Learning American idioms through conversation can be an effective and engaging way to grasp the nuances of language. Idioms are often deeply rooted in culture, and understanding them can provide insight into the social context of conversations.

1. Summary of the conversation 

A police officer responds to a car accident involving Mr. Randall and Mrs. Jessup. They explain that a driver, who had been tailgating Mrs. Jessup, attempted to cut her off, resulting in a collision with both Mr. Randall and Mrs. Jessup. The officer learns that the other driver fled the scene. Mrs. Jessup provides the officer with the hit-and-run driver’s license plate. The officer assures Mr. Randall that he won’t be held responsible for damages due to the hit-and-run. The officer plans to radio the information to track down the fleeing driver. Both Mr. Randall and Mrs. Jessup express frustration over the situation and discuss potential actions against the hit-and-run driver. The officer advises caution about expecting compensation and emphasizes the unpredictability of such cases. Despite the challenges, the officer reassures them that they will be back on the road soon and that no one was injured in the accident.

2. American idiom list and example

1. Fender bender: A car accident that causes minimal damage, usually only to the front or back bumpers
   • Example: Sarah was relieved when she realized the car accident was just a fender bender. The only damage was a small dent in the rear bumper, and both drivers were able to exchange information quickly and move on.
2. To barrel out of somewhere: To leave somewhere very quickly, usually with little attention to your surroundings
   • Example: In a rush to catch the train, Mark decided to barrel out of the office, barely noticing his colleagues as he hurried through the door.
3. To ride someone’s tail: To follow someone at an uncomfortably close or dangerous distance
   • Example: Mary got annoyed as the car behind her continued to ride her tail, despite the heavy traffic and limited space.
4. To rubberneck: To drive slowly past the scene of an accident while turning your neck to see what happened
   • Example: Traffic slowed to a crawl as drivers rubbernecked past the accident scene, causing further delays on the already congested highway.
5. To speed up: To accelerate
   • Example: As the traffic light turned green, the driver accelerated and began to speed up to merge onto the highway.
6. To cut someone off: To pass in front of someone very closely and prevent them from moving ahead
   • Example: The aggressive driver abruptly cut off the truck, causing the driver to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision.
7. To sideswipe someone: To hit someone with the side edge of something
   • Example: The careless driver sideswiped the parked car while trying to squeeze into the tight parking space.
8. To come up from behind: To approach someone from behind
   • Example: Startled, Jane didn’t notice the cyclist coming up from behind until he rang his bell to alert her.
9. Blind spot: A part of someone’s field of vision that is obstructed, so that things in this area cannot be seen
   • Example: When changing lanes, it’s crucial to check your blind spot to ensure there are no vehicles in the area you can’t see in your mirrors.
10. To slam on the brakes: To press the brake pedal in a car forcefully and suddenly
    • Example: The sudden appearance of a deer on the road forced the driver to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision.
11. To nail someone: To hit or do damage to someone
    • Example: The soccer player accidentally nailed the opponent with a high kick, leading to a penalty.
12. To pull over: To drive one’s car to the side of the road in order to stop
    • Example: The police officer signaled for the driver to pull over to the side of the road for a routine check.
13. To swap information: To exchange names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance company information, especially after a car accident
    • Example: After the minor collision, the drivers got out of their cars to swap information, ensuring a smooth insurance process.
14. Like a bat out of hell: Moving in a fast and almost crazy manner
    • Example: Susan drove like a bat out of hell to make it to the airport on time for her flight.
15. Hit and run: A car accident where the person responsible for the accident leaves the scene before the police arrive
    • Example: Witnesses reported a hit and run as the driver fled the scene before anyone could identify them.
16. To take off: To leave quickly
    • Example: As soon as the meeting concluded, James decided to take off and enjoy the rest of his day off.
17. To be looking at: To be in a position to expect something
    • Example: With the upcoming project deadline, Sarah realized she was looking at a week of late nights at the office.
18. To track someone down: To find someone by following clues
    • Example: The detective worked tirelessly to track down the elusive suspect using every available clue.
19. To give someone a piece of your mind: To give someone your opinion about him or her or something he or she has done
    • Example: Fed up with the constant noise from the neighbor’s party, John decided to go next door and give them a piece of his mind.
20. To lose sleep over something: To worry about something
    • Example: Jenny couldn’t help but lose sleep over the upcoming exam, fearing she hadn’t prepared enough.
21. To take someone to the cleaners: To fight for economic compensation until the other person has no more money left
    • Example: In the legal battle, the determined lawyer aimed to take the opposing party to the cleaners by securing a substantial settlement.
22. To count your chickens before they hatch: To depend on a beneficial
    • Example: Sarah had already started planning her vacation before winning the lottery, counting her chickens before they hatched.
23. To bark up the wrong tree: To be seeking something from the wrong source
    • Example: Thinking the issue was with the computer, Tom was barking up the wrong tree; the real problem was a faulty internet connection.
24. To be caught up in something: To be involved in something wrong, illegal, or unethical
    • Example: Mark found himself caught up in a heated argument at the office, even though he had initially tried to stay out of it.
25. To total a car: To inflict damages that, if repaired, would cost more than the value of the car
    • Example: The collision was so severe that it caused the front of the car to crumple, ultimately totaling it.
26. To sit tight: To wait, to be patient
    • Example: While waiting for the job interview results, Emily decided to sit tight and focus on other aspects of her life.

