Have Better Conversations 

Expressions 

 
 

get your act  Definition ​-​ to become  Example 2​ - ​Hey Camilo, 

more ​organized​ and  mate, you need to ​get your 
together  behave​ in a more ​effective  act together​ ​if you ever 
  way, especially in order to  want to get a proper job. 
achieve​ something   
   
Example 1 ​- ​I had no  My example: 
direction after college and   
drifted along for several 
years, until I​ got my act 
  together​ in my thirties with 
steady job and good 
relationship. 

Jump the gun  Definition - ​act before the  Example 2 ​- ​Hey Maria, be 
proper or appropriate  careful, don’t ​jump the 
time  gun​, wait a moment, lets 
  see whats gonna happen 
Example 1 ​- H​ enry ​jumped  first, then we make a 
the gun​ and sent the  decision. 
proofs to the printer   
before the boss approved   
them.  My example: 
 

 
  Definition - ​To  Example 2 ​- ​I just can’t 
comprehend something  wrap my head around​ the 
wrap your head  that one considers  English grammar of this 
around it  challenging, confusing, or  week however I will keep 
a foreign concept.  trying. 
     
  Example 1 - K ​ ate is willing  My example: 
to pay full price for an 
 
expensive handbag, but I 
just​ can't wrap my head 
around that​. 

Definition - ​to s
​ pend​ ​time  Example 2​ - ​My friend 
shooting the  talking​ about things that  never focusses in class, he 
breeze  are not ​important  rather ​shoots the breeze​.  
   
Example 1 - W ​ e sat out on  My example: 
the porch, just ​shooting 
the breeze. 

Definition - ​a message  Example 2​ - ​The meeting 

heads up  that alerts or prepares  starts in 5 minutes, can 
    you give Jenny ​a heads 
Example 1 ​-​ Hey John, just  up.  
a ​heads up​.. the.boss   
usually takes a walk  My example: 
around the office around 
3 o'clock... 

Definition: ​when ​a male is  Example 2 - D​ o you think 

Pussywhipped  undeniably at the ​mercy​ o ​ f  Johny is ​pussywhipped​? 
his high-maintenance  Since he got a girlfriend 
girlfriend  he spends all his spare 
  time with his girlfriend 
Example 1 -​ Ryan is really  instead of with his friends.  
pussywhipped​. He follows   
Christy all over the place,  My example: 
doesn't talk to his friends 
and only hangs out with 
  her and her friends.  
 Definition: ​to understand  Example 2 - ​I switched 
Figure out  or solve something  from Iphone to Samsung, 
  it took me 2 months​ to 
Example 1 - I​ t takes most  figure out​ how to use the 
people some time ​to figure  new operating system.  
out​ new software.   
  My example: 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 

​ person that  Example 2 - E​ ric has a 

To play the  Definition:​ A
always pretends to be the  history of girlfriends and 
victim  victim in every problem in  always tells stories of how 
his/her life.  each one hurt him and 
  fails to mention his part. 
Example 1 - B ​ ecky always  He always ​plays the victim​. 
plays the victim​ when she   
is late. Last time, she  My example:  
blamed her mom for being   
late. 
 
Definition: ​the  Example 2 -​ ​The bottom 
The bottom line  fundamental and most  line​ of all our discussions 
important factor  is that we do not have 
  enough money to buy a 
Example 1 ​- T ​ he bottom  new couch.  
line is​ - we have to cut   
costs otherwise we’re  My example: 
  going to be in a really 
difficult situation. 
 
 

Definition ​- make an  Example 2 - I​ t is tough to 

To give it a shot  attempt or effort to do  live in Sydney as a student 
  something  however, if you don't ​give 
  it a shot​ you will never 
Example 1 ​- I​ know the  know if you would 
exam is really hard, but if I  succeed. 
don't try, I'll never know if I   
have what it takes to pass  My example: 
it, so I've decided to ​give it   
  a shot. 
 
