IDIOMS LESSON 37

To throw (someone) a curve: to introduce an unexpected topic, causing embarrassment

I was enjoying my day until nature threw me a curve and it started to rain.

I hate it when my students throw me a curve by suggesting I might be wrong—even when I am!

To make waves: to create a disturbance, usually by complaining.

Please don’t make waves at the next department meeting with your constant driveling.

To carry on: to continue as before; to conduct, to engage in; to behave in an immature manner When the inspection was finished,

our chief told us all to carry on with our work.

Everyone knew he was carrying on an affair with the boss’s wife except our boss.

Stop carrying on like a child!

Not on your life: absolutely not, no way

“Hey, Jack, will you let me hit you in the head with my hammer?”

“Not on your life!!”

To cover ground: to be extensive, to discuss material

We did not cover enough ground at the last meeting, so be ready to work hard at this one!

We covered a lot of ground in class today.

Common usage: to cover __________ ground. Include some

amount here:A lotEnoughNot enoughToo little

To throw the book at: to punish with full penalty, to be harsh on. The judge threw the book at the man

who was brought in for driving while he was drunk.

I don’t think you should throw the book at him just because he is young.

To put one’s foot in (it, one’s mouth): to do or say the wrong thing

I really put my foot in my mouth when I called him by the wrong name.

He put his foot in it by forgetting her birthday.

To be up for grabs: to be available to others

A good grade is always up for grabs to anyone with the determination to work for it.

To show off: to display one’ ability in order to attract attention; to let others see, to expose to public view I hate it when people

show off their good fortune.

My son sometimes shows off when we have company.

To learn the ropes: to become familiar with routine procedures.

It takes time for new students to learn the ropes.

Learning the ropes at a new job can be frustrating if no one helps you.

To have under one’s belt: to have experience, ownership, or accomplishments

I have just under three years of teaching under my belt.

To keep (one’s) fingers crossed: to hope to have good results, to hope nothing bad happens

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that everyone will do well on the finals!

Please tell Sam I will keep my fingers crossed for him.