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Fun Easy English Classroom May 15
 

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English idioms
letter G
Idioms Letter G

Today in the Fun Easy English classroom you are going to learn some idioms beginning with the letter G.
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Idioms: American English Idioms - Letter G

Today learn idioms beginning with the letter G.
BLUE UPPER CASE LETTERS = video and detailed written definition and usage
blue lower case letters = video definition and usage
BLACK UPPER CASE LETTERS = detailed written definition and usage
black lower case letters = brief written definition and usage
Idiom Definition Usage
gain ground make progress The company began to gain ground in their effort to sell more products.
game plan strategy The boss will talk about the new game plan at the next office meeting.
gang up on harass as a group The school children tried to gang up on the boy but he ran away.
gas up fill up the gas tank We should gas up tonight before we leave.
get a break get a good deal She wanted to get a break when she bought the car.
get a fix on obtain an accurate location of We were able to get a fix on the distant star.
get a grip  
GET A HANDLE ON (SOMETHING) to find a way to deal with a problem or difficult situation 1. I’m trying to get a handle on my job search, so I’m updating my resume and asking my old teachers for letters of recommendation.

2. Margaret’s babysitting job was difficult at first, but she got a handle on the children after she promised to read them a story.
GET (A) HOLD OF (ONESELF) to get control of oneself; stop being emotional

Compare to: get it/(one’s) act together; go to pieces

The expression get (a) hold of oneself emphasizes emotional control whereas get one’s act together emphasizes mental or physical control.
1. Stop crying, Mary. Get a hold of yourself and calm down.

2. The man narrowly missed hitting another car on the highway. Afterward, he pulled off the road to try to get hold of himself.
GET (A) HOLD OF (SOMEONE) to contact someone or communicate with someone, usually by telephone 1. The real estate agent couldn’t get hold of them before the house was sold to someone else. They never answered their phone.

2. The ambulance brought the little boy to the hospital, and the doctor got a hold of the boy’s parents before he operated.
GET (A) HOLD OF (SOMETHING) to acquire or obtain something

The expression is used to describe something that is somewhat difficult to acquire, perhaps because it is rare.
1. I was able to get hold of a copy of the magazine, but it was the last one.

2. Sarah was very lucky to get a hold of an extra ticket to the ballgame.
get a kick out of lot of enjoyment out of I think she will get a get a kick out of watching the show.
GET A LEG UP to make a good start on some activity or project

This expression originally meant “to be lifted onto a horse,” and can indicate getting ahead of other people.
1. It took a long time, but you’ve finally got a leg up on your college degree. It shouldn’t take you much longer to finish.

2. I’m going to get a leg up on next year’s budget by planning several months in advance.
get a load of Take a look at Get a load of that old car.
GET A MOVE ON to hurry

Synonyms: shake a leg!; step on it!

This expression can be used as a verb or as a command to another person.
1. Get a move on! Everyone is waiting for you.

2. We asked the waiter to bring our check twenty minutes ago. I sure wish that he would get a move on!
get a rise out of someone make him angry She was able to get a rise out of him when she laughed at his new pants.
get a wiggle on hurry You had better get a wiggle on or you are going to be late.
get a word in find the chance to say something He could not get a word in while talking with the manager.
GET A WORD IN EDGEWISE to insert a word or sentence into an otherwise one-sided conversation

The word edgewise means to turn something to its narrowest dimension. The expression suggests that one must put one’s words edgewise in order to squeeze them into a conversation where words are run together very tightly. The expression is usually used in the negative, can’t get a word in edgewise, meaning that one is unable to get into the conversation because someone else is doing all the talking.
1. Elizabeth talked on and on. No one else got a chance to tell her what he or she thought because they couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

2. Jerry finally got a word in edgewise when Tony stopped talking to take a drink.
get across explain She had a hard time trying to get across the idea.
get ahead be successful She really works hard at her job in order to get ahead.
get after urge You should get after her to do her homework.
get along manage He is able to get along on very little money.
get along leave I think we should get along now.
get along with someone have a good relationship with someone She does not get along with him.
get around go to different places She sure does get around more than most people.
get around to find the time for The apartment manager was finally able to get around to fixing the bath.
get at imply I know what you are trying to get at.
get away succeed in leaving He was able to get away from work early.
get away from it all go on a vacation We want to get away from it all this summer.
get away with murder do something bad without being caught or punished The students were able to get away with murder.
get away with something cheat and not get caught He could get away with cheating.
get back return We might get back sooner than originally planned.
get back at get revenge on She is planning to get back at him.
get behind lag behind If you get behind in the homework you will not be able to pass the course.
get behind support They decided to get behind the president.
GET BY to just barely manage, financially (sentence 1) or with one’s work or responsibilities (sentence 2)

Synonyms: keep one’s head above water; make ends meet
1. We’re getting by now, but if we get an unexpected bill it would bankrupt us.