 

Definition ​- to ignore  Example 2 - ​I saw Kai 

Turning a blind  something that you know  cheating on a test 
eye  is wrong:  however, I ​turned a blind 
  eye​ and did not report her 
 Example 1 - M​ anagement  to the teacher. 
often ​turns a blind eye​ to   
bullying in the workplace.  My example:   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Definition ​- the allowed  Example 2 - ​I enjoyed 

Time is up  period of time has ended  trying out the new mario 
  kart game but my ​time was 
Example 1 -​ W​ hen the ​time  up​ before I could really 
was up​, the teacher told  get into it. 
the students to put down   
their pencils and hand in  My example: 
their tests. 
 
Definition ​- Immediately; at  Example 2 - ​My bus 
Right away  once; without delay  departs in 5 minutes, I 
  have to leave ​right away​.  
Example 1 -​ ​Right away​, I   
could tell that the plan  My example: 
had no chance of success. 

 
Definition ​- with no  Example 2 - ​My 
Down to earth  illusions or pretensions;  neighbours won 2 million 
practical and realistic.  dollars last year. They 
  seem to not have changed 
Example 1 -​ I​ was surprised  at all, they are still very 
that she was so sweet and  down-to-earth​ people. 
down-to-earth​, given her   
considerable wealth.  My example:  
 
Definition ​- have a  Example 2 - ​Hans is a very 
Get along  harmonious or friendly  likeable person, he ​gets 
relationship.  along​ with everyone, even 
  the bullies from across the 
Example 1 -​ I​ 'm glad you  street. 
finally got to meet my   
brother, I knew you two  My example: 
 would ​get along. 

 
Definition ​- To become  Example 2 - ​I can control 
Fly off the  uncontrollably angry; to  my anger very well, I rarely 
handle  lose control of one's  fly off the handle. 
temper.   
  My example: 
Example 1 -​ I​ know you're 
upset, but there's no point 
flying off the handle​ like 
that. It was just an honest 
mistake. 
 
Definition ​- A phrase used  Example 2 - M​ y bus is 
Go figure  to highlight that what has  always in time. Today I had 
been said is unexpected,  a very important meeting 
absurd, or difficult to  with my boss and the bus 
understand or accept  was 30 minutes late. ​Go 
  figure.  
Example 1 -​ ​She says she   
wants to have a  My example: 
conversation, but when I 
try, she does all the 
  talking. ​Go figure. 

Definition ​- To build or  ​ hy​ ​is Ikea 

Example 2 -​ W
Put together  assemble something; to  do-it-yourself furniture so 
create something.  hard to ​put together​?  
   
Example 1 -​ I​ thought it  My example: 
would take me less than 
an hour, but I've been 
putting ​this table ​together 
all evening! 

 
Definition ​- Something,  Example 2 - I​ am a big fan 
No-brainer  especially a choice or  of Quentin Tarantino’s 
decision, that is so  movies. It was a total 
obvious or easy as to  no-brainer​ when his new 
require little or no  movie released, I went to 
thought.  the cinema right away.   
   
Example 1 -​ T​ he enormous  My example: 
popularity of his TV show 
 makes buying the book a 
no-brainer​ for him 

 
Definition ​- to look or  Example 2 - W​ hen I moved 
Blend in  seem the same as  to Sydney, I started to 
surrounding people or  learn Australian slang so I 
things and therefore not  would ​blend in​ more 
be easily noticeable  easily.  
   
Example 1 -​ T​ hey have  My example: 
adopted local customs 
and tried to ​blend in​ with 
the community. 

 
Definition ​- a stupid or  Example 2 - P​ eople who 
Hosers  rude person  throw food containers 
  next to the road are a 
Example 1 -​ Y​ ou ​hoser​,  bunch of ​hosers​. 
leave some food for the   
rest of us!  My example: 

 
Definition ​- 1) a bad or  Example 3 - ​The baby from 
Badass  slightly frightening person;  the movie Hangover looks 
2) a bad or slightly  totally badass with 
frightening person  sunglasses on.  
   
Example 1 -​ He plays a  My example: 
21-year old ​badass ​who 
gets into a lot of trouble. 
 
Example 2 - T ​ his car is 
pure ​badass​. 
 
