Page 119 - Speak English Like an American

Nicole: Well, I just don’t know where I went wrong.

Susan: Here, take a chocolate chip cookie. That’! cheer you
up for sure!

IDIOMS — LESSON 19

by a hair — just barely; very narrowly; by a small amount
EXAMPLE 1: Larry won the bicycle race by a hair. The second-place win-
ner came in just a second behind him.
ExampLe 2: Was the tennis ball in or out? I think it was out by a hair.
You know the old saying: “When in doubt, call it out!”

(to) cheer up — see Lesson 6

Face it — see Lesson 1

fair and square — honestly
Exampte 1: Did George Bush win the 2000 presidential election fair and
square? That depends on whether you ask a Democrat or a Republican!
Examp_e 2: Tony won the ping pong tournament fair and square.

for sure — definitely
EXaMeLe 1: This year, Tom Cruise will win an Academy Award for sure.
Exampte 2: Mike is the most popular guy in school. If he runs for student
body president, he’ll win for sure.

Get real — see Lesson 3

(to) give it one’s best shot — to try as hard as one can

EXAMPLE |: Courtney lost the race, but at least she gave it her best shot. _
EXAMPLE 2: I know you’re nervous about the interview. Just give it your

best shot and see what happens.
give me a break — see Lesson 14

(to) give up — to admit defeat; to surrender

EXAMPLE 1: Bill gave up golf after realizing he’d never be good at it.
ExampLe 2: I know you’re 100 points ahead of me, but I still might win
the Scrabble game. I’m not giving up yet!

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