Page 96 - Speak English Like an American

(to) do the trick — to achieve the desired results
Examp_e |: Juan changed the light bulb and said, “That should do the
trick!”
EXAMPLE 2: My house is difficult to find, so I’ll put 10 large balloons on
my mailbox on the day of the party. That should do the trick.

I’ll say! — yes, definitely!
EXAMPLE 1: “Did you enjoy the Madonna concert?” ~ “I’ll say!”
EXxaMPLe 2: “Your sister must’ve been very happy after winning $50,000
in the lottery.” — “Pll say!”

in reality — in fact; actually
ExamMPte 1: Ted thinks itll be easy to become a rock star. In reality, it
will take years of hard work.
EXAMPLE 2: I know you think it'll be easy to get cheap tickets to a Broad-
way play. In reality, we'll have to wait in line for hours!

load off one’s mind — a relief

EXAMPLE 1: When Amber called Ted to tell him that she arrived home
safely, it was a big load off his mind.
ExampLe 2: Finishing her English essay was a load off Nicole’s mind.

look like — have the appearance of

EXxAme_e |: Before agreeing to go out on a date with her, Keith wanted to
know what my cousin Maria looked like.
EXAMPLE 2: Please tell me what the cover of that new book looks like so
it will be easier for me to find it in the bookstore.
Note: The expression “it looks like” can mean “it is likely that...”
Example: It’s snowing, so it looks like the schools will be closed today.

nervous wreck — a person feeling very worried

EXAMPLE 1: Ted was a nervous wreck before his chemistry test.
EXAMPLE 2: Whenever Nicole rides on the back of her friend’s motor-
cycle, Susan is a nervous wreck.

no wonder — it’s not surprising
EXAMPLE 1: Brian’s entire body is in pain. It’s no wonder since he ran a
marathon yesterday!
EXAMPLE 2: No wonder you’re cold — it’s January and you’re walking
around outside without a coat!

Synonym: small wonder

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