Page 142 - Speak English Like an American

(to) get (something) straight — to clarify; to understand
EXAMPLE 1: Are you sure you got the directions straight?
EXAMPLE 2: Let me get this straight — you’re leaving your husband?

(to) hold a grudge against (someone) — to stay angry with
someone about a past offense
ExaAmpLe 1: Nicole holds a grudge against Jenny for voting for Andrea
instead of her.
Example 2: Julia held a grudge against her boyfriend for not bringing
her flowers on Valentine’s Day.

(to) let (someone) go — to fire; dismiss employees
EXxAMPLeE 1: The investment bank let Chris go after they discovering he
was stealing erasers, paper clips, and other office supplies.
EXAMPLE 2: The Xerxes Corporation was doing so poorly, they had to let
many workers go earlier this year.

(to) level with (someone) — to speak openly and honestly
with someone
ExampLe |: Let me level with you. I’m voting for Andrea instead of you.
EXAMPLE 2: I have a feeling you’re not telling me the whole truth. Please
just level with me.

(to) lose one’s head - to lose control of one’s behavior; to
not know what one is doing
ExamPLe |: Nicole lost her head after losing the elections and started
yelling at all her friends.
EXAMPLE 2: Remember to stay calm before the judge. Don’t get nervous
and lose your head!

no hard feelings — no anger; no bitterness
ExampLe |: After the elections, Andrea said to Nicole, “I hope there are

EXAMPLE 2: Your bike was ruined in an accident? There’s no use crying
no hard feelings.”
EXampLe 2: I know you were disappointed that I beat you in the golf
tournament, but I hope there are no hard feelings.
no use crying over spilt milk — there’s no point in regretting
something that’s too late to change
EXAMPLE 1: Nicole realized she’d made some mistakes with her cam-
paign for president, but there was no use crying over spilt milk.

over spilt milk. You’! just have to buy a new one.

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