Author: Paul Huber

American Idiom: get one’s ducks in a row

To get/have one’s ducks in a row – means to take care of one’s responsibilities, often by preparing and organizing. 

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, to get one’s ducks in a row

Video Transcript

to get/have one’s ducks in a row

Carol needs to get her ducks in a row before she goes on a vacation.  

To get/have one’s ducks in a row – means to take care of one’s responsibilities, often by preparing and organizing.

Here are example sentences :

We need the project done soon. Let’s have a meeting and get our ducks in a row.

I wish I could go to the movies, but I need to have my ducks in a row for the presentation I have tomorrow.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

The report is due soon. We are busy organizing.

The report is due soon. We are busy getting our ducks in a row. Or, we are busy having our ducks in a row.

Question 2:

I’ve studied very hard for tomorrow’s test. I am prepared.

I’ve studied very hard for tomorrow’s test. I got my ducks in a row. Or, I have my ducks in a row.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

I wish we could join you but we have to prepare before our move this weekend.

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Question 2:

Too bad you didn’t prepare before you quit your job.

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American Idiom: hang in there

Hang in there means to persist in a difficult situation or never give up.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, hang in there

Video Transcript

Hang in there

Giving up is not our choice. We have to hang in there and overcome these challenges.

Hang in there means to persist in a difficult situation or never give up.

Here are example sentences :

Hang in there! Soon you will graduate and get the job you want.

I know you’re having a hard time at work, but you have to hang in there.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

He never gave up despite failing many job interviews.

He hung in there despite failing many job interviews.

Question 2:

Never give up, we can still win this game.

Hang in there, we can still win this game.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

I know things are tough right now, just don’t give up yet.

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Question 2:

Don’t give up and you never know what you might achieve.

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American Idiom: have it out with someone

To ‘have it out with someone’ means to confront or to have an argument with someone, especially to settle unwanted situations.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, to have it out with someone

Video Transcript

to have it out with someone

Kenneth is going to have it out with his roommate today. He is very upset with his roommate because he leaves his dirty dishes in the sink for many days.

What’s the meaning of “to have it out with his roommate,’ here? 

It means that Kenneth is going to confront his roommate so that he no longer has to deal with the dirty dishes.

To ‘have it out with someone’ means to confront or to have an argument with someone, especially to settle unwanted situations.

Here are example sentences :

I am going to have it out with her. She always expects me to pay every time we dine out.

Ken had it out with his girlfriend yesterday. They have settled all their disputes.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

She’s having an argument with her husband. Her husband does not help her with any household chores.

She’s having it out with her husband. Her husband does not help her with any household chores

Question 2:

I will confront Kevin tomorrow. He kept on deferring the money that he had promised to pay me months ago.

I will have it out with Kevin tomorrow. He kept on deferring the money that he had promised to pay me months ago.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

I had to argue with my sister because she never shared her clothes with me.

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Question 2:

She decided to confront with Rose about her gossips.

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American Idiom: call the shots

To call the shots – means to make decisions.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom.

Video Transcript

call the shots

Robert is calling the shots until we find a new manager.

To call the shots – means to make decisions.

Here are example sentences :

Jessica calls the shots when she’s with her friends because her friends are wishy-washy (not decisive).

Peter called all the shots on that project while his boss was away.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

Olivia made all the decisions during our soccer game

Olivia called all the shots during our soccer game.

Question 2:

The Lakers won the championship because Lebron James was making the decisions.

The Lakers won the championship because Lebron James was calling the shots.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

He is not in a position to make a decision here.

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Question 2:

It was time for me to decide who I want to marry.

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Learn more Idioms with American Teachers here in POLY! Apply now!