Deal!

As a noun, a deal can be described as any exchange of money for products or services. Additionally, there are good/great deals and bad/shitty deals, which depends on who benefits/suffers the most from the deal.

Example: #1) I bought this brand new television for $25. It was a great deal. #2) That man paid me $25 for the television. The television was stolen, but it's still a shitty deal. #3) The shirt cost me $30. I think it was a good deal. #4) You paid $30 for that ugly shirt!? What a bad deal!

To give/make a deal is the verb for the transaction. Example: #1) I thought the price was too high, so I asked the salesman to make me a deal. #2) I'm a regular customer, so they gave me a good deal.

(No) deal! can also be used when you reach an agreement. Example: #1) You want me to pay $150 for a 30 minute session. Deal! #2) You want to spend $55 on sneakers for our 5-year old son. No deal! Find something cheaper.

To deal with something is used for resolution of a situation. Example: #1) I have to deal with many customer complaints at work. #2) My child has trouble focusing and I always have to deal with his hyperactivity.

“Deal with it!” is an expression used when there's a problem or situation (sometimes emotional) that someone needs to fix. The expression can be used strongly with other people. Example: #1) You created this problem. Now, deal with it! #2) My pet fish just died. I'm incredibly sad, but I will just deal with it. #3) I know your girlfriend left you, but you can't change it now. Just deal with it!

To deal also a means to give something away to other people or entities. It's most commonly used for playing cards and drugs. Example: #1) He deals the cards quickly. He is a professional blackjack dealer. #2) He deals drugs to school children. He is a drug dealer with an entrepreneurial spirit.

"Of" Metaphors

If someone has a heart of gold, it means they have a very good character and they are a generally good person. Example: He is generous and always thinks of others first. He has a heart of gold.

If someone is made of money, they simply have a lot of money. However, you will usually use it to express the opposite because someone is asking you for too much money. Example: I bought you a new bike last week and now you want a new Playstation. Do you think I'm made of money? (Alternates: I'm not made of money. What, am I made of money?)

If someone has the voice of an angel, they are a very good singer. Example: My son was in a boys' choir. He had the voice of an angel until he became a teenager.

If someone has nerves of steel, they are courageous and can endure difficult situations easily. Example: He got lost in the forest for days, but he never panicked and got out of the forest safely. He must have nerves of steel.

Running

Running has two common definitions apart from the physical activity. It can be a synonym for both "flowing" and "working".

Things that run: a car (engine), a river, a nose.

Examples: #1) The car was running fine yesterday. I don't know why it isn't running today.
#2) The engine doesn't run well in cold weather.
#3) A river runs through the middle of the city.
#4) The river was running rapidly after the storm.
#5) My nose is running because of my allergies.

Runny (adj.) can be used only for noses.

Example: My nose is runny. Maybe I'm getting sick.


To run away can be literal and metaphorical. It can also be used to discuss leaving your home against your parents wishes.

Examples: #1) I ran away from the attacking tiger.
#2) He always runs away from his responsibilities.
#3) She ran away when she was 13, and the family hasn't seen her since.

Expressions for Close

Close friends is a title reserved for the few friends who are most important to you. They are the ones you speak to most often and share the most with. A person can have many friends in their life, but you generally have only a few close friends. Sometimes it relates to the amount of time you know a person, but not always. It relates more to your feelings towards the person.

Examples: #1) She is my closest friend. I can tell her anything.
#2) We have been friends for a few years, but we aren't really close.
#3) He and I are close friends, and we know we can depend on one another.

You may also use close to describe your relationship with your family members. In this case, it refers to how often you speak to them and your emotional intimacy with them.

Example: #1) Are you close with your family?
#2) I'm close to my mother, but I'm not very close to my brothers.



A close call is a situation where you narrowly avoid danger.

Example: #1) The bus stopped within inches of hitting me. That was a close call.
#2) I was on a date with my girlfriend and I saw my wife walk past the restaurant window. Luckily, she didn't see me. That was a close call.
#3) I was an hour late to work, but my boss was late, too. That was a close call.

A similar expression is too close to call, which means the result of a competition is so close that we don't yet know the final outcome.

Example: #1) We had to check the photo because the horse race was too close to call.
#2) We checked 90% of the votes, but the result of the election is still too close to call.

Swearing and Slang

In English, there's a collection of words you can't say on TV.
Example: f*ck, sh*t, son of a b*tch, and so on.

