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SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.
COM WEEK 1 LESSON 2
EXPRESSIONS
VOCABULARY
IDIOMS
SPEAK
ENGLISH SpeakEnglishWithTiani.com
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SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM WEEK 1 LESSON 2
EXPRESSIONS
SECTION
NUMBER 1 SpeakEnglishWithTiani.com

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM
EXPRESSIONS
#1 AFTER ALL
MEANING EXAMPLE
In spite of considerations or expectations. It looks like Matthew will go to medical school after all.
Dont worry. After all, he will leave tomorrow.

In view of all the circumstances.
Of course we were afraid. After all, he was a prisoner.
#2 ALL OF A SUDDEN
MEANING EXAMPLE
Very quickly in usually an unexpected way All of a sudden the lights started to flash in the room.
Suddenly All of a sudden we heard a loud boom.
Without warning All of a sudden she screamed at the man standing in front of her.
#3 BETTER OFF
MEANING EXAMPLE
To be in a more advantageous position. They would be better off going home early.
To be in a more satisfactory condition

We would all be better off just saving money and going back home.
or situation
To be in a more favorable position or

I know Id be better off with him, but I cant tell him.
financial circumstance.
YOU DID IT!
I hope you enjoyed this lesson. Today you learned three new expressions that will help you Speak English
better. Remember to use each expression at least once today. Try to use them in a text message, in an
email, in a conversation, or even talking to yourself. You can do it! You can Speak English!

EXPRESSIONS
#4 IM TOTALLY INTO YOU
MEANING EXAMPLE
I like you more than a friend. He looked into her eyes and said, Im totally into you.
I really like you. You can tell by the look in his eyes that he is totally into her.
Im very attracted to you. Its true. Im totally into you.
#5 WERE MEANT FOR EACH OTHER

MEANING EXAMPLE
Perfectly matched. He whispered into her ear, Were meant for each other.
Very well suited for each other romantically. The two of them are meant for each other.
We look good together but do you think we are really meant for each
A great couple.
other?
#6 YOURE MY PRINCE CHARMING

MEANING EXAMPLE
You are my perfect partner. Every little girl grows up wanting to find her prince charming.
A man who fulfills all of a womans dreams. I think you are my prince charming.
A man who is handsome, brave, polite,

etc. and would be a perfect husband/ Im looking for my prince charming.
boyfriend.
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EXPRESSIONS
#7 24/7
MEANING EXAMPLE
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In New York City, a lot of stores are open 24/7.
All the time. The Dongdaemun shopping market in Korea is open 24/7.
I had to leave my previous apartment because my neighbors played loud

Consistently, without a break.
music 24/7.
#8 AT STAKE
MEANING EXAMPLE
To be won or lost. How much money is at stake?
To be at risk. Many jobs will be at stake if this deal does not happen.
To be the issue or something in question. There is a great deal at stake, so please think carefully.
#9 YES MAN
MEANING EXAMPLE
A weak person who always agrees with

their political leader or their superior at Michael is the yes man of our office.
work.
Stop being a yes man. You should voice your opinion just like everyone
A person that does whatever he is told no else.
matter what.
If you continue to be the yes man, you will never grow as an individual.
YOU DID IT!

EXPRESSIONS
#10 HAND-ME-DOWNS
MEANING EXAMPLE
A garment or other item that has been I always had hand-me-down clothes growing up because I had two older
passed on from another person sisters.
This jacket was a hand-me-down.

Anything that has already been used by
another As a child I was always dressed in my sisters hand-me-downs and I
longed for something new to wear.
#11 DRESS UP
MEANING EXAMPLE
To dress in a fancy dress/outfit They dress themselves up in their finest clothing.
To dress in smart or formal clothes. Please dress up for the dance.
To improve the appearance or impression

He decided to dress up for his first date.
of something.
#12 DRESS DOWN

MEANING EXAMPLE
I dress down if I know Im just going to be moving boxes of documents at

To dress in a casual or informal manner
work.
I dressed down for the casual party.

To dress informally
At my job we normally dress down on Fridays.
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EXPRESSIONS
#13 KNOW/LEARN THE ROPES
MEANING EXAMPLE
To understand how to do a particular job Anyone whos been doing the job for a few months should know the ropes
or activity by now.
To learn how to do something Once I learn the ropes at my new job, I wont be so nervous.
To know or learn how to do something, We need someone to teach the new staff. Someone who knows the ropes
especially a job and is good at explaining things.
#14 LINE OF WORK

MEANING EXAMPLE
I believe that the majority of you chose your line of work because you want
Job or occupation
to help.
The principal activity in your life that you do In my line of work, being surrounded by gadgets is an occupational
to earn money requirement.
Ones profession This line of work requires lots of effort.
#15 ON THE BACK BURNER

MEANING EXAMPLE
Having low priority Weve all had to put our plans on the back burner for a while.
Something that is temporarily not being The building project is on the back burner for now.
dealt with or considered, especially
because it is not urgent or important This matter was on the back burner for a long time.
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EXPRESSIONS
#16 ASK HIM/HER OUT
MEANING EXAMPLE
To invite someone to go out to something

She couldnt go, so he asked out someone else.
or some place (sometimes on a date)
To invite someone for a visit to a place in

Weve been asked out to dinner twice this week.
the country or some other location
To invite someone to a social engagement I am so happy that Sally finally asked me out to a movie.
#17 HIT ON A WOMAN/MAN

MEANING EXAMPLE
To flirt with someone The woman were all hitting on George, but he didn't complain.
I thought he was going to hit on me, but he was too shy.

