Phrasal Verbs

To Go Off On a Tangent

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To Go Off On a Tangent = to change the subject completely in the middle of a conversation Ex:  Sorry “to go off on a tangent.” What were we originally talking about? Ex:  My college professor always “goes off on a tangent” about something, and forgets about teaching the lesson.  

Phrasal Verbs

Break the Ice

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Break the Ice = to make people who have not met before feel more relaxed with each other Ex:  Everyone was quiet,  so I decided to “break the ice” by telling a joke.   Ex:  After sitting in awkward silence for a few minutes, I “broke the ice” by talking about the weather.

Phrasal Verbs

Chicken Out

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Chicken Out = to stop from doing something because of fear or cowardice Ex:  At the last minute, he “chickened out” on the plan, and went home. Ex: I really wanted to kiss her, but I “chickened out.”

Popular Expression

On the Fence

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On the Fence = you can’t decide what to do, or what is best Ex:  I don’t know who to vote for.  I’m still “on the fence.”   Ex: I’m “on the fence” on whether or not to go on vacation or to save my money. I just can’t decide.  

Popular Expression

For Christ’s/ God’s Sake

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For Christ’s/ God’s Sake = an expression of anger, frustration   (literal meaning: in the name of or for Christ/God)   *The nicer version is “for Pete’s sake” Ex:  “For Christ’s sake,” it’s 4 o’clock in the morning and you’re still partying?   Ex:  Are those people going to chat during the whole movie.  “Oh […]

Popular Expression

It Takes Two To Tango

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It Takes Two To Tango = both parties involved in a situation or argument are responsible for it Ex:  You can’t only be mad at the married guy for sleeping with the random woman.  She is responsible too.  “It takes two to tango.” Ex:  I can’t take all the credit for the wonderful dinner.  My […]

Phrasal Verbs

Snap Out Of It

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Snap Out Of It = to stop experiencing something unpleasant or stop behaving in a negative way Ex:  I was depressed for a long time and couldn’t “snap out of it.”   Ex:  After the team lost 10 games in a row, they finally “snapped out of it” and won a game.  

Phrasal Verbs

Lay Off

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  = give up or stop doing something for a while, leave something/somebody alone   IMPORTANT NOTE: This is different than the term “layoff” = fired from job because the company is downsizing. Ex:  I have to “lay off” the sweets and junk food if I want to fit in my old dress. Ex: I’m […]