Page 107 - Speak English Like an American

IDIOMS — LESSON 17

(to) blow it — to spoil an opportunity
Examp_e |: The actress got nervous and forgot all of her lines. She really
blew it!
Examp 2: [ll give you one more chance, but don’t blow it this time!
te
Synonym: to screw up [slang]. Example: I can’t believe you serewed up
during the interview by asking for six weeks of vacation before you even
got the job offer!

(to) burn the midnight oil — to stay up late studying or working
Exame_e |: Michael burned the midnight oil studying for his algebra
test.
EXAMPLE 2: The project is due tomorrow and we’re far from finished.
We’re going to have to burn the midnight oil tonight.

chitchat — casual conversation; gossip
ExampLe 1: Peter told Heather to stop the chitchat and get back to work.
EXAMPLE 2: Okay, enough chitchat! Let’s start discussing this week’s
reading assignment.
Synonym: to shoot the breeze
Note: Chitchat can also be a verb. Example: Amber and Ted were chit-
chatting all night long.

(to) deliver the goods — to meet expectations; to do what’s
required
Exampte 1: Peter thought Bob wasn’t delivering the goods, so he fired
him.
EXxampLe 2: I’m depending on you to finish the job on time. I know that

you can deliver the goods!
Synonym: to cut the mustard. Example: If you can’t cut the mustard
here, you'll have to find a new job.

(to) do one’s best — to try as hard as possible
ExamMPLE 1: Although Ted did his best, he still failed his chemistry test.
ExampLe 2: You might not get a perfect score on your history test, but
just do your best.
SYNONYM: to give it one’s all

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