3. Conversation 

People may consider cosmetic surgery for various reasons, including improving self-confidence, addressing physical insecurities, or recovering from injuries or medical conditions.

In this conversation, a girl asks her mother an opinion about Cosmetic Surgery, if you are a mother in this situation, what do you think?

CONVERSATION

Ay: Mom, I have something exciting to tell you.
Mother: What’s up?
Ayu: I’m going to have an operation to get my eyelids fixed.
Mother: What? Are you saying that you’re going to get cosmetic surgery? At a hospital?

…

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I can offer some general guidance that a mother might consider when her daughter asks for her opinion about cosmetic surgery:

Discuss Risks and Benefits: Cosmetic surgery, like any medical procedure, comes with potential risks and benefits.

Understand Motivations: Ask your daughter why she wants cosmetic surgery and what specific concerns or insecurities she hopes to address

Emotional Well-Being: Ensure that your daughter is in good emotional health before considering cosmetic surgery.

Friendship is a close and mutual relationship between two or more people characterized by trust, affection, support, and shared experiences. It is a fundamental aspect of human social interaction and plays a significant role in our emotional well-being and personal development.

In this article, I will give you 3 conversations that discuss the questions that relate to this topic, and let’s get started!

In this conversation, Alice and Bob discuss the key factors that contribute to their strong friendship, including being sociable, trust, loyalty, and maintaining regular contact

Conversation 1

Alice: Hey Bob, have you ever thought about what makes our friendship so strong?

Bob: Yeah, I think one of the key factors is that we’re both really sociable. We always make an effort to get on well with each other and with new people we meet.

Alice: That’s true. I also think that our mutual trust plays a big role in our friendship. We can rely on each other in difficult times, and we know that we’ll always be there for one another.

Bob: Absolutely! Loyalty is also important. We’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve both proven to be loyal friends.

…

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Conversation 2

What do you think makes a good friend? We will find the answer in this conversation

A: Hey, I’ve been thinking a lot about friendship lately. What do you think makes a good friend?

B: That’s an interesting question, Alice. In my opinion, a good friend is someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and always there to support you, no matter what.

A: I agree, but I also think that a good friend should be able to accept you for who you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses. They should never judge you or try to change you.

B: Absolutely, Alice. True friends should always be able to be themselves around each other without fear of judgment. It’s also important for friends to have good communication and be honest with each other.

A: Honesty is definitely important. But sometimes, it can be difficult to be honest, especially when you know it might hurt your friend’s feelings

….

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Conversation 3

Useful phrases and vocabulary about Friendship

• close/best friends: People who have a strong bond and trust each other deeply.
• long-lasting friendship: A friendship that has endured for a considerable amount of time.
• mutual support: The act of offering help and encouragement to one another in a friendship.
• shared interests: Common hobbies or activities that friends enjoy doing together.
• trustworthy friend: A friend who can be relied upon and trusted with personal information or secrets.
• loyal friend: A friend who stands by your side and supports you, even in difficult times.
• platonic relationship: A non-romantic friendship between two individuals.
• friendship circle: A group of people who are friends and interact regularly.
• strengthen bonds: To make a friendship stronger through shared experiences and support.
• platonic relationship: A non-romantic friendship between two individuals.
• friendship circle: A group of people who are friends and interact regularly.
• strengthen bonds: To make a friendship stronger through shared experiences and support.

