Turn a Blind Eye = pretend not to notice Ex: The management at the business “turned a blind eye” at bulling from some of its employees. Ex: We can’t just “turn a blind eye” towards all the starving human beings in the world.
Cross the Line = to overstep a boundary, rule, or limit; to go too far or do something unacceptable Ex: I know he was trying to tell a joke, but what he said “crossed the line.” Ex: I don’t have a problem with you talking to my girlfriend, but taking her out for […]
Lighten Up = be less serious, relax IMPORTANT NOTE: “Lighten up” can also mean to make a color lighter. Ex: This color of paint is too dark, we should “lighten it up.” Ex: She was angry when he said a joke about her, but she should “lighten up” and laugh at the jokes. Ex: You […]
Stand Up For/ To Stand Up For = to defend a person/ group or idea who is being criticized or attacked Ex: If we see someone getting bullied, we should “stand up for them” and defend them from the bully. Ex: I’m proud that I wasn’t afraid to “stand up for myself” when they […]
Get the Hang of = to do something enough that you learned how to do it Ex: Learning how to drive a car is difficult at first, but soon you will “get the hang of it.” Ex: After three weeks of using this new computer, I’m finally “getting the hang of using it.”
Make Fun of (Someone/ Something) = tease, laugh at, joke about, or mock someone/ something Ex: The other students “made fun of him” because he looked different. Ex: When she moved north, other people “made fun of her southern accent.”
Give Me a Break! = 3 meanings: 1) stop it, that is enough, stop bothering me 2) I don’t believe you, you can’t expect anyone to believe you 3) Don’t be so harsh. Give me another chance 1) Give me a break = stop it Ex: I’m tired of hearing you […]
Go On (phrasal verb) = 1) continue Ex: I’m sorry for interrupting our conversation, please “go on” with what you were talking about before. Ex: It’s been raining for 10 straight days. I wonder how long this will keep “going on.” Ex: The man’s speech “went on” for another 3 hours before I got tired […]
Hit the Jackpot Figurative meaning = to be exactly right, to find exactly what you were looking for Literal meaning = to win the greatest prize from gambling or lottery Ex: I was looking for a house with a big front yard and a fireplace, and I really “hit the jackpot” with this house. […]
Hit the Spot = 1) something that feels/tastes refreshing (It was a good idea to do that or eat/drink that) 2) to be exactly right (you may also see it as “spot on.”) Ex: After a long day, a cold beer would really “hit the spot.” Ex: That massage “hit the spot.” […]