Useful English Phrases 2
We are going to talk some more about English phrases. We have a few oral phrases as well as a prepositional phrase. Hopefully, this will be helpful. Maybe you can also pay attention to some fixed or useful phrases when you are watching Youtube or binge watching Stranger Things next time.
Cut somebody a slack This means just like what we say in Cantonese “ 放你一馬“. It is said when you want to mean “loosen up a little bit” and that you don’t need to be so harsh on somebody. Example sentences: I have had enough of your ramble. Will you just cut me a slack? Hey, he’s just a kid. You don’t need to always go so harsh on him. Cut him a slack once in a while, will you? You can’t beat yourself up ‘cuz it’s definitely not your fault. It’s not within your control anyway. Cut yourself a slack.
Take something (it) out on someone This phrase means to make someone else suffer or be responsible for your mistake, anger or sadness. Example sentences: Don’t take it out on me! I am not the reason why mom was angry at you. Don’t take it out on me just because you’ve had a bad day.
Behind bars “behind bars” means in prison. However, it is a fixed phrase and many people would have written it as “behind bar” or “behind the bar”. Example sentences: He’s spent most of his life behind bars. He regretted what he did that put him behind bars years ago.
Passionate about This is a prepositional phrase. Many people may pair the word passionate with a wrong preposition. Example sentences: He is passionate about all kinds of musical instruments.
Get ahead of yourself “Getting ahead of oneself” means is to plan or do something which is not yet appropriate. Example sentences: Don’t get ahead of yourself and try to work on the past papers. We need to build a solid foundation first. Lucy and her husband are already planning the décor in their new house which they haven’t even bought yet. They are certainly getting ahead of themselves.
Take the edge off It means to make something less unpleasant, to reduce the intensity of something, or in a more oral sense, to relax. Example sentences: This pill will take the edge of your pain. School and work have been stressing me out. I need something to take the edge off. Let’s get a drink tonight. Doing exercise helps me take the edge off on a stressful night.