To make a pass at someone
She hit on him but he didn't realize it.
#18 STAND HIM/HER UP

MEANING EXAMPLE
To fail to keep an appointment with a

He stood up his date while he played basketball with the guys.
boyfriend or girlfriend
Sally stood him up because she was mad.

To break a date by not showing up
How could he stand you up on your first date?
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EXPRESSIONS
#19 BLACK SHEEP
MEANING EXAMPLE
A member of a family or group who is Rachel is the black sheep in the family because she is an artist whereas
regarded as a disgrace to them. everyone else is a lawyer.
A person who has done something bad

that brings embarrassment or shame to Hes the black sheep of the family.
his or her family.
To be the outcast of the family. John was the black sheep of the family, so he always felt lonely.
#20 LIKE ONE OF THE FAMILY

MEANING EXAMPLE
We treat our dog like one of the family.
To feel as if someone were a member of We are very happy to have you stay with us. I hope you dont mind if we
your own family. treat you like one of the family.
Shes like one of the family.
#21 RUN IN THE FAMILY

MEANING EXAMPLE
(For a characteristic) to appear in many (or

Playing the piano runs in my family.
al) members of a family.
My brothers and I have red hair. It runs in the family.

To be a common quality among members
of a particular family. His father and uncle were basketball stars in college, so athletic ability runs
in the family.
YOU DID IT!

EXPRESSIONS
#22 PUT/GET YOUR THINKING CAP ON
MEANING EXAMPLE
To think about and find a solution Its time to put your thinking caps on.
To reflect deeply about something that

Students, lets put on our thinking caps and do some math.
needs a solution
To start to think seriously about how to I decided to put on my thinking cap to see if I could come up with a
solve a problem solution.
#23 DRAW A BLANK

MEANING EXAMPLE
Being unable to produce a response He asked me about the financial statement, but I drew a blank.
To fail to remember something I tried to remember her name, but I could only draw a blank.
To forget something When Mike asked Sam which airline they were flying on, Sam drew a
blank.
#24 COVER A LOT OF GROUND

MEANING EXAMPLE
To travel over a great distance The kids covered a lot of ground, looking for all of the marbles.
The history lesson covered a lot of ground today.

To deal with lots of information and many
facts
The math class covered a lot of ground yesterday.
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EXPRESSIONS
#25 BACKSEAT DRIVER
MEANING EXAMPLE
A passenger in a car who gives the driver Michael was annoyed by Barrys tendency to become a backseat driver
unwanted advice whenever they went on a trip together.
A person who is eager to advise without

His mom was a backseat driver, so his dad was always frustrated.
responsibility
An annoying passenger who tells the

Backseat drivers are quite annoying sometimes.
driver how to drive
#26 ON THE HOME STRETCH

MEANING EXAMPLE
They have been working on the project for 3 months, but now they are in
The last part of a long activity
the home stretch.
The last part of an activity or campaign We are in the home stretch of the assignment, but Im still not comfortable
with the results.
The last part of a difficult activity Are we in the home stretch of the project yet?
#27 HIT THE ROAD

MEANING EXAMPLE
Set out on a journey Its time to hit the road.
To depart They have to hit the road very early in the morning.
To begin ones journey, especially on a

She wanted to stay longer, but it was really time to hit the road.
road trip
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EXPRESSIONS
#28 ACROSS THE BOARD
MEANING EXAMPLE
Applying to all The boss said that the cutbacks might be across the board.
Involving everyone or everything in a place

The same requirements will be applied across the board.
or situation
Affecting everyone or everything in a group The tax cuts will be across the board, so many people are worried.
#29 AT THIS STAGE IN THE GAME

MEANING EXAMPLE
At a particular place in a process At this stage of the game, its really too late to switch partners.
At the current point in some event or

Were past worrying about that at this stage of the game.
situation
Currently We cant do much at this stage of the game.
#30 THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT

MEANING EXAMPLE
It is up to you to make the next move The ball is in your court. You do something.
You need to react or answer We made a reasonable offer for the business, and now the ball is in their court.
You have to do something before any

I told him that I would forgive him if he apologizes. The ball is in his court now.
progress can be made in a situation
YOU DID IT!

EXPRESSIONS
#31 ACQUIRED TASTE
MEANING EXAMPLE
A thing that one has come to like only through experience Squash is an acquired taste.
Something that you dislike at first, but that you start to like
Pumpkin pie is an acquired taste.
after you have tried it a few times.
One that is unpleasant on immediate experience or is likable

I think kimchi is an acquired taste, but it is good.
only after being experienced repeatedly.
#32 SPILL THE BEANS

MEANING EXAMPLE
Reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly Mary spilled the beans about the party.
To give away a secret or a surprise. Somebody spilled the beans about the surprise party.
My friend was afraid to spill the beans about the cost of

To let secret information become known.
his house.
#33 PIECE OF CAKE

MEANING EXAMPLE
I said that this class would be a piece of cake.
Cooking is a piece of cake for my friend.

