Lesson 13 Flashcards

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1
Q

all the rage

A

the latest fashion; popular right now

EXAMPLE 1: Have you seen those new alligator-skin cowboy boots? They’re all the rage this season!

EXAMPLE 2: At Nate’s high school, salsa dancing is all the rage this year.

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2
Q

(to) call it a night

A

to stop an activity for the rest of the night

EXAMPLE 1: We spent a few hours walking around downtown Chicago. It was so cold that we were ready to call it a night by nine o’clock.

EXAMPLE 2: Let’s call it a night and meet back at the office at seven o’clock tomorrow morning to finish preparing our report.

Norn: There is also the expression “to call it a day” which means to stop activity for the day.

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3
Q

feel free

A

go ahead and do something; don’t hesitate (to do something)

EXAMPLE 1: “Feel free to interrupt me and ask questions during my lec­ture,” said the professor to his students.

EXAMPLE 2: If you need legal advice, feel free to call my cousin Fred. He’s a lawyer.

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4
Q

(to) get out of the way

A

to move out of the way; to stop interfering with someone’s plans or activities

EXAMPLE 1: If you’re not planning on helping us prepare dinner, please
get out of the way. The kitchen is crowded.

EXAMPLE 2: Get out of the way! That truck is backing up and it might run you over.

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5
Q

(to be) in good hands

A

in good, competent care

EXAMPLE 1: Don’t worry -your dog will be in good hands while you’re on vacation. We’ll take her to the New York Dog Spa & Hotel.

EXAMPLE 2: You’re in good hands with Tony. He’s an excellent driver.

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6
Q

(to) know one’s stuff

A

to have an expertise in a field

EXAMPLE 1: Steve has been an auto mechanic for 25 years. He really knows his stuff.

EXAMPLE 2: When it comes to cooking, Kristen knows her stuff. She spent two years studying at the Culinary Institute of America.

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7
Q

(to) lend a hand

A

to help

EXAMPLE 1: When Amber saw Susan washing the cookie sheets, she of­fered to lend a hand.

EXAMPLE 2: Would you mind lending a hand in the garden? We need to finish planting these flowers before it starts raining.

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8
Q

(to) lose one’s touch

A

to no longer be able to do something well

EXAMPLE 1: I used to make delicious pies, but this one tastes terrible. I
think I’ve lost my touch.

EXAMPLE 2: Dr. Stewart used to be a very good doctor, but recently sev­eral of his patients have died. He seems to have lost his touch!

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9
Q

(to be) out of practice

A

no longer good at doing something

EXAMPLE 1: Susan studied French in high school, but she hasn’t spoken it since.-She’s really out of practice.

EXAMPLE 2: I used to play tennis every day, but I haven’t played in years. I’m out of practice.

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10
Q

(to) pick up

A

to acquire; to learn

EXAMPLE 1: Bob picks up languages quickly. After two weeks in Spain, he was already speaking Spanish.

EXAMPLE 2: Diana picked up some great new ideas at the workshop.

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11
Q

sweet tooth

A

an enjoyment of sugary foods

EXAMPLE 1: Amber’s got a real sweet tooth. Last night, she ate a whole box of Godiva chocolates.

EXAMPLE 2: No wonder Liz is so overweight. She’s got such a sweet tooth!

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12
Q

(to) take a break

A

to stop and rest from an activity

EXAMPLE 1: Bob always worked 10 hours straight, never taking a break.

EXAMPLE 2: Let’s take a break from our work and go get some ice cream.

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13
Q

(to) take over

A

to assume control

EXAMPLE 1: After 11 hours of driving, I was getting tired. Fortunately, my friend offered to take over.

EXAMPLE 2: My new boss will be taking over some of my projects.

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14
Q

too many cooks spoil the broth

A

too many people involved in an activity can ruin it

EXAMPLE 1: After Bob and Susan edited Nicole’s college applications, they were worse than when she started. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

EXAMPLE 2: You don’t need to help us. We have enough people helping already, and too many cooks spoil the broth.

Norn: Broth is a clear liquid that forms the base for soups.

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15
Q

tricks of the trade

A

clever shortcuts gained by experience

EXAMPLE 1: The new teacher learned some tricks of the trade from Mrs. Blackstone, who’d been teaching at the school for 40 years.

EXAMPLE 2: My new job will be easier once I learn some tricks of the trade.

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16
Q

(to) work one’s tail off [slang]

A

to work very hard

EXAMPLE 1: Don worked his tail off to save money for his son’s education.

EXAMPLE 2: Bob worked his tail off at the furniture store, but his boss fired him anyway.