Page 113 - Speak English Like an American

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IDIOMS — LESSON 18

big shot — a powerful or important person
EXAMPLE 1: Martin has become a real big shot in Hollywood. This year
he produced several movies.
EXAMPLE 2: Adam is a big shot in Silicon Valley. He started a very suc-
cessful software company.
Note: This expression can also be used in the negative sense, to mean
somebody who thinks they’re very important. Example: Now that she’s
been promoted to vice president, Beth thinks she’s such a big shot!

(to) fool around — to waste time, or spend it in a silly way
Example 1: If we keep fooling around here, we’ll be late to the restaurant!
EXamPLe 2: Stop fooling around! You’ve got lots of work to do.
Note: This expression also can mean to have casual sexual relations.
Example: Steve and Tanya were fooling around in the back seat of the
car when a policeman knocked on the window.

(to) get on one’s nerves — to annoy or irritate someone
EXAMPLE 1: My neighbor’s dog barks all night. It really gets on my nerves.
EXAMPLE 2: Please stop whistling. It’s getting on my nerves!
SyNnonyMs: to get under someone’s skin; to bug someone [slang]

(to) get the show on the road — to start working; to begin an
undertaking
EXAMPLE 1: We can’t afford to waste any more time — let’s get the show
on the road!
EXAMPLE 2: Kids, let’s get the show on the road. We don’t want to be
late for the movie!

(to) help out — see Lesson 12

(to) lend a hand — see Lesson 13

(to) lighten up — to stop taking things so seriously
Examece |: Lighten up! I’m sure Ted was only joking when he said your
guitar playing gave him a headache.
EXAMPLE 2: Don always takes his job so seriously. He needs to lighten up.

Synonyms: chill out [slang]; take it easy

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