2. I’m getting by the best way I know how: by working hard.
get by live He is able to easily get by on his salary.
get canned fired If he doesn’t work harder, he’s probably going to get canned.
GET CAUGHT/BE LEFT HOLDING THE BAG [LEAVE (SOMEONE) HOLDING THE BAG] to make someone the scapegoat; to be blamed for something that was not one’s fault or was only partly one’s fault

Compare to: leave (someone) in the lurch Leave someone in the lurch is usually applied more generally to any number of situations involving responsibility whereas leave someone holding the bag is usually applied to a situation involving theft in which one person is literally left holding (or caught with) the stolen goods.
1. The other team members left, Bill was left holding the bag, trying to explain a bad project.

2. Christine helped Tim invent a scheme to cheat people out of their money and it went wrong. She left town and Tim got caught holding the bag.
get cold feet  
get cracking get started We will have to get cracking on this project.
get down to begin to You should get down to work now.
GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS/BUSINESS/ THE NITTY GRITTY to get serious or practical about something

Compare to: (sentence 1) talk turkey; (sentence 2) get the show on the road To get down to business means to get serious and start. To get down to the nitty gritty means to get to the basic issue or problem.
1. I think we’ve fooled around with this plan long enough. It’s time to get down to brass tacks.

2. The meeting should have started fifteen minutes ago. I have another appointment in an hour, and I wish we would get down to business.

3. Your ideas in this report are hard to understand. Why not take out all the useless information and get down to the nitty gritty?
get down to brass tacks begin discussing the essential matters We should get down to brass tacks immediately.
get even get revenge He plans to get even.
get-go beginning She did not like her job from the get-go.
get going leave I think that we should get going.
get hold of obtain Please try to get hold of a dictionary for class.
get hold of contact She tried to get hold of him for one month.
get in on the ground floor begin at the lower level She was able to get in on the ground floor of the new company.
get in touch with someone contact I want you to get in touch with me next month.
get in the swing of things become part of the situation Try to get in the swing of things and have fun.
get it understand it I listened to the joke twice, but I still don't get it.
GET IT IN THE NECK to receive something unpleasant, such as criticism or punishment

The it in the expression probably refers to a foot or fist. The expression suggests getting kicked or hit in the neck.
1. I thought I was doing a fine job until I was fired because the boss didn’t like my work. I sure got it in the neck.

2. Frank thought they were the best of friends. Then one day for no apparent reason, she stopped speaking to him. He really got it in the neck.
get it together get control You need to get it together before the exam.
get it through one's head understand Try to get it through your head.
get lost go away I want you to get lost.
get mixed up become confused I think that she will get mixed up about the dates.
GET OFF/GO SCOT-FREE to escape the proper or expected punishment; to be acquitted of a crime 1. Everyone knew the man had committed the crime, but he was found not guilty on a technicality and never spent a day in jail. He got off scot-free.

2. The thief had been caught too many times, but this time he would not go scot-free. He would spend years in prison.
get off exit She really wanted to get off the train.
get off the ground begin
The new company will get off the ground next week.
get off on the wrong (or right!) foot  
get off my back leave me alone I think that you should get off my back.
get off one's butt become busy You should get off your butt.
GET OFF (ONE’S) HIGH HORSE to stop acting superior

The expression originates from the custom of high-ranking officials traveling on horseback, while commoners walked. The physical height of being up on the horse is equated with being in a superior position.
1. Ted really acts like he thinks he’s the boss around here. He’d better get off his high horse pretty soon or he’ll have no friends.

2. Who do you think you are coming in here and ordering me around like this? Get off your high horse!
get off the ground begin The new movie should get off the ground in about a week.
get on enter She really wanted to get on the train.
get on in years get older She is beginning to get on in years.
get on one's high horse act arrogant He tends to get on his high horse at these office meetings.
get on my nerves  
get your dander up  angry Try not to get your dander up.
GET (ONE’S) ACT/IT TOGETHER to get control of oneself mentally or physically; to get organized

Synonyms: on the ball; get a hold of (oneself)

On the ball is a more subtle way of expressing someone’s lack of mental control than get one’s act together. Get one’s act together emphasizes mental or physical control, whereas get a hold of oneself emphasizes emotional control.
1. Virginia had been lazy on the job for some time. Her boss told her she had better get her act together or she would be looking for another job soon.

