Idioms

Lesson 17

To blow out: to explode or go flat (for tires); to extinguish by blowing

To blow out a tire, a tire blowout

To blow out candles; extinguish

To become of: to happen to; always used with What.

What’s become of that cable?

I wonder what ever became of Joe? I miss him.

To shut up: to close for a period of time; to be silent or stop talking (generally considered impolite use in company)

The store had to be shut up before the storm came.

Have got: to have, to possess, to own

I’ve got a lollipop and you don’t. Ha ha ha!

Have got to, have to: must, need to do something

On August 5th, we have got to start finals. All students have to pass their finals to move on to level 4.

To keep up with: to work or move at the same pace as someone else.

We have to keep up with Mom!

On the other hand: however, in contrast

To turn down: to lower in volume, brightness or temperature; to reject or refuse

This slide is too bright. Can we turn it down, please?

Turn down that loud music!

I’m freezing. Turn down the AC!

Fifty-fifty: divided into two equal parts

To break in: to enter illegally or by force; to interrupt; to gradually use something new

until it feels comfortable

The thief broke into my house

Until my new shoes were broken in, I could only wear them for an hour at a time.

A lost cause: a hopeless case or situation with no hope of positive

change

Above all: mainly, especially, most importantly

Go home, have fun, but above all, don’t forget to learn your idioms!