Do you know the English idiom “to hit the roof?”
to hit the roof (to get very angry)
When was the last time you hit the roof? 🙂
E.g. 1
A: I damaged my father’s car last night.
B: Oh no! Have you told him?
A: No, not yet. I’m too scared. He’ll hit the roof when he finds out!
E.g. 2
A: Gillian hit the roof when she found out that her boyfriend was seeing another woman.
B: Yeah, I heard she was very upset.
to talk shop (to talk about work or business outside the office)
E.g. 1:
A: I’m really worried about the meeting on Monday morning. Do you think the management team will be angry about the sales figures?
B: Stop talking shop! We came to this party to relax and to forget about work!
A: Yeah, sorry. I just can’t stop worrying about it.
E.g. 2:
A: I really don’t like going out for a drink with people from the office. After a few minutes, everyone starts talking shop.
B: Well, I think that’s normal when you go out with work colleagues.
A: I know. But I wish people could stop talking shop and talk about other things, like holidays or movies!
to pat (someone) on the back (to praise (someone))
E.g. 1:
A: You deserve a pat on the back for that speech. It was amazing.
B: Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.
E.g. 2:
A: Gillian’s boss gave her a pat on the back when she hit all her sales targets.
B: Yes, I heard that her boss praised her in front of everyone at the meeting yesterday.
Teacher’s pet (teacher’s favourite student)
E.g.
A: Why don’t the students in your class like Maggie?
B: Because she’s the teacher’s pet. She sits at the front and always answers the teacher’s questions. The teacher is always telling us how wonderful Maggie is.
——
Are you a teacher’s pet? 🙂
to have a lot on one’s mind (to be worried about many things)
E.g. 1:
A: Why are you so quiet? Normally, you can’t stop talking.
B: I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot on my mind at the moment.
A: What like?
B: Money worries, job worries, family troubles…lots of things!
E.g. 2:
A: Have you seen Simon lately?
B: Yes, I saw his yesterday. He seemed to have a lot on his mind. I’m worried about him.
to get a grip (to control one’s emotions)
E.g. 1:
A: I feel so upset and angry! I don’t know what to do!
B: Get a grip! Your problem isn’t that bad!
E.g. 2:
A: Kelly is still upset about losing her job.
B: I know. She really needs to get a grip. She will never find another job if she is so upset all the time.
Do you know the phrase “speak up”?
It means “speak louder!”
E.g. 1:
A: Speak up! I can’t hear you!
B: Sorry, but I can’t speak up! I have a cough and a sore throat!
E.g. 2:
A: Mr Biggs is always telling James to speak up. No one can hear him in class.
B: I know. I think he is really shy.
to take a break (to take a short rest)
E.g.1
A: You’ve been working all morning! Why don’t you take a break?
B: I will when I’ve finished this.
E.g. 2
A: I’m really tired. I think I need to take a break.
B: Yeah, I agree. Take a break and have a coffee.
to let the cat out of the bag (to accidentally reveal a secret)
Eg 1:
A: I’ve done something terrible!
B: What have you done?
A: I told Brian about the surprise birthday party we are going to have for him!
B: Oh no! You’ve really let the cat out of the bag, haven’t you!
Eg 2:
A: Greg doesn’t know that you failed your driving test, does he?
B: Yes, he does. Helen let the cat out of the bag last night. She told him when she was drunk.
A: You can’t trust her with secrets. You shouldn’t have told her.
to give (something) a go ( to try (something))
Eg:
A: Which language are you going to learn this year?
B: I think I’ll give French a go.
Eg:
A: Do you think you could fix my computer?
B: I’ll give it a go, but I can’t promise I can fix it.
I Talk You Talk Press EXTRA 
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