2. I don’t know where my mind is these days—I feel so disorganized. I can’t seem to get it together.
get one's feet wet begin her experience She recently managed to get her feet wet in fashion design.
get one's goat annoy him She usually knows the way to get his goat.
get one's own way get people to do what you want You always try to get your own way.
get one's rear in gear hurry You need to get your rear in gear.
GET (ONE’S) SECOND WIND to get a second burst of energy

The expression suggests that when a person gets out of breath (wind), he/she can get a second one in order to continue. It can be used literally (sentence 1) or figuratively (sentence 2).
1. The dancers had to stop for a few minutes to take a rest. When they got their second wind, they started to dance again.

2. The candidate took the weekend off from campaigning because he was mentally exhausted. He told reporters that he would be back on the campaign trail after he got his second wind.
get out from under escape from doing She would like to get out from under all that work.
get out of bed on the wrong side have an awful beginning of the day Did you get out of bed on the wrong side again today?
get out of hand lose control The students often get out of hand every Friday afternoon.
get out of here  
get out of the way of avoid She tried to get out of the way of the oncoming traffic.
get over overcome She will have a difficult time to get over the relationship.
get ready prepare She has to get ready for work now.
get rid of dispose of He thought that she should get rid of the car.
get roped into  
get set prepare They are trying to get set for the engagement party.
GET/LEND (SOMEONE) A HAND to help someone

The expression suggests that by giving someone a hand, one helps that person do more work than he could do with his own two hands. The expression is usually used in the sense of helping someone physically (sentence 1) but it can also be used in a financial sense (sentence 2).
1. I need some help lifting these boxes. Who can give me a hand?

2. They gave him a hand with his rent and utility bills while he was unemployed.
GET (SOMEONE’S) DANDER/HACKLES UP to irritate or anger moderately

Synonyms: rub (someone) the wrong way; set (someone’s) teeth on edge; get (someone’s) goat; bug

Whereas bug means to annoy harmlessly or perhaps humorously, get one’s dander up means to irritate in earnest.
1. I don’t like that man. Perhaps it’s the way he talks to me or the way he acts around us—he sure gets my dander up.

2. Our neighbors are extremely messy and loud. They get my hackles up.
GET (SOMEONE’S) GOAT to irritate or annoy someone

Compare to: get (one’s) dander up; bug
1. I can’t believe the boss is giving Judith the day before Christmas off, when he refused to let me take the day off. That really gets my goat!

2. The one thing that really gets my husband’s goat is when he finds a parking place and someone else comes along and steals it.
get someone down make her unhappy Her job has begun to get her down.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE/SOMETHING) SHORT SHRIFT to make quick work of something or to give little time to someone

The expression conveys a negative feeling about someone or something. They are thought of as unworthy of much time or consideration.
1. The secretary preferred working with people directly. She was an excellent secretary but she gave short shrift to typing up notes and preparing reports.

2. I haven’t much time for incompetent fools like Sam. I gave him short shrift when he came in here asking for a pay raise.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE COLD SHOULDER to ignore someone intentionally

Synonym: turn up (one’s) nose at (someone/something)

Whereas give someone the cold shoulder is used only with people, turn up one’s nose can be applied to both people and things.
1. Margie and Steve used to be close friends, but now every time they meet, she gives him the cold shoulder.

2. When we bought our new house, we thought everyone would welcome us to the neighborhood. But people give us the cold shoulder when we try to be friendly and neighborly.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE GO-AHEAD to get or give permission to proceed

Synonym: get/give (someone) the green light
1. The kids asked their mother for permission to set up a lemonade stand. Her lemon tree was full of lemons, so she gave them the go-ahead.

2. Playing baseball in the middle of the work day sounds like a great idea, but you should probably get the go-ahead from our boss before we start.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE GREEN LIGHT to get or give permission to proceed

Synonym: give/get (someone) the go-ahead

This expression comes from the green light on a stop light, which indicates that cars can move forward.
1. The planning stage of the project was complete and we got the green light to start construction.

2. The boss gave them the green light to order all the equipment they needed.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SACK to be fired from one’s job

Compare to: pink slip
1. John lost his job yesterday. He got the sack.

2. Marie has two small children to support. You can’t just give her the sack. What is she going to do for money?

3. I was sacked from my last job for showing up late every day.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHORT END OF THE STICK to get (give someone) the unfair or less advantageous part of a deal or arrangement 1. Martha agreed to babysit the children while Henry went shopping. Martha had much more work to do than Henry did. She got the short end of the stick.

2. Look out for your interests and speak up if you think you’re getting an unfair deal. Don’t let them give you the short end of the stick.
GET/GIVE (SOMEONE) THE THIRD DEGREE to be questioned in great detail 1. My parents didn’t believe that I’d spent the evening at the library. They gave me the third degree, questioning me about when I had arrived and left and what I’d done while I was there.

2. When it was revealed that the candidate had been arrested some years before, he got the third degree from the newspaper reporters. He had to answer question after question.
GET/HAVE (SOMETHING) DOWN PAT to do something repeatedly until one knows how to do it without a mistake; to perfect an activity 1. Lynn worked on her dance routine until she could practically do it in her sleep. She had it down pat.