 Definition ​- A small or  Example 2 - T​ ommy always 
Jack shit  worthless amount  acts likes he knows 
  everything but it turns out 
Example 1 -​ ​Those guys  he knows ​jack shit​.  
can't do ​jack shit.   
My example: 

 
Definition ​-   ​ efore I 
Example 2 - B
Run over  go over (something)  started my mathematics 
quickly as a reminder or  exam, I quickly ​ran over 
rehearsal.  the most important 
  formulas to make sure I 
Example 1 -​ ​her mind ​ran  still remembered them.  
over​ their previous   
conversation  My example: 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Definition ​- to stop trying   Example 2 - I​ have been 

Give up    trying to lose weight 
Example 1 -​ ​After ten  however, I love food and at 
minutes trying to get the  times I feel like ​giving up.  
answer I ​gave up​.   
My example: 

 
Definition ​- to spend time  Example 2 - I​ try to ​hang 
Hanging out  in a place or with  out ​with friends at least 
someone.  once a week.  
   
Example 1 -​ ​I've been  My example: 
hanging out ​backstage 
with the band. 

 
Definition ​- used for  Example 2 -​ ​I am going out 
Catch you later  saying goodbye to  for a quite jog, ​catch you 
someone when you expect  later​! 
to see them soon, or later   
 the same day.  My example: 
 
Example 1 -​ ​I have to go 
now, ​catch you later​. 

 
Definition ​- a situation 
Shit hits the fan  suddenly causes a lot of 
Example 2 -  
I accidentally broke the 
trouble for someone.  window of our front door. 
  Mum comes home in 30 
Example 1 -​ I don't want to  minutes, I will leave before 
be here when the ​shit hits  shit hits the fan.  
the fan.   
  My example: 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Definition ​- not very often;  Example 2 - I​ can sleep in 

Once in a blue  very rarely  once in a blue moon​.  
moon     
Example 1 -​ ​My sister lives  My example: 
in Alaska, so I only see her 
once in a blue moon. 

 
Definition ​- to avoid  Example 2 - I​ always ​shy 
Shy away  something that you dislike,  away ​when people ask me 
fear, or do not feel  to speak in front of an 
confident about  audience.  
 
Example 1 -​ ​I've never 
shied away ​from hard 
 work. 

 
Definition ​- be in full  Example 2 -​ M ​ y best 
See eye to eye  agreement (with someone).  friends thinks Vietnam 
  would be a great 
  destination for our next 
Example 1 -​ ​My sisters  trip. ​I see eye to eye ​with 
don't ​see eye to eye with  her ideas on travelling. 
me about the   
arrangements.  My example: 
 
   

Definition ​- the idea that a  Example 2 - I​ f we ever want 

Eye for an eye  person who causes  to be free of pointless 
another person to suffer  wars, we all have to 
should suffer in an equal  abandon the belief in the 
amount:  philosophy of an ​eye for 
  an eye​. 
Example 1 -​ W ​ hen they   
were children, the two  My example: 
brothers operated on the 
principle of an ​eye for an 
eye​, so that if the older 
  one hit the younger one, 
the younger one was 
entitled to hit him back 
just as hard. 

Definition ​- to show by  Example 2 - G ​ eorge is 

Put your money  your actions and not just  always saying that he will 
where your  your words that you  start going to the gym. 
support or believe in  Let’s see if he will ​put his 
mouth is  something.  money where his mouth is​.  
   
Example 1 -​ ​He promised  My example: 
to lower taxes if he got 
elected. Now let's see if 
he'll ​put his money where 
his mouth is. 

 
Definition ​- a completely  Example 2 - I​ moved from 
A whole new ball  different situation, often  Los Angeles to New York 
game  one that is difficult or that  last year. I instantly found 
 you know little about.  out that New York is a 
  whole new ball game  
Example 1 -​ ​We'd done a   
lot of climbing in Scotland  My example: 
but the Himalayas were ​a 
whole new ballgame. 
 
Definition ​- rom the  Example 2 - W​ hen I moved 
From scratch  beginning, without using  to Sydney, I had to start 
anything that already  from scratch​.  
exists.   
  My example: 
Example 1 -​ ​Ben built the 
garden shed ​from scratch​. 

 
Definition ​- If you make an  Example 2 - I​ believe that 
Put effort into  effort to do something,  you can achieve anything 
you try very hard to do it.  as long as you ​put in the 
  effor​t. 
Example 1 -​ The survey   
says that people ​put ​more  My example: 
effort into ​their 
appearance on the first 
day of the week than any 
other. 

