AMERICAN IDIOMS B

• It's not the main point of an argument.
• Example: "Whether or not you want to go to the concern is beside the point. The fact is, you haven't finished your homework."

• Have to inowledge of something.
• Example: It beats me how goverment can allow companies to pollute our lakes and rivers.

• Have no money.
• Example: There is nothing worth than being broke on a Friday night.

• Become accostomed to or adjust to.
• Example: It took a long time but I finally got used to driving a car with a five-speed, standard transmission

• Bore someone very much
• Example: This class is boring me to death - Natasha said

A rough estimate. "Can you give me a ball-park figure of what this project will cost?"

To begin to like something/start doing something because it's popular, "hip", or everyone else is doing it.

To count or rely on something.

To ask the wrong person. To make the wrong choice. ex. "The gangster told the cops they were barking up the wrong tree in thinking he was responsible for the robbery."

A very nervous person, someone at the verge of being neurotic. ex. "All the stress from the divorce turned John into a basket case."

To like, idolize, admire someone/ or something. ex. "I'm not a big fan of heavy metal music."

To be completely comfortable doing something; To do something that comes very naturally to someone. ex. "When it comes to speaking in public, the Senator is in his element."

To be planning something bad, mischievous, etc. ex. "I could tell from the look in his eyes that he was up to no good."

To avoid getting to the point. ex. "Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think."

A polite way of saying "to disagree", most often heard in the phrase "I beg to differ!"

In the past. "I used to smoke, drink, and take drugs, but all that is behind me now."

Used at the beginning sentence to state that something is true whether one chooses to believe it or not. ex. "Believe it or not, I still care for her."

A person who's famous/ well-known but only in an unimportant place (city or area).

To not be able to keep a secret. ex. "Don't tell her anything. She's got a really big mouth."

An important person. ex. "All the big-shots at headquarters never listen to what we have to say."; "A big-shot reporter."

A foolish/empty girl. The term "male bimbo" is also used. ex. "John only talks about his car and his clothes - he's a real male bimbo."

Sex. Human reproduction. ex. "It's about time I talked to my son about the birds and the bees."

A snack, some food. ex. "Let's go grab a bite to eat before we go to the game."

To do harm to someone who helps you.

To struggle not to say something that you want to say. ex. "I wanted to tell her everything, but I had to bite my tongue because I had promised Bill I would not (tell her)."

The worst, least accepted member of a family.

A great time. A fun time. "We had a blast at the party last night."

To reveal someone's secret, or true identity. ex. "The spy was very careful not to blow her cover."

To neither win nor lose. ex. "Michael thought he would lose $200, but he ended up breaking even."

To do something that hasn't been done before. To innovate. ex. "Dr. Davis was breaking new ground in cancer research."

To cause someone (strong) emotional pain. ex. "Fiona broke James' heart when she refused to marry him."

To tell someone some important news, usually bad news. ex. "I hate to be the one to break it to you, but your wife has been cheating on you."

To start crying suddenly.