Page 54 - Speak English Like an American

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Good for you! — Good job! Well done!
EXAMPLE 1: You won $100,000 on the TV game show Jeopardy? Good
for you!
EXAMPLE 2: You passed your math test? Good for you!

hard times — a time of difficulty
EXAMPLE |: Since his wife left him for her dentist, Dan has been going
through hard times.
EXAMPLE 2: Nancy’s family is going through hard times. Her father just
lost his job.

(to be) in good spirits — happy; in a good mood
ExampLe |: After she won the tennis tournament, Elizabeth was in good
spirits.
EXAMPLE 2: Sam was in good spirits after receiving his Christmas bonus.

made of money — very rich

EXAMPLE |: My neighbor is re-modeling his house to look like Versailles.
He doesn’t have good taste, but he certainly is made of money.
EXAMPLE 2: Max should be willing to loan you $10,000 to start your new
business. He’s made of money.
Synonyms: loaded; rolling in dough; to have money to burn

(to) make a splash — to win popularity quickly
Examete 1: Nicole’s beautiful cousin Cecilia from Santo Domingo really
made a splash at the high school dance.
EXAMPLE 2: Those new jeans really made a splash. All the kids are
wearing them.
Synonym: to be a hit

(to) pay (someone) back — to repay a loan or debt
ree Note: “Pay back” also means to “get revenge.” Example: I know you’re 53
EXAMPLE 1: Nicole paid her friend back the $10 she borrowed.
EXAMPLE 2: You can borrow $50, but don't forget to pay me back!

the one who stole my car, and one day I’ll think of a way to pay you back!

pipe dream — an unrealistic hope
Exampte |: Susan would like to move to New Zealand and write ro-
mance novels, but she knows that’s just a pipe dream.
ExampLe 2: You want to become a famous actor on Broadway? That
sounds like a pipe dream.