 
Definition ​- used to ask if  ​ ou cannot 
Example 2 - Y
You know what I  someone understands or  judge someone on one 
am saying?  agrees with you, especially  meeting. You’ve got to give 
if you have not expressed  him another chance, ​you 
yourself very clearly.  know what I’m saying? 
   
Example 1 -​ ​It's just the  My example: 
best feeling, ​you know 
what I'm saying? 

 
 Definition ​- Only a hint or  Example 2 - I​ am 
The tip of the  suggestion of a much  convinced that the the 
iceberg  larger or more complex  warmer winter periods are 
issue or problem  just the ​tip of the iceberg 
  when it comes to global 
Example 1 -​ ​These small  warming. 
local protests are just ​the   
tip of the iceberg.  My example: 

 
Definition ​- to take the  Example 2 - L​ ast week I 
To make up for  place of something lost or  forgot about the date with 
damaged or to  my girlfriend. I sent her 
compensate for  flowers the day after ​to 
something bad with  make up for ​my 
something good.  forgetfulness.  
   
Example 1 -​ ​He bought me  My example: 
dinner ​to make up for 
being so late the day 
before. 
 
Definition ​- Something  Example 2 - ​Joey travelled 
That’s sick  that is exceptionally cool.  through all of Vietnam. He 
  especially loved the north, 
  one of his hotels had a 360 
Example 1 -​ ​Jennifer lives  degrees view of the 
in ​a sick​ part of the city.  nature. The photos look 
sick.  
 
  My example: 

It's not my cup  Definition ​- ​ifsomething is Example 2 - 

not​ your ​cup of tea​, you Negative: My friends 
of tea  do not​ like ​it​ or you are
invited me to a party with 
heavy metal music. I had 
not​ interested in ​it​. There to refuse because it was 
is also a positive version not my cup of tea. 
of this expression, '​it's my  
cup of tea​', used to Positive: I love pizza so 
much, it’s definitely my 
describe something you
cup of tea. 
like   
  My example: 
  Example 1 -​ ​Ilistened to
some music that a friend
recommended me. After
giving it a thorough listen,
I have to say this type of
 music is ​not my cup of
tea​. 

Head toward  Definition ​- ​topoint at and Example 2 - I’m on the 

move ​toward​ someone, train, ​heading towards​ the 
city. 
something, or some
 
place. ​to be developing into Example 3 - Stop where 
something; to be moving you are, I will ​head 
toward a specific result.  towards​ you.  
   
Example 1 -​ ​Head toward My example: 
  Mary and don't stop to talk to
anyone else 

Definition - Your ​frame​ of 

Frame of mind  mind​ is the ​mood​ that you 
Example 2 - You need to 
be in the right frame of 
are in, which causes you  mind to learn English. 
to have a particular   
attitude​ to something.  My example: 
 
Example 1 - The most 
important​ thing is to go 
into the ​exam​ in a ​positive 
frame of ​mind​. 

Put myself/yourself  Definition ​- ​To personally
assume or expose oneself to
on the line some risk, danger, or
responsibility;
 
 
Example 1 -​ ​Look, I'm p ​ utting
myself on the line​ for you here.
I could get fired if they find out
what we're up to! 
Example 2 - Sometimes we 
need to take some risks in 
life, but this time I went 
too far and ​put myself on 
the line​ betting all my 
money.  
 
My example: 

Full of shit  Definition - Totally  Example 2 - 

unfounded, not ​credible​,  -Yesterday I went out and I 
had more than twenty five 
or ridiculous...usually 
beers. 
refers to something   
somebody just said. not  Example 3 - Come on 
telling the truth,  mate, you are full of shit. 
exaggerating.  You would have been 
totally smashed. 
 
 
Example 1 - You danced  My example:   
 with three different guys 
at the nightclub last 
night? Come on, you’re full 
of shit! I don’t believe you​. 

 
Definition ​- ​to enjoy doing
Have a blast  something very much to ​have
Example 2 - I’m having a 
blast at this party. 
a great time   
  My example: 
Example 1 -​ ​Have​ fun on
your vacation, I hope you
have a blast​.