For example

Close/best friends:Sarah and Emma have been close friends since kindergarten, always sharing secrets and supporting each other through thick and thin.

Long-lasting friendship: Their long-lasting friendship has weathered numerous challenges and changes, a testament to the strength of their connection.

Mutual support: The mutual support they provide one another has helped them navigate difficult times in their lives, from family issues to career struggles.

Shared interets: Their shared interests in photography and hiking have led them on countless adventures, exploring new places and capturing memories together.

Trustworthy friend: Emma knows she can always count on Sarah as a trustworthy friend, someone who keeps her promises and protects her secrets.

Useful phrases and vocabulary

Delighted to meet you: is a common expression used when meeting someone for the first time

Ex: Hi, I’m John, the new project manager. Delighted to meet you all.

Responsible for:  is used to indicate that someone or something has a duty, obligation, or accountability for a particular task, action

Ex: Sarah, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the marketing campaigns and analyzing their performance.

Heard of:  is used to describe the act of becoming aware of or familiar with something or someone.

Ex: Sarah, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the marketing campaigns and analyzing their performance.

Corporate training: refers to the process of providing specialized education and skill development programs to employees or members of a company or organization

Ex: Sarah, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the marketing campaigns and analyzing their performance.

Getting around: typically means that people are becoming more aware of or talking about you

Ex: Sarah, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the marketing campaigns and analyzing their performance.

Brought out: To introduce or present something

Ex: Sarah, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the marketing campaigns and analyzing their performance.

Looking for: refers to the act of searching for something or someone

Ex: I’m looking for someone with experience in graphic design for an upcoming project.

Turnaround time: refers to the amount of time it takes to complete a specific process or task

Ex: I’m looking for someone with experience in graphic design for an upcoming project.

Daily English Conversation: Topic – Meeting New People at Work

BILL: What do you mean? I’m fine.

AL: NO, you aren’t. Come on, whatever it is, get it off your chest.

BILL: Well . . . see that woman over there? Her name’s Elizabeth. I’ve been trying to find a way to meet her for months, and now, here she is. But I don’t have the guts to walk over there.

AL: Come on, Bill! This is your chance. Just give it a shot. What do you have to lose?

BILL: She wouldn’t be caught dead with me.

AL: Why do you say that?

BILL: Oh, let’s just skip it, OK? I don’t know why I even told you.

AL: HOW do you know her, anyway?

BILL: We work in the same building.

AL: Well, I think you should just bite the bullet, go over there, and start a conversation.

BILL: Maybe later.

AL: Why put it off? Who knows? You two might hit it off.

BILL: That’ll be the day.

AL: Why are you so negative all of a sudden? I’ve never seen you like this.

BILL: Maybe you’re right. I should just take the initiative and walk over there. But what should I say?

AL: NOW you’re talking. Just introduce yourself and start talking about the party or mention that you’ve seen her at work. She’s bound to recognize you, too.

BILL: Well, maybe. Oh . . . you’re probably right. If I pass up this chance, I’ll never forgive myself. Well, here I go. Wish me luck!

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Vocabulary

1. What’s eating (you)? = What’s bothering you?
2. get something off one’s chest = to reveal something (usually a confession or complaint) that has been bothering you
3. (not) have the guts (to) = (not) have the courage (to do something)
4. give it a shot = try something; give something a chance to happen (while knowing you can make a change if it doesn’t work out)
5. (someone) wouldn’t be caught dead (with someone) = someone would never want to be with someone because of dislike, fear, or shame
6. Skip it! = Let’ s not talk about it anymore. = Forget it!
7. bite the bullet (and do something) = make a decision to do something after hesitating
8. put something off = postpone, delay until later
9. hit it off = immediately get along with someone very well
10. THAT’LL be the day. = That will never happen to
11. take the initiative (and do something) = take the first step in doing something
12. be bound to = be likely to; will probably
13. pass up = to miss

Other topics:  English Conversations in Real Life with common Phrases (Meaning & Example)

LIA: I hope you can tell me! A chunk of my tooth broke off yesterday.

SMILEY: That’s not good. Did you bite something hard?

LIA: No, I didn’t . . . that’s the weird thing. It just kind of fell out.

SMILEY: Did it hurt when it broke?

LIA: Yes, it did, just a little; but it started to hurt like crazy this morning.

SMILEY: I think we’d better take a full set of X-rays . . . Okay, open wide. Let me take a look. Oh, boy. Yes, it looks like you’ve exposed the root on your left, molar.

