If you 'cut to the chase,' it means that you just come out and tell someone something, after (possibly) previously stalling.
Example:
-They've been hemming and hawing all week. I wish they'd just cut to the chase and tell me.
-They should, you're right!
I love analyzing my native language, American English, and helping non-native speakers make sense of it. I've been doing this for fun with friends who speak English as a second language for nearly 30 years. I would like to first thank A.D., C.F. and E.A., and now P.G., for inspiring me to finally write this stuff down!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Floored
If you are 'floored' by something, it means you are shocked and can't believe what you're hearing.
Example:
-I can't believe you didn't get the job! I'm just floored!
-Yeah, me, neither. I'm still in shock.
Example:
-I can't believe you didn't get the job! I'm just floored!
-Yeah, me, neither. I'm still in shock.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Full of shit
Someone who is 'full of shit,' is someone who is completely lying. Since 'shit' is a bad word, obviously this should only be said around people with whom you have a close relationship.
Example:
-I can't believe she actually said that! She's so full of shit!
-Totally!
Example:
-I can't believe she actually said that! She's so full of shit!
-Totally!
Hemming and hawing
If someone is 'hemming and hawing,' it means they're stalling on making a (perhaps big) decision.
Example:
-I wish he'd just make up his mind!
-All this hemming and hawing is getting old.
-
Example:
-I wish he'd just make up his mind!
-All this hemming and hawing is getting old.
-
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Pig out
If you 'pig out," it means that you eat so much that afterward you're stuffed and maybe even feel sick.
Example:
-Good morning, sweetie! Would you like some breakfast?
-No thanks, Mom. Last night I pigged out on pizza at Suzanne's and I'm still full!
Example:
-Good morning, sweetie! Would you like some breakfast?
-No thanks, Mom. Last night I pigged out on pizza at Suzanne's and I'm still full!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Not going to sugarcoat it
If you're not going to 'sugarcoat' something, it means you're going to be frank and direct about some bad news, without trying to soften it.
Example:
-Well, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. You have to lose weight.
-You're right, Dr. Smith. I know you're right.
Example:
-Well, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. You have to lose weight.
-You're right, Dr. Smith. I know you're right.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Gridlock
'Gridlock' refers to a major traffic jam when no one can move. It has also been used the American political scene as if late.
Example:
-Gridlock traffic! Happy Monday.
-Ugh.
Example:
-Gridlock traffic! Happy Monday.
-Ugh.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Living under a rock
If you are 'living under a rock,' it means that have not been paying very close attention to what's been happening (especially in the world) around you.
Example:
-I just can't comprehend how anyone could be an undecided voter at this point!
-They must be living under a rock!
Example:
-I just can't comprehend how anyone could be an undecided voter at this point!
-They must be living under a rock!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
In a safe place.
If you have something you don't want to lose, you might put it in a safe place. Sometimes, however, you put it in such a 'safe place' that later you can't find it.
Example:
-Do you have the tickets for tonight?
-I put them in a safe place and now I can't find them.
Example:
-Do you have the tickets for tonight?
-I put them in a safe place and now I can't find them.
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