According to statistics, Americans spend an average of $1000 on clothing each year. Do you think that you spend more or less than that? Do you always try clothing on before you buy it?
2. get away with something
Transitive / Inseparable
Meaning: do something bad without being noticed or punished
Example: Brian always gets away with cheating on his tests. I don’t know how the teacher doesn’t notice.
People often say that the youngest child in the family “gets away with murder.” This expression means that they can do whatever they want without being punished. I am the youngest child in my family and I agree with this!
Have you ever wondered where some strange American expressions come from?
My English lessons take the cake! (to be the best at something)
Don’t beat around the bush— tell me what happened. (be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead)
Close, but no cigar! (to fall just short of a successful outcome and get nothing for your efforts)
Cut to the chase! (get to the exciting part of the story– skip the boring details)
No dice! (used to show that you didn’t get the results you wanted)
I am gung ho about starting English lessons! (enthusiastic and eager to do something)
I came across this article this morning and found it quite interesting:
http://www.bestonlinecolleges.com/blog/2011/the-true-origins-of-10-weird-american-expressions/
Jack Johnson is one of my favorite musicians. Listen to his song, “Breakdown.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4O7ufx9D_s
2. break down
Intransitive
Meaning: get upset (intransitive)
Example: She broke down when she heard the terrible news.
3. break something down
Transitive, Separable
Meaning: divide into smaller parts
Example: The test is broken down into a speaking, listening and reading portion. (This sentence is in passive voice). The teacher broke down the test into three parts.
When I am angry and I need to calm down I like to go to the gym, or go on a bike ride. What makes you angry? How do you calm yourself down?
Here are some useful tips: http://www.wikihow.com/Calm-Down
Did you know that 63% of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese?
In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food. Nowadays the spending is nearly $150 billion. Maybe we need to cut back on fast food!
Fainting or passing out is due to a lack of sufficient blood and oxygen reaching the brain. Fainting can be caused by dehydration, low blood pressure, intense physical exercise, lack of sleep or even something as simple as being in a hot room or standing up too quickly. Have you ever passed out?
Did you know that over 2 billion people around the world are trying to learn English?
Mania (noun): an excessive enthusiasm or desire; an obsession
Watch this TED Talk about English Mania!
You don’t have to watch this video, but I recommend it!
Learn about the difference between the modal verbs of obligation, “must” and “have to.”
Did you know that Michael Jordan’s high school basketball coach passed him up? His coach did not think that he was good enough as a sophomore to play on the varsity team!