Page 21 - Speak English Like an American

(to) set eyes on — to look at; to see for the first time
EXAMPLE 1: Ted was in love from the moment he set eyes on Amber.
EXAMPLE 2: Susan knew from the moment she set eyes on Ted’s friend
Lucas that he would be trouble.

(to) stab someone in the back — to betray someone

EXAMPLE 1: Jill and Heather were friends, until Heather stabbed Jill in
the back by stealing her boyfriend.
ExampLe 2: You're firing me after all I’ve done for this company? You’re
really stabbing me in the back!

(to be) stressed out — under severe strain; very anxious
Examp.e 1: Al is so stressed out about his job that he can’t sleep at night.
ExAmpLE 2: You’ve been so stressed out lately. You really need to take a
long vacation!

(to) tell off — to scold; to tell someone in strong words what
one really thinks
ExampLe 1: When Ted showed up for chemistry class a half an hour late,
his teacher really told him off.
EXAMPLE 2: Patty is going to tell off the plumber because the pipes he
said he fixed are still leaking.

thank goodness — I’m grateful; I’m relieved

EXAMPLE 1: When Ted came home at 4 a.m. last Sunday, his mother said,
“Thank goodness you’re home! I] was so worried about you.”
ExampLe 2: Thank goodness you didn’t go to California on Monday. It
rained there every day this week.

(to) think big — to set high goals
EXAMPLE 1: Why run for Governor of New York? Think big: run for
President of the United States!

EXAMPLE 2: Ken and Sandra hope to sell their house for $3 million dol-
lars. They always think big.

What’s the matter? — What’s the problem?
ExampLe |: What’s the matter, Bob? You don’t look very happy.
EXAMPLE 2: Oscar looks very pale. What’s the matter with him?

When pigs fly! [slang] — never
Examece 1: Will Ted teach Nicole how to play the guitar? When pigs fly!
EXxampLe 2: Sure, I'll give you my new laptop. When pigs fly!
Synonyms: when hell freezes over; never in a million years

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