2. Practice saying your speech again and again. I want to be sure you get it down pat.
GET (SOMETHING) OFF (ONE’S) CHEST to disclose or talk about something that is bothering or worrying one

The idiom suggests that a bothersome concern weighs down one’s chest or heart and that talking about it relieves the weight.
1. I’ve had something on my mind all day that I just have to tell you. I will feel better when I get it off my chest.

2. You look very troubled about something. Why don’t you talk about it and get it off your chest?
GET/HIT (SOMETHING) ON THE NOSE to do or understand something perfectly 1. That’s the right answer! You really got it on the nose.

2. Joannie’s argument made perfect sense to me—she really hit it on the nose.
get something over with complete the difficult assignment He wants to get the difficult assignment over with first.
GET (SOMETHING) THROUGH (ONE’S) HEAD to understand something that is difficult, especially because it is a shock, unwanted, or unexpected

Compare to: get the message

The expression is usually used in a negative sense to describe how difficult it is to understand or accept something.
1. How many times do I have to tell you, I’m not going back to college? When will you get it through your head that I want to go to work instead?

2. Tom couldn’t seem to get it through his head that his company was letting him go after so many years of faithful service.
gets going is excited and angry If he gets going he will never stop complaining.
get the ax be fired She thought that he would get the ax from the company this week.
get the ball rolling begin It is time to get the ball rolling.
get the better of gain an advantage over and defeat Try to get the better of your opponent.
get the feel of become accustom to Try to get the feel of this new car.
GET/GIVE THE GO-AHEAD to receive or grant permission to proceed

Synonym: get/give (someone) the green light
1. The planning stage of the project was complete and we got the go-ahead to start construction.

2. The staff got the go-ahead from their boss to organize a birthday party for their colleague.
get the goods on find out information about She is trying to get the goods on her boss.
GET THE MESSAGE to understand something that is only hinted at, perhaps because it is unpleasant

Compare to: get (something) through (one’s) head
1. You can stop hinting that you don’t want my company. I get the message, and I won’t bother you again.

2. Jacqueline never answered the many letters the young man sent to her. She wondered when he would get the message that she wasn’t interested in hearing from him.
get the sack be fired She thought that he would get the sack from the company this week.
get the worst of suffer most because of She will probably get the worst of the flu.
get this over with be finished with this Let's get this over with.
GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD to get started

Compare to: get down to business
1. We’ve been waiting for hours, and I’m ready to get started. Let’s get the show on the road.

2. I can’t wait any longer. If we don’t get the show on the road, I’m going to have to schedule this meeting for another day.
get through successfully complete She really needs to get through this class.
get through to be understood by He talked a lot but could not get through to her.
get to have the opportunity to She did not get to see him last week.
get to first base succeed He wanted to meet the boss but could not get to first base.
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF (SOMETHING) to understand something completely by sorting through all the facts or information

The expression suggests the idea of a container (a situation) full of information or facts. Only the few facts on top are clear and they may not make much sense. When one finally gets to the bottom of the container (the situation), one will have gone through all the information and have a thorough understanding of how all the facts fit together.
1. The detective had all the facts, but he couldn’t piece them together yet. He wasn’t certain what had happened, but he knew he would eventually get to the bottom of it.

2. Mark’s parents could tell he was getting into some kind of trouble. They confronted him and said they wanted to get to the bottom of the situation.
GET TO THE POINT to speak or write concisely and directly

Antonyms: beat around the bush; hem and haw
1. That fellow never wastes your time talking about unimportant things. He immediately gets to the point.

2. People seem to get to the point much more quickly when they write e-mail compared to a traditional letter.
get under one's skin irritate her He is beginning to get under her skin.
get up get out of bed She decided to get up early.
GET UP AND GO physical energy 1. I’ve been so tired lately. I don’t have any energy. I’ve lost my get up and go.

2. This breakfast cereal claims that it gives you enough get up and go to last you until lunchtime.

3. Contrary to popular belief, moderate exercise stimulates a person to have more get up and go. It doesn’t fatigue the body.
GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED to be in a bad mood from the beginning of the day

Originally this phrase was “got up left foot forward” and dates back to the ancient Romans. In their time, the left side of anything was seen as sinister or unlucky, and Romans believed it was bad luck to put the left foot down first when getting out of bed. The idea that left is bad continued for centuries and eventually the word left was replaced with wrong.
1. Don’t be upset that Peggy got angry with you; she’ll cool off soon. She always has a short temper when she gets up on the wrong side of the bed.

