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.

Sebject-Related Vocabulary: Environment, Weather, Library, Bank

This is collection of sentences that make use of subject-related vocabulary. The vocabulary is advanced, but also practical, so you may use them without hesitation.

Environment

I turn off the lights when I’m not using them to conserve energy.

It’s important to use energy efficient lights/cars/appliances.

When I recycle, I have to sort the trash into plastic, paper and glass.

In order to reduce waste, I take reusable cups to the café, instead of using disposable ones.

Weather

Korea has a moderate climate during spring and fall, which means it’s never too hot or cold.

During the monsoon season, I get really depressed and prefer to stay indoors.

Korea has four distinct seasons, so we get every type of weather during the year.

Libraries

When I go to the library, I need to fill in an application to get a library card.

I take the library books to the front desk and the librarian checks them out for me.

She scans my library card and gives me a receipt with a due date.

I search the computer catalog for the book I want and find the book on the shelves.

Banks

Most people go to the bank to deposit or withdraw money.

If someone needs extra money they go there to apply for a loan.

When you go to the bank, you need to take a number and wait for the bank teller.

A Story About Fire

I lit a candle in my apartment, (to light a candle/fire/cigarette)
but I forgot to blow out the candle. (to blow out a candle/flame)
The candle tipped over and started a fire. (to start a fire)
The flames spread very quickly. (flames/fire spread)
Luckily, I put out the fire before it burned down my house. (to put out a fire)
Since then, I have kept a fire extinguisher in my house.
Fire prevention has become a priority for me.

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.

itch and scratch

Many English learners use the terms itch and scratch incorrectly. The most common error is using the word itch in place of scratch. This is how to use the terms correctly.

to itch (verb) - is a physical sensation.
I have been wearing the same shirt for three days and now my skin itches.
I didn't take a shower this morning, so my scalp itches.

itchy (adj) - describes an object that makes you itch.
While playing in the beach, I got sand in my hair and it was itchy.
I don't like to wear that sweater because it's itchy.

itch (noun) - is a part of your body that itches.
I have an itch on my back. I should clean my sheets.
I have an itch on my toes. I think it's a mosquito bite.

to scratch (verb) - is the action that relieves your itch.
I scratched the mosquito bite too much, and now it's swollen.
There's an itch on my back, but I can't reach it. Would you scratch it for me?


Scratch Alternatives
scratchy (adj) - is usually used just to describe voices.
I was sick last weekend and my voice is still scratchy.

scratched (adj) - can be used to describe some objects.
I will not buy this record. It is scratched.
My friend borrowed my DVD, and now it's scratched.

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.