Something that is easily achieved
Making rice is a piece of cake for some people, but hard
for others.
YOU DID IT!

EXPRESSIONS
#34 BEAR IN MIND
MEANING EXAMPLE
Remember and take into account She needs to bear in mind that the figures vary from place to place.
Be mindful of Just bear in mind that you are not alone.
To remember a piece of information when you Bearing in mind that hes had so little experience, I thought he did a
are making decisions or thinking about a matter good job.
#35 HAVE IT DOWN PAT

MEANING EXAMPLE
To know something or be able to do something

I have to memorize these words until I have them down pat.
perfectly
Be a perfect master of something He had his story down pat.
To learn something so well that you do not have Samantha had her answers down pat, but she knew they didnt
to think about how to do or say it believe her.
#36 IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER

MEANING EXAMPLE
Everything the teacher told her students went in one ear and out the
other.
Heard but disregarded or quickly forgotten I told him, but I think it went in one ear and out the other.
The woman felt that everything she told her husband went in one ear
and out the other.
YOU DID IT!

EXPRESSIONS
#37 RING A BELL
MEANING EXAMPLE
To revive a distant recollection The name Michael rings a bell, but Im not 100% sure I remember him.
To sound familiar Ive never met Sally, but her name rings a bell.
For something to cause someone to

Im sorry, that description doesnt ring a bell.
remember something or for it to seem familiar
#38 CHIME IN
MEANING EXAMPLE
To interject a remark Yes, you do that, Donna chimed in.
To join in harmoniously The new employee chimed in with a suggestion.
To enter a conversation Everyone in the room began to chime in with their own ideas.
#39 AS FIT AS A FIDDLE

MEANING EXAMPLE
If you drink this tea, youll be fit as a fiddle tomorrow.
To be in good health My grandfather said that he feels as fit as a fiddle.
The doctor was fit as a fiddle.
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EXPRESSIONS
#40 MAP SOMETHING OUT
MEANING EXAMPLE
The department wrote a new document mapping out its policies.
To plan something in detail Her future is all mapped out ahead of her.
I will map out everything for you.
#41 FALL OFF THE MAP

MEANING EXAMPLE
To disappear from view and attention She fell off of the map.
Drop out of sight The actor used to be famous, but he fell off the map about a year ago.
To stop being known or considered That team played in the championship and then they fell off the map.
#42 PUT SOMETHING ON THE MAP

MEANING EXAMPLE
The good desserts they serve there will really put them on the map.
To make some place famous or popular This once boring town is now on the map.
The iPod put Apple on the map.
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EXPRESSIONS
#43 BIRTHDAY SUIT
MEANING EXAMPLE
Mike embarrassed his grandmother by answering the door in his

birthday suit.
Naked or nude She started to blush when she saw him in his birthday suit.
He made a joke that he would go to the party in his birthday suit.
#44 PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAP

MEANING EXAMPLE
Meditate on a problem The teacher told her students to put their thinking caps on.
Do you have your thinking cap on?

To think seriously about something
I told my niece to put her thinking cap on.
#45 OFF-THE-CUFF
MEANING EXAMPLE
The student decided to do his speech off-the-cuff.
Sometimes people speak off-the-cuff, but it doesnt always turn out

Without preparation
well.
He spoke off-the-cuff but it was amazing.
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VOCABULARY
SECTION
NUMBER 2 SpeakEnglishWithTiani.com

VOCABULARY
#1 COERCE
MEANING EXAMPLE SYNONYM
He tried to coerce him into opposing the decision, but his

To compel by force or intimidation Oblige
efforts failed.
To compel by authority Do you think they have the power to coerce China? Pressurize
To persuade someone to do
The North tried to coerce the South to agree with them. Force
something (usually by force)
#2 DISPUTE
To engage in an argument or Children normally get into small disputes with each other at
Squabble
debate school.
To argue or quarrel The two men were in a heated dispute. Quarrel
To debate or discuss something The dispute over federal taxes was not resolved. Disagreement
#3 DISSECT
To cut apart We had to dissect the frog in science class. Slice
The man tried to dissect her answer but he couldnt figure it

To examine the structure Divide
out.
The doctor had to dissect the womans body in order to see

To examine in detail, part by part Break up
what caused her death.
YOU DID IT!
I hope you enjoyed this lesson. Today you learned three new vocabulary words that illl help you Speak
English better. Remember to use each word at least once today. Try to use them in a text message, in an

VOCABULARY
#4 PLAYGROUND
MEANING EXAMPLE
An area used for outdoor play or

The little boy and his sister ran to the playground.
recreation especially for children.
All of the children were playing at the playground.

