Page 74 - Speak English Like an American

(to) make a living — to earn enough money to support oneself
EXAMPLE 1: Many people laugh at him, but Bill actually makes a living
selling gourmet dog food.
EXAMPLE 2: Danny makes some money playing his guitar on street cor-
ners, but not enough to make a living.

now you’re talking — you’re saying the right thing
ExAMPLE 1: You want to offer me free tickets to the J. Lo concert? Now
you’re talking!
ExaMPLe 2: You'd like to offer me a $10,000 raise and a corner office?
Now you’re talking!

out of the question — impossible

ExaMpLe I: My friend Emily wanted me to climb Mount McKinley with
her, but I told her it was out of the question.
EXAMPLE 2: You want to borrow my new car and drive it across the coun-
try? I’m sorry, but that’s out of the question.

(to) sweeten the deal — to make an offer more attractive
ExampLe 1: IBM offered to sweeten the deal by giving John a company
car if he agreed to work for them.
EXAMPLE 2: We really want you to take the job here at Magna Corpora-
tion, so let us know what we can do to sweeten the deal.

take it or leave it — accept or reject an offer, usually a final one

EXxampLe 1: The highest salary we can offer you is $50,000 a year
— take it or leave it.
EXAMPLE 2: I’m offering to do the dishes for one week if you’ll help me
with my science project. Take it or leave it.

(to) twist (someone’s) arm — to persuade someone; to con-
vince someone

EXxampLe 1: Ted didn’t want to get another tattoo on his back, but Amber
twisted his arm.
EXAMPLE 2: Okay, you’ve twisted my arm. You can borrow my new car
and drive it across the country.

worth one’s while — worthy of one’s effort or time
EXAMPLE 1: It would be worth your while to audition for the game show
Jeopardy. You'd probably win a lot of money.
EXAMPLE 2: Let me make it worth your while to work weekends. I’1l
pay you an extra $10 per hour on Saturdays and Sundays.

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