執筆者 Modern English | 2013年08月28日 | Idioms
“This project is way behind schedule. If we don’t catch up, management is going to pull the plug on it.” Pulling the plug on something means ending it. If you pull the electrical plug of a computer or other machine out of the wall socket, it will shut down. If you...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年08月21日 | Idioms
“You’ve only written five pages?” “Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know. These things take time.” Rome is a big, elaborate city. It took a long time to build. Just as it took more than one day to build Rome, it takes time to do a large project well. 「まだ5ページしか書いてないの？」...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年08月07日 | Idioms
“What are you doing?” “Nothing, just killing time.” Killing time is spending time doing nothing. We often have some time to kill while waiting for a class or appointment. You can kill time by reading a book, playing a game or talking, or you can really just do...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年07月31日 | Idioms
“Tonight is the big concert! Are you nervous?” “Yes, I have butterflies in my stomach already.” If you are nervous about performing in front of people or asking someone on a date, you might have a funny feeling in your stomach. It feels like butterflies are flapping...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年07月24日 | Idioms
Businessman: “I can’t believe Shirley got us such a good price! She’s really on her game!” When you are on your game, you are doing something to the best of your ability. “Game” refers to sports, but you can say this about any skill. If you are off your game, you are...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年07月17日 | Idioms
Host: “Thanks for coming! Let me introduce you. This is Ida. Ida, this is Jeff. I’ll go get the drinks.” Ida: “…” Jeff: “…” Ida: “Well, someone has to break the ice. So, how about that weather?” Breaking the ice means starting a conversation. If no one breaks the ice,...