Any place, environment, or facility used for
amusement.
The playground was filled with children running and playing together.
#5 PUBERTY
A period or age at which a person Puberty is a very confusing time period for young people.
is first capable of producing
offspring. (usually occurs in Adolescence
children between the ages of 12 The little boy was going through puberty.
to 14)
The stage children go through

where their hormones begin to Is your teenager going through puberty now? Awkward Stage
change
#6 RECESS
MEANING EXAMPLE
A rest, break, or vacation The children ran outside for recess.
We have recess after lunch everyday for an hour.

A period of rest from school to play
together (for young children)
Recess is essential for elementary students.
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VOCABULARY
#7 MATERNAL
MEANING EXAMPLE
She is my maternal grandmother.
Related to a mother He is my maternal grandfather.
Are you closer to your maternal grandmother or your paternal grandmother?
#8 PATERNAL
MEANING EXAMPLE
He is my paternal grandfather.
Related to a father My paternal grandmother lives in our neighborhood.
My paternal grandparents are amazing.
#9 SIBLING
MEANING EXAMPLE
My siblings and I love playing basketball.
A brother or a sister How many siblings do you have?
Are you and your siblings close?
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VOCABULARY
#10 AMATEUR
A person who engages in a

Even amateur engineers know how to build these buildings. Novice
pursuit on an unpaid basis.
The boy was so good that he made everyone else look like
Non-professional Beginner
amateurs.
A person inexperienced or Amateur drone operators have to be careful when flying their
Learner
unskilled in a particular activity. drone.
#11 ATHLETE
He was the best athlete I had ever seen. Player
A participant in a sport, exercise, The coach looked at all of the athletes standing before him
Contender
or game requiring physical skill and smiled.
She was an Olympic athlete, so many companies wanted to

Jockey
work with her.
#12 SUB (SUBSTITUTE)

A person or thing acting or serving

Who was the sub for your class yesterday? Backup
in place of another.
Are we going to have a sub for our class tomorrow?

To take the place of Representative
She was the best substitute teacher ever.
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VOCABULARY
#13 CRAM
To fill by force with more than it The high school student tried to cram the night before her
Squeeze
can easily hold exam.
The man tried to cram all of the boxes into the small bag but
To force or stuff Compact
it didnt work.
To fill with an excessive amount Im trying to cram all of this work into one hour. Pack
#14 STUDY HALL

MEANING EXAMPLE
A room used mainly for studying The teacher said that we have to study for an hour in study hall today.
Did you have study hall when you were in high school?
A period of time in a school day, set aside
for study and doing homework.
What classroom is study hall in?
#15 THESIS DEFENSE

MEANING EXAMPLE
Michelle had her first thesis defense today.

The meeting where a student explains and
After his thesis defense Michael felt very relieved.
defends the contents of their thesis.
When is your thesis defense.
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VOCABULARY
#16 INFATUATION
MEANING EXAMPLE
Falling in love with or becoming extremely

Other than an infatuation with Josh before she met Michael, there had
interested in someone or something for a
been no one else.
short time
To inspire with a foolish or extravagant love

His infatuation with Sally made him go crazy.
or admiration
To like something foolishly She had an infatuation with John, but it was only a one-sided love.
#17 AFFECTIONATE
MEANING EXAMPLE
Readily feeling or showing fondness or

I like your brother a lot. He is very affectionate.
tenderness
He gave his wife an affectionate kiss to express his thanks for dinner.
Expressing fondness
Americans are very affectionate people.
#18 TENDERNESS
MEANING EXAMPLE
The tenderness she saw in his eyes made her heart melt.
Gentleness and kindness There was a tenderness in the way that she spoke to him.
The tenderness on Marys face confirmed her love for Matthew.
YOU DID IT!
I hope you enjoyed this lesson. Today you learned three new vocabulary words that willl help you Speak

VOCABULARY
#19 HARMONIZE
MEANING EXAMPLE
Add notes to (a melody) to produce a

The singers harmonized their voices beautifully.
harmony.
Sing in harmony. A group of singers were harmonizing on the street corner.
Produce a pleasing visual combination. The garden has been designed to harmonize with the natural landscape.
#20 TUNE
MEANING EXAMPLE
I hummed a little tune while I cleaned the kitchen.

A pleasing succession of musical tones.
They sang in tune.
Your negative review of the restaurant seems to be in tune with the

A frame of mind.
opinions of the critic.
#21 DUET
MEANING EXAMPLE
Tom sang a duet with Cindy.

A performance by two people, especially
He asked me to sing a duet with him, but I told him no.
singers, instrumentalists, or dancers.
Will you sing a duet with me?
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VOCABULARY
#22 PLAYWRIGHT
MEANING EXAMPLE
A person who writes plays. We are reading the works of many modern playwrights.
Sally told her mother that she wants to be a famous playwright.

A writer of plays
Do you know any famous playwrights?
#23 DOWNSTAGE
MEANING EXAMPLE
Jennifer is standing downstage in the open area.

At or toward the front of the stage
The director called all of the dancers to come downstage.
Of or relating to the front part of a stage Please put this table downstage.
#24 DRESS REHEARSALS

MEANING EXAMPLE
I would love to have dinner with you tonight, but I cant because I have a
dress rehearsal at 7pm.
The final rehearsal of a live show; in which
everything is done as it would be in a real What time is our dress rehearsal?
performance.
Dress rehearsals are necessary before any play opens in a theatre.
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VOCABULARY
#25 GETAWAY
MEANING EXAMPLE
An escape or quick departure, especially

The criminal was trying to make a getaway, but the cops caught him.
after committing a crime
My friends and I are planning a weekend getaway to the beach.