 
Definition - to ​become​ or 
Freaking out  cause​ someone to ​become 
Example 2 - I went for a 
walk in the forest and 
extremely​ ​emotional​.  totally freaked out when I 
When someone doesn't  saw a huge spider. 
know how to ​react​ in a   
certain given situation  My example: 
because of what someone 
has said or done.  
   
Example 1 - He ​freaked 
out when he ​heard​ he'd 
got the ​job​. 
 

Definition ​- ​burst into Example​ 2 - ​Little​ ​kids​ ​just

Cracking up  laughter  crack​ me up with the t​ hings
  they s​ ay​. 
Example 1 -​ ​she tries to  
keep a straight face, but she My example  
keeps cracking up 

 
 Definition ​- addicted (not 
Hooked  necessarily in a bad way) 
Example 2 - I went for a 
jiu-jitsu lesson and after 10 
  minutes, I was absolutely 
Example 1 -​ When I tried  hooked and never 
brazilian brigadeiro for  stopped practicing it ever 
the first time I got hooked,  since 
straight away.   
My example: 

no easy task  Definition ​- ​it

was difficult, Example 2 - These 
it was not an easy action assessments are ​no easy 
task​. It’s driving me crazy. 
to take 
 
 
My example: 
Example 1 -​ I tried to drive 
a forklift for the first time, 
trust me, it was ​no easy 
task 

Take it with a  Definition ​- ​regard Example 2 - He’s got a bad 

something as exaggerated; temper, please ​take it with 
grain of salt  believe only part of a grain of salt. 
 
something 
My example: 
 
Example 1 -​ I take 
everything John says with 
a grain of salt. He’s such a 
  drama queen. 

Definition ​- ​under no Example 2 - ​No way​, I’m 

No way!  gonna miss the UFC fight. 
circumstances; not at all 
  Let’s call an Uber and go 
Example 1 -​ ​No way​ I’m  there right now! 
gonna let you do this.   
Don’t even try!  My example: 

 
Definition ​-  
   
Example 2 -  
 
Example 1 -   My example: 

Brush up on  Definition ​- ​improve one's Example 2 - Hey, we’ve got 

existing knowledge or skill in a test this Friday, we need 
 a particular area.  to brush up on​ the 
  content the teacher 
Example 1 -​ I’m going to  taught this week. 
Spain next year, I definitely   
need to ​brush up on​ my  My example: 
Spanish. 

 
Definition ​- ​used​ for ​saying
Can't stand  that a ​person​ ​dislikes
Example 2 - I can’t stand 
this guy 
someone or something very  
much  My example: 
 
Example 1 -​ I can’t stand 
waiting for buses 

   
 
 
 
Ups and downs  Definition ​- ​a succession of Example 2 - Life is full f 
both good and bad ups and downs 
experiences   
  My example: 
Example 1 -​ Life overseas 
is full of ups and downs. 
  We never know what’s 
going to happen. 

   
 
 
 
hit the ground     
   
running  Definition ​- ​start something  
and proceed at a fast pace Example 2 - I assigned you 
with great enthusiasm  for this business trip, but I 
  really need you to hit the 
Example 1 -​ As soon as I  ground running and get 
arrived in Sydney, in 2011, I  shit done. 
hit the ground running   
and started making shit  My example: 
  happen 

Talking  to say things

Definition ​- ​ Example 2 - These 
that are not reasonable or Politicians are always 
nonsense  have no meaning  talking nonsense  
 
 
My example: 
Example 1 -​ Mate, stop 
saying nonsense. You’re 
irritating me. 
  

Swallow your  Definition ​- ​decide

to do Example 2 - I had to 
something although it will swallow my pride and do 
pride  make you feel
what my boss told me to 
do. 
embarrassed or ashamed   
  My example: 
Example 1 -​ Sometime we 
just have to swallow our 
pride. 

Clueless  Definition ​- ​having no Example 2 -  

knowledge, understanding,  
or ability  My example: 
 
Example 1 -​ Jane was 
clueless when the teacher 
asked her about ​present 
  perfect 

Screw up  Definition ​- ​completely Example 2 - Sorry mate, I 

mismanage or mishandle a screwed up badly. I 
situation.  shouldn’t have done that. 
   
