American Idioms and Phrases Just for Fun 2

38— I Wouldn't Dream of It

		The infinitive form is rarely used with this expression. It appears mostly in its conjugated form and means that someone is certain that he or she would not do something.

		Me? Run a marathon? I wouldn't dream of it! Jack wouldn't dream of going to the dance without me.

		39— To Eat One's Own Words

		This phrase says that someone is wrong about what he or she has said and now has to admit it.

		The meteorologist promised good weather, but now she's eating her own words. What a storm! I was sure that Smith would win the election, but I suppose I'll have to eat my own words.

		40— To Keep an Eye On

		This unusual expression means that someone will watch carefully or guard something.

		Keep an eye on my car. I have to go to the bank. I can't leave right now. I want to keep an eye on the pot on the stove.

		A PHRASE JUST FOR FUN

		TO KICK THE BUCKET

		This expression is usually used when someone speaks about someone else's death in a casual or even comic manner. Its synonym is to die.

		When you kick the bucket, you're going straight to hell.

		Her house was sold a couple of years after Granny kicked the bucket.

		41— Face to Face

		This phrase means that two people are together and perhaps even looking at one another.

		The two leaders finally met face to face to discuss an end to the war.

42— To Fall in Love/To Be in Love These idioms mean that someone is gradually developing a romantic relationship with another person. When the development is complete, they are a couple. I didn't want to fall in love with Mary, but she's so wonderful. My grandparents have been in love for fifty years. 43— In the Family Way This phrase is used in the place of pregnant or expecting a baby. It can refer to the mother-to-be or to the couple. Anna is in the family way again. This is her fourth. They're so happy. They're finally in the family way. 44— To Be Fed up With This unusual combination of words says that someone is completely annoyed with someone or something. I quit! I'm fed up with this job. Mom was finally fed up with the behavior of her neighbor's dog and called the police. 45— To Feel Like This phrase has nothing to do with feelings. It is used in place of to wish. Note that it is usually followed by a gerund (going, walking, buying). Do you feel like taking a walk? I really don't feel like arguing about this again. 46— To Fire (Someone) This verb is used to say that someone is being discharged or losing his job. Bill came late to work again and was fired. The boss threatened to fire her because of her inefficiency.     47— Fishy This little word gives the idea that information smells bad and that it is probably false information. The facts in his report were rather fishy to everyone in class. 48— Fit As a Fiddle This phrase means that someone is in good health or in good physical condition. She was in the hospital for two weeks, but now she's fit as a fiddle. Tom exercises every day. He's fit as a fiddle. 49— To Foot the Bill Use this expression to say that someone has to pay the bill but is probably reluctant to do so. Everyone left the restaurant in a hurry, so John was left to foot the bill. 50— To Get It You are probably familiar with the verb to get and the many unusual ways it is used. Its basic meaning is to receive or to become. I got several presents for my birthday. I'll return to school after I get well. Among its many other uses, to get is used to mean to understand, especially when talking about jokes or tricks. Everyone laughed loudly, but Maria just didn't get it. Say that again. I don't get your meaning. A PHRASE JUST FOR FUN MAN! You certainly know the meaning of the word man; however, it is often used to show surprise, excitement, or enthusiasm. It can be used when speaking to a man, a woman, or a group, but remember that it is a very casual expression and rarely heard in formal speech. Man! I didn't even see that bus coming! Oh, man! Just think! Two more hours and vacation starts! Man, what a day! It's perfect for a picnic. 51— To Get at (Something) This use of to get says that someone is implying something or is trying to bring up a certain subject. I don't know what you're talking about. What are you getting at? If you're trying to get at the reason for my anger, you're going to have to speak more kindly. 52— To Get over Someone/Something This use of to get says that someone is no longer interested in another person or a thing. It usually also gives the idea that there used to be great interest and there was some difficulty in losing that interest. He's having a hard time getting over her. They dated for two years. I just can't get over Grandmother's death. I loved her so much. 53— The Gift of Gab Use this idiom when you want to say that someone is a very talented speaker or has the ability to convince others of what he or she believes. Anna has the gift of gab. She was able to talk the policeman out of the traffic ticket. You should be a car salesman. You really have the gift of gab. 54— On the Go This phrase is usually used in place of busy and in a hurry. John is always rushing somewhere—to work, then to school, then home again. He's always on the go. Her busy job really keeps her on the go. 55— To Go against One's Grain This strange combination of words means that someone or something is annoying or irritating. He talks too much. He really goes against my grain. Gossip and rumors always went against her grain. 