Page 25 - Speak English Like an American

IDIOMS — LESSON 3

beside the point — not relevant; not important

ExaMPeLe 1: Whether or not I asked the waiter to bring us water is beside
the point. Waiters should always bring water to the table.
EXAMPLE 2: The reason you’re late is beside the point. The fact is, your
dinner is now cold.

(to) blow something — to spoil or botch something
ExampLe 1: Brenda blew the interview and didn’t get the job offer.
EXAMPLE 2: Randy managed to get a date with the most popular girl in his
class. Now I hope he doesn’t blow it!

(to) buckle down — to start working seriously
EXAMPLE |: If Don buckles down now, he might be able to graduate from
high school this year.
EXAMPLE 2: Team, if we want to win this tournament, we’re going to need
to buckle down!

can’t stand — to hate
ExampLe |: Bob can’t stand bureaucrats, so he’d never do well working
at a large corporation.
EXAMPLE 2: Nicole can’t stand broccoli. She simply refuses to eat it.

(to) cut class — to miss class without an excuse
EXxaMPLeE 1: Ted often cuts class to spend more time with his girlfriend.
EXAMPLE 2: If you keep cutting French class, you’re going to fail it.

Get real! — be serious or realistic about what’s going on
EXAMPLE 1: You think you won’t get a speeding ticket when you drive 85
miles per hour? Get real!

EXAMPLE 2: You think you’re going to win $1 million in the lottery? Get real!

(to) have one’s heart set on — to really want something
EXAMPLE 1: Nicole has her heart set on going to New York this weekend.
Exampte 2: Did you really have your heart set on going to Harvard?

(to) hit the books — to start studying
Exampte |: Ted partied all weekend. Finally, on Sunday night, he decided
it was time to hit the books.
EXAMPLE 2: Hit the books! I know you have a test tomorrow.

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