Page 103 - Speak English Like an American

IDIOMS — LESSON 16

at first — in the beginning
Exampte |: Nicole didn’t like Don Quixote at first, but after 200 pages
she started to get into it.
ExampeLe 2: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed at first. The
important thing is that you keep on trying!

(to) get the hang of (something) — to learn how to do some-
thing; to acquire an effective technique
Examp_e 1: Billy had trouble learning how to ride a bike, but after a few
months he finally got the hang of it.
EXAMPLE 2: When I went snowboarding for the first time, I kept falling
down. But after a while, I got the hang of it.

(to) give (someone) a ring — to telephone someone

ExampLe 1: Give me a ring tomorrow so we can discuss plans for this
weekend.
EXxampLe 2: If you’re free on Saturday, give me a ring and we can go to
the movies.
Synonym: to give (someone) a buzz [slang]

in any case — whatever the fact is; certainly
EXAMPLE |: We can either go to the new Star Wars movie or see a play
tonight. In any case, you’ll need to be at my house by six o’clock.
ExaMPLe 2: You’ll probably be too tired on Sunday to come over. In any
case, give me a call in the morning to discuss.

in person — personally; in one’s physical presence
ExampLe 2: Good luck selling your house and keep me posted! I’d love
Examp.e 1: Tim hoped that he and Svetlana would get along as well in

person as they did over the Internet.
Exampte 2: After hearing so much about Donna’s boyfriend, I’m looking
forward to meeting him in person.

(to) keep posted — to provide up-to-date information
Exame.e 1: Keep me posted about your plans for the summer. If you’re
going to be at your cottage on the lake, I’d love to come visit.

to know how much you get for it.

102