2. I’m sorry I yelled at you. I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.
get up the nerve get enough courage She was finally able to get up the nerve to talk to her boss.
get what's coming to one get what she deserves She is going to get what's coming to her.
get wind of get knowledge of He tried to get wind of the new business plan.
get wise to learn about This week he was able to get wise to the office gossip.
get with it do what is required You need to get with it if you want to keep your job.
get with it hurry up If you don't get with it, we will never finish this work.
GIFT OF GAB, THE the ability to speak easily and well

The expression is used humorously or with admiration. It suggests that being able to speak (gab) is a welcome trait (gift). The word gab is probably an Old English variation of the Scottish word ‘gob,’ which means ‘mouth’ or ‘beak.’
1. We always enjoy listening to Uncle Charlie’s stories. He really knows how to tell good ones—he’s got the gift of gab.

2. I’m not much of a talker. I wasn’t blessed with the gift of gab. Compare to: talk a blue streak
GIVE IN to surrender

Similar to: cry uncle; knuckle under
1. The workers refused to give in and accept the unfair contract, so the strike continued.

2. The parents tried to resist their children’s pleas for sweets, but the kids were so cute that the parents were forced to give in.
give it another shot try again We have to go back and give it another shot.
GIVE (ONE’S) RIGHT (BODY PART) FOR/TO DO (SOMETHING) to want something very much

The expression suggests that one wants something so much that one is willing to give an essential part of one’s body for it.
1. I want that car so badly. I’d give my right arm for that car.

2. Veronica wants so badly to spend her vacation on the beach, she said she’d give her right leg to go to Hawaii.
GIVE (SOMEONE) A HARD TIME to be difficult with someone; to give someone unnecessary difficulty 1. Patricia had not done a good job on the report, and she thought her boss would just ask her to redo it. Instead, gave her a hard time and wouldn’t stop talking about it. He gave her a hard time about the report.

2. The students gave the new teacher a hard time on his first day. They dropped their books, passed notes while he was talking, and were generally uncooperative.
GIVE (SOMEONE) A PIECE OF (ONE’S) MIND to confront someone who has behaved badly

Synonyms: read (someone) the riot act; chew (someone) out; rake (someone) over the coals; speak (one’s) piece
1. Joan was upset with Bill and she told him just what she thought of him. She really gave him a piece of her mind.

2. I can’t believe that they let their dog loose in my garden. I’m going over there right now to tell them that if I find that dog in my yard again, I’ll call the police. I’m going to give them a piece of my mind!
GIVE (SOMEONE) A RING to call someone on the telephone

Refers to the ringing of a telephone when it receives a call.
1. When Sally arrived, she found a telephone in the airport and gave her mother a ring.

2. I’ll be home by the phone all morning. Give me a ring when you get a chance.
GIVE (SOMEONE) A SNOW JOB to give someone a description of something or someone that is unrealistically attractive and positive

Synonyms: sales pitch; con job; song and dance; pull the wool over (someone’s) eyes
1. The English teacher was trying to find students to help with the publication of the school newspaper. She gave us a snow job about how much fun it would be and how little work it was—in fact, it was very hard work.

2. Richard tried to get Marsha to go out with his friend Don. Richard told Marsha that Don was good-looking, had a great personality and was rich. Richard gave Marsha a snow job, because Don turned out to be none of those things.
GIVE (SOMEONE) A/SOME SONG AND DANCE to give someone an overly dramatic or unbelievable excuse

Synonyms: pull the wool over (someone’s) eyes; cock and bull story; snow job
1. Don’t give me a song and dance about how difficult it was for you to get this work done on time—I know you’ve been goofing off.

2. We went to collect the rent from Paul, but he gave us some song and dance about not having the money right now.
GIVE (SOMEONE) A TASTE OF (HIS/HER) OWN MEDICINE to treat someone the same way they treat others (especially when they are strict, unfair, or unkind)

Similar to: fix (someone’s) wagon; tit for tat
1. She has treated everyone very unfairly. I wish that someone would give her a taste of her own medicine.

2. He always criticizes his colleagues for making careless mistakes. So after he accidentally started a fire in the office, they were really able to give him a taste of his own medicine.
GIVE (SOMEONE/SOMETHING) A WIDE BERTH to allow a lot of space between oneself and someone or something else when passing

The expression probably originates from the 18th-century meaning of berth: sufficient sea-room for one ship to pass another.
1. The children never walked on the south side of the road because they would have had to walk right past a frightening guard dog. They gave that dog a wide berth.

2. They couldn’t tell if the driver was ready to back the truck up or whether he even saw them in his rear-view mirror. Just to be safe, they gave the truck a wide berth when they crossed the street behind it.
GIVE (SOMEONE) THE COLD SHOULDER to be unfriendly to somebody 1. Audrey tried to make up with Josh after their fight, but Josh didn’t respond. He gave her the cold shoulder.

