Page 153 - Speak English Like an American

Nicole: You don’t get it, Ted. This is only the beginning. Today,
president of the Spanish Club. Tomorrow, ambassador
to Spain!

Ted: Well, Ambassador, you’ll need to wrap up my
chemistry homework before you leave for the Spanish
Embassy.

Susan: A rock star and a diplomat — I’m so proud of both of
you!

IDIOMS — LESSON 25

Big deal! — So what? That doesn’t really matter.
EXAMPLE |: You won five dollars in the lottery? Big deal!
Examp_e 2: Your father has a job with a big company in New York City?
Big deal!

(to) break into — to enter or be let into a profession
EXxampLe 1: If you want to break into journalism, it’s a good idea to
work on a coliege newspaper.
EXAMPLE 2: These days it’s difficult to break into investment banking.

Note: “Break into” has several other meanings:
1. Interrupt. Boris and I were talking. Please don’t try to break into our
conversation.
2. Enter illegally or by force. Somebody broke into Peter’s house and
stole his DVD player.
3. To suddenly begin an activity, such as singing. After receiving the
check from the National Cookie Company, Susan broke into song.

cream of the crop — the best of a group
ExampLe 1: In the world of women’s tennis, the Williams sisters are the

cream of the crop.
ExamPLe 2: Of course you’ll get accepted to Harvard. Don’t forget,
you’re the cream of the crop!
Synonym: créme de la créme

152