Definition Also – “have ice water in (one’s) veins” If someone is described as having ice in their veins, then they are a person who is able to stay very calm and not get nervous even in stressful situations. It is commonly used in sporting contexts. For example – “The 18 year old tennis player […]
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Definition This phrasal verb means to say something suddenly and without thinking, especially if you are feeling nervous or excited. For example – “I accidentally blurted out to my sister what her surprise birthday gift was.” Clip 1 Friends – Season 6 Episode 3 (1999) Joey is looking for a female roommate and he thinks
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Definition To not give someone the time of day means to not be friendly to someone and not speak to or help that person. For example – “I asked the boss for help but he didn’t give me the time of day.” Clip 1 Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Season 2 episode 7 (1997) Buffy
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Definition To have it out with someone means to confront or argue with someone in order to resolve a conflict. For example – “She finally had it out with her roommate about the mess in the apartment.” Clip 1 Suits – Season 4 episode 8 (2014) Rachel Zane says to Mike Ross, “Well, I’m not
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Definition This idiom means to do something in a way that is excessive or extreme. It is commonly followed by the prepositions “on”, “with” or “about”. For example – “He went overboard on gifts for his children at Christmas.” Clip 1 “Banshee” Season 2 Episode 4 (2014) The female character is telling her brother that
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Definition To rest on your laurels means to feel comfortable because you have been successful in the past. For example – “Well done for passing your first 3 exams but don’t rest on your laurels because you have 2 more left to do.” Clip 1 Clip 1 is Megan Rapinoe speaking at the 2023 Women’s
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Definition If you have a go at someone it means that you are criticising them. For example – “My boss had a go at me this morning because I was late for work.” Clip 1 The first clip features Roy Keane talking about his time as Ireland’s assistant manager and an occasion when he was
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Definition If someone is bang out of order then they are behaving in a way that is completely unfair or unacceptable. For example – “John was bang out of order last night. He shouldn’t have been so rude to the waiter.” Clip 1 The first clip is from Harry Potter and the Order of the
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Definition This idiom is used to say a child has similar characteristics to his or her parent. For example – “You are as stubborn as your father.”“Well, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Clip 1 Clip 1 is from the movie Before Midnight. The female character is discussing the characteristics of the male
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Definition This idiom means a completely different situation that someone is not used to. Sometimes the idiom is also used as “a whole new ball game.” For example – “Looking after pets is one thing but looking after kids is a whole different ball game.” Clip 1 The president of the USA Donald Trump is
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