Page 15 - Speak English Like an American

(to) lose one’s temper — to become very angry
Examp_e 1: Bob always loses his temper when his kids start talking on
the telephone during dinner.
EXAMPLE 2: When Ted handed in his essay two weeks late, his teacher
really lost her temper.

(to) make up one’s-mind — to reach a decision; to decide
EXAMPLE 1: Stephanie couldn’t make up her mind whether to attend
Harvard or Stanford. Finally, she chose Stanford.
EXAMPLE 2: Do you want an omelette or fried eggs? You’ll need to make
up your mind quickly because the waitress is coming.

no point in — no reason to; it’s not worth (doing something)
ExampLe |: There’s no point in worrying about things you can’t change.
EXAMPLE 2: There’s no point in going on a picnic if it’s going to rain.

(to) put up with — to endure without complaint
EXampLe 1: For many years, Barbara put up with her husband’s an-
noying behavior. Finally, she decided to leave him.
ExampLe 2: I don't know how Len puts up with his mean boss every day.

real flop or flop — a failure
Exampce 1: The Broadway play closed after just 4 days — it was a real flop!
EXAMPLE 2: The company was in trouble after its new product flopped.

(to) save the day — to prevent a disaster or misfortune
Exampte |: The Christmas tree was on fire, but Ted threw water on it and
saved the day.
EXAMPLE 2: We forgot to buy champagne for our New Year’s party, but
Sonia brought some and really saved the day!

(as) sharp as a tack — very intelligent
ExampLe 1: Jay scored 100% on his science test. He’s as sharp as a tack.

EXampLe 2: Anna got a scholarship to Yale. She’s as sharp as a tack.

(to) talk over — to discuss
Examete |: Dave and I spent hours talking over the details of the plan.
ExampLe 2: Before you make any big decisions, give me a call and we’ll
talk things over.

top dollar — the highest end of a price range; a lot of money
EXAMPLE 1: Nicole paid top dollar for a shirt at Banana Republic.
EXAMPLE 2: Wait until those jeans go on sale. Why pay top dollar?

14