Page 83 - Speak English Like an American

Amber: I might be a bit out of practice.

Ted: Mom, you can watch Amber bake if you want. You
might pick up a few tricks of the trade.

Amber: Yes, feel free. As a singer, I’m used to performing be-
fore an audience!

Susan: Thanks, but I’m going to get out of the way. You know
what they say: too many cooks spoil the broth!

Amber: Will] see you later tonight?

Susan: Yes, I’ll be back in a few hours.

Ted: Mom, why don’t you just call it a night and go to bed.
You’ve been working your tail off all day.

* When somebody says something is “interesting” it often means they don’t
like it, but they want to be polite.

** Mrs. Field’s Cookies are gourmet cookies that are sold in malls across the
United States.

IDIOMS — LESSON 13

all the rage — the latest fashion; popular right now

EXAMPLE 1: Have you seen those new alligator-skin cowboy boots?
They’re all the rage this season!
EXAMPLE 2: At Nate’s high school, salsa dancing is all the rage this year.

(to) call it a night — to stop an activity for the rest of the night

ExamMpLe 1: We spent a few hours walking around downtown Chicago. It
was so cold that we were ready to call it a night by nine o’clock.
EXAMPLE 2: Let’s call it a night and meet back at the office at seven
Note: There is also the expression “to call it a day” which means to stop
o’clock tomorrow morning to finish preparing our report.

activity for the day.

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