LIA: rgscht rfghsh!! ghs gtfhhkj?

SMILEY: Sorry. I’ll be done in a minute. I’m afraid you’ll have to have a root canal. I can put in a temporary filling, but you’ll have to come back in two weeks for the procedure.

LIA: Do I have to have a root canal? My tooth doesn’t really hurt too much.

SMILEY: If we don’t take care of this quickly, it may become infected, and it will hurt a lot. I’ll tell Dina to set up an appointment, and I’ll see you back here in two weeks, on Tuesday, the 14th, at 3 p.m.

LIA: Will the procedure hurt?

SMILEY: I’ll give you medication so that you won’t feel any pain. Relax! It’s not so bad!

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Vocabulary

• bet: be pretty sure
• checkup: an examination to be sure everything is healthy
• chunk: a big piece
• cleaning: removing anything that is on the teeth; comfy: comfortable
• exposed: open
• filling: substance put into a hole in the tooth to protect it I freebie: something special you get without paying
• have something checked out: have something looked at or examined
• hygienist: a professional who cleans your teeth with special tools
• I’m afraid: unfortunately
• infected: filled with bacteria and very sore!
• instruments: special tools

Other topics:  English Conversations in Real Life with common Phrases (Meaning & Example)

LYNN: Thanks, we’re just looking.

SALESPERSON: Well, let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.

JIM: What do you think of these jeans?

LYNN: They’re really nice. How much are they?

JIM: Hmm . . . there’s no price tag. Where’s the salesperson? I’m going to ask her . . . Oh, there she is. Excuse me, how much are these jeans?

SALESPERSON: I’ll be with you in a minute …. OK. Let’s see. They were $29, but I think today they’re 30 percent off. Yes, that’s right. They’re about $20. That’s a good price for these jeans.

JIM: Can I try them on?

SALESPERSON: Sure. The fitting rooms are right over there. Just go on in.

JIM: Thanks a lot.

JIM: Pssst. Lynn, how do they look?

SALESPERSON: Oh, Jim! They’re too big. I’ll get you a smaller size . . . Wait a minute . . . Here, try these.

JIM: I think these are better. How do they look?

LYNN: They’re perfect.

SALESPERSON:  Oh, they look very nice on you.

JIM: Great. I’ll take them.

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Vocabulary

• I’m just looking./We’re just looking: you don’t want help when you are shopping
• let (me, you, him, her, us, them) know:  tell (me) later
• What do you think of . . . ?:  What is your opinion of
• How much are these ( jeans)?/How much is this (shirt)? = How much money does this cost?
• try (something) on: put on clothes or shoes to see if they fit
• over there: This is a place that is not near you
• go on in: This is a friendly way to tell someone to go into something that is “over there.”
• I’ll (We’ll) take: …. You can say this to a salesperson in a store when you are ready to buy something.

Other topics:  English Conversations in Real Life with common Phrases (Meaning & Example)

Janet: What’s the problem?

Toni: Some small mistakes—that’s all. Look at my paper.

Janet: These spelling errors do stand out. There shouldn’t be a y in studies, and you forgot the second p in stopped.

Toni: I’m not to blame. It’s this crazy language! In my language, the spelling is very regular.

Janet: English has a few basic rules, too. You’ll be better off if you learn them.

Toni: It might be easier to go back to my country!

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Vocabulary

1. find fault with: to criticize or complain of
2. do something over: to do something again because you did not do it well the first time
3. stand out: to be very noticeable
4. be to blame: These words and expressions are used to say that someone caused something bad to happen.
5. be better off: to be in a better situation, if or after something happens

Other topics:  English Conversations in Real Life with common Phrases (Meaning & Example)

Gloria: Really? Why?

Judy: I found out there’s a job opening for an accountant in the com­pany where I work. I thought you might be interested in it.

Gloria: I am. I’ll call tomorrow morning and make an appointment for an interview.

Judy: You should get in touch with Mr. Prescott. He’s in charge of the accounting department.

Gloria: Thanks for telling me about the job.

Judy: I’m happy to help. After all, what are friends for?

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Vocabulary

1. be about to: to be going to
2. find out: to discover
3. get in touch with: To initiate or establish contact or communication with one
4. be in charge of: responsible for something or someone
5. after all: despiteearlierproblems

Other topics:  English Conversations in Real Life with common Phrases (Meaning & Example)