A vacation
The resort advertises itself as the perfect island getaway.
#26 QUAINT
MEANING EXAMPLE
This is a quaint old house.

Attractively unusual or old-fashioned
I want to live in a quaint little neighborhood.
Strange, peculiar, or unusual in an

He has a quaint sense of humor.
interesting, pleasing, or amusing way
#27 SECLUDED
MEANING EXAMPLE
Sheltered or screened from general

They passed by a secluded cottage.
activity, view, etc.
She wanted to live a secluded life.

Withdrawn from or involving little human or
social activity
He lived a secluded life for more than 10 years.
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VOCABULARY
#28 ALTERNATE
MEANING EXAMPLE
The position alternated between the Republican and Democratic

Occur in turn repeatedly
parties.
We all had to work on alternate days.

Every other
The traffic was bad, so we had to take an alternate route.
#29 REBOUND
MEANING EXAMPLE
Her shot hammered into the goal post and rebounded across the goal.
To bounce back off something after hitting it
The small ball rebounded off the wall.
To increase or improve after a recent The company had a bad year last year, but they were able to rebound
decrease or decline quickly.
#30 TORSO
MEANING EXAMPLE
The main part of the human body not

The doctor gave me a series of exercises to strengthen my torso.
including the head, arms, and legs
The sculpture focused on the details of the torso.

The trunk of the human body
There were burn marks all over the mans torso.
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VOCABULARY
#31 ALL YOU CAN EAT
MEANING EXAMPLE
This is an all-you-can-eat buffet.

A restaurant that serves all-you-can-eat food
will continue serving you as much of that food
The hotel restaurant has an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch for $15.
as you want for a fixed price (price that will
not increase or decrease)
Our boss agreed to take us to an all-you-can-eat buffet for lunch.
#32 BUSBOY
MEANING EXAMPLE
The busboy was happy to see the large tip on the table.
A young man who clears tables in a
restaurant or cafeteria My friend was a busboy at one of the most famous restaurants in New
York.
A restaurant employee who clears away dirty

dishes, sets tables, and serves as an He is the best busboy at our restaurant.
assistant to a waiter or waitress.
#33 CASHIER
MEANING EXAMPLE
A person handling payments and receipts in a

The cashier took my money and then gave me my change.
store, bank, or other business.
An executive who has charge of money, A cashier at a supermarket, makes $40,000 a year.
especially one who superintends monetary
transactions, as in a bank. That document discloses more information than the cashier requires.
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VOCABULARY
#34 BLURRED
MEANING EXAMPLE
Unable to see or be seen clearly Her blurred vision made her realize that she needed glasses.
Not clear or distinct Everything blurred as she ran.
Hazy The windows were blurred with black soot.
#35 DIM
MEANING EXAMPLE
Not bright The flashlight was getting dim.
Obscure from lack of light or emitted light They entered the dim room and stood along the wall.
Not seen clearly or in detail The lights in the house are pretty dim.
#36 ELUSIVE
MEANING EXAMPLE
Success will become more elusive in the next few years.
Difficult to find, catch, or achieve This is a very elusive concept.
The answers to the questions of life remain elusive.
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VOCABULARY
#37 DISCORDANT
MEANING EXAMPLE
Without proper guidance, the band will produce discordant music that
Disagreeing or incongruous
no one wants to hear.
The scared dog gave a discordant shriek and flew out of the door.
Harsh and jarring because of a lack of
harmony The discordant sound of the principals high-pitched voice silenced the
students.
#38 FLAT
MEANING EXAMPLE
The soloist normally sings well, but today he is flat.
Lower in pitch and below the true pitch She is singing a little flat. Please give her the right note.
Do you know what it means to sing flat?
#39 OFF-KEY
MEANING EXAMPLE
Music pitched higher or lower than the correct

The woman was singing off-key.
notes of a melody
A loud sound came from an off-key instrument.

Out of tune A man played a piano while a woman led a choir that was singing off-
key.
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VOCABULARY
#40 ELEVATION
MEANING EXAMPLE
The action or fact of elevating or being

The elevation is too high to use heavy pieces of wood.
elevated
This city is located at a very high elevation.

Height above a given level, especially
sea level The elevation of the city is quite high.
#41 PARALLEL
MEANING EXAMPLE
I need to place the walls parallel to each other.

Side by side and having the same distance
The openings were situated parallel to each other.
continuously between them
My house runs parallel to the river.
#42 CONTOUR
MEANING EXAMPLE
He traced the contours of her face with his finger.

An outline, especially one representing or
As an artist, you must make sure to draw contour lines.
bounding the shape or form of something
The contours of the dress make you look great.
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VOCABULARY
#43 NIGHTGOWN
MEANING EXAMPLE
The little girl sat up, pulling the blanket around her nightgown and
shivered.
A light, loose garment worn by a woman or
child in bed The woman put her nightgown on and crawled into bed.
Do you like long or short nightgowns?
#44 CLINGY
MEANING EXAMPLE
To hold onto something or someone very

He said that she was too clingy for him.
tightly
The dress was a little too clingy.