2. Beatrice was forced to find a new photography club when the members of her old club gave her the cold shoulder. They wouldn’t talk to her at all.
GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHIRT OFF (ONE’S) BACK to give (figuratively) someone all one’s possessions; to be very generous

The expression suggests that one would give someone all one’s money and possessions down even to the shirt one is wearing.
1. The young woman’s parents had denied themselves luxuries and vacations to provide for her. They had given her the shirts off their backs to give her a good life.

2. I know I can always depend on my friend Henry. I can call him whenever I need help.
GO AGAINST THE GRAIN to be contrary to someone’s nature

The expression originates from the idea that sawing wood against the grain (the natural direction of wood growth) is difficult.
1. I’ll get you out of trouble this one time, but don’t ask me to do it again. It goes against the grain for me to help you when you should take responsibility for your own actions.

2. Terry noticed that the cashier in the store had given him too much change, and he went back immediately to return it. It would have gone against the grain for Terry to keep the money.
GO AROUND IN CIRCLES to be confused or lost; to make no progress 1. The directions to Arthur’s house were so muddled and confused, he had us lost and going around in circles.

2. The instructions for how to put the toy together were not explained clearly at all. Mary went around in circles trying to figure them out.
GO BANANAS [DRIVE (SOMEONE) BANANAS] to go crazy; to no longer be able to cope with a situation. To drive someone bananas means to annoy or irritate someone.

Synonyms: at the end of (one’s) rope; at (one’s) wits’ end
1. I’ll go bananas if I have to sit for a whole evening and listen to that man talk on and on about his coin collection. It’s boring to everyone but him.

2. The woman told her husband that the children were driving her bananas. He would have to look after them for the evening while she went out to a movie with some friends.
GO BROKE to run out of money completely; to become penniless

Compare to: flat broke
1. You can go broke buying Christmas presents for your children with today’s high prices!

2. The drugstore on the corner is going out of business next week. The owner went broke.
GO FOR BROKE to risk everything 1. The gambler was down to his last hundred dollars. He decided to go for broke, and he put the last of his money on one hand of cards.

2. Jan went for broke and invested all her money in the playwright’s new play. If it was a success, she would be rich. If it was a flop, she would be penniless.
go for it try Lets go for it.
GO HAYWIRE to malfunction; to break down

Similar to: at the end of (one’s) rope; go bananas; at (one’s) wits’ end; go to pieces.

Go haywire is generally applied to machines, whereas go bananas is more humorous and is restricted to people.
1. The robot worked fine until it tried to maneuver around the corner and went haywire. Its arms started to spin around, its head fell off, and it started shooting sparks out of its control panel.

2. When the man heard that his doctor’s appointment was cancelled, he went haywire. He shouted that he would never go to the doctor again, and left.
GO IT ALONE to travel some path or do some activity by oneself, often something dangerous or risky 1. I tried to go it alone on completing the project, but I just couldn’t do it. I had to get someone to help me.

2. The mountain climber said his route up the mountain is too dangerous for anyone but the most experienced person, so he won’t take anyone with him. He is going it alone.
golden opportunity  
GO OFF HALF-COCKED to do or say something in haste or without adequate planning or preparation

The expression probably originates from the idea of a gun misfiring when it is only half-cocked (as opposed to fully cocked), and therefore not fully ready to be fired.
1. I know your daughter is late, but before you go off half-cocked, give her a chance to tell you her side of the story.

2. Dick thought up a scheme to get rich quick, but he didn’t put much planning into it. He went off halfcocked, got into financial trouble, and made a fool of himself.
GO OFF THE DEEP END to become deeply involved with someone or something before one is ready; to go crazy

The expression suggests the idea of plunging into the deep end of a swimming pool and being in over one’s head.
1. Peter went off the deep end when he met Marilyn. After just two months, they are already engaged to be married.

2. Sometimes it’s easy to get overly excited about something new and different and go off the deep end.
GO OUT ON A LIMB to take a risk

Synonym: stick (one’s) neck out

The expression suggests that going out on a tree branch that might break is risky. The expression, however, is not used to describe physical risk.
1. You have embarrassed and disappointed me several times before. Don’t ask me to go out on a limb for you again.

2. They went out on a limb and lent him the money he asked for even though he was a poor risk. They could have lost all their money.
GO OVER WITH A BANG to be extremely successful

Antonym: go over like a lead balloon
1. The author’s latest book was more popular than he expected. In fact, it went over with a bang.

2. The fast-food restaurant’s new chicken sandwich went over with a bang. Everyone was asking for it.
GO OVERBOARD to go to excess; to do too much 1. You have to be careful when decorating cakes. It’s easy to go overboard and put on too much icing, too many decorations and too many colors.

