Oscar: Yeah. Cross your fingers that it goes well.  

Tiffany: I will!

Meaning: The expression "to cross one's fingers " means to wish for something to happen. In the above example, Oscar says Tiffany to "cross your fingers" that his interview goes well. In American culture, people often physically cross their fingers to non-verbally say "wish me luck;" you can also ask someone to "cross their fingers" or say that you are "crossing your fingers" without physically doing so for the same meaning.

Second Example:

Mom: Why were you up all night?

Son: I was studying. I have a big test today.

Mom: I thought you were playing video games.

Son: No, I'm just nervous about this test.

Mom: I'll be crossing my fingers that you do well!

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

At the drop of a hat

Example:

My friend had an extra Taylor Swift ticket and offered it to me. She's my favorite, so I took the ticket at the drop of a hat. I didn't even hesitate for a second.

Meaning: To do something suddenly or immediately, especially because you're excited about it.

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu 

To have an axe to grind

Example:

I have an axe to grind with my friend. I lent him $100, and he said he'd pay me back the next day, but it's already been over two weeks. The next time I see him, I'm not going to be in a good mood when we talk.

Meaning: This expression means that someone in the past treated you poorly, and you have a problem with what the did, and you are angry at them.

Visit our website: languagesystems.edu