Page 26 - Speak English Like an American

lost cause — something hopeless
EXAMPLE 1: Cindy spent five years studying Russian. Finally, she realized
it was a lost cause. She would never learn it.
Examp_e 2: Jack needs to stop drinking so much coffee, but he’s so ad-
dicted to caffeine that it’s a lost cause.

(to) not give a hoot — to not care about
Exampte |: Tom likes to walk around town in his pajamas —- he doesn’t
give a hoot what people think.
Examp.e 2: Stephanie doesn’t give a hoot if she’s the only one wearing a
green dress to the high school prom.
SYNONYMS: to not give a damn; to not give a darn

over one’s head — beyond one’s understanding
EXAMPLE |: The professor was speaking over our heads. None of us
could understand him.
EXAMPLE 2: The article on cloning was written for scientists. It was over
my head.

(to) slack off — to waste time
ExameLe 1: Amanda doesn’t get much done at the office. She’s too busy
slacking off.
EXAMPLE 2: I’d better stop slacking off. My essay is due in two hours.

Note: People who slack off all the time are called “slackers.”

(to) stand a chance — to have the possibility of success
Examp.e 1: Although the American figure skaters were good, they didn’t
stand a chance of winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
EXAMPLE 2: Wilton High School has the best soccer team in the state. I’m
afraid we don’t stand a chance against them!

2 PRACTICE THE IDIOMS

Choose the most appropriate reply to the following statements:

1) Bob: “Susan, I can’t get my old job back. It’s a lost cause.”
Susan's reply:
a) “Lost? Maybe I can help you find it.”
b) “Yes, I know it’s not a good cause.”
c) “I understand. You’ll find something else.”

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