When using these words, many English learners incorrectly refer to it as slang. It is not slang. Slang is an informal idiom. For example, if I say "No sweat", it means "No problem. I can do it." And a "couch potato" is someone who watches a lot of TV.

If you use one of the aggressive or offensive words above it is called swearing or cursing. Swearing is the most common term, so it's best to use that. You may also use the adjective and say, swear words, curse words, or even bad words and dirty words.

Examples: #1) He swore at his boss and he got fired. #2) I said a swear word to my mother and she hit me. #3) My little sister said a bad word, and she got in trouble.

There are also a few ways to refer to someone who swears a lot. Examples:
#1) He has a foul mouth. He is foul-mouthed.
#2) My girlfriend has a dirty mouth.
#3) The little boy had a potty mouth.
#4) My roommate has a filthy mouth.
#5) My mother swears like a sailor.

REVENGE!

If a person does something wrong or hurtful to you, you may feel obliged to do the same to them. This is called revenge, but there are many ways to refer to this satisfying act. They are listed below:

to get revenge - My boss fired me, but I got revenge by burning down his house.

to get someone back - The little boy called me bad names, but I got him back by pushing him in the mud.

to get even - I have to get even with Timmy for slashing my bike tires.

to pay someone back - My brother stole my wife, so I paid him back by poisoning him.



Common Expressions

"It's payback time." - Meaning: It's time to get revenge.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold." - Meaning: Revenge is best when it's cruel.

"Don't get mad. Get even!" - Meaning: It's better to get revenge than be angry.

The Truth

A half truth is a statement that is true, but it neglects an important piece of information. A half truth is, therefore, a misleading truth. For example, Kevin has a wife who doesn't like his smoking. He promised her that he would quit. One night, he went to the bar with his friends. He smoked a few cigarettes outside the bar. When he comes home, his wife smells smoke. She asks, "Were you smoking at the bar with your friends?" He answers, "No, I didn't smoke at the bar." However, he smoked outside of the bar, and he didn't tell his wife. This is a half truth.

To tell you the truth or Truth be told is an expression said before telling an unpleasant or difficult truth. Someone usually asks a question, and what follows is an unpleasant answer.

Example:

#1) Wife: "Do you want me to cook pasta tonight?" Husband: "To tell you the truth, I don't like your pasta."

#2) Ex-boyfriend: "Why did you break up with me?" Ex-girlfriend: "Truth be told, I wasn't sexually interested in you."

To be true to someone means to be loyal or faithful to someone.

Example: Daniel is true to his friends, showing all of them loyalty and respect. That's why his relationships are so strong.

To be untrue to someone means to be disloyal or unfaithful to someone, usually it means cheating on your spouse or lover.

Example: She accused me of being untrue to her, but I found out she was the one that cheated on me.

Prevention

to stop/keep someone from doing something
Example: #1) My wife stopped me from quitting my job by reminding me of the poor job market. #2) I kept my best friend from making a big mistake.


to prevent something
Example: The hero prevented a robbery by tackling the robber.


to hold someone back -- to prevent someone from doing something, positive or negative.
Example: #1) I wanted to punch the guy, but my friends held me back. #2) I dream of world travel, but my family is holding me back.


to be tied down -- to be connected to something/someone that keeps you from doing something, probably related to a relationship or marriage.
Example: He is hesitant to get married because he doesn't want to be tied down.


to be tied up with something-- to be busy with something that prevents you from doing other things.
Example: I would love to help you, but I'm tied up with work at the moment.


"My hands are tied." -- "There's nothing I can do."
Example: Even though I don't like the decision, it came from the boss. My hands are tied.

Hand Actions

There are many things we use are hands for, but oftentimes we can't find the appropriate expression for them. This is a list of those actions:

to hold hands
"The lovers were side-by-side, holding hands, as they walked through the park.
"The mother and son held hands as they walked across the street."

to shake hands
"The businessmen all shook hands before starting the meeting."
"My greatest honor was shaking hands with the president."

to fold one's hands
"The congregation folded their hands and prayed during the church service."
"I was so desperate that I folded my hands and begged my boss not to fire me."

to hold out one's hands
"The begger held out his hands and asked the pedestrians for money."
"The porter held out his hand for a tip."

to wring one's hands
"While the were giving out awards, I was wringing my hands in anticipation."

trembling hands
"I was so nervous during the presentation that my hands were trembling."

Slipping

There are many definitions for the word slip. Here are a few of the most common expressions for the verb from.

#1) My English skills are slipping. = My English skills are getting worse.