To stick to something or someone
She wore a really clingy top.
#45 CONSERVATIVE
MEANING EXAMPLE
After purchasing a conservative blouse and jeans she went back to her
car.
A person who is against change and holds to
traditional values and attitudes, typically in He has very conservative views about relationships.
relation to politics.
The opposite of a conservative person is a person who is liberal.
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IDIOMS
SECTION
NUMBER 3
SpeakEnglishWithTiani.com

IDIOMS
#1 GET AWAY FROM IT ALL
MEANING EXAMPLE
To go on vacation I have been so busy these days. I really just want to get away from it all.
She just wanted to get away from it all.

To take a break from work and other
duties
He decided to get away from it all.
#2 HAVE A LOT ON ONES PLATE

MEANING EXAMPLE
To have a lot of work to do. I have a lot on my plate these days.
Why are you upset? I told you I would not be able to go because I have a
lot on my plate these days.
To have a lot of problems to deal with.
He has a lot on his plate, so he is not able to meet any women.
#3 KICK BACK AND RELAX

MEANING EXAMPLE
To relax What do you want to do after work? I just want to kick back and relax.
To lean back and relax On Sundays my dad normally just kicks back and relaxes.
To relax and enjoy something Instead of going out, lets just kick back and relax.
YOU DID IT!
I hope you enjoyed this lesson. Today you learned three new idioms that will help you Speak English better.
Remember to use each idiom at least once today. Try to use them in a text message, in an email, in a
conversation, or even talking to yourself. You can do it! You can Speak English!

IDIOMS
#4 HIT THE TOWN
MEANING EXAMPLE
To go out and have fun. We decided to hit the town last Saturday night.
To go out and have a good time in the city. She said that she is a little too tired to hit the town tonight.
To go to a busy city/town for shopping,

It's my birthday! Lets hit the town.
dancing, eating, or any other activity.
#5 OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

MEANING EXAMPLE
The guest house that we decided to stay at was completely off the
In a place where few people go.
beaten track.
I think the building we are looking for is a little bit off the beaten track.
In a place far away from roads and towns.
We found a great vacation spot off the beaten track.
#6 SOAK UP SOME SUN

MEANING EXAMPLE
To go outside and get a suntan. This summer I want to soak up some sun.
Were you able to soak up some sun when you went to Bermuda last
month.
To go outside and sit in the sun.
He decided to soak up some sun this afternoon at the beach.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#7 THE SHOW MUST GO ON
MEANING EXAMPLE
Even if it rains, the show must go on.

Something that you say which means that
an event or activity must continue even if No matter what happens, the show must go on.
there are problems/difficulties
Even if the main actor gets sick, the show must go on.
#8 A SHOW STOPPER
MEANING EXAMPLE
Her speech in class was a real show stopper.

A performance or part of a performance
The director of the play wanted every scene to be a showstopper.
that is extremely good.
His song was a show stopper.
#9 TO BE IN THE LIMELIGHT
MEANING EXAMPLE
To receive attention and interest from the

Hes been in the limelight recently, following the release of his new movie.
public.
Sally loves being in the limelight.

At the center of public attention.
The reporters made sure the attractive new actress was in the spotlight.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#10 CREAM OF THE CROP
MEANING EXAMPLE
This car is the cream of the crop.
These three students are very smart. They are the cream of the crop in
The best of the best
their class.
This ring is the cream of the crop.
#11 BUTTER SOMEONE UP

MEANING EXAMPLE
To flatter someone A student tried to butter the teacher up.
She buttered up her boss again.

To treat someone nice in hopes of
receiving some special favor.
The magazine tried to get her to write an article by buttering her up.
#12 BRING HOME THE BACON

MEANING EXAMPLE
If he stays at home with the kids, someone else will have to bring home the
To earn a salary
bacon.
Ive got to get to work if Im going to bring home the bacon.

To bring home money earned at a job
I bring home the bacon.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#13 EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER
MEANING EXAMPLE
Experience is the best teacher, and the worst experiences teach the best
lessons.
Life experiences teach more effectively
Mistakes may happen, but always remember that experience is the best
than books or school.
teacher.
The older I get, the more I realize that experience is the best teacher.
#14 TEACHERS PET

MEANING EXAMPLE
Michael is the teachers pet. He always gets special treatment.

