Conversation:

Judy: Hey Lana, you’ll never guess what I heard through the grapevine.

Lana: Tell me!

Judy: Do you want the long version, or should I tell it in a nutshell?

Lana: I want all the juicy details.

Judy: Well, Tina has been keeping everyone in the dark, including Tom.  It turns out she’s been cheating on him — with her fitness coach!

Lana: No way! Really?

Judy: Yes. When I heard the news, I called Tom on his cell phone and heard firsthand that he moved out last month.  He told me he had been feeling so good about everything, so Tina’s confession came from out of the blue.

Lana: Well now that the cat’s out of the bag, everyone’s going to have to take sides, you know.  Personally, I’m on her side.  First of all, she’s my oldest friend, and secondly, Tom is a really dull guy.  He never wanted to do the things she liked.  I guess it was only a matter of time before she wanted more out of life.  I can’t hold that against her.

Judy: You know, I just may ask him out.  Good husbands are hard to come by.

Vocabulary:

version:  the story according to someone
juicy:  fascinating, intriguing
confession:  admitting that she had a lover
personally:  what’s true for me
dull:  boring, unexciting

Idioms:

• hear through the grapevine                 hear indirectly through other people
• in a nutshell                                                   in a very few words
• in the dark                                                      not knowing
• cheat on (someone)                                  betray one’s spouse by making love to someone else
• no way                                                               that’s not possible
• hear firsthand (from)                               hear directly (from someone involved)
• from out of the blue                                  without warning, unexpectedly
• the cat is out of the bag                           something is no longer a secre
• take (or choose) sides                               support one person or group in an argument or break-up
• a matter of time                                            definitely going to happen in the future
• hold that (or it) against (someone)   not forgive (someone)
• hard to come by                                            difficult to get

Notes:

From out of the blue can also be out of the blue.  Example:  Out of the blue he told her that he loved her.
The cat is out of the bag is similar to (someone) let the cat out of the bag, but the first one is a condition and the second is an action implying that the person who told the secret should not have done so.  Example:  Peter was wrong to let the cat out of the bag so soon.
Take sides and choose sides have the same meaning.
Hold that against (someone) and hold it against (someone) have the same meaning.

© 2004 Ambien Malecot

© 2013 Ambien Malecot

Conversation:

Anton:  Hey, Pete.  Guess what I did?   I took up skiing.  Why don’t you do the same?

Pete:  Are you out of your mind?  It’s too dangerous.  And besides, I don’t usually go in for cold-weather sports.  But that’s just me.  How do you like it?

Anton:  Let me tell you.  Once skiing gets in your blood, you’ll be hooked.

Pete:  You think so?  What’s it like?

Anton:  When I’m skiing down the slope, I feel like a million dollars.  Of course, I have to be on the ball and keep an eye out for snowboarders and other skiers.  Collisions can happen at the drop of a hat.  But mostly it’s fun.

Pete:  Well, I don’t know.

Anton:  Listen, if you take lessons, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.  Then you and I can ski together for the rest of the season.  How does that sound?

Pete:  Actually, I have a hunch I might get a kick out of it.  Okay, then.  I’ll do it.

Vocabulary:

slope:  a clear part of a mountain that slants down.
snowboarders:  people who use a board, not skis, to come down a mountain.
collisions:  running into someone or something.

Idioms:

• take up                                                                      start doing (an activity) for the first time
• out of one’s mind                                                crazy, irrational
• go in for                                                                     enjoy doing (a sport, hobby)
• get in one’s blood                                                 become something one wants to do all the time
• be hooked (on something)                             need to do (something) all the time
• feel like a million dollars                                 feel very good
• on the ball                                                                 paying attention
• keep an eye out (for someone/thing)       look (for someone/thing) while doing other things
• at the drop of a hat                                              immediately and without a plan
• get the hang of (something)                            learn how to do (something)
• have a hunch                                                            think something may be true
• get a kick out of (something)                         get great enjoyment from (something)

Notes:

Often people ask the question, “Guess what I did?” and then answer it immediately
with “I took up skiing” as a way of introducing a topic.

Get the hang of is future,  have (or have got) the hang of is present, and got the hang of is past.  Examples:   I want to get the hang of this new technology.  I have the hang of this new technology.  I got the hang of this new technology in only two days.

© 2004 Ambien Malecot

Conversation:

Pat:  Hi Yumi.  Your office looks like a hurricane hit it.  What’s going on?

Yumi:  I’ve got to make way for a new computer work center I just bought, which means that I have to take apart this old center so I can move it out of here.

Pat:  I’ve got to hand it to you.  I didn’t think you’d ever get this business off the ground.  It seemed like such pie in the sky, but your hard work has paid off.

Yumi:  I’d never pat myself on the back, but thanks for saying that.  When I first started, there were a lot of problems I had to iron out, but now everything is running smoothly, and I’m having the time of my life.  I actually look forward to getting up every morning and coming to work.

Pat:  I wish I could say the same thing, but I don’t enjoy my job very much.  I do the same thing day in and day out, and I’m getting fed up with it.  I’m just not cut out for that type of work.

