English idioms

to talk shop

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

to get along/on with (someone)

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to get along/on with (someone) (to have a good relationship with [someone])

Eg 1:

A: How’s your new boss?

B: She’s nice. I get along with her. I prefer her to my old boss.

A: Didn’t you get on with him?

B: No-one in the office got on with him!

—–

How about you? Do you get along with your boss or colleagues?

to let (someone) down, a letdown

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to let (someone) down (to disappoint [someone])

a letdown (a disappointment)

Eg 1:

A: I made so many mistakes in the speech yesterday. I feel like I really let everyone down.

B: You didn’t let anybody down. We thought you did a good job.

Eg 2:

A: How was the picnic on the beach?

B: It was a bit of a letdown. Hardly anyone came, and it was very windy, so we had to eat in the car.

to count on (someone)

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to count on (someone) (to rely on/depend on [someone])

Eg 1:

A: Are you sure you can help me with this?

B: Sure. Don’t worry! You can count on me!

Eg 2:

A: Are you ready for your meeting in Korea?

B: Yes, but I don’t speak Korean, so I am counting on my interpreter to tell me what is going on!

——

Who can you count on for help when you are in trouble?