Page 77 - Speak English Like an American

Ted: Never mind! Amber will help out with the cookies
instead of Nicole.

Susan: For heaven’s sake, Nicole! It’s like pulling teeth get-
ting you to do any work around here.

Cal

IDIOMS — LESSON 12

(to) bite off more than one can chew — to take on more than
one is capable of; to take on too much
Examp 1: Jennifer is having a dinner party for 50 people, and she can’t
te
even cook. I think she’s bitten off more than she can chew.
EXaMpLe 2: You agreed to host 50 exchange students from Korea? Aren’t
you afraid you’ve bitten off more than you can chew?
SynonyM: to be or to get in over one’s head. Example: Jennifer is in over
her head with this dinner party!

(to be) down in the dumps — see Lesson 5

for heaven’s sake! — A way of expressing emotions such as
surprise, outrage, or impatience
Exampce |: Hurry up, for heaven’s sake! You’re going to be late for school.
EXAMPLE 2: Oh, for heaven’s sake! Yesterday, I made three dozen choco-
late chip cookies, and today there’s only one cookie left!
Synonyms: for God’s sake, for goodness sake, for Pete’s sake

(to) get going — to get started on something; to set off for a
destination; to leave

Exampte |: If you don’t get going on your homework soon, you’re going
to be up all night.
EXAMPLE 2: We'd better get going to the restaurant now. Otherwise, we’ll

be late for our seven o’clock reservation.
SYNONYMS: to get a move on; to get the show on the road

(to) help out — to give assistance; to help
ExampLe 1: Amber offered to help out in the kitchen by chopping nuts.
EXampLe 2: I'd be happy to help out by baking cookies for the picnic.
Synonym: to lend a hand

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