Page 49 - Speak English Like an American

Bob: Needless to say, I have mixed feelings about working
for you.

Susan: Yl be nice. I promise you’ll be a happy camper.

Bob: Okay. Let’s give it a shot, boss!

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IDIOMS — LESSON 7

bright and early — early in the morning

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Examp |: Our flight to Berlin leaves at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, so we’ll
have to get up bright and early.
EXAMPLE 2: We have lots of cookies to bake so we’ll have to start bright
and early tomorrow.
Synonym: at the crack of dawn

crash course — short and intensive instruction
EXxaMPLeE |: Yesterday, Joan’s son sat down with her for a couple of hours
and gave her a crash course on using the Internet.
ExampLe 2: Rachel had a date on Friday night with an auto mechanic. He
gave her a crash course on changing her oil.

Fat chance! — definitely not
Exame 1: The boys at school are always laughing at Dana. Will she be
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invited to the school dance? Fat chance!
EXAMPLE 2: You want to borrow my new car and drive it across the coun-
try? Fat chance!
SYNONYMS: never in a million years; no way!

(to) give it a shot — to try something
haps I'll give it a shot.
e
Exampe 1: [ve never tried to make wine in my bathtub before, but per-
EXAMPLE 2: You can’t open that jar? Let me give it a shot.
SYNONYMS: to give it a try; to try one’s hand at something

Note: “To give it one’s best shot” means to try as hard as one can. I know
you’re nervous about the interview — just give it your best shot.

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