Sample Situation: You used to be proud of your English skills, but now you find it hard to communicate.

#2) It slipped my mind. = I knew about it, but I forgot (temporarily).

Sample Situation: You had an appointment with your friends, but you completely forgot about it and didn't go.

#3) I slipped up. = I made a mistake.

Sample Situation: You were at a party and you tried to kiss your girlfriend's sister.

#4) It just slipped out. = I said it on accident.

Sample Situation: When you argued with your girlfriend, you told your girlfriend to shut up, perhaps adding a swear word or two. You quickly regret saying it.

Time Verbs

In English, there are expressions for how to use your time. Sometimes, they are related to productivity and the amount of available time, so pay attention to how you use them.

to spend time - This is a neutral expression, which could be pleasant or not. It can be used to avoid mentioning the specific activity that you did, as in the first example.

Example: I spent time with my family last weekend.

I want to spend more time doing things that interest me.

I don't want to spend much time at dinner because I have a lot of work to do at home.

During the project, we spent a lot of time in the planning stage, so we couldn't spend much time preparing a presentation.

to pass time - If you pass time, or time passes, you are discussing the movement of time.

Example: While I was waiting in the airport, I passed the time by reading a book.

Time passes slowly when you're bored, but it passes quickly when you're having fun.

to waste time / waste of time - Time is being used unproductively, or counter-productively, in this case.

Example: I wasted a lot of time in high school hanging out and watching TV.

We worked really hard on our project, but it was a total waste of time because the professor didn't want to see it.

A friend of mine visited the city, but he said it was a waste of time.

to kill time / time to kill - This means you have time to do something, and you are occupying that time with an activity.

Example: I killed some time this afternoon watching some old movies.

My friends and I have all weekend to hang out, so we'll kill some time at the mall.

Because of the summer holiday, I have a lot of time to kill.

I have an appointment tonight, but I still have a few hours to kill. Do you want to go for coffee?

Traffic Terms Pt. 1

The road is a dangerous place, and it comes with its own vocabulary. Try some of the phrases below:

Having the Right-of-way means that you have the right to go first.

To cut SO off means to move quickly into another lane, causing someone to slow down or stop.

A collision happens when something violently strikes something else.

Combined Example: I clearly had the right-of-way, but the car cut me off, nearly causing a collision.

To speed up simply means to go faster.

To ram into someone means to hit someone with intent.

Road rage is the feeling of extreme and uncontrollable anger when driving.

Combined Example: I was so angry that I sped up and rammed into him. I suppose you can call that road rage.

Heavy traffic is what you experience when the roads are extremely busy.

A traffic jam happens when everyone has stopped moving completely.

Combined example: Right now, there’s heavy traffic downtown, but we’re still moving. At least, it isn’t a traffic jam.

To double park means to park next to a car that is parked next to the sidewalk. You cannot do this for long periods of time because the car next to the sidewalk cannot pull out.

To back up means to move backwards in a car.

Combined example: We were double parked on the street, so I had to back up to let him out.

Flip

One word that can be underused by English learners is Flip. There are a few common uses and expressions for the word, as seen below:

to flip / to do a flip - for a person or object this means to turn over completly (or maybe half)
The boy jumped on the trampoline and did a flip.
The SUV turned too quickly and flipped.
The dolphin flipped in the air for the audience.

to flip - in America, it can also mean to be really excited, or really angry
When I said I was getting married, my parents flipped. (excited)
I flipped when I heard I got the acting job. (excited)
When your mother sees this mess, she is going to flip. (angry)

Hot Tip!!! to flip out is the same as to flip, when you're angry. Example: My neighbor flipped out when he saw the damage to his car.


to flip over - this means to turn over on its other side
I flipped over the record to listen to the other side.
Flip over the pancake or it will burn!
The turtle was on its back, trying very hard to flip over.

to flip (someone) off / to flip off (someone) - this means showing someone your middle finger, it's rude, you're probably angry
I got arrested for flipping off a policeman.
The taxi driver almost hit me with his car, and flipped me off as he passed.

