Page 44 - Speak English Like an American

Help yourself — serve yourself
EXAMPLE 1: “Help yourselves to cookies and coffee,” said Maria before
the meeting started.
EXAMPLE 2: You don’t need to wait for me to offer you something. Please
just help yourself to whatever you want.

Note: Pay attention to the reflexive form: Help yourself in singular, help
yourselves in plural.

(to be) in a bad mood — unhappy; depressed; irritable
EXAMPLE |: After her boyfriend broke up with her, Nicole was in a bad
mood for several days.
EXAMPLE 2: I don’t like to see you in a bad mood. How can I cheer you up?

just what the doctor ordered — exactly what was needed
EXAMPLE 1: Martin wanted a hot drink after spending the day skiing. A
cup of hot cocoa was just what the doctor ordered.
ExaMPLe 2: Our trip to Florida was so relaxing. It was just what the
doctor ordered!

(to) make a bundle — to make a lot of money
EXAMPLE |: Bob’s friend Charles made a bundle in the stock market and
retired at age 45.
EXAMPLE 2: Sara made a bundle selling her old fur coats on eBay, a
website where you can buy and sell used things.

(to be) on edge — nervous; irritable
EXAMPLE 1: Whenever Susan feels on edge, she takes several deep
breaths and starts to feel more relaxed.
EXAMPLE 2: Ever since his car accident, Neil has felt on edge.

out of this world — delicious

EXAMPLE 1: Mrs. Field’s oatmeal raisin cookies are out of this world!
ExampLe 2: Mmmm, I love your chicken soup. It’s out of this world!

(to) pig out [slang] — to eat greedily; to stuff oneself
ExampLe 1: Ted pigged out on hot dogs and hamburgers at the barbeque
and then got a stomachache.
EXAmpPLeE 2: “Nicole, stop pigging out on cookies or you'll never be able ~
to eat your dinner!”
Note: Pay attention to the preposition “on” after the verb “to pig out.”
One can pig out on hotdogs, pig out on candy, pig out on ice cream.

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