Yumi:  It sounds like things are coming to a head.  Do you think you might quit?

Pat:  I don’t know.  We’ll see.

Vocabulary:

hurricane:  very fast wind and rain that destroys things
running:  operating
look forward to:  expect something good in the future

Idioms:

• make way                                          make space for
• take apart                                          separate into pieces
• hand it to (someone)                  congratulate (someone)
• get off the ground                        start to be successful
• pie in the sky                                    an unachievable goal
• pay off                                                  result in success / pay completely
• pat oneself on the back             congratulate (oneself)
• iron out                                                solve (a problem)
• have the time of one’s life        have an outstanding experience
• day in and day out                         all the time, continuously
• not cut out for (something)     not have the talent or desire (to do something)
• come to a head                                reach a critical point

Notes:

Pay off has 2 meanings.  The other meaning is “pay completely.”
Example:  We’re celebrating tonight because we just paid off our Visa card.

Not cut out for can also be not cut out to be if it is followed by a trade or profession.
Example:  Jerry is not cut out to be a lab technician.  He’s too clumsy.

© 2004 Ambien Malecot

Conversation:

Steven: I’ve been trying to organize the class party, but I think I bit off more than I can chew.  I’m just a nervous wreck because my co-chair Carol isn’t cooperating.

Yuri: What’s the problem?

Steven: First of all, we don’t see eye to eye on the live entertainment.  I wanted to have a Rock and Roll band, but she wouldn’t go along with my choice.  She wanted Hip Hop.

Yuri: Why don’t you compromise and get a band that plays both styles?

Steven: Now there’s an idea.  But I also wanted to have an MC, and she threw cold water on that idea.  She said it was out of the question because of the cost.

Yuri: Actually, I’d love to do it, and I’d charge next to nothing.

Steven: Say, would you like to be in on organizing this thing?  We could use more help, and I’m fed up with Carol’s stubbornness.  Maybe together we can make her come around to our vision of the party.

Yuri: Sure, I’d love to help out.  What do you want done?

Steven: First of all, could you go get the soft drinks?  We have to start now and stock up so we have plenty on hand for the party.

Yuri: Anything you want.  I won’t let you down.

Vocabulary:

* co-chair:  a second leader of a committee.
* Hip Hop:  Rap music with spoken words and a heavy beat
* MC:  Master of Ceremonies.  Someone who introduces songs and activities at a party
* vision:  view, idea, plan
* soft drinks:  bubbly sweet drinks, pop

Idioms:

• bite off more than one can chew       try to do more than one can
• a nervous wreck                                         uncontrollably stressed
• see eye to eye                                                have the same opinion
• go along (with)                                           agree to (do something)
• throw cold water on                                discourage, take away someone’s enthusiasm
• out of the question                                   impossible, definitely not
• next to nothing                                          very cheap
• be in on (something)                              participate in or know about (something)
• fed up (with)                                               not able to accept anymore
• come around (to)                                     finally agree
• stock up (on something)                      get a large supply (of something)
• let (someone) down                                disappoint (someone)

© 2004 Ambien Malecot

Conversation:

Gary:  My computer crashed, and all my work went down the drain.

Victor:  Join the club.  It’s happened to me many times.  Did you call an expert?  There’s bound to be someone who can help you.

Gary:  As a matter of fact, I tried to find someone, but real experts are few and far between.

Victor:  Well maybe my roommate can help.  He’s an old hand at computers.  I’ll give him a call.

Gary:  That would be nice.  Make a point of telling him my computer’s a Mac.

Victor:  That’s not a problem.  He’s got a Mac too.

Gary:  Also, I don’t want him to think I’m trying to take advantage of him, so it goes without saying that I’ll pay for his time.  For the time being, I think I’ll call it a day.

Victor:  Okay, and I’ll see to it that my roommate calls you soon.

Vocabulary:

crashed:  broke down
expert:  someone who knows a lot about computer
Mac:  an Apple computer

Idioms:

• go down the drain                                    be a wasted effort
• join the club                                                I and several others have had that experience
• bound to                                                        certain to
• as a matter of fact                                     actually, in reality
• few and far between                                 infrequent, uncommon
• an old hand (at)                                         very experienced (at)
• make a point of (something)              emphasize (something)
• take advantage of                                      use while (someone/thing) is available
• it goes without saying                              it is obvious
• for the time being                                      for the present
• call it a day                                                    stop working for the day
• see to                                                                do the necessary work

Notes:

Take advantage of, when followed by a person, is a negative idea, meaning that you get something from the person and don’t give equally in return.  Example:  I took advantage of Paul and bought his guitar for only twenty dollars.  When followed by an object, however, it’s a positive idea.  Example: We’re going to take advantage of the sale and get two for the price of one.

© 2004 Ambien Malecot

© 2013 Ambien Malecot

Conversation:

Hiroco:  Hi Sonja.   Do you want to come with me this afternoon and see me audition for the school play?  I thought I would go for it and try out for the lead role.

Sonja:  I’d love to, but I don’t feel up to going.  I think I’m running a temperature.

Hiroco:  I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, but I can’t stick around.  The auditions only take place between 1:00 and 3:00 this afternoon.

