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 […]
Don’t Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater = when you want to improve something, don’t remove the good parts with the bad parts Ex: I know you want to change everything on your project, but “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” There are some good things you shouldn’t change. Ex: Person #1 […]
Cut To the Chase = get to the point without wasting time. Leave out unnecessary details and focus on what is important. Ex: I’m in a hurry, so please “cut to the chase,” and tell me only what is important. Ex: I’m just going to “cut to the chase,” and ask you if you want […]
Cliché (or cliche) * pronounced klee-shay (noun) = a word, expression, idea, or artistic element that has been overused so much that it loses its original meaning or effect Ex: I wish he would say something original, instead of saying the same old “cliches.” Ex: Teenagers like a certain phrase, and say it over and […]
Inside Out = having the inside surface turned outward Ex: The teenager wore a shirt with a curse word on it, so his teacher made him turn his shirt “inside out.” Ex: He pulled his pockets “inside out” to show that he didn’t have anything. Inside Out can also mean to do something thoroughly. […]
Steal One’s Thunder = to do something that takes attention away from what someone else has done Ex: I wanted to impress the girl by lifting the heavy weight, but another boy “stole my thunder” by lifting it first. Ex: She decided to not tell everyone about her pregnancy because her friend was getting married […]
The Bottom Line = the main or essential point, the final result or statement Ex: “The bottom line” is English is not easy, but with time you can become fluent. Ex: You’re not going anywhere tonight, and that’s “the bottom line” because I said so.