Category: American Idioms

American Idiom: to get out of hand

To get out of hand – means to become chaotic, unmanageable, or uncontrollable.

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 out of hand

Video Transcript

to get out of hand

We had a party over the weekend and the police showed up. We got too drunk and the party got out of hand.

Here, the party got out of hand means that the party became chaotic and it was no longer manageable.

To get out of hand – means to become chaotic, unmanageable, or uncontrollable.

Here are example sentences :

The gas price has gotten out of hand. The price per gallon has nearly doubled in a year.

The authorities should have warned the public about the viral outbreak before it has gotten out of hand.

Let’s do an exercise to better remember the Idiom.

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:

Susan wants to leave the meeting before the heated discussion becomes uncontrollable.

Susan wants to leave the meeting before the heated discussion gets out of hand.

Question 2:

We have a water leak. Let’s call a plumber before the leak becomes unmanageable.

We have a water leak. Let’s call a plumber before the leak gets out of hand.

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.

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American Idiom: give someone the cold shoulder

To give someone the cold shoulder means to treat someone in an unfriendly way, often by ignoring or showing contempt for the person.

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 give someone a cold shoulder.

Video Transcript

Jane was very upset at her husband for forgetting their anniversary. She gave him the cold shoulder for the whole day.

What’s the meaning of the cold shoulder here?

The cold shoulder here refers to an act of displaying contempt. Her husband should not have forgotten their anniversary.

to give someone the cold shoulder – means to treat someone in an unfriendly way, often by ignoring or showing contempt for the person

Here are example sentences :

When I walked into a luxury store wearing casual clothes with slippers, the sales clerks at the store gave me the cold shoulder.

I thought she was giving me the cold shoulder. I didn’t know she was having difficult times.

Let’s do an exercise to better remember the Idiom.

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:

Julia was an uninvited guest. No wonder everyone either ignored her or showed contempt for her at the party.

Julia was an uninvited guest. No wonder everyone gave her the cold shoulder at the party.

Question 2:

Treating your partner by ignoring or showing contempt, instead of trying to talk things out, can ruin the relationship.

Giving the cold shoulder to your partner , instead of trying to talk things out, can ruin the relationship.

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 thought she really liked me, but the next day she just ignored me.

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Question 2:

She thinks you started that rumor about her, that’s why she’s been ignoring you all day.

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American Idiom: call it a day

To call it a day- means to discontinue work or an activity of the day.

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 call it a day

Video Transcript

to call it a day

You look very tired. Please finish it tomorrow. Call it a day!

To call it a day – means to discontinue work or an activity of the day.

Here are example sentences :

Let’s work on one more unit. Once we finish this unit, we can call it a day.

I can’t call it a day until I finish reading this chapter. I have a test tomorrow on the chapter.

Let’s do an exercise to better remember the Idiom.

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:

I must finish my work for today. I cannot just stop my work and go home.

I must finish my work for today. I cannot just call it a day.

Question 2:

We had a power outage yesterday, and we had to stop working and leave early.

We had a power outage yesterday, and we had to call it a day.

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 am not done yet, I can’t go home. I need to work more for a couple of hours.

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Question 2:

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

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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.

_____________________________________________________

Question 2:

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

_______________________________________________________

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