A person who is treated as a favorite by
The other students dont like the teachers pet.
one in authority (usually a teacher)
When I was younger, it was not popular to be the teachers pet.
#15 LEARN SOMETHING BY HEART

MEANING EXAMPLE
The piano player had to learn the piece of music by heart so he could
perform it.
To have something memorized perfectly Do you know all the words to the song? Yes, I learnt it by heart.
The man learned all the songs by heart.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#16 TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
MEANING EXAMPLE
We were just taking a stroll down memory lane and recalling the days of
our youth.
To deliberately recall pleasant or
sentimental memories Let's go there and take a trip down memory lane.
Before we take a trip down memory lane, lets look at the facts.
#17 COMMIT SOMETHING TO MEMORY

MEANING EXAMPLE
He committed the entire letter to memory.
To study something carefully so that you She was too nervous to speak freely, so she decided to commit the entire
can remember it exactly. acceptance speech to memory.
If you want to pass the test, you must commit all of the equations to
memory.
#18 IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME CORRECTLY

MEANING EXAMPLE
I think he was called Sam, if my memory serves me correctly.
If I remember correctly If my memory serves me correctly, we should turn left here.
If my memory serves me correctly, we went to the same high school.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#19 THE HOTSPOT // HOT SPOT
MEANING EXAMPLE
A very popular or active place. This restaurant is the hot spot. Everyone is here.
Do you know if there is a hotspot here? I need to email someone.

A physical location where people may
obtain internet access. There are hotspots everywhere in Korea.
#20 BOOKED SOLID

MEANING EXAMPLE
To be completely full. The restaurant was booked solid.
I went to the hair salon, but the hairdresser said that she was booked
solid.
To have no more time for new clients.
Can I have a room for tonight, please? Im so sorry sir, were booked solid.
#21 GET SOME R&R

MEANING EXAMPLE
Im really stressed out. I need some R&R.
Rest and Relaxation Last weekend I enjoyed some much needed R&R.
Where do you go when you need some R&R?
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#22 A FOR EFFORT
MEANING EXAMPLE
Acknowledgement for having tried to do

The plan didnt work, but Ill give you an A for effort.
something, even if it was not successful
Your work is not the best, but because Your presentation was not the best, but I will give you an A for effort.
you put great effort into it, you deserve
recognition The cupcakes didnt turn out like he planned, but I give him an A for effort.
#23 CRANK OUT SOMETHING

MEANING EXAMPLE
To produce something continually, like a

Stanley can crank out a lot of essays in a single day.
machine
The new robot they created can crank out over 100 mechanical parts in
To make something in a casual and one hour.
mechanical way
The director cranks out one move a year.
#24 HAVE IT DOWN TO A SCIENCE

MEANING EXAMPLE
We have memorizing vocabulary down to a science.

Said when you are able to manage doing
They have the new dance moves down to a science.
something very well.
She has swimming down to a science.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#25 DRIVE A HARD BARGAIN
MEANING EXAMPLE
Be uncompromising in making a deal I had to drive a hard bargain with the Korean man at the store.
To work hard to negotiate prices or The shop manager was driving a hard bargain, but I still got a discount in
agreements in ones own favor the end.
To make someone agree to an

You drive a hard bargain, but Ill sign the contract.
arrangement that benefits you
#26 HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS

MEANING EXAMPLE
The governor planned to plant new trees along all the highways and
Major and minor roads
byways of the town.
The two girls traveled Americas highways and byways from New York to
Cliche routes and pathways, both major California.
and minor
She wanted to spend her holiday exploring the highways and byways of
the country.
#27 PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL

MEANING EXAMPLE
To press a car's accelerator to the floor Its time to put the pedal to the metal.
Dude, put the pedal to the metal! We have to go now.

To drive very fast
He put the pedal to the metal and we were out of there.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#28 GO TO BAT FOR SOMEONE
MEANING EXAMPLE
To support someone when the person The government will go to bat for rich people because they pay lots of
needs help taxes.
To support or help someone I went to bat for my friend because I cared about her.
To give help and support to someone who

She went to bat for her younger sister.
is in trouble
#29 HAVE THE UPPER HAND

MEANING EXAMPLE
Have or gain advantage or control over We are still waiting to see which party will have the upper hand in the
someone or something election.
By half time, the Mexican soccer team seemed to have the upper hand.
They have a position of power and control
over someone else There is always worry over who will get the upper hand in the stock
market.
#30 HIT A SNAG

MEANING EXAMPLE
Encounter a problem or obstacle Weve hit a snag with this design project.
Their plans hit a snag so they had to do something else.

To encounter an unexpected problem or
delay
Our project hit a snag, so we had to cancel everything and start over.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#31 ACQUIRE A TASTE FOR (SOMETHING)
MEANING EXAMPLE
He acquired a taste for salad after years of his mom giving it to him.
To develop a desire for a particular food,
She acquired a taste for spicy food.
drink, or experience
They acquired a taste for Mediterranean food after living overseas.
#32 BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW

MEANING EXAMPLE
Something that is very unpleasant but

Losing to my younger sister was a bitter pill to swallow.
must be accepted
Not passing the exam was a bitter pill to swallow.

An unpleasant fact, disappointment, or
humiliation that is difficult to endure.
It was a bitter pill for her brother to swallow when she married his enemy.
#33 BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS ONE

MEANING EXAMPLE
Deliberately hurt or offend a benefactor. How can you bite the hand that feeds you?
He cant expect sympathy when he bites the hand that feeds him.
To do harm to someone who does good
things for you.
You shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#34 STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE
MEANING EXAMPLE
We were just taking a stroll down memory lane and recalling our high
school days.
To remember some of the happy things
that you did in the past Every once in awhile, its good to take a stroll down memory lane.
Lets take a stroll down memory lane.
#35 CANT GET A WORD IN EDGEWISE

MEANING EXAMPLE
Sally got so excited when she was talking that nobody else could get a
word in edgewise.
You cant say anything because someone
So many people were talking at one time that I couldnt get a word in
else is talking so much.
edgewise.
He was talking so much, so I couldnt get a word in edgewise.
#36 LOSE MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT

MEANING EXAMPLE
Im sorry, I lost my train of thought. What were we talking about again?