Sonja:  It’s too bad I can’t go.  I’d love to see you show off your talent.

Hiroco:  I just hope I’m not too rusty.  I want to give them such a great audition that I stand out from all the others.

Sonja:  I’m sure you’ll do just fine.  Don’t let me hold you up.  I don’t want you to run late.

Hiroco:  Yes, I shouldn’t push my luck.  I’ve been late too many times for auditions.

Vocabulary:

audition:  a trial performance by an actor
play:  a story actors do on stage
lead role:  the most important character in a play
talent:  skills, things you are good at

Idioms:

• go for it:                             do something one would normally be afraid to do
• try out for:                        show one’s skills to become part of a group
• feel up to:                           be well enough (to do something)
• run a temperature:      have a fever
• stick around:                   stay here
• take place:                         happen
• show off:                            attract attention with unusual behavior
• be rusty:                             need practice
• stand out:                          be noticeable, be obvious
• hold up:                              delay / rob
• run late:                              be in a hurry (for work, class)
• push one’s luck:             continue taking chances

Notes:

Hold up has 2 meanings.  The second meaning is “rob.”  Example:  The man who held up the convenience store escaped before the police came.

© 2013 Ambien Malecot

Conversation:

Jodie:  I saw my mother off at the airport yesterday, and now I’m stuck with taking care of her dog until next Thursday.

Sarah:  I can’t believe my ears.  You hate dogs.  I was hoping that you would come keep me company today while I go shopping at the mall.

Jodie:  I’d love to take some time off and go with you, but I don’t have anyone who could fill in for me.  What am I supposed to do with the dog?

Sarah:  How about leaving it with a neighbor?  On second thought, bring it along.  We can drop it off at the doggie daycare.

Jodie:  Well then, you can count me in.  I deserve a break today.

Sarah:  Great.  You know how I get carried away when I shop alone.

Jodie:  Who knows?  We might come across some bargains.

Sarah:  Thanks for coming with me.  We’ll start off with lunch, and I’ll pick up the tab.

Jodie:  Thanks.  I appreciate the invitation.  It’s nice having a friend who has deep pockets.

Vocabulary:

• doggie daycare:  a business that takes care of dogs for the day
• deserve:  have paid for with my time and effort
• bargains:  inexpensive items
• appreciate:  be thankful for

Idioms:

• see (someone) off                         accompany (someone) and say good-bye (at the airport, train station, etc.)
• be stuck with                                   have (something/someone) one cannot get rid of
• not believe one’s ears/eyes     unable to believe what one hears/sees
• keep (someone) company        be with someone so they are not alone
• take time off (from)                     take a break
• fill in (for)                                           do another person’s job
• on second thought                      after reconsidering
• count (someone) in                     include (someone) in an activity
• get carried away                           become so involved that everything else seems unimportant
• come across                                    find (something) unexpectedly
• pick up the tab                               pay the bill
• have deep pockets                       have a lot of money

Notes:

Not believe one’s ears/eyes can also be hardly believe one’s ears/eyes.

Take time off can also be take some time off / take a little time off.

On second thought is similar to have second thoughts, which means to reconsider.

Count (someone) in has an opposite:  Count (someone) out, which means exclude (someone) from an activity.
Example:  If you’re going dancing tonight, you can count me out because I don’t dance.

Come across and run across have the same meaning.

© 2004 Ambien Malecot

Conversation:

Fumi:  What chapter did Mr. Johnson want us to read for homework in history class?

Hana:  Beats me.  We could call Sarah and find out.

Fumi:  Maybe we could put it off and do it tomorrow night.

Hana:  I don’t think so.  I remember he said we had to write a chapter summary and hand it in tomorrow.

Fumi:  That’s right.  I forgot.  Let’s call Sarah right away.

Hana:  Hang on.  I just remembered something.  Sarah told me she is looking after her niece tonight , so she won’t be home.

Fumi:  Let’s look up her aunt and uncle’s number in the phone book and call her there.

Hana:  Good idea.  Go ahead.  I’ll turn down the music.

Vocabulary:

• chapter:  part of a textbook
• history:  the story of people, countries, and war
• summary:  a short paragraph with the main ideas
• niece:  brother’s or sister’s daughter
• aunt:  mother’s or father’s sister, or uncle’s wife
• uncle:  mother’s or father’s brother, or aunt’s husband

Idioms:

beats me            I don’t know
find out             get information
put off                do (something) at a later time
hand in             give to the teacher/boss
right away       immediately
hang on            wait
look after         care for
look up             get information from a book or the Internet
go ahead          start / go before
turn down      decrease (sound, light, or heat) / say no to an offer

Notes:

Beats me and search me have the same meaning.

Hand in and turn in have the same meaning.

Hang on and hold on have the same meaning.

Look after and take care of have the same meaning.

Go ahead has 2 meanings.  The second meaning is “go before.
Example:  You only have a few items to buy, so you can go ahead of me.

Turn down has 2 meanings:  The second meaning is “say no to an offer.”
Example:  I asked her if she wanted to go to a movie with me, but she turned me down.

© 2004 Ambien Malecot