Example 1 -​ John  My example: 
completely screwed up 
when he tried to cook that 
paella 
 
Definition ​- ​to not ​involve
This has  someone or something 
Example 2 - I have no idea 
what you’re talking about. 
nothing to do    This has nothing to do 
Example 1 -​ Politics has  with me. 
with me  nothing to do with me. I   
just don’t like discussing  My example: 
those things. 
  

To get a kick out  Definition ​- ​to find  Example 2 - I love Will 

something interesting​ and  Smith’s movies, I always 
of  funny, to be amused by 
get a kick out of it! 
 
something, to ​laugh​ about  My example: 
something or to get 
pleasure​ out of 
something. 
 
Example 1 -  

Regardless of  Definition ​- ​without Example 2 - Regardless of 

how much money I’ve got 
taking into account  right now, I think you 
  should start investing 
Example 1 -​ Regardless of  some of it. 
your ambitions I think you   
should be respectful to  My example: 
everyone 
 

Misfit  Definition ​- ​a person whose Example 2 - If you keep 

behaviour or attitude sets acting like a misfit you’re 
them apart from others in an gonna be excluded from 
the group. 
uncomfortably conspicuous
 
way.  My example: 
 
Example 1 -​ Johnny Depp 
is such a misfit. I’ve never 
seen anyone like him 
become a famous actor 
 

Dive into  Definition ​- ​occupy oneself Example 2 -  

 
 suddenly and Example 2 - Let’s start this 
enthusiastically with (a meal, interview and I want to 
a subject or activity)  dive into this controversial 
  subject to get it out of the 
Example 1 -​ Let’s dive right  way. 
into this, we don’t have 
time to waste. 

The punch line  Definition ​- ​the final phrase Example 2 - I read the 
or most emblematic or whole article and the 
sentence of a joke or story, punchline is: Don’t be a 
drama queen.  
providing the humour or
 
some other crucial element.  My example: 
 
Example 1 -​ Here’s the 
  punchline: You’re never 
going to be successful in 
life if you keep playing the 
victim. 

Stand for  Definition ​- ​be an Example 2 - I stand for 

abbreviation of or symbol for LGBT community   
/ represents.   
  My example: 
Example 1 -​ Apple stands 
for durability and 
beautifully designed 
gadgets.  
 
Definition ​- 
hook up  (of two people) meet or form
Example 2 - This guy only 
wants hookups, he’s not 
a relationship into serious relationships 
   
Example 1 -​ He hooked up  My example: 
with a girl at Maloney’s 
last night. 

Light at the end  Definition ​- ​an indication Example 2 - With the 

that a long period of difficulty credit given by the bank, I 
of the tunnel  is nearing an end.  can see the light at the 
  end of the tunnel to buy 
Example 1 -​ After a year  my house. 
struggling with my VISA,   
now I’ve applied for my PR,  My example: 
I can, finally, see the light 
at the end of the tunnel. 
  
Definition ​- ​Definition: 
Fussy  showing excessive or
Example 2 - What do you 
want to have for dinner? I 
anxious concern about can eat anything, I’m not 
detail.  fussy at all! 
   
Example 1 -​ Come one  My example: 
mate, stop being fussy 
and choose any color. 

 
Definition ​- ​to ​say​ ​things
Talk smack  that are ​intended​ to ​annoy​ or
Example 2 - Some football 
supporters just can’t stop 
insult​ ​people​, ​especially talking smack to each 
sporting​ ​opponents​ or ​rivals  other. 
   
Example 1 - ​Before t​ he fight​,  My example: 
the fighters were t​ alking smack 
to each other. 
 

Shopping  Definition ​- ​you

go to Example 2 - The best 
different ​shops​ or places to shop around are 
around  companies in order to
the outlets. You can find 
so many bargains. 
compare the prices and  
quality of goods or My example: 
services before you
decide to buy them 
   
  Example 1 -​ I don’t like 
shopping around too 
much. Sometimes I just 
wanna go straight to one 
place and buy whatever I 
want to buy, without 
comparing prices. 

Definitio​n - ​to v​ isit​ a ​place

Look around  and ​look​ at the things in it; to
Example 2 - I’m interested 
in renting this house. Can 
explore a place or try to find I do an inspection to look 
something.  around? 
   