Clothes

to change clothes means putting on new clothes.
Example: I need to go home and change clothes before we go out tonight.
She spilled coffee on her skirt, and she went home to change it.

to change into clothes means putting on different clothes.
Example: It's getting hot, so I'm going to change into shorts and a t-shirt.
Give me a moment, and I'll change into something more comfortable.

to exchange something (for something else) means you took it back to the store and got a new one.
Example: My pants were too small, so I exchanged them for bigger ones.
The outfit was a little old-fashioned, so I exchanged it for something more modern.

to try something on means you wear the clothing before buying it to see how it looks.
Example: Can I try this on? Yes, you can try it on in the dressing room.
This shirt looked better when I tried it on in the store.
When I tried the shoes on, they felt uncomfortable.

to fit means the clothing is the right size for you.
Example: This dress fits me perfectly.
These pants don't fit me. They're a little too loose.
This shirt fits me, but I'm not sure if it's my style.

to suit someone means the clothing is their style and looks good on them. You can also say, "It's your style."
Example: That outfit really suits you. It makes you look thinner.
That blouse really suits you. It's just your color.

to go window shopping is looking at clothing without the intention buying any. Note: do not say, "eye shopping"
Example: I like to go window shopping to see what's in style.
I go shopping every weekend. And if I don't have money, I will just window shop.

Korean Vocabulary Errors

There are two common Korean vocabulary errors when translating the words, NOL-DA and JAE-MEET-DA. I've heard these mistakes even at a high level.

#1) NOL-DA means to play in English. However, when you become a teenager, you don't really play anymore. As an adult, you usually hang out. Although, you can play something if it's a specific, like a board game or sport.

Examples:
When my sister and I were young, we liked to play with dolls.
The children spent all afternoon playing in the park.

I played basketball in university.
Let's play Monopoly. I haven't played that game in about 10 years.

I hung out with my friends on Friday night.
If you have the chance, let's hang out after work.



#2) JAE-MEET-DA means three different things in English: funny, fun, interesting. These all have different meanings in English, and they should definitely be treated separately. Individually, they have more than one meaning, but I think a rough guide will be more useful than a full description.

If something is fun, it makes you happy and you enjoy it/them.
Example: I had a fun time last night, and I hope we can do it again.
Let's have some fun at the amusement park next weekend.
Barry is a really fun guy, and I hope to see more of him.

If something is funny, it makes you laugh.
Example: The movie was funny, and I couldn't stop laughing.
Jerry is a funny guy. He's always telling jokes.

If something is interesting, it makes you think.
Example: The class was interesting. I feel like I got a lot of new ideas.
The book was very interesting. I couldn't put it down.
Perry is really interesting. I could listen to him talk for hours.


Note: This is a rough guide to fun, funny, and interesting. Consult your dictionary if you think you need more details.

As You May Know

When talking about something that the listener might know about already, it's better to introduce it with an expression, such as: "as you (may) know" or "as you (may have) heard".

#1) "As you know" / "As you heard" -- You can use these two expressions when the listener knows the information you will give. Also, the listener knows that you know that they know the information. Including this is helpful because it lets them know you're not just repeating information. Also, you will probably give them additional information.

Example: "As you know. I'm quitting my job next week."
"As you heard, we're going to have company evaluations tomorrow. "

#2) "As you may know" / "As you may have heard" / "As you may be aware" -- This has the same function as the other expressions. However, in this case, you're not sure if the listener already knows. It's also possible that you're speaking to more than one person; some people who know the information, and some people who don't. This is a safe expression because you won't embarass yourself by repeating information, and you won't embarass yourself by claiming the listener knows already when they really don't know.

Example: "As you may know, Alfred is in the hospital."
"As you may have heard, the neighbor's dog is missing."
"As you may be aware, Julia and I have split up."


Additional Expressions: "As you probably know", "As you've probably heard", "As you're probably aware", "As you undoubtedly know"... -- The meaning of these is close to the others, so you can safely follow the logic.

Best of luck!
~~Lance

Forgetting

I've already discussed Memory in one of my posts. Now, I would like to mention some very common expressions related to forgetting.


#1) "It escapes me." -- Sometimes, you know a piece of information (usually a name/title), but you can't immediately think of it. You probably just need a little time to think of it, but at that moment you can say, "It escapes me."

Example: "I've met her before, but her name escapes me."
"I've saw a movies a few weeks ago, but the movie title escapes me at the moment."


#2) "It slipped my mind." -- Sometimes, you may forget to do something. When you explain the situation later, you can say it slipped my mind.

Example: "I knew there was a meeting this morning, but it completely slipped my mind."
"I know you asked me to buy groceries on the way home, but it slipped my mind."


#3) "to take one's mind off (of) something" -- Other times, there is something you want to forget about. Maybe you want to forget temporarily, so you can have a few moments of peace. In these moments, you can say, "...to take my mind off (of)..."

