To touch base

13 January 2011

To touch base = to contact someone you haven’t contacted in a long time. Have you heard from Jessica? –Yes, I touched base with her last week. I haven’t talked with him for ages! I should touch base with him soon. Is there someone you need to touch base with?

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To let the cat out of the bag

6 January 2011

To let the cat out of the bag = to reveal private information (a bit early) Jill’s pregnant. – I know. Joe let the cat out of the bag last month. The surprise party is next week, so please don’t let the cat out of the bag before then! Have you accidentally let the cat [...]

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To be put on the spot

30 December 2010

To be put on the spot = to be unexpectedly asked something when you aren’t prepared. To be put in a difficult situation. He put me on the spot when he asked me to marry him. I wasn’t sure what to say. At the conference, I was put on the spot when my boss asked [...]

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Like pulling teeth

23 December 2010

Like pulling teeth = a situation where it is extremely difficult to get what you want from someone. If you image the expression literally, the experience of having your teeth pulled out would be incredibly painful. So when it is ‘painful’ to try and get someone to do or say something, we often compare the [...]

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In one ear and out the other

16 December 2010

In one ear and out the other = to not remember/pay attention to something that is told to you Sometimes it’s so frustrating talking to her because she never remembers. It’s in one ear and out the other. You forgot your dentist appointment? I told you about it 3 times! Sometimes with you it’s in [...]

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From scratch

9 December 2010

From scratch = from the beginning, without skipping (or missing) any steps My mom made a delicious chocolate cake from scratch. He is so talented. He learned to play tennis that well from scratch! What have you learned from scratch?

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Better late than never

2 December 2010

Better late than never = It’s better to have remembered or done something late than to never have done it at all. Sorry, I forgot your birthday. Here’s your gift. Better late than never. Although my grandfather was 78, he decided to go back to school and get a university degree. His motto was better [...]

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