2. Don’t go overboard on these new, modern styles. If you spend all your clothing allowance on them, you may be sorry when the fashion changes.
GO OVER LIKE A LEAD BALLOON to be completely unsuccessful, contrary to expectations; to fail 1. The car company introduced a new model that was supposed to be amazing, but it went over like a lead balloon. Nobody wanted to buy it.

2. That actor has been in several great movies, but his latest film will probably go over like a lead balloon. It’s just terrible!
go public with sell shares to the public of The company is expected to go public with their stock next week.
go through with proceed as planned with We have to go through with the purchase of the new building.
good for you okay with you Is that good for you?
go the extra mile  
got into became interested in I got into gardening in high school.
GO TO PIECES to fall apart physically or emotionally; to lose one’s self-control

The expression often describes uncontrollable crying.
1. Roger thought he was no longer in love with Amanda, but when he saw her again he went to pieces. He sat down and cried.

2. I think you’re going to need some new shoes soon. Those shoes you are wearing now are going to pieces.
GO TO POT/SEED to fall into disrepair; to deteriorate from lack of attention

Synonym: go to the dogs

Go to seed originates in the idea that the fruit on plants ‘goes to seed’ if it is not picked when ripe.
1. The house has really fallen into disrepair. It’s too bad they let it go to seed like that.

2. George really neglects his appearance nowadays. He has let himself go to pot.
GO TO THE DOGS to fall into disrepair; to deteriorate

Synonyms: go to pot/seed
1. This restaurant used to be so fashionable and classy, but it has gone to the dogs since it changed management.

2. This neighborhood is going to the dogs—the homeowners aren’t keeping their houses or their yards in good repair. It’s a shame.
GO TO TOWN To do something with maximum enthusiasm; to splurge

Synonyms: pull out all the stops; go whole hog; whole nine yards

Go to town connotes more elegance than go whole hog or (go the) whole nine yards.
1. When they bought an old house, they added a new bathroom, a modern kitchen, a sun porch and two new bedrooms. They really went to town fixing up their house.

2. Since Alice was paying for her own wedding, she decided to spare no expense. She really wanted to go to town on her wedding arrangements.
got that right are correct You got that right.
got up on the wrong side of the bed  
GO UP IN SMOKE to disappear; to be ruined

The expression suggests the idea of being burned. It is usually used figuratively to describe work (sentence 1) or plans (sentence 3) but it can be used literally (sentence 2).
1. Judy had planned carefully and put in a lot of time building her career. Then she made one foolish mistake, and saw all her hard work go up in smoke.

2. The family managed to escape from the burning house. As they stood outside in the cold, they watched their house go up in smoke.

3. Larry expected to finish college and start a small company of his own, but all his plans went up in smoke when he lost his scholarship.
GO WHOLE HOG to spare nothing; to do something with maximum enthusiasm

Synonyms: pull out all the stops; go to town; whole nine yards

The expression does not convey the same sense of elegance as go to town does.
1. The company went whole hog on the luncheon. They included both soup and salad on the menu, a choice of three main dishes and several desserts, and they paid for all the drinks, too.

2. When it comes to outfitting my car, I believe in going whole hog. I always get cruise control, extra padded seats, stereo, all the little luxuries.
GO WITH THE FLOW

to take a relaxed attitude towards life

Similar to: like water off a duck’s back; roll with the punches; take (something) in stride
1. Life has its ups and downs. You shouldn’t spend your time worrying. Just go with the flow.

2. I wish I could learn to go with the flow more. Whenever I have a problem at school, I get all stressed out.
GOLDEN AGE a time when something is at its best 1. The 1930s were the golden age of radio, when everyone gathered around in the evenings to listen. After television took over, radio became secondary.

2. The golden age of American literature began at the turn of the 20th century. The expression is usually used to refer to the past.
GOOD EGG a person who is basically good or sound, but who may be slightly peculiar or idiosyncratic 1. Sometimes Tim seems a little strange, but he really is a good egg.

2. George knew that Stuart was too cautious to drink very much, so George asked him to be a good egg and drive him home.
GOOD GRIEF an expletive that means “This is ridiculous!” or “I’ve had enough!”

Synonyms: for crying out loud!; for goodness’ sake!; for heaven’s sake!

This expression carries no literal meaning of its own, but it expresses a strong degree of exasperation.
1. Good grief! All you do is complain.

2. The children were jumping around, chasing after each other, and running around their mother until she couldn’t stand it anymore. She lost her temper and yelled, “Good grief! I wish you would behave yourselves!”
GOOD SAMARITAN a person who helps someone in trouble without thought of personal gain

The expression has its origins in a story from the New Testament in which a man from Samaria helped someone who had been robbed by thieves.
1. Be a good Samaritan and volunteer some of your free time to help out at the hospital.

