Context Clues
I need to assimilate the new concepts learned in algebra so that I can thoroughly understand them before the exam on Friday.
assimilate = to take into the mind and thoroughly understand
Caught between a rock and a hard place
My friend took some candy from another girl at school. I want to tell my teacher because it is the right thing to do but I do not want to upset my friend. I am caught between a rock and a hard place.
When it is difficulty to choose between two alternatives or possible scenarios
I am waiting for the storm to abate before I go outside, it is too intense to go out in.
abate = to decrease in force or intensity
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Don't put all your eggs in one basket and only apply for one club, you could be disappointed.Do not put all your resources into one possibility.
Every cloud as a silver lining
Although he had lost his job he thought every cloud has a silver lining because now he could spend more time with his family
To stay positive in difficult times, every negative situation may result in a positive outcome
Even though he had lost the debate, he kept on arguing and would not concede defeat.
concede = to accept or to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly
To cut corners
The restaurant decided to cut corners by buying in their bread instead of making it
When something is done badly in order to save money
I made this totally random and impulsive stop on the way home from work to buy a puppy.
impulsive = acting momentarily; prone to act on impulse
Drastic times call for drastic measures
After the town flooded from all the rainfall, the government decided to evacuate the town and relocate the people to a new area. Drastic times call for drastic measures.
In an extreme situation, when you are extremely desperate you may need to take extreme measures.
To hear something through the grapevine
They heard it through the grapevine that their co-worker was having a baby.
To hear or learn of something through an informal communication, such as through gossip
When we got in the car, dad rolled down the windows to dissipate the heat. Once the air starting blowing, it wasn't so hot anymore.
Dissipate = to break up and drive off
To cut the mustard
She applied to be a police officer but because she was not very athletic she did not cut the mustard
To succeed, to come up to expectations
The members of that family are noted for their longevity, they live into their 90's and some up to 100!
longevity = a long duration of individual life
Burn the midnight oil
I had to burn the midnight oil to make sure all of my homework for 6 classes was completed for school the next day.
To work late into the night.
"You have been quiet for a while, a penny for your thoughts?"
A way of asking what someone is thinking
The teachers erratic schedule has a bad effect on the students, there is no consistency so they never know what to expect each day.
erratic = characterized by lack of consistency, regularity, or uniformity
Devils advocate
I think that cars are damaging for the environment but I will play devil's advocate and say that cars are beneficial for the world to help spark debate in my classroom
To present a counter argument
malleable = having a capacity for adaptive change
Be glad to see the back of
I like playing with my energetic best friend, but after spending all day with her, I am glad to see the back of her.
To be glad when someone leaves or to be glad to be rid of or finished with something
To hit the nail on the head
When I could not find my football, my friend hit the nail on the head by saying I had left it on the bench in the park.
To do or say something exactly right
flourish = to thrive, grow luxuriantly; to achieve success; prosper
Beat around the bush
I asked my brother where he put my new jumper. He kept beating around the bush instead of telling me where he left it.
To speak vaguely in order to avoid talking about an unpleasant topic, or to stall and waste time
When my friend and I were walking on the sidewalk we moved to the right to not obstruct the path of the bike coming towards us.
obstruct = to block or hinder from passage
To give the benefit of the doubt
He said that he did not share my secret so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
To believe someone or something until the full information is available
Hit the hay
I was very tired from cleaning all day so I decided to hit the hay
To go to bed or to prepare for sleep