Page 78 - Speak English Like an American

like a chicken with its head cut off — in a hysterical man-
ner; in a frenzy; in a very nervous way
EXAMPLE 1: Ken was late for work, and he couldn’t find his car keys. He
was running around his apartment like a chicken with its head cut off.
ExampLe 2: Patricia ran around the school looking for her lost backpack
like a chicken with its head cut off.
Note: This idiom is usually used with the phrase “to run around” as in
the above examples.

like crazy — with great speed or enthusiasm

EXAMPLE |: When Pete Sampras won the tennis match, the crowd started
cheering like crazy.
Example 2: Ann ran like crazy, but she still didn’t manage to catch the bus.

like pulling teeth — very difficult

ExamMpPLe |: It’s like pulling teeth getting Max to talk about his girlfriend.
Example 2: Kyle hates to study. It’s like pulling teeth getting him to do
his homework every night.

never mind — don’t worry about something; forget it; it
doesn’t matter
Example |: You forgot to pick up eggs at the supermarket? Never mind.
I'll get them tomorrow morning.
EXxAmpLe 2: Never mind what your friends say. You need to do what you
think is right.

(to) pitch in — to help
ExampLe 1: Nicole offered to pitch in and clean up her neighborhood
beach. She picked up five plastic cups and an old towel.
EXAMPLE 2: If you need my help, just ask. I’d be happy to pitch in.
Synonyms: to lend a hand, to lend a helping hand; to help out

(to) run around — to move about quickly
ce
Examp |: I’ve been running around all day making final arrange-
ments for our trip to Costa Rica tomorrow.
ExampLe 2: Debbie is exhausted. She ran around town all day today.

things are looking up — things are improving
EXAMPLE |: Elizabeth found a wonderful new job and just moved into a
beautiful new apartment. Things are looking up for her.
EXAMPLE 2: Things are looking up with the economy.

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