Example 1 - ​When we went to I can’t find my keys, I will 
Boston, we only had a ​couple look around. 
 of ​hours​ to ​look​ around   
My example: 

   
 
 
 
Hectic  Definition ​- ​full​ of ​activity​, or Example 2 - I’m having a 
very ​busy​ and ​fast  hectic​ week with extra 
  hours at work and English 
Example - ​The a ​ rea​ has classes. 
become​ a heaven for  
My example: 
people​ t​ ired​ of the hectic
pace​ of c​ ity​ ​life​. 

 
Definition ​- ​excited​ and very Example 2 - ​I’m stoked ​for 
I am stoked  happy​ about something  my first surf lesson. 
   
Example 1 -​ ​We're really My example: 
stoked​ about ​our​ new a
​ lbum!​  

Son of a gun  Definition ​- ​It

can be used Example 2 - Rob, you son 
encouragingly or to of a gun! You ran the 
entire marathon. 
compliment 
 
 
My example:  
  Example 1 -​ ​"You ​son of a
gun​, you did it!" 
 
Definition ​- to start eating, 
Dig in  esp. eagerly 
Example 2 - Last night my 
dog was digging up the 
  garden 
Example 1 -​ ​The food's  
getting ​cold​ - d
​ ig​ in!  My example: 
  

   
 
 
 
Just in time  Definition ​- ​at the last My Example - Just in time, 
possible time.  mate. Grab your plate and 
  help yourself. 
Example 1 -​ Wow, you 
arrived just in time for the 
departure. 

 
Definition - to ​stop 
Let go  thinking​ about or being 
Example 2 - You need to 
let go of your insecurities 
angry​ about the past or  and fears if you want to 
something that ​happened  improve your English 
in the past:   
  My example: 
Example 1 - She ​finds​ it   
hard to let go of a ​grudge 

 
 
Example 2 - ​Are you doing 
Break a leg  Definition - good luck 
  your English exam? Break 
Example 1 - ​Hey​, ​hope​ you  a leg. 
break a leg ​tonight​.   
My example: 

 
Definition ​- ​an a ​ ct​ of taking
to drop off  people​, ​goods​, ​mail​, etc. to a
Example 2 - Jenny will 
drop your bag off at your 
place  office. 
   
Example 1 -​ Could you  My example: 
 please drop me off at 
home before 10pm? 

 
Definition ​-  
be on the same  Of two or more people, thinking
Example 2 - My girlfriend 
and I are on the same 
page  in the same manner; having the page with this travelling 
same general outlook or lifestyle. We’re setting out 
position.  on a round the world trip 
  soon. 
Example 1 -​ I’m glad we’re   
on the same page with  My example: 
this. Let’s move on, then? 

It's pissing down  Definition ​- ​to rain heavily:   Example 2 - I spent all day 
  in the office, so I didn’t 
Example 1 - ​It's really ever notice it was pissing 
pissing (it) down since this down outside. 
 
morning. They even had My example: 
to close some streets for
safety reasons. 

juggle with  Definition ​- ​to

handle or Example 2 - I don’t like 
multitasking but since I 
deal with usually became a father I’ve been 
several things (such as juggling with quite a few 
obligations)   things.  
 
 
My example: 
Example 1 -​ At the moment 
I’m juggling with 3 jobs. 

 
Definition ​- ​to s​ tart​ to ​behave
Cross the line  in a way that is not ​socially
Example 2 - Last night you 
crossed the line by kissing 
acceptable that girl in front of your 
  girlfriend. 
   
Example 1 -​ Mike really  My example: 
crossed the line when he 
disrespected the teacher. 
  
 

Put yourself in  Definition ​- ​be (or put Example 2 - Put yourself in 
oneself) in another person's people’s shoes and 
my shoes  situation  become more empathetic. 
  When you do that you’re 
Example 1 -​ I really don’t  going to see these 
need another person  problems from different 
criticizing me right now.  perspectives. 
Can’t you put yourself in   
my shoes for a moment?  My example: 

Trouble maker   Definition ​- ​a person who Example 2 - Mike is just 

habitually causes difficulty or another trouble maker. I 
problems  don’t think he’s gonna last 
  much longer here in this 
Example 1 -​ Hey Luke, stop  company. 
being a trouble maker.   
You’re driving your dad  My example: 
crazy. 

