英语口语俚语Idioms 06《More Speak English L...

Lesson 6 IDIOMS 英文释义

It's about time

→ It's finally happening (often used to express frustration that something is late in happening)

Example: Brian finally got a job? It's about time. He's been hanging around the house for over a year.

(to) get held up

→ to be delayed

Example: Sorry I'm late. I got held up in a meeting.

(to) go downhill

→ to worsen; to become bad

Example: The service at this hotel has really gone downhill. They don't even help you with your luggage anymore.

packed to the rafters

→ very crowded; overcrowded

Example: The Retox Rock Bar in New York is always packed to the rafters on Saturday nights.

(to) pick up the tab

→ to pay the bill

Example: You paid last time we went out for lunch. Let me pick up the tab this time.

like hell

→ no way (say this when you want to refuse strongly or to disagree strongly with what's just been said)

Example: "Jeff says he already paid you back." - "Like hell he did!"

Note 1: This is considered to be strong language by some.

Note 2: This expression can also be used to:

1) Express intensity: We tried like hell to win.

2) Say somebody looks bad: She looked like hell after staying up all night.

(to) break one's date

→ to cancel a date

Example: Sorry to break our date, but I can't make it to the movies tonight.

(to) split up

→ to end a romantic relationship; to get divorced

Example: Did you hear the news? Laura and Tony have split up!

plain Jane

→ a plain-looking girl or woman; a female who's not very attractive

Example: "Is Rich's new girlfriend pretty?" - "No, to tell you the truth, she's a plain Jane."

it pays to

→ it's worth it; it's a good idea to

Example: Although the restaurant was very crowded, we got seated right away. It pays to be friends with the owner!

Don't go there

→ I don't want to talk about that

Example: "Why did you lose your job?" - "Don't go there."

Note: You may also hear the variation "I don't want to go there"

touchy subject

→ a sensitive issue; a topic that is likely to bring out emotions in people

Example: Don't ask Joy how old she is. Age is a touchy subject for her.