Example: "I'm going on a day trip this weekend to take my mind off of work."
"I'm going to do some heavy drinking to take my mind off my troubles."
"You need to start dating again to take your mind off of your divorce."


#4) "to draw a blank" -- When you're trying to remember some information, you know that you knew it before, but you can't remember, you are drawing a blank.

Example:
"This is frustrating. She told me when her birthday was, but I'm drawing a blank."
"I wish I could remember his name, but I'm drawing a blank."
"Do you know which film stars Robert DeNiro as a taxi driver? I'm drawing a blank."


#5) "to be on the tip of one's tongue" -- Finally, when you almost remember a piece of information (again, usually a name), you can say it's on the tip of my tongue. By the way, this is a very frustrating feeling.

Example: "What is her name? It's on the tip of my tongue."
"Who was that actor in the movie Taxi Driver? His name is on the tip of my tongue."
"What's the capital of Poland? Starts with a 'W'. It's on the tip of my tongue."

Water Idioms and Expressions

Honestly, I don't like the study of idioms. On average, native English speakers don't use them very often. It's usually reserved for written English, and using them in normal conversation is unnatural. All the same, I will write about idioms once in a while. Furthermore, I promise you: THE IDIOMS I WRITE ABOUT WILL BE USEFUL.

The first ones I discuss will be about water:

#1) a fish out of water - someone who finds themselves in an unnatural setting; someone who is out of their element

example: #1) Rupert is a typical guy, who likes sports and going out with his friends. Whenever he meets his in-laws, he has to be polite. He's like a fish out of water. #2) I'm trying to fit into a regular job, but I feel like a fish out of water.


#2) to keep your head above water - to survive a challenging situation

example: #1) My work is piling up, and I'm desperately trying to keep my head above water. #2) Please don't ask me for any favors. I'm barely keeping my head above water.


#3) watered down - diluted and less potent

example: #1) My whiskey is watered down. Get me a strong drink! #2) The director made a very edgy and controversial film. Then, the film studio got a hold of it and watered it down. #3) You changed my article, and made it into a watered down version.


#4) to tread water - a.) to stay in one place in a body of water by kicking your legs quickly. b.) to do strenuous activity but still not be productive

example a: I can tread water for 15 minutes before my legs get tired.
example b: We all want to make progress in the workplace, but we're only treading water.

Distance (Close to, Far from, Not Close To)

Distance is a tricky concept because it can refer to distance in space, time, emotions, or reality. In this post, I'll give you a few ways to use Close and Far.

The prepositions are "Close To" and "Far From". Don't confuse the two. Also, remember that the first nouns is the subject, and therefore emphasized.

Examples (Close To):
The supermarket is close to the liquor store. (space)
San Diego is close to the Mexican border. (space)
I'm close to finishing the project. I only need one more day. (time)
She said that she was close to a nervous breakdown. (time)
Even though they live in different cities, he's still close to his family. (emotion)
The boy is closest to his mother because his father works all the time. (emotion)

Note: When describing emotions, you can also say, "He and his family are close." or "The boy and his mother are close."


Examples (Far From):
Unfortunately, our hotel room is far from the beach. (space)
My home is far from my university. (space)
We dream of tourist flights into space, but this is far from a realization. (reality)
The battle is finished, but the war is far from over. (time)

Note: Commonly, far is only used for talking about space. For reality and time, you only use it to express a very long distance. Never use it for emotion.


Examples (Not Close To):
We've been working for days, but we're not close to finishing. (time)
I'm not close to my family. (emotion)

Note: When you express a long distance, it's often better to use not close to. In some situation, far is too strong of an expression.

Crying and Tears

Everybody has heard the verb to cry, but there are many more ways to express your sadness than just crying.

To sob means to cry with falling tears and gasping. Example: I woke up to the sound of my brother sobbing.

To shed a tear means that one teardrop has fallen down your cheek. To shed tears could mean several tears have fallen. Likewise, tears can roll down your cheek, or a stream of tears could be flowing down your cheek.

If tears flood your eyes, it means they are in your eyes, but haven't fallen. My eyes welled up with tears means exactly the same thing.

You can be teary-eyed and misty-eyed, which means your close to crying.

A tearjerker is a very sad movie.

However, if you want to appear strong, you can choke back the tears, which means you prevent yourself from crying.

Once you've finished crying, your eyes may be puffy or swollen.

So, have some ice cream and take a bath.
This too will pass. ^^
Lance Powell