 
Definition ​- To mention or 
to bring up  start talking about a 
Example 2 -  
 
subject  My example: 
 
Example 1 -  

 
 Definition ​- ​To meet with
Catch up with  friends 
Example 2 - I’m happy to 
catch up with you in Bondi 
someone    Junction this Friday, how 
Example 1 -​ Hey let’s catch  does that sound? 
up this weekend at   
Marrickville market :)  My example: 

Cheer up  If someone

Definition ​- ​ Example 2 - Come on, 
cheers up​, or something cheer up! Do not go too 
hard on yourself. There 
cheers​ someone ​up​, they
will be other opportunities 
start to feel happier  to live overseas.  
   
Example 1 -​ Hey champ,  My example: 
cheer up! Next time you’re 
going to study more and 
pass on the IELTS test. 

 
Definition ​- to meet 
Run into / bump  some​one by chance 
Example 2 -  
 
into    My example: 
Example 1 -​ Last night I 
was walking around 
Newtown’s area and I 
bumped into Camilo. It 
was such a surprise, I 
hadn’t seen him for 5 
years. 

 
Definition ​- rely on 
to count on   
Example 2 -  
 
Example 1 -   My example: 

cut off  Definition ​- ​an act of  

stopping or interrupting the  
supply of something   
   
Example 1 -    
 
 
Example 2 -  
   
 My example: 

Definition ​- ​to get ​rid​ of

get rid of / do  someone or something, and
Example 2 -  
 
away with  to put a ​new​ ​person​ or thing My example: 
in their ​place 
 
Example 1 -  

 
Definition ​- ​to ​make​ a ​short
Swing by  visit​ to a ​person​ or ​place  
Example 2 - If you’re going 
to stay at home this arvo, 
  I’ll swing by. 
Example 1 -​ I’m gonna   
swing by Mike’s house this  My example: 
arvo 

eat out  ​ at​ away

Definition ​- ​to
e Example 2 - Tomorrow I’m 
from home, especially at a going to eat out with my 
boyfriend at the Italian 
restaurant  bowl in Newtown  
 
 
Example 1 -​ I’ve been 
My example: 
spending a lot of money 
with food, but that’s 
because I am eating out a 
  lot. 

to get along  Definition ​- ​have a Example 2 - I get along 

harmonious or friendly with all my teammates.  
relationship   
  My example: 
Example 1 -​ My boss and I 
got along really well. 

to get away with  Definition ​- ​escape blame, Example 2 - Tony spent his 
punishment, or undesirable Dad’s money, but was able 
consequences  to get away with it. 
   
Example 1 -​ I cheated on  My example: 
the test but still got away 
with it 
  

   
 
 
 
to get together     
Definition ​- ​gather socially  Example 2 - We should all 
  get together and go for a 
Example 1 -​ Hey Bill, let’s  few beers after the class, 
get together with the boys  at Maloney’s 
this Sunday! We can play   
Rugby with them :)  My example: 

to hold on  Definition ​- ​wait; stop  Example 2 - Could you 

  please hold on a moment. 
Example 1 -​ Please, hold on  We’re trying to get this 
a second!  thing done first. 
 
My example: 

At the end of  Definition:  

when everything is taken
Example 2: I can earn a lot 
of money but at the end of 
the day  into consideration the day what really 
matters is to be happy 
 
Example 1: You can argue
My example 
and whinge but at the end of
the day, Mike is the one who
decides.

to break the ice  Definition: ​do or say Example 2: How do you 

something to relieve tension break the ice with 
or get conversation going strangers? 
 
My example 

Example 1: Next time you

run a meeting try to break
the ice first, instead of
  rushing straight into the
 subject.

Don’t judge the  Definition: Do not judge 

someone/something by 
Example 2: I choose my 
friends by their looks, but I 
book by its  their appearance  know I shouldn’t judge the 
  book by its cover. 
cover  Example 1: That man looks   
like a homeless.  My example 
- In reality, he is the 
CEO of the 
company. You 
shouldn’t judge the 
book by its cover.  

Run it by  Definition: ​to tell someone Example 2: I’ve got some 
about an ​idea​ or ​plan​ so good ideas, which I’d like 
someone  that they can give you to run by you. 
 
their ​opinion  My example: 
 
Example 1: Before 
submitting the project I 
need to run it by my 
manager