56— To Go to the Dogs The meaning of this phrase actually has nothing to do with dogs. It is another way of saying that something is in very bad shape or ruined. During the depression, the whole country went to the dogs. If you keep acting like that, your reputation is going to go to the dogs. 57— With a Grain of Salt This phrase comes to English from an ancient source. It was originally used in Latin: cum grano salis. In English it means that someone believes something but is skeptical or careful in accepting the information given. The statements of the politician must sometimes be taken with a grain of salt. Jane has often lied. I take everything she says with a grain of salt. 58— To Guess So The verb to guess normally means that someone draws a conclusion or makes presumptions from certain information. If I had to guess your age, I'd say you are twenty. He guessed right. The book was hidden in a drawer. But this verb is also used in place of to think or to believe or to suppose. Do you want to go shopping? I guess so. I guess Maria won't be going to school today. She's still sick. 59— To Lend a Hand This idiom is a synonym for to help or to aid. You seem busy. Can I lend a hand? Jane was always willing to lend her teachers a hand. 60— To Happen (To Know/To Be/To Do) The verb to happen means to occur. It happened on Friday night. What happened to you yesterday? When followed by an infinitive phrase it means by chance. He happened to be at the same party. Do you happen to know where State Street is? A PHRASE JUST FOR FUN TO PAINT THE TOWN RED This amusing phrase says that someone or some group of people went out for a long evening of fun. It also means that the fun-seekers probably had too much to drink. The night of graduation the whole class went down to Main Street to paint the town red. He was suffering from a hangover this morning because last night he painted the town red. 61— To Hitchhike/Hitchhiker/Hitchhiking This phrase describes getting a free ride in someone else's car. Hitchhikers usually stand at the side of a road, and wave their extended thumbs to passing cars as a signal that they need a free ride. Many people think hitchhiking is dangerous. My mother doesn't like me to hitchhike to school even though it saves a lot of money. I usually stop for hitchhikers if it's raining. 62— To Hold One's Tongue This phrase is used in place of to remain silent or not to speak. Hold your tongue. Such language is disgraceful. Father told him to hold his tongue, but Jim continued to shout at him. 63— Hot Air This is a funny expression that means something said is probably a lie or a terrible exaggeration. He said he bought a new car, but I think he's full of hot air. She says she has a lot of boyfriends but it's all hot air. 64— To Be in Hot Water This is a synonym for to be in trouble. You broke Mom's vase. You're in hot water now! 65— How About? This phrase should be used to ask whether someone is interested in doing something. Note that it is usually followed by a gerund (going, being, and so on) and is used in a question. How about going to a movie tonight? How about getting some lunch after the next class? 66— To Be Ill at Ease This idiom says that someone feels uncomfortable in a particular situation, because that person feels out of place or conspicuous. You don't have to be ill at ease at the party. They're all very nice people. 67— To Jump to Conclusions This phrase means that someone is making quick assumptions about a person or situation without knowing all the facts. You always jump to conclusions. I didn't tear the drapes. The dog did it! 68— To Keep a Stiff Upper Lip This idiom means that someone remains brave throughout a difficult situation. Keep a stiff upper lip, Private. The battle will be won soon enough. 69— To Keep in Mind A simpler synonym for this phrase is to remember. Keep in mind that there'll be a test on this material tomorrow. Can't you keep this information in mind for just one day? 70— To Keep in Touch (With) This phrase means to maintain communication with someone whether by telephone, letter, or other means. After you move to New York, please keep in touch. I've kept in touch with my friends in Mexico for five years. A PHRASE JUST FOR FUN TO PULL SOMEONE'S LEG This unusual phrase has nothing to do with the physical pulling of anyone's leg. It really means to tease someone or to joke with someone. He said he thought I could be a great musician, but when he laughed I knew he was just pulling my leg. She ran away with Jim? No! You're pulling my leg! 71— On the Level This phrase is a synonym for honest. You can always trust John. He's always on the level. On the level! I didn't do it! 72— To Be Liable Use this phrase when you want to say that it is probable that something will happen. Note that an infinitive usually follows this phrase. My sister is liable to say almost anything. It's liable to rain. You'd better take an umbrella. 73— To Look Forward To This expression means that someone is looking at the future with great expectation. The young girl was looking forward to the big dance. I'll be looking forward to seeing you again. 74— Look Out! This idiom can stand alone as a brief sentence of warning to be careful. Look out! There's a bus coming! Look out! Don't fall! 75— To Lose One's Temper Use this expression when you want to say that someone is becoming angry. It suggests that the person's anger has developed suddenly. I hate it when Mom loses her temper and punishes us. James quickly lost his temper and began shouting at everyone. 76— To Have a Lump in One's Throat This phrase is used to say that someone feels great sadness or emotion that causes a tightness in the throat. Often, tears well up in the eyes at the same time. I read the last several pages of Anne Frank's diary with a lump in my throat. After the film he couldn't speak because he had a lump in his throat. 77— To Make Believe This is a synonym for the verb to pretend. Let's make believe we're hunting in the jungle. The children like to make believe. 78— To Make Oneself at Home Use this expression to say that you are so comfortable in someone else's home that you feel that you are almost in your own home. Take off your shoes and make yourself at home. They were so kind to me that they made me feel right at home. 79— To Mind This phrase means that someone cares about or is not indifferent to or does not agree with what another person wishes. I don't mind. Go to the movies, if you want. Do you mind if I sit here?