To forget what one was talking or thinking
When she walked in, he lost his train of thought.
about
The question made the speaker lose his train of thought.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#37 BLOW YOUR OWN HORN/TRUMPET
MEANING EXAMPLE
Stop blowing your own horn. Its annoying.

To tell everyone proudly about your
Michael always blew his own horn.
achievements
I am usually quite humble, but I felt like blowing my own horn today.
#38 LIKE A BROKEN RECORD

MEANING EXAMPLE
He was starting to sound like a broken record.
Someone or something that annoyingly Shes always complaining about how he treats her. She sounds like a
repeats itself broken record.
You sound like a broken record.
#39 BLOW THE WHISTLE

MEANING EXAMPLE
To report someones wrongdoing to

The bank manager blew the whistle on the employee by telling his boss
someone (such as the police) who can
about the illegal activity.
stop the wrongdoing
He was fired for blowing the whistle on the companys mismanagement of

To show the public dangerous accounts.
conditions or illegal activities
The young attorney blew the whistle on his boss.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#40 DOWN TO EARTH
MEANING EXAMPLE
Ruth is a very down-to-earth woman.
Straightforward; simple in style I like his down-to-earth approach to fixing problems.
My ideal type is a man who is down-to-earth.
#41 OUT OF THE WOODS

MEANING EXAMPLE
Out of danger or difficulty When the patient got out of the woods, his parents relaxed.
Past a critical phase The doctor said you would be out of the woods in a week.
Out of the unknown As soon as her temperature goes down, shell be out of the woods.
#42 GET WIND OF SOMETHING

MEANING EXAMPLE
To learn of something He caught wind of the story being spread about him.
As soon as she got wind of the play, she ordered tickets.

To hear about something
I dont want my teacher to get wind of the fact that Im leaving early today.
YOU DID IT!

IDIOMS
#43 ROLL UP ONES SLEEVES
MEANING EXAMPLE
The young basketball player is going to roll up his sleeves by practicing

every day, so he can play professionally one day.
To prepare to fight or work I rolled up my sleeves and exercised every day.
If you roll up your sleeves and work hard, you will succeed one day.
#44 ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET

MEANING EXAMPLE
The movie was produced on a shoestring budget.
They decided to do their wedding on a shoestring budget.

Having very little money to spend
We are working on a shoestring budget, so we have to spend money
wisely.
#45 TAKE YOUR HAT OFF TO

SOMETHING/SOMEONE
MEANING EXAMPLE
I took my hat off to him for the excellent work he had done.
It means you admire or respect them, or
We have our hats off to him for all that he has accomplished.
something they have done.
She took her hat off to him.
YOU DID IT!

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SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.

COM WEEK 1 LESSON 2

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

Dont worry. After all, he will leave tomorrow.

Suddenly All of a sudden we heard a loud boom.

To be in a more satisfactory condition

To be in a more favorable position or

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

Im very attracted to you. Its true. Im totally into you.

#5 WERE MEANT FOR EACH OTHER

#6 YOURE MY PRINCE CHARMING

A man who is handsome, brave, polite,

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

I had to leave my previous apartment because my neighbors played loud

To be won or lost. How much money is at stake?

A weak person who always agrees with

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

This jacket was a hand-me-down.

To dress in a fancy dress/outfit They dress themselves up in their finest clothing.

To dress in smart or formal clothes. Please dress up for the dance.

To improve the appearance or impression

#12 DRESS DOWN

I dress down if I know Im just going to be moving boxes of documents at

I dressed down for the casual party.

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

#14 LINE OF WORK

Ones profession This line of work requires lots of effort.

#15 ON THE BACK BURNER

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

To invite someone to go out to something

To invite someone for a visit to a place in

#17 HIT ON A WOMAN/MAN

I thought he was going to hit on me, but he was too shy.

#18 STAND HIM/HER UP

To fail to keep an appointment with a

Sally stood him up because she was mad.

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

A person who has done something bad

#20 LIKE ONE OF THE FAMILY

We treat our dog like one of the family.

Shes like one of the family.

#21 RUN IN THE FAMILY

(For a characteristic) to appear in many (or

My brothers and I have red hair. It runs in the family.

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

To reflect deeply about something that

#23 DRAW A BLANK

#24 COVER A LOT OF GROUND

The history lesson covered a lot of ground today.

YOU DID IT!

SPEAKENGLISHWITHTIFFANI.COM SPEAK ENGLISH AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

A person who is eager to advise without

An annoying passenger who tells the

#26 ON THE HOME STRETCH

#27 HIT THE ROAD

Set out on a journey Its time to hit the road.