Popular Expression

Leave It At That

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Leave It At That = to say no more about something Ex: I could talk for hours about that movie, but I don’t want to take up more of your time, so I will “leave it at that.” Ex: He just told his wife I’m not going, and “left it at that.”

Popular Expression

Throw Someone Under the Bus

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Throw Someone Under the Bus   = cause someone else to suffer in order to save oneself or gain personal advantage *This is a metaphorical expression.  We are not literally throwing someone under a bus.   Ex:  When the parents asked their sons who spilled the paint, one of the brothers “threw his other brother […]

Popular Expression

Down to Earth

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Down to Earth = a positive characteristic of being real, genuine, to be yourself, to not be caught up in superficial things (expensive cars, manicures, big houses) Ex:   I like being with her because she is a “down to earth” person, and easy to talk to.  She is not trying to impress anyone. Ex:  He is very […]

Popular Expression

Do You Mind?

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Do You Mind 1) (used as a question to ask for permission) Do you mind if I ….?  = is it a problem for you if I ….,  May I….. Ex: “Do you mind if I” open the window? ( Is it a problem for you, if I open the window?) Ex:  “Do you mind […]

Podcast

Ask Evil #19

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With special guest:  Yumi On this episode of the Ask Evil Podcast, I answer my student Yumi’s questions about: What is it that you like/dislike/ love/ hate etc. about something? –  2:30 Artistic license – 10:48   Follow Yumi on Twitter @yumiyumayume For your FREE audiobook and a FREE 30 day trial to Audible go to audibletrial.com/EvilEnglish To sign […]

Podcast

Ask Evil #18

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With special guest:  Yumi On this episode of the Ask Evil Podcast, I answer my student Yumi’s questions about: How dare you!   – 2:13 Holy cow!  – 7:45   Follow Yumi on Twitter @yumiyumayume For your FREE audiobook and a FREE 30 day trial to Audible go to audibletrial.com/EvilEnglish To sign up for your FREE 1 month […]

Popular Expression

Two Faced

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Two Faced   = when a person acts a certain  way in one situation, and acts different in another situation * synonym words = insincere, deceitful     Ex: You can’t trust her.  She is “two faced.” She will be very nice to you, and then talk bad about you when you’re gone.   Ex: […]

Popular Expression

Or Else

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Or Else     1. Used to say what will happen if something is not done. Ex: You have to leave, “or else” I will call the police.   2. Used to say what another possibility is. Ex: He thinks he can do it, “or else” he is not interested.   3. Used as an […]

Popular Expression

When Push Comes to Shove

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When/ If Push Comes to Shove   = when a situation becomes so bad or desperate, that serious action is urgently needed     Ex: I’m normally a nice person, but “when push comes to shove” and someone threatens my family or me, I will fight them. Ex:  It might be difficult to find a […]