2. Sometimes you have to resist the urge to be a good Samaritan and think about your own safety. You can’t pick up a strange hitchhiker in your car.
grab a bite  
grades on a curve computes grades based on class averages Yeah, I heard she grades on a curve.
GRASP AT STRAWS

to act in desperation with little hope of success

The expression suggests that whereas grasping a rope might succeed in saving one’s life, grasping at straws (grass) is a desperate and probably useless attempt to hold on.
1. Henry tried everything he could think of to change Martha’s mind, even tried things that he knew wouldn’t work. He knew he was grasping at straws.

2. The thief told the judge one excuse after another. It was obvious that he was desperate and grasping at straws.
GRAVY TRAIN an effortless time or job; a life of luxury 1. Scott got himself a job where he won’t have to work very hard. He’s really riding the gravy train.

2. They made some very wise and profitable investments, and now they can retire and live off the interest. They’re on the gravy train.
GRAY MATTER brain tissue and, by extension, intelligence

The expression refers to brain tissue, and suggests that one’s intelligence is in direct proportion to size of one’s brain.
1. Anyone can see that his idea won’t work. Doesn’t he have any gray matter upstairs?

2. When it comes to gray matter, David got more than his fair share. He is clearly the smartest student in the class.
GREEN AROUND THE GILLS sick to one’s stomach; nauseated 1. The sight of blood always makes me green around the gills. I always get sick to my stomach.

2. How can you eat uncooked meat? Doesn’t that make you green around the gills?
GREEN THUMB natural ability to grow plants

The expression suggests that success with growing plants is a result of having a thumb that is the color of healthy plants.
1. Amy really has a green thumb. Everything she plants in her garden grows so well.

2. You must have quite a green thumb. Your flowers are always so beautiful and healthy-looking.
GRIM REAPER death

The expression originates from the literary depiction of death as a hooded grim figure carrying a scythe (a farm tool made with a long, curved blade attached at an angle to a long handle). He uses the scythe to ‘reap’ people.
1. We’ll all die in the end. You can’t cheat the grim reaper.

2. Their grandmother was a very superstitious person and relied heavily on her intuition. She was convinced that she was about to die because she felt the grim reaper breathing down her neck.
GRIN AND BEAR IT to accept or endure a bad situation

Compare to: bite the bullet

Grin and bear it literally means to smile and endure something.
1. Steve doesn’t particularly like his job, but he’s going to have to grin and bear it until he can find a new one.

2. I’ve had more than I can take from that idiot. I’m not going to grin and bear it for one more minute.
More Idioms
From YOUR Teacher: Get a load of

This idiom is used to get someone to look at something. This can also be used to ask someone to get an unspecified quantity of something.

Please get a load of soil from the garden.
 
Additional Lessons
About These Lessons

The following classroom lessons are great for students who want additional conversation, listening, and reading practice.
  • Conversation Lesson - Intermediate Level. Dialogs for everyday use. Short situational dialogs for students of English as a Foreign (EFL) or Second (ESL) Language with a written conversation and a conversation notes section.
Conversation Lesson 23 - Discussing the Economy
(Intermediate - Conversation, Reading)

Dialogs for everyday use. Short situational dialogs for students of English as a Foreign (EFL) or Second (ESL) Language.
Discussing the Economy

Gordon: The economic news doesn’t look good, does it?

Hobart: Not according to the newspaper yesterday. I saw a similar report last night on TV.

Gordon: I saw that, too. The analysis seemed to be quite realistic.

Hobart: I hope they’re wrong. We really need to get the rising price structure under control.

Gordon: Well, costs seem to be rising in so many categories that it appears to defeat any efforts at stabilization.

Hobart: That’s my feeling, too. Raw material now costs more. Labor is demanding higher wages and production costs continue to soar.

Gordon: There may be some relief this summer. I understand the price of some foodstuffs will decrease.
Conversation Notes
  • That’s my feeling, too
  • That’s my opinion, too
  • soar
  • rise beyond what is common and ordinary
Source: U.S. State Department
Additional Conversation
Conversation

This is a collection of 30 situational conversations which focus on a wide variety of communicative and natural encounters in English....these lessons are for beginning students.
Conversation

This is a collection of 30 situational conversations. Each conversation is accompanied by language notes....these lessons are for advanced students.
Conversation

English conversation lessons. 52 lessons covering pronunciation, speaking, writing, and grammar topics....these lessons are for beginning students.
Conversation

English conversation lessons. 30 lessons focusing mostly on communication and grammar topics....these lessons are for intermediate students.
 
Additional Information
Avoid Ineffective Study Methods

The complete lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
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Improve Your Pronunciation by Training Your Ears

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Improve Your Long-Term Memory by Spacing Practice

The lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
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Audio Program

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