Page 148 - Speak English Like an American

(to) cut it out — stop it; stop the annoying behavior
EXAMPLE 1: Tracy was chewing gum loudly during the movie. Her boy-
friend finally told her to cut it out.
EXAMPLE 2: Cut it out! Stop trying to pull my shoes off!

first things first — let’s focus on the most important thing or
task first

EXAMPLE |: You want to work here at Lulu’s Dance Club? First things
first, have you ever worked as a dancer before?
EXAMPLE 2: You want to ask your teacher if you can hand in your paper
two weeks late? First things first, you’d better think of an excuse.
,
for sure — see Lesson 19

(to) freak out [slang] — to respond to something irrationally
or crazily; to overreact
Exampte |: Ashley’s parents freaked out when she told them she was
dropping out of college to become an actress.
EXAMPLE 2: Don’t freak out when I tell you this, but I lost the laptop you
lent me last week.

(to be) in charge of — having responsibility for
Exampte 1: John is in charge of all international sales for his company.
EXAMPLE 2: Who’s in charge of making sure we don’t run out of toilet
paper in the bathroom?

in progress — happening; under way; going on now
EXxampLe 1: The play is already in progress, so you’ll have to wait until
intermission to sit down.
EXAMPLE 2: Once the test is in progress, you will not be allowed to leave
the room.

EXAMPLE 2: I’m sick and tired of this nasty weather we’ve been having!
(to) make a fortune — to make a lot of money
ExampLe 1: Adam made a fortune when he sold his company to Microsoft.
EXAMPLE 2: Emma made a fortune selling candy to her classmates after
lunch every day.
Synonyms: to make a bundle; to make a killing

(to be) sick and tired of — completely bored with; sick of
EXAMPLE 1: Ted is sick and